OXFORD DIECAST - One of the farina range, the Cambridge is one of Oxfords latest releases.

One of the most recent releases from Oxford Diecast has been the Blue & White Austin Cambridge, it is commonly known as part of the "Farina" range of cars, that were designed with different fronts, rear lights and interiors, dependant on whether it was a Morris, Austin, Wolseley, Riley or MG.

The badge engineered cars became something of a common practice within the British Leyland Motor Corporation of the time, and has been used many times since in various scales from various diecast brands.

Vanguards did an excellent 1/43 scale version, and this one from OD has to be one of the best in this small scale, unfortunately they dont have opening parts, but then when the detail is this good, it does not need it, they usually sell for around £4.50, and is one of a large number i have collected this year that will be listed here.

OXFORD DIECAST - Austin 1300 GT, one of my all time favourite cars.

The model above is the Austin 1300 GT and is made by Oxford Diecast in the UK (model made in China), the 1300, was also known as ADO16, the original real cars concept code, it eventually went on to be a massive seller and was replaced later by the Allegro, which was never as popular as this model

The mode is screwed to a plastic base, with a perspex dome over the top and slid into a card, with the brands details, code, and name.

This car, in both model and actual is one of my all time favourite cars, and I look forward to the next version, which I believe is in a red colour

OXFORD DIECAST - The Triumph 2500 in Lancashire police trim, this brings back so many memories.

Another Gem from Oxford a true 70's icon, A car that deserved to be far more successful than it was, a car that spawned a V8 legend, it's self a flawed and unreliable stunner, the Stag was and still is a head turner, the 2500 here in Lancashire Constabulary paint scheme, was another flawed car, but it was loved by those that knew how to look after them and those that own them now.

This version modelled here looks great, the lines are spot on, the recessed glass is a bit of a disappointment, but over the months and years, OD has gotten better and better and the glass house is nearer to the edge of the car rather than recessed back, it's not a dire point, just one of note, but not detract from the over all look of this car.

The blue lamp on the roof, the "Jam Sandwich" look are all straight from the 1970's, and it is where this model shines, bringing back memories from an era, that I remember, just, it is such a shame that the real cars are now few and far between, as cars were just not made to last in that time, but those that take time, effort and an awful lot of money, have this car still in use, and the models keep that brand and model alive for another generation after generation.

NOREV - Renault 4 - Black/Wicker.

Now, this is just a lovely cute car, the Renault 4, it was a massive MASSIVE success story for Renault, it ran for over 30 years, and had over eight million in sales, produced all over the world, and spawned a number of variants, it was cheap to run and buy and gave many millions the chance to get behind the wheel of a car that was slightly more refined than the Citroen 2CV that it was built to compete with.

The retro range within the Norev brand is a great way to bring back these old greats, and here with the faux wickerwork on the side, the forward stance of the car and high rear set it off perfectly, another error on my part, i did not get a second, but France will be calling sooner than i think, and i will try and get another then.

NOREV - Renault Alpine - Blue/Orange.

Norev's attempt to build the Alpine concept is a breath of fresh air, it is far and away better than the Bburago version, listed elsewhere on my blog, from the wheels to the spoiler, it has captured the look just perfectly.

Renault are bringing back the Alpine range of cars and this, the first, is going to be a sure fire hit, it is far away from the Renault brand, so as not to be confused with anything, yet has the back up of a massive brand to ensure that the quality and reliability is there, this scale version is stunning, and i wish i had gotten a second, so that i could set it free and actually see the details far better than i currently can.

NOREV - Peugeot Onyx Concept Car - Black/Copper.

Peugeot likes to make concept cars, and here we have a big one, the Onyx, this car is rather large, and low down, and today, the copper side is no longer the bright shiny you see here, but has, over time tarnished like copper does, and has gone a white/pale blue and that looks as stunning as the copper that the car was launched with.

The concept model here, is perfect, and has captured the actual model really well, from the Copper, wheels and glass area, to the new face of Peugeot, a great addition to any ones collection.

NOREV - Renault ZOE - White.

