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In 1995, I started to build and collect model cars (mostly plastic). Some of them were sent as gifts to others, some of them are now displayed at my home. Here they are:

'40 Ford Standard Coupe | 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera | '32 Ford 3-Window Coupe | '55 Bel Air Convertible | Dan Fink's '32 Ford Speedwagon | '64 Mustang Indy Pace Car | Lotus Esprit 300 Sport | 1964 Chevy Impala SS | Lamborghini Countach LP500S | #16 Family Channel T-Bird Stock Car | Paddy Wagon | '95 Corvette ZR-1 | Ferrari Testarossa 512 TR



40 Ford Standard Coupe(1:24)


Over sixty years after its introduction, the 1940 Ford remains to this day a classic in most everyone's sense of the word. It carried over the new-for-'39 front end styling to include both the DeLuxe and less expensive Standard models as well as a new body nearly nine inches longer than the previous model. The result was a car that was not only good looking, but also more spacious for its occupants. Also commonly called an "opera" coupe at the time, the '40 Standard came equipped with the 60 horsepower version of the famous flathead V8 along with a new-for-'40 steering column mounted shift lever. (from Revell Kit#2387)

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1997 Porsche 911 Carrera(1:24)


The Porsche 911 Carrera has the similar look to Boxter, especially the front body. This model (from Maisto Kit#39938) has the silver medal body with every possible details, even the Porsche logo on its alloy wheels. It fully depicts the luxury that a dream car can be.

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'32 Ford 3-Window Coupe(1:25)


No other car says Street Rod more than the '32 Ford. Available in a number of body styles, one of the most popular is the 3-window coupe. The small, sporty body style was originally designed for businessmen as an inexpensive, reliable way to move around while selling goods. Those same inexpensive coupe are now being turned into modern pieces of rolling art. The only factor in determining the look of the finished rod is imagination.

Today's rods feature classic bodies sitting on modern frames, with up-to-date components. Gone are the original buggy springs and friction brakes, in their place you'll find state of the art coil over shocks and disk brakes. The narrow wheels and tires of the 30's have given way to up-to-date tires mounted on aluminum wheels, giving the car a nose in the weeds stance.

While some rodders continue to use original flathead V-8's, most prefer to replace them with newer versions for more performance and better over the road reliability. The old 3 speed crash box transmissions are replaced with overdrive automatics, and everything is dressed up with billet or chrome trim.

The interiors are something that the car's original designers couldn't have even imagined! Sculptured interiors covered with leather or other fabrics in a rainbow of colors have replaced the old cardboard and mohair of the original. (from Revell-Monogram, Kit#7605)

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'55 Bel Air Convertible(1:25)


When Chevrolet introduced the 1953 Corvette they already had the Bel Air as part of their line up. Nice cars, but the company wanted something to make their line stand out: an over-head valve(OHV) eight cylinder engine.

The "small block" Chevrolet V8 engine is the most popular powerplant for American racing cars. It was introduced in 1955, and was the first V8 ever used in the Corvette. Traditionally, OHV V8 power was only available in big, heavy, expensive luxury cars. For 1955, Chevrolet made their hot, new V8 affordable to Americans in the totally redesigned Bel Air Model.

Even though it was available in milder forms, this 256 CID OHV engine is most famous in its "Power Pack" version. Outfitted with dual exhaust and a Rochester four-barrel carburetor, it was the first medium priced General Motors car to offer this kind of V8 performance. As a matter of fact, this engine was so strong that even in stock trim, many 1955 Chevrolets were winning NHRA drag racing championships well into the nineteen seventies.

This model depicts the dandy of the Chevrolet lineup. This 1955 Bel Air convertible has all the accessories: deluxe bumper guards, continental spare kit, extra chrome trim, full wheel covers and rear fender skirts. It also includes traditional features like separate wide white sidewall inserts for the vinyl tires, full engine, drivetrain and suspension detail, and contrasting parts molded in factory colors. This model authentically captures a proud moment in American automotive history. (from Monogram, Kit#2462)

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Dan Fink's '32 Ford Speedwagon (1:25)


The Speedwagon is such an outrageously different kind of street rod that a term actually had to be invented to describe it: Newstalgia! Newstalgia describes the Speedwagons classic rod styling with the high-tech approach that has become the trend of the Nineties.

The Speedwagon was born out of a sketch on a piece of paper that was ultimately turned into a collaboration between artist Thom Taylor and Dan Fink's Metalworks. The project took a year and a half to complete and a meticulous attention to detail is aparent throughtout the car.

