Bburago's 1/43 Abarth 500

I reckon the Fiat 500 is one of the best "retro-looking" cars around - unlike the BWM Mini, this really captures the spirit of the old Fiat 500 of yesteryear. Within three weeks of the 500's launch, the entire year's production of 58,000 had been sold out. To date, Fiat has received more than 205,000 orders for the 500. While Italy has been the 500's main market (In October 2007, some 9000 cars have been sold in Italy, making it the 3rd bestselling car there), the 500 has gained a strong following in many countries.

The 500 Abarth is a performance model of Fiat 500. The 1.4 L engine with IHI RHF3-P turbocharger is rated at 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp) at 5500 rpm and 180 N·m (130 lb·ft) (206 N·m (152 lb·ft) in sport mode) torque at 3000 rpm.

I was very chuffed seeing this model in Coop for CHF3.90. It is officially licensed by Fiat. A splendid little casting, it even has the wheels nicely re-created from the road-going version. Tampo-ing is very well done.

As blogged before, I use Bburago 1/43's for "stunt work" - these models taking the place of the Matchbox SuperKings that used to be readily available. But so pleased am I with this casting, it was actually within the display cabinet for short period of time. Now safely parked elsewhere within the garage.

Vanguards 1/43 Subaru Impreza Turbo

One of the most tuned (and possible stolen) cars of the UK roads in the 1990s. Introduced in November 1993, the Impreza was offered in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) versions and as a four-door sedan/saloon or five-door station wagon/estate. According to a Motor Trend article written March 1992 on page 26, the name of Subaru's new compact was, initially, to be called the Loyale, displaying an official photograph of the 4-door sedan. In late 1995, a two-door coupe was introduced. }

The Impreza, like many Subaru-built cars, was equipped with a flat engine, a distinguishing Subaru characteristic. Initial engine choices included 1.6 L, 1.8 L and 2.0 L naturally aspirated engines as well as the turbocharged and intercooled 2.0 L engine. The basic turbocharged motor, the EJ20, produced from 179 kW (243 PS; 240 bhp) to 210 kW (286 PS; 282 bhp) in Japanese market WRX trim depending on model and year. Outside Japan, the turbocharged model was initially rated at 155 kW (211 PS; 208 bhp) and marketed as the 2.0 Turbo, 2.0 GT, 2.0 GT Turbo, 2.0 WRX, or Turbo 2000 AWD in the United Kingdom.

Vanguards have again made the best use of this casting by creating the Humberside Police version (VA12101) and some Colin McRae rally versions. It is a fine casting with detail like the front spots and air intake captured and proportions are good.

Only niggle that I do have - and if you look carefully - is that the tyres don't sit flush on the wheels. I would have also liked to see some different style alloys on there - more akin to that if the police version.