Renault has become the group to go to for hybrids, between Renault and Nissan they have a massive slice of teh Hybrid worldwide market, and this is one of renaults best, the ZOE, this five door hatch, has good range and inside the interior is modern and right up to date, so again, it is no surprise that Norev has produced this one.

The ZOE modelled is a great casting, and has got the look just spot on, hence, why, I have chosen it to be a part of my collection, carrs like this should really be selling far better than they are, and given time, they will, with Renault at the fore, and offering the cars that people realy need to have.

NOREV - Dacia Duster 4x4 Rally.

The second of my Norev Dacia Dusters, this time in a rally trim, the Dacia brand is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault, and this has meant that quality and reliability has been significantly improved, in fact some Renault's are re badged into Dacia's and the other way around, sales for the Romanian brand have sky rocketed since the Renault purchase, and in the UK, they have the honour of being the lowest priced car for sale, the lowest priced SUV, and a pricing structure that does with the haggle, you can even buy on line.

The white wheels really stand out on this model, along with the tampo's, it has working suspension and an opening boot, and is a really good re creation of the Dacia Duster 4x4 Sports Utility Vehicle.

NOREV - Mini Cooper - Pale Blue/White.

No collection is complete without a Mini, one of the real ones, not the BMW over sized ones, the Issigonis original revolutionised the car industry, and with over five million made and still a massive following, not just in the United Kingdom, this little car will live on for a long time yet.

So it is great to see that the French model maker Norev has decided to make one, considering the French had their Renault 4 and 5, Citroen had the 2CV, Dyane and Peugeot had a number of small car offerings, that Norev could have produced, this little car is up there with the best of them, this one, the Cooper, with the white contrasting roof, and tiny wheels, just looks the part, and is a definite addition to any collection, I know, I have dozens and dozens of Minis, in differing colours, trim ranges and brands of model maker.

NOREV - Simca 1000 Rallye 2 - Green/Black

A now defunct brand, Simca, which stands for Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile, is a French brand that lasted only 45 years, but those 45 years gave us some really great cars, in fact the company was folded by the PSA group, in 1979, but deigns made by Simca remained in production in the USA until 1990 (Dodge Omni), also the very last new car that was designing as a Simca, was passed to Peugeot and re badged 309 before launch, so you can see it had a future, but the PSA group deemed it too close in competition to its own models, hence the closure.

This model the 1000, was one of there huge sellers, launched in 1962 and in its first full year sold over 162,000, and it never dropped below 100,000 until 1974, three years later it was replaced, having sold in excess of two million units, so it is no surprise that the French model maker Norev has reproduced this in small scale, and in the Rallye trim it really stands out , and within the retro rage is one of my favourites.

NOREV - Peugeot 205 GTi - Black - Stunning.

When Peugeot launched the 205 all those years ago, they never knew that this model would become so iconic, that in 2014 it was still being used to advertise the latest version of the 2-0 range, now on 208, the 205 GTi in 1.9 litre guise is the one to go for, with those wheels in Black with the single red stripe, this model IS Peugeot, and remains a part of motoring history.

So I suppose for NOREV, it was a no brainer, the 205 GTi modelled here is a stunning example of what can be done when you put your mind to it, and this was the first one I chose from the France trip, stunning stunning stunning, and perfect, I just wish i had purchased two, so i could let one out of the packet, maybe next time I go to France (I have just come back from the Paris Motor Show with a massive amount of new Citroen's and Peugeot's, so those are to come)

If you ever have to have a model, then this is it, thank you Norev for giving us this one, it is surely one of your best.

NOREV - Chevrolet WTCC racer - Race trim.

How great is this, The Chevrolet WTCC car, and was one of a large number of Norev models i purchased on a visit to france earlier this year, and with Hot Wheels and Matchbox becoming less and less available, I had to find something to replace them, so, along with Majorette, Norev was the other brand i chose, and this is the first of many i will be listing

Slightly larger than both matchbox and Hotwheels, the details are better, and on this particular model, the decals are as near to perfeect as can be on a small scale model, the white alloy effect wheel, is indicative of the actual model, which sets it apart from the smaller model brands.