Starting with a set of reproduction frame rails, an original 3 window cowl section, steel fenders and reproduction rubber running boards, the remainder of the vehicle was then entirely scratch built. The main body was built from curved rectangular steel tubing for safety and support and to give the master wood fabricator and finisher special guidelines to follow in order to keep the Speedwagon style as close to the original as possible.

A modern Ford motorsport S.V.O. fuel injected 302 C.I. V8 and 4-speed overdrive automatice transmission was the obvious choice: a high-tech Ford engine in a high-tech Ford street rod.

Perfomance and creature comforts include 6-poston billet aluminum power brakes, heating and air conditioning, hidden winshield wipers, defrosters and tilt steering wheel.

The finished product is a credit to the talents of Thom Taylor along with Dan Fink and his skilled metal working crew. (from Revell, Kit#7606)

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'64 Mustang Indy Pace Car (1:24)


Ever wonder where the term "pony car" came from? The original Mustang began an industry-wide sensation in 1964, and the promotional campaign that introduce Ford's sporty new performance car was unmatched. What more could a new convertible want than to pace the Indianapolis 500?

Thirty-six Wimbleton White early '64 1/2 convertibles were decorated in the Official Pace Car Markings. Three of those had received special high performance modifications required to help them actually pace the race, while the remainder were all standard models dressed in Pace Car livery. The three on-track pace cars were outfitted with a Borg-Warner T-10 four speed manual gearbox, and a differential regeared for higher top speed. Power came from a high-output 289 CID V8. A handling package had been developed by Skip Scott, from the Essex Credit Ford Cobra racing team.

All three specially modified race-duty Pace Cars went into private hands after the event. In Indy 500 tradition, the actual Mustang that set the pace was given to the race winner A.J.Foyt. The 33 parade lap cars were returned to dealer fleets, and few, if any, remain in exsistence today. (from Monogram, Kit#2456)

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Lotus Esprit 300 Sport (1:24)


Lotus is a hallmark name in sports cars. Under the genius of Colin Chapman, Lotus has won in virtually every form of road racing since the early 1950s. Now that the great man has gone, Lotus intends to carry on his winning tradition with the next step in exotic car development: this new Lotus Sport 300.

Years of experience have now been applied to a road-going, limited edition Esprit that will be eligible to race in the new GT Championship. The Lotus Esprit Sport 300 derives its name from the rated power output of its charge-cooled 2.2 liter engine, 300 horsepower. It is about 250 pounds lighter than an Esprit SE through the use of composite materials and the deletion of all equipment not necessary for competition. Lotus builds an initial production run of just 20 cars, increasing the supply if demand is there. A special factory option package provides full roll cage, driver's safety harness, and halon fire extinguisher system.

This British racing green Sport 300 coupe looks far more radical than any previous Esprit. Its lightweight composites construction includes a new front air dam with large brake cooling ducts, fender flares, body skirts, and a low-drag rear wing. O.Z.Racing three-piece alloy wheels handle a 170 mph top speed. This model captures all the special features... (from Monogram, Kit#2970)

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1964 Chevy Impala SS (1:25)


Impala--african antelope. You can imagine how fast it is. Super Sport model was first designed in 1961. Three years later, Chevrolet made a merchandising move that for the first time made the Super Sport a distinct model. For a mere $161 more than a regular Impala, the SS option could be ordered. About 35% of all the Impala's ordered in 1964 were Super Sport models, providing the pachage was very popular with the consumer. In 1964, the Super Sport not only reflected performance, but also prestige, comfort and room. Some of the comfort options included: AM-FM radio, comfort-tilt steering column which offered seven wheel positions, and a sports-styled steering wheel. (from AMT, Kit#6564)

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Lamborghini Countach LP500S (1:24)


The Lamborghini Countach LP500S is an Italian made exotic machine that accelerates from 0 to 100 mph in 10.8 seconds and cruises at over 186 mph. This version started in 1982, which replaced the Miura in the Lamborghini product line. It has maxium power of 375HP at 7000rpm. The body panels became an integral part of the structure of the car, and body was shaped so that the car was reduced to one single curve. Every element from the hood to the tail was designed to form an extremely pure look. All the air intakes, lights and handles were reduced to a minimum to highlight the extremely aggressive look. Such an uncommon car could not have doors that would open like the doors of any other car in the world--verticle rather than horizontal. What a car! (from Monogram, Kit#2769)

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#16 Family Channel T-Bird Stock Car(1:24)


