Join me in wishing Pro Diecast Customizer and Diecast Hall of Fame Inductee Bryan Pope a very Happy Birthday! Stay in touch with everything going on at Pope Designs by joining the mailing list, “friending” Bryan on Facebook and “liking” the Pope Designs Facebook page.

Bryan’s next convention appearance will be at the Summer Smash coming up on August 25th thru the 28th. Be sure to visit the official Summer Smash website for more info on tickets and accommodations.

It will be the ONLY way for collectors to get the remaining Pope Designs 5th Anniversary Camaros now that the online sale is over!

A copy of this Summer Smash 4 poster surfaced towards the end of last week and features renders of the many of the custom cars being produced for this year’s convention. The gas pump packaging is clearly a Jimmy “The Boxman” Chavez creation which is a good indication that at least a few (if not all) of these pieces will be coming from the package master.

Quantity and pricing on these pieces is still to be determined, but attendees of Summer Smash 4 will certainly be the first to have a chance to add these to their collection. Be sure to visit the Official Summer Smash 4 website for details on tickets and accommodations to this convention.

An assortment of current Johnny Lightning product happened to land on the DiecastAudio doorstep, so I thought it might be a good opportunity to try out my new lighting setup and see how they come out. Let me know what you think of them via the comments section below!

The shipments consisted of the 1977 Ford Van and 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 from JL 2.0 Release 4, the 1964 Dodge 330 Superstock and 1970 Chevy Camaro Funny Car from JL 2.0 Release 3 and the all new 1979 International Scout II casting from JL Release 10.

Features that caught me eye this time around include the cool flip up body on the Camaro Funny car, the reverse opening hood on the Scout and the great “Dirty Donny” graphics of the Ford Van. Each of these great pieces are available now from your favorite brick and mortar or online retailer.

Click any image to see the larger version!

Here’s a look at some of the latest Greenlight products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Hot Pursuit Release 4: These are Target Exclusives along with authorized dealers. You will see them in Target stores by August. This release includes:

-1:64 1991 Ford Mustang Wisconsin State Patrol 
-1:64 2008 Dodge Charger Florida Highway Patrol
-1:64 2008 Dodge Charger Iowa State Patrol
-1:64 2008 Crown Victoria (White) Indiana State Police
-1:64 2008 Crown Victoria Virginia State Police
-1:64 2009 Dodge Challenger Broward County, Florida Sherriff

The Greenlight 1:18 scale line has a couple of new releases coming this month to dealers and TRU stores. A VW bug and a VW Micro Bus come to you through the Black Bandits name; And a 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601, only through dealers.

There seems to be a few other changes happening at Greenlight these past few months. They may be dropping some of their lines and adding some new ones. One noticeable change is the addition of a new line called “GL Muscle".” This looks to be replacing the Muscle Car Garage line with Release 1 coming out soon.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

These shots of 6, yes SIX custom creations from Jimmy “The Boxman” Chavez surfaced today, and from the looks of things, attendees of the 2010 Hot Wheels Summer Smash will certainly have their hands full trying to decide which of these to take home!

Once again, Boxman has managed to create a unique packaging design that manages to work perfectly with three different themed designs – Dark Shark, Summer Smash Surfing and 3D Tiki. Collectors who attended the 2010 DiecastSpace Super Convention got a chance to see Jimmy’s incredible 3-D backing cards, and this new 3-D Tiki design will allow Summer Smash attendees to see the visual effects first-hand as well.

Each casting is limited to just 10 pieces and will be available to Summer Smash attendees on a first come, first served basis. Pricing of each piece is still to be determined.

Click any image to see the larger version

Be sure to visit the official Hot Wheels Summer Smash website for information on tickets and accommodations.

Here’s a look at some of the latest Matchbox products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic 100 line:

MB09: Dodge Magnum, green – MB16: ’71 Porsche 914, dark green – MB25: Honda Insight, dark red – MB33: Jaguar XK, red-ish brown.