MATCHBOX - Ford F-550 Super Duty - Yellow

Matchbox, since being taken over by Mattel, has introduced more and more US specific products, at the expense of other worldwide brands, personally i am not keen on that, but if they think the market is not there in the rest of the world, which it is not, because they made a concious effort to limit it, then i suppose US products will be the norm.

So, what do we have here, well, a Ford F-550 Super Duty,one of the then huge E-Line of trucks, with this being a small fire tender, it is basically plastic apart from the yellow diecast piece, so again this shows the way that Matchbox is going, but it is a really nice re-production of the Super Duty double cab.

MATCHBOX - Porsche Panamera - Silver

Now, in a recent Ambassadors report, it was clearly stated that Matchbox and Hot Wheels would not do the same models, yet here were are, with the Matchbox version of the Porsche Panamera, and considering that they both do the same model, they have both done it differently, meaning double costs on one model, haw pathetic and wasteful is that,

The Matchbox is by far and away the best of the two, but not quite as good as the Realtoy version, in this Silver colour, it is the best colour they have produced so far, the darker ones hid some of the detail, whereas this one picks out the shut lines and gap lines between bumper and body quite well, and the black five spoke wheels give it some sportiness too, a nice over all model.

MATCHBOX - MBX Fire Rig - Yellow

For a generic, this is not too bad, and with a working ladder too, this is a rare Matchbox that has moving parts, and decent decals too, and the modern version of the old style dot dash wheels finish this off perfectly, NOW, i know i have gone on about loathing Generics, and I do, i don't agree with them, they are a way to screw money out of the child, or collector, which has no basis in reality.

But very occasionally one pops along, like the old British Ice Cream truck, that just looks right, even if the basis of the Ice Cream truck was based on an old Bedford, this Fire truck is a really good attempt, and one i am happy to have in my collection, but i cant say that for all generics.

HOT WHEELS - Custom '12 Ford Mustang - Red + Graphics.

Not one of my favourite models, and i really do not know why i purchased this, maybe i was having a weak moment, and just picked it up, who knows, but this Custom'12 Ford Mustang is in my mind truly awful, from the horrid looking wheels, to the tacky graphics, grrrr, why the hell did I buy this.

END

HOT WHEELS - Pagani Huayra - Green.

An odd one this, the Pagani Huayra, a Hyper car, and extremely limited in appeal, but in small scale it works, and is a great little model to have in the Hot Wheels range, now, as much as I loath Mattel and the way they have screwed matchbox into the ground, they have taken steps to improve the Hot Wheels ranges.

Which is a concern, as the HW range consists of generally 400 models, including recolours, and just lately they have been ding far more newer, real cars, whereas matchbox, has had some horrid plastic generic rubbish, see where i am going here ? but that does not take away from the fact that this model is truly a nice one, and i do have it in other colours too.

MATCHBOX - Seagrave Fire Engine - Red

As much as i will slag Mattel off, the current owners of Matchbox, they do still produce one or two really great castings, and this is one of those, that deserve to be congratulated , The Seagrave is a really good US Fire truck, they have also this year release another old classic fire truck, I will post that when, or even if i ever get one.

From the disc wheel to the perfectly tampoed area's this is one that has to be part of any collection, but, i have to say that matchbox are really going down hill, they have over the years gone from making 75 models per year to 120 now, having great realist casting to having awful plastic generic rubbish, with dire graphics, and now, we are getting blacked out windows, so they don't have to put in place interiors, ye they still want us to pay far more than brands like Majorette and Realtoy, whose realism and price point craps on Matchbox.

The bean counters need to make some drastic changes, if i were in charge, i would make a few significant changes.