This Monogram model features colorful Family Channel markings, a new for '95 Ford Thunderbird body with all the aerodynamic enhancements such as roof and cowl vent flaps, rear window rails, and streamlined "roof cam". The body lifts off to reveal a new updated suspension and a completely new Ford engine and cooling system, Butler Built contoured racing seat, and interior mounted cooling air duct hoses. Other details include engine ignition wiring and interior roll bar padding, making this a true state-of-the-art stock car replica. (from Monogram, Kit#2465)

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Paddy Wagon (1:24)


There oughtta be a law! The Paddy Wagon is so neat. It makes you want to get busted... just so you can ride in it! Like all the latest cars from Monogram, it's loaded with all new swinging goodies.

An old Fuzzmobile grille shell salvaged form the shadows of a junk yard was the starting point of this shining gem. To carry out the old-time theme, large old headlights were utilized by adding twin sealed beam units to each lamp. Further , a special "handlebar moustache" ornamental iron work was fabricated, plated, and mounted on the dropped front axle. Fat tires covered by semi-cycle fenders complete the front end.

The Cobra mill used was specially modified with a wild dual-scoop ram air injection system for high performance. Finned rocker covers, special headers, and finned header plugs compete the engine.

The cab interior is a beautiful cross between function and customization. Original equipment includes a wooden-rimmed steering wheel, ratchet handbrake, and old-time bulb horn. These contrast nicely with the custom dash and specially contoured bench-type seat. Full instrumentation is included.

The body of the Paddy Wagon is also original. The "passenger" compartment has authentic wooden benches complemented by rich padded walls. The rear steps and curlicue railings are "just like it was". Wide Goodyear slicks covered by special fenders transmit power to the pavement.

Authentic police globes grace the rear of this beauty, and for a final touch, old-time police emblems and lettering in gold adorn the wildest of the wild. Monogram's super new Paddy Wagon. (from Monogram, Kit#2733)

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'95 Corvette ZR-1 (1:24)


A glorious chapter in performance car history comes to a close with 1995 edition Corvette ZR-1. It is the last in a six-year series of this very limited production, purely American, super car exotic. Enthusiasts nicknamed the Corvette ZR-1 "King Kong". Nobody disagreed.

More than any other component, Corvettes have always been about engines. The 1953 "Blue Flame Six". The 1957 Fuel injected "small block" V8. The 1967 L-88 Stingray. The 1995 ZR-1 will be remembered for its LT-5 power plant, which is a 5.7 liter all-aluminum V8 with four overhead camshafts, 16 throttle butterflies, 16 sequential multi-port fuel injectors; all are orchestrated by an Indy car derived computer engine management system to deliver over 400 horsepower and almost 400 foot-pounds of torque. It is the most sophisticated V8 engine ever seen in an American performance car.

Something this potent must maintain stability, so the ZR-1 transmits its power through a six-speed gearbox to a 5-link independent rear end with ASR computerized traction control. Handling is enhanced by Dial-O-Matic driver adjustable Delco FX3 electronically controlled adaptive deCarbon shock absorbers. Four wheel anti-lock Bosch ABS 5 power disc brakes can develop an astounding 1.0g of stopping power. All this gets to the road via a huge set of Goodyear Eagle GS-C radials mounted on five spoke alloy wheels; 275/40ZR17 fronts and 315/35ZR17 rear tires that actually require custom wide-body rear fenders to contain them. These are full-blooded racing cars in competition today that do not have such advanced features.

The Corvette ZR-1 hurtles from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 5 seconds flat, then wails through the quarter-mile in 13 seconds at about 116 miles per hour, on the way to an undisclosed top speed, and that will be its legacy. This 1995 version is the last of an extreme breed. This model accurately captures this moment in Corvette history. (from Monogram, Kit#2455)

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Ferrari Testarossa 512 TR (1:24)


The Ferrari Testarossa is enough to quicken the pulse of any automobile enthusiast, and the new 512TR just raised that pulse rate a little farther. Not just a minor facelift, the new TR represents a big 1.0 seconds off the already impressive 5.7 second 0-60 speed. The chassis has been extensively reworked as has been the 5 speed transmission, and brakes. The new bodywork gives the car a more aggressive, lean look yet retains that timeless Testarossa style intact. The 512TR represents a significant step in the developement of the Testarossa with improvements in every area. It continues to be one of the most liveable exotics on the market and most importantly...it's a Ferrari! (from Monogram, Kit#2435)

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