Re: Diecast observations

[John McEwen <moparrr@xxxxxxx>]

Just to add further to the ideas being put forward regarding 
flexibility of design and ease of creating different models - and as 
a push for the much-ignored Matador Coupe - there were quite a number 
of different NASCAR versions of the Matador and a lot of variation in 
appearance because of the different models offered, including the X, 
Oleg Cassini, Brougham and Barcelona to name a few.  One further 
gimmick is that the Matador Coupe was a James Bond movie car.  A 
model could be created with a set of wings and other add-ons to 
create the flying version or leave it as the stock car.

I consider that AMC created some particularly unique cars over the 
years.  They weren't all built between 1968 and 1973 although the 
postings to the list would suggest that some people's personal clocks 
stopped at this point.  Whether anyone would buy them as models is 
moot - but as someone who does buy 1:18 diecasts here are a few which 
I would buy in a heartbeat.

1956 Rambler Cross Country
1957 Rambler Rebel
1964 American
1966 Ambassador
Any Gremlin
Any Pacer coupe or wagon - I might buy both if available
Any Matador Coupe
An Eagle

I'd also look at pre-AMCs and would love to find any Nash from 1949 - 1953.
A Nash Rambler Convertible - 1949 - 1950 would be great.
Either or both different versions of the Nash-Healey - great style, 
interest and rarity.  How many of you have ever seen one?  One of the 
great things about 1:18 is that it allows us to get a real feel for 
the car as it was.

I believe there is a Hudson Hornet model out but I haven't found it 
yet.  I will definitely buy it.
How about a Hudson Italia?  Rare and exotic!

My personal preference in 1:18 is to buy the cars which are 
different.  I think that continuing the proliferation of "bubble-gum" 
colored muscle cars is old news.  Plumping for further versions of 
already-popular models doesn't necessarily create new markets and new 
buyers.  How many people out there are convinced that all AMC owners 
are only interested in Javelins and AMXs - and that buyers of die 
casts will willingly fork out more money for the same model in 
different colors and paint schemes?  Some will - the true 'crazies' - 
but many are interested in the variety offered by different models. 
I won't buy more than one of anything, unless the body style was 
quite different - in other words, I would buy an AMX model and a 
Javelin model - but  I wouldn't buy a racing version or something 
modified unless I felt a personal connection through ownership or 
watching it race.

Has anyone heard of an AMX 3 die cast?  Another good choice for the 
serious collector.

Variety in a model collection sparks interest.  A whole row of 
identical cars in different colors and markings gets very old.

John

Some of my 1:18s:

Chrysler Turbine Car
'49 Mercury coupe
'57 Studebaker Golden Hawk
'57 Plymouth Fury
'56 Chrysler 300B
'58 Cadillac Eldorado
'57 BMW convertible
'50 Studebaker coupe
Bullitt Mustang
'66 Charger
and so on.

To quote and old saying, "Variety is the spice of life".

J.