• Reduce the amount of modes back to 75 per year
• Decrease the amount of generics over a 5 year period to zero
• Increase the realism, better decals and Tampoing.
• Have seven distinct ranges :-

1. LUXURY - cars from Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Mercedes and so on
2. SPORTS CAR - Morgan, TVR, Lotus, Ferrari, Aston Martin and so on
3. COMMERCIAL - Ford Transit, trucks, vans, delivery trucks, pick-ups, 
4. OFF ROAD - Range Rover, Escalade and other similar models
5. STREET - cars you fins on the normal street, Focus, 3-Series, A-Class, MG6, VW Golf, Peugeot's etc
6. CLASSIC - all the classic stuff, cars,trucks etc from the 50's though to the 80's
7. SERVICES - Fire, Ambulance, Police, Army, Navy, Air force etc

• Get the models back into more stores, have better marketing, produce, posters, catalogues and other material all to push the brand.
• Have special market driven editions, in better packaging.
• Push for more corporate specials, and tie In's with real car launches
• Make the websites far superior, have each model listed, have print offs, have info on the real cars from the manufacturer.
• Have info on the websites about design, mould, produce market and sell, on select products

Thats just my idea's they will never get taken up, but the whole odea of more integration with the buyer via teh website, should be a no brainer, but they really dont seen to like the buyer to have any info, which to me is just pathetic.

CORGI TOYS - Tractor - Red

Another apology, poo picture, but i don't pretend to be David Bailey, don't know who he is, look >>HERE<<, but back to the model, another in the Corgi Toys "Built to Last" range, this time a tractor, in pretty red, it is a generic model, so not intended to look like a real tractor, however, they have played a blinder here, it is just spot on, it looks good and real.

Like the others the heavy duty model, and good well made packaging is just spot on, and to top it off, these models are available in loads of places, I am loathed to mention matchbox in the same breath as these stunning models, but Matchbox used to be like this, available everywhere, from corner shops, national newsagents, big supermarkets and more, but not anymore.

And that's where Corgi are cashing in, I just hope that they carry on with this range, and add to it each year, they don't need to add many, if they have various colours or tampo's, the Scania truck is available in numerous versions, but only one truck, and that's where Corgi will win, and long may it last.

CORGI TOYS - Helicopter - Air Ambulance

Sorry for the dodgy picture, but you get the idea, another one of the Corgi Toys re-birth models, and another that gives them scope to utilise it for police, air Ambulance, modelled here, Army, air force and so on, they have chosen wisely the type of vehicle that's made, so that they can utilise numerous styles of tampo and usage.

Again, like the other Corgi Toys models i have this is an very well made packaging, both the thick card and thick plastic give an air of robustness, in fact sometimes it is downright difficult to get the model out of the packet, so out come the scissors, but that's good, like the "built to last" model, everything shows a well made, heavy and good looking model.

CORGI TOYS - Combine Harvester - Green.

The return to small scale production for Corgi, was a surprise and delight, they had in the past given us some really great die cast models, and when that all finished, albeit with a brief stint re branding Realtoy models, it was a sad day indeed, but now they are back, and with a vengeance, the models that they produce now, are significantly well made, heavy metal products.

They retail for £2.00, and give or take a penny or two, all shops that sell them have been around that price, even Hamleys in London, which are traditionally a rip off place, this one, is obvious, a combine harvester, and is one of a number of farm based models, the packaging is strong and robust, like the models, and with more new models to come, it is looking like Corgi Toys small scale is back to stay.

REALTOY-TESCO - Honda S2000 Yellow

It is so surprising how a model in this price range can be so authentic, and it is also strange that it is not an odd one or two, but the entire range, it is this range from Realtoy, but branded TESCO, that continues to produce some really beautifully made models, and this, the Honda S200 is one such version, with the lights coloured and a further side Tampo, it makes this a stand out car.

But its not just the colour, the wheels also have a vast part in making the car look right, and again these look the part, and the Yellow definitely makes it stand out, and it definitely stands out as one of the best Realtoy-TESCO models available, but they never stand on their laurels, as recent additions of the new Ford Focus, and Mercedes E-Class, shows that they are bang up to date with releases too.

CORGI JUNIORS - Rover 3500 SD1 Police Trim.

MMMmmmmm, heaven, that's all i can say about this model, it is perfection, it is the best small scale SD1 there is, the bloated podgy Matchbox version, pales into insignificance compared to this one, and with a full metal base, it is one of the rarer version also the SD1 comes with an opening tailgate, the roof light is rather large, but over all it is

I don't know why Corgi stopped doing their own small scale models, as they produced some really cool ones, from Kojak's Buick, Mercedes Saloon and Ambulance, AMC Pacer, Fords, Ferrari's, Triumphs, Austins, Range Rovers, Citroen's and Lotus cars, and so many more, but out of all those the Rover SD1 is my favourite.