MB34: Lexus GS430, orange – MB39: Construction Skidster, yellow – MB54: ’08 Ford E-350 Ambulance, red – MB58: Dodge Charger Police, white.

MB66: ’08 Garbage Truck, blue-ish – MB73: GMC Wreaker, maroon – MB78: MBX Motor Home, yellow – MB84: Baja Bullet, off white.

MB86: Cliff Hanger, orange – MB87: Quick Sander, blue/silver – MB91: VW Beetle 4×4, off white – MB95: Toyota Land Cruiser, dark green – MB96: Jeep Willys, tan – MB98: VW Type 181, tan.

“Lesney” Edition (Superfast): code “H”

- ’68 Mercury Cougar in orange – ’71 Chevy Camaro Z28 in green – ’69 Karman Ghia in yellow – ’68 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 in green.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

Here’s a look at some of the latest Hot Wheels products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic releases:

Here are the next case code cars you should be seeing in stores now. They are case code ‘L’; being stocked now through end of July.

New Models: Nissan GT-R R34 in silver (pic’d); ’62 Ford Mustang Concept recolor in yel; Custom ’10 Camaro SS in orange (pic’d); ’08 Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR in black; ’67 Pontiac Firebird 400 in blue; Scoopa di Fuego in silver (pic’d); International release – Volkswagen SP2 in orange (pic’d).

HW Racing: Datsun 510 Bluebird in white; Ford GT-LM in green.

Hot Action: ’56 Merc. in 2-tone purple.

HW Hot Rods: Willy’s coupe in red; ’40 Ford Pickup in silver.

Night Burnerz: Super Gnat in black.

Mystery cars: . ’70 Pontiac GTO in olive (pic’d); Honda Civic Si in blue. All Stars: Scirocco GT24 in Dark red (pic’d); ’73 Ford Falcon XB in yellow (pic’d).

HW Performance: Camaro Convertible concept in dark green; ’08 Dodge Challenger SRT8 in K&N black.

Faster Than Ever: Corvette Grand Sport in red.

HW City Works: ’09 Ford F-150 in red.

Race World: Battle- XS-IVE in blue. Underground- Enforcer in green. Jungle- Custom ’41 Jeep CJ-2A in safari tan. Movie Stunts- Tri & Stop Me in dark red; Flame Stopper in orange with a stunt camera crane, in off road or spoked wheels (both pic’d).

Treasure Hunts: Ford GTX-1 in blue; Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe in orange (pic’d).

Exclusives: TRU – Special colors – Hummer H2 SUT in silver; Ferrari F430 Challenge in blue; ’55 Chevy Bel Air in blue; in conjuction with the 20 car Mail In offer for a ’70 Monte Carlo in spectra blue with Real Rubber tires. (pic’d).

10 packs: ’68 Chevy Nova in orange (pic’d).

Other series:

2010 Delivery series: code “L” expected in July; car releases to include: Hooker Headers Power Panel 2nd color; Centerline ’56 Flashsider; Bell GMC Motorhome 2nd color; Wynn’s Supervan 2nd color; ’29 Ford Pickup; Penzoil Convoy Custom (pic’d); Doug’s Headers Deco Del. (pic’d); Mr.Gasket ’72 Ford Ranchero(pic’d); B&M ’32 Ford Sedan Delivery; Conoco ’77 Dodge Van (pic’d).

HW Garage series: code “K”, are expected in July: Larrys Garage: Passin’ Gasser in red. Phil’s Garage: Willy’s in purple/white (pic’d); ’68 Ply. Barracuda in blue; ’70 Chevelle in black; Ferrari 288 GTO in yellow. Waynes Garage: ’57 Chevy Bel Air in slate blue; ’70 Chevelle SS Wagon in yellow (pic’d); Neet Streeter in pink; Fish’d & Chip’d in green; Rolling Thunder in blue (pic’d); Vairy 8 in orange/white (pic’d).

Speed Machines: Case code ‘G’ expected in June: 8 pictured.