CORGI JUNIORS - Jaguar XJS British Racing Green

Another stunning model from Corgi, in the juniors range, some manufacturers are better than others, and some when a number all produce teh same thing, there wll always be some better than others, but this XJS is one of a very few number of manufacturers, that made this model, and the reason why others didn't, well, maybe, Corgi got it so right first time, that it became obvious to others not to bother, that said, Corgi's Volvo 760 and Jaguar XJ40 were dire, whereas Matchboxes versions were superb.

The British Racing Green track car, is just so perfect, that i do have a number of them, in various trims, this however is one of my favourites, the Jaguar font, with the leaper on the bonnet, is great, and is one of many different Jaguars I have.

MAJORETTE - Lamborghini Gallado Orange.

A true stunner this one, however, i am not a great Lamborghini lover, but the Gallardo is one of the better looking ones, in my humble opinion, , based on the AUDI R8, they have gotten this model just spot on, not too "loud" and aggressive" like the Diablo or the Countach, this one modelled here by Majorette, in the bright orange like the bburago one i have listed elsewhere on the site.

Mint on the car, with pristine blister, this one is another post issues Majorette, the wheels really set this model off a treat too, and like the Porsche i have just posted it too, is another Morrison's finds, and again for only a £1.00, not a bad purchase...

MAJORETTE - Porsche 911 GT3 Black.

One of the models that kicked of the return if Majorette, after they went bust, yet again, This one is a nice representation of the latest Porsche 911 GT3, and as it is in black, I am hooked, I find black cars are really head turners, and they show off the car better than some other colours.

This one as you can see is mint on the card, with a perfect blister, and you can see i pushed the boat out on the price too, with it only costing £1.00, thank you Morrison's, one of our huge supermarkets locally, however, they have had no more in for some weeks, so getting any of the really newer stuff might be a bit harder to locate, unless they get some more in.

NOREV/PEUGEOT - Peugeot 107 Yellow

The Last of my current batch of Peugeot branded Norev models, this is the last generation 107, it is identical to the Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo, they are all made at teh same factory, and are only differentiated by lights and badging, this one, in a lovely Yellow, shows the final version of that generation (I have the new 108 on notification, when they are back in stock)

Like the others, this model comes in a dark blue Peugeot branded box, with a plastic moulded inner to hold the model, a nice model, not my favourite of the batch of model i had delivered, but it is one that needed to be part of my collection.

NOREV/PEUGEOT - Peugeot 208

More from the Norev/Peugeot partnership, this time, we have the Peugeot 208, the companies best seller, and a car that can trace it's lineage back to the world wide smash hot the Peugeot 205, here we have two colours of the same car, as you can see, it is a lovely blue and a Silver, both models are perfectly modelled, and have all the badging, logo's paint and chrome detailing, all perfectly placed.

both also come in the standard dark blue Peugeot branded boxes, with a plastic inner, moulded to hold each model in place, these two models also have the panoramic roof, which gives you a better view of the interior, which is a great representation of the real car, and like the other Norev/Peugeot models, I will be adding to these as often as possible.

NOREV/PEUGEOT - Peugeot RCZ

Now this is a weird one from the french brand, the RCZ is a proper two seater coupe, with that stunning moulded roof, based loosely on the Peugeot 308, this is the Halo car for the Peugeot, so it is not any surprise that Norev has modelled one for Peugeot to sell direct from their on UK website, here, modelled in a crisp white, with perfectly detailed badging, logo's and lights, along with a perfect replication of the alloy wheels make this one of the best Norev Peugeot's to date.

Like the others, the branded box comes complete with a plastic inner, moulded to hold the model in place, this is really worth the money, and outshines, most of the other small scale manufacturers, and like before, I will be adding to my Norev/Peugeot as and when new ones come available, which hopefully will be many and often.

NOREV/PEUGEOT - Peugeot 508 Sedan

Another Norev special edition here, again like the others this is a direct purchase from Peugeot UK, from their website, like the others it is highly detailed, with logo's, chrome trim and alloy wheels all in perfect position and a direct replica of the real items. This four door saloon/Sedan really looks the part, just a shame then that the actual real car has not been very well marketed and not very many sold here in the UK, which, after, the original Pug 405 and 406 which were huge sellers for the French brand is a shame.

Like the other models direct from Peugeot, this comes in a dark blue Peugeot branded box with a plastic inner which holds the model in place, these models are not at a Hot Wheels/Matchbox price point, but at about £3.00-£4.00 each they are very much worth it, I will be adding to my collection of Pug branded models as each one is released, so keep popping back to see.

CORGI JUNIORS - Best of British x 3

Where to start, well lets start at the top, of all the 1/64 (ish) scale models of the Rover SD1, the Corgi version is far and away the best, it has been modelled in a number of colours, white, red, yellow to mention a few, but the usual colour for this range is a lovely blue, the Rover has an opening tailgate, with the glass intact, as a lot of them fell out and remained an empty hole.

The second is another from the British Leyland group of companies, this time Triumph and the TR7, this one has the black base, but other have a metal/chrome base, which does look better in respect of the bumpers, but the black is more authentic, with British Airways decals on the bonnet and #7 on the doors, this is a race version, but was available in other colours outside of this collection.

The last of the three is a brilliant model, the real car was the car that saved British Leyland from going bust, and so it is a very special model in the history of the company, this one has a tad too small wheels, but that does not detract from the over all look of the car, this has opening doors, and like the other two, has relatively decent interpretations of the interior.

All three boxes are pristine and mint, and as white as the day they were made, others, and like some i have, have gone a bit beige over the years, whereas these are mint, like the cars, I try to get these off eBay when i can, as i wont ever have enough of these, the Ford Escort in green is however the hardest to get hold of, i don't know why, but i only have one of these in a slightly tarnished box.

CORGI - Rover 2000 TC Golden Jacks

You have no idea how long i have wanted to get one of these models, if your not aware, i have a real love affair with Rover (well anything from all the companies that comprised Rover), this one just popped up on eBay on day, and for some unknown reason the bidding did not go hyper, and i got this for just a tad over £40.00, it is pristine, it has the spare wheel in the boot container, plastic glass area is all mint with no crazing or cracks.

This is one the rarer models that has the gold coloured jacks underneath, all wheels can be removed easily and is stunning, the box has one tiny tare on the front which you can see in the top picture, and the window part of the box is perfect, i suspect maybe that this has been replaced at some point, other than that, this is probably, no, it IS in my top ten favourite models which i own, which, by the way, is now well in excess of 3,700 units of differing sizes and brands.

NOREV/PEUGEOT - Peugeot 208 GTi x 2

Some more great Peugeot branded Norev models, this time we have two of the latest Peugeot 208 GTi cars on White and dark red, I purchased these direct from the Peugeot UK website, they frequently update it, with all the new cars as they appear, and as you will see, there will be a few more popping up here/ For a few pounds you get a great model, which is very well detailed.

all the chrome work is intact, front lights are part of the plastic clear widows, and the tampo's are printed spot on, even the alloys are a perfect representation of the real thing, the models are in a clear plastic surround and in the Peugeot Corporate and branded boxes, Norev, like Minichamp are not cheap, but you do get a stunning model, as you can see from these two.

MINICHAMP - Aston Martin DBS (Casino Royale)

The last of the Fantastic Four models purchased at this years (2014) Goodwood Festival of Speed, this one for me is probably the best, for two reasons, One, I love Aston's, Two, this one is a model from Casino Royale, the first Bond film that had Daniel Craig take the iconic role. So, there you have it, well, not quite, this Aston is like the other Minichamp 64 series models, it is just perfect in all its details.

The alloys, grill treatment, interior trim, lights bonnet scoops, are all perfectly re-produced on this little 1/64 model, and again like the other three, it is a limited edition being one of 5040 built and like the others, this is attached to a plastic base with a perspex dome and car surround, all mint and boxed, these are the only four Minichamp 64 scale models i have, but they will surely not be the last.

MINICHAMP - Bentley Continental GT.

The third of my Good wood specials, and yet another stunning example of what can be achieved if you throw a few pounds/Euros/Dollars at it, the manufacturers, Minichamp, has really made this one look so special, like the others, apologies for the poo picture, but you can see the bulk of the car, the chrome detailing is spot on, and along with the open side windows, it gives the model an extra facet to its good looks.

The interior is as good as the exterior, very detailed, and spot on, like the lights, grill and alloy wheels, I have not unscrewed any of these models, so i don't know how any of them "run", but i am sure that they will be as good at that as it is with everything else, again, like the others, it is attached to a plastic base with a perspex dome and card surround, and also like the others, it is all mint and boxed.

MINICHAMP - Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

A real beauty this is, the seconf of my Goodwood Festival of Speed purchases, £5.00 each or four for £15.00, now, thats really cheap for a Minichamp 64 series model, the picture is not the best, so apolgies for that, but the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is one of those rare cars that appear that is perfect for its time, it is a shame then that Alfa has decided that this will be a very limited Edition, like this Minichamp version, whch is 1 of 5,040 pieces.

The model is attached to the plastic base, and has a perspex dome, and card surround, all in mint condition, the detials like the chrome around teh side windows, detailed and near perfect interior, great looking alloys and the overall stance of this model, makes the Minichamp 64 range, a range that should be seriously looked at, albeit with your hands generally away from your credit cards, as they are usually not cheap.

MATCHBOX - Dodge A100 Pick Up.

For me, i believe that there are far too may US products in the Matchbox line-up, yes, i am fully aware that Mattel is an American company and they own Matchbox, as well as Hot Wheels, but if you are selling a product worldwide, as they say they are, then you have to appeal to the world wide audience, so when this Dodge A100 pick-up was added to the line, it was met with both a sigh and surprise.

Surprise because it is not your usual, bog standard pick-up, like the Ford F-Series, Or Silverado, but a van based version, and one that you really do not see very often, so as much as i really hate the high US content, it was one i really wanted to have, and that's where this issues started, it became obvious from quite early on that Mattel were not going to send this model to Europe on a short card, so unless you have friends in the US or want to pay exorbitant prices on eBay, then your going to be left wanting.

But then, when i was poking about the Internet on my usual model sites, i read with interest that a British Company, Poundland, was selling long card models for a quid from their shops, so when i was nearby the other week, i popped in and they had a huge basket full of MBX, and that's where i found this and one other, along with a few other models i was lacking, so a happy trip for me, and next time i am in town, i will definitely be in there poking about again.

JOHNNY LIGHTNING - Citroen DS, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

As a self confessed lover of all things vampire, it was a no brainer to get hold of this and the other three models from the US TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Angel, this set of cars are from Johnny Lightning, made slightly larger than the 1/64 range of cars, this 1963 Citroen DS in silver, is a lovely model.

The tampo's are crisp and perfectly placed, the opening bonnet is a nice addition,  this and the other three are not packaged, obviously, however i am trying to locate replacements, as the seller i got these from, had removed the collectors card, and never advised they had done so, so you can guess that negative feedback was left.

JOHNNY LIGHNING - 1957 Chevy Bel Air, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

As a self confessed lover of all things vampire, it was a no brainer to get hold of this and the other three models from the US TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Angel, this set of cars are from Johnny Lightning, made slightly larger than the 1/64 range of cars, this 1957 Chevy Bel Air in red, is a lovely model.

The tampo's are crisp and perfectly placed, the opening bonnet is a nice addition,  this and the other three are not packaged, obviously, however i am trying to locate replacements, as the seller i got these from, had removed the collectors card, and never advised they had done so, so you can guess that negative feedback was left.

JOHNNY LIGHTNING - 1959 Desoto Fireflyte Sportman, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

As a self confessed lover of all things vampire, it was a no brainer to get hold of this and the other three models from the US TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Angel, this set of cars are from Johnny Lightning, made slightly larger than the 1/64 range of cars, this 1959 Desoto Fireflyte Sportsman is a truly great casting.

The tampo's are crisp and perfectly placed, however the lack of proper wheels does slightly detract from and over all great model, this and the other three are not packaged, obviously, however i am trying to locate replacements, as the seller i got these from, had removed the collectors card, and never advised they had done so, also the front right wheel is damaged, i was none too happy with that, but it is a really stunning casting,  so you can guess that negative feedback was left.

JOHNNY LIGHTNING - Plymouth GTX - Angel TV Show

As a self confessed lover of all things vampire, it was a no brainer to get hold of this and the other three models from the US TV series Buff the Vamprie Slayer, and Angel, this set of cars are from Johnny Lightning, made slightly larger than the 1/64 range of cars, this Plymouth GTX is a truely great casting.

The tampo's are crisp and perfectly placed, however the lack of proper wheels does slightly detract from and over all great model, this and the other three are not packaged, obviously, however i am rtying to locate replacements, as the seller i got these from, had removed the collectors card, and never advised they had done so, so you can guess that negative feedback was left.

MOTORMANIA/MAISTO - BMW 1-Series Coupe, pale gold.

Not one of my favourite models, in fact i still dont know why i got this, it is boxed as Motor Mania, and is the same model utilised by a number of other brands, mainly Maisto, the wheels are horrid, and the blacked out windows, so they can do away with an interior, does little to enhace this model.

It is reasonably well modelled however, and is easily recognisable as the Beemer, and is not as good as the Matchbox version, which has yet to come to the UK through proper distribution channels, poxy Mattel, this has gone straight from picture to packing case, so i can hopefully forget about it for a few years.

MINICHAMP - Bentley Continental GTC, Glacier white.

Generally I steer clear of very expensive models, especially 1/64 scale ones, but at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which I attended a few weeks back, one of the stalls was selling Minichamp64 models at £5.00 each or four for £15, so four were swiftly picked up, this one, The Bentley Continental GTC is a limited Edition being one of 5,040 produced.

This stunning Bentley in Glacier White, really looks the business, I have not removed it from the plinth, I just took the perspex lid off to take the picture.

NOREV/PEUGEOT - Peugeot 2008 Matt Orange

Sorry that the picture is not as clear as I would like, but the colour, Matt Orange wouldn't re-produce any better, I did try, about 15 pictures, and this was the best, anyway, here we have a Peugeot 2008, an SUV based off the Peugeot 208, this particular model was purchased directly from Peugeot, and as such, it comes in a dark blue box with the Peugeot name and Lion logo on.

It is a 1/64 sized model, and is very life like, Norev is the maker, a brand that focuses on making extremely good replica's of real cars, this is one of a number I purchased.

VANGUARDS - Hillman Minx IIIA, Ash Grey, Oyster Grey.

Another Hillman Minx IIIA, and another great choice of colours, Ash grey/Oyster Grey, in an era when cars came in two tone shades, Hillman made it their own, the blue interior is also just right for the colour scheme, if maybe a little too blue, the chrome work and the tampo's are spot on, this is one model that no matter what colour scheme it is in, it is just perfect, I hope Vanguards continue to use this casting for some time to come.

VA06806 is another Limited Edition, #1452/2900, one of the lowest to date, and it is great to see that Vanguards are listening to collectors, and not flooding the market with thousands of models no one wants, the jewelled headlights and working suspension again set this off to a tee, bring them on Corgi, the more the merrier.

VANGUARDS - Ford Cortina MK1b, Goodwood Green.

The MK1B Cortina was a really huge hit for Ford, the MK1 was produced from 1962 until 1966 and sold in excess of 930,000 units, which was massive for Ford, and made the Cortina thee best seller for virtually its entire run which ended in 1982, but for me the MK1A was the best, the MK1B a very close second, this Goodwood Green version looks the part with the more deeper wheels that would have been on the Lotus Cortina, the badging and bright work are spot on too.

VA07300 is a great model and a limited one at that, #5558/7300, another high number and a quick check on ebay sees that there is a few on there from £5.50 to £20.00, glad I have mine though, as it is mint, the jewelled headlights and working suspension set this off just right.