Monster Jam 2010: Case code ‘M’ expected; Grave Digger; Airborne Ranger; Iron Warrior (pic’d); Shark Wreak; El Toro Loco; Monster Mutt; Backwards Bob (pic’d); Shocker; Cuttin’ Coroners (pic’d); Obsession; Eradicator; Prowler (pic’d).

2010 Dragstrip Demons: Case code ‘D’ expected in June; but delayed shipments are just now coming in.

IZOD Indycar series: Case codes A-B-C are all out now.

A Sneak Peek: Now you can really see the brand-new design from legend Tom Daniel — the Mob Rod™ — taking shape! Here is the first shot of the metal casting. Note the big blown engine. So what color will the first edition be when it debuts in the HWC™ Series Nine Real Riders® segment? We could tell you, but then we’d have to… well, you know…!

Also, look for the Garage series sets to be showing up soon at your select local Walmart stores.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

Here’s a look at some of the latest Johnny Lightning products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Forever 64 Release 7: ’66 Dodge Charger, ’69 Dodge Charger R/T spoiler, ’71 Motion Chevy Camaro, ’68 Jeep CJ5’, ’59 Chevy Impala convertible, ’70 Dodge Super Bee, ’65 Mustang, ’69 Chevy Camaro SS 396, ’50 Chevy Panel Delivery, ’50 Olds 88, ’37 Cord 812 SC Convertible, ’84 Pontiac Firebird.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

The 2010 Magical Weekend of Cars has come and gone, but not without many great memories of the good times had be all who attended. The weekend was also packed full of many great convention and souvenir cars to choose from.

Collectors who weren’t able to attend the Magical Weekend are in luck as limited quantities of several convention pieces have been made available in the DiecastSpace store on a first come, first served basis. This is definitely a prime opportunity to pick up some great pieces like the MiQ Willmott Dairy and the official Liberty Promotions Drag Bus, Dairy and Camaro.

Speaking of Liberty Promotions, the remaining alternate color convention bus and Rebel Run versions (submitted randomly into orders) are also available for purchase at LibertyPromotions.com.

To say that Liberty Promotions is participating in the upcoming DiecastSpace Magical Weekend of Cars would be gross understatement. Fans of Liberty’s products, design and commitment to high quality standards will not want to miss the many fantastic events they have planned for the show at Disney this summer.

Here’s a rundown of what collectors can look forward to:

The Liberty Legion Exclusive:

Liberty Legion Members will be able to snag another Limited-edition Hot Wheels^® VW Drag Bus designed to celebrate the Magical Weekend of Cars. Collectors who might not be Legion members can join for free at the convention in order to purchase this bus. Can’t make it to the Florida? Liberty Promotions will also offer the Drag Bus on their website during the convention and will ship it the following week!

Magical Weekend Registration Cars:

Liberty Promotions is also producing two excellent cars that will be part of the Magical Weekend registration package. Each registration pack will include both of the following castings:

• - Hot Wheels^® ’67 Camaro
• - Hot Wheels^® Dairy Delivery

Charity VW Drag Bus:

Liberty Promotions will also be creating the Official charity Hot Wheels^® VW Drag Bus that will be available only to convention attendees who purchase the Drag Bus Breakfast add-on ticket.

But wait, there’s more..and its FREE!

Stop by the Liberty Promotions booth and take advantage of these great freebies:

• - Spin the prize wheel and you’re guaranteed to win!  Hit the Super Prize space and you’ll win something really rare or valuable!
• - Every kid who comes to the booth gets a free car!
• - Free Liberty Legion rank patches! (Discoverus, Commendus, Prominus, & Titanus shield patches available.)
• - Free Liberty Legion buttons!

Liberty Promotions Treasure Quest:

Last, but certainly not least Liberty has created a unique event that is sure to be one of the major highlights of the weekend. Go on a quest for hidden treasure!  Scrolls have been hidden around the hotel resort!  Which means it’s up to you to locate a scroll leading you to the Liberty Loot. 

• - Clues for finding the scrolls will be released throughout the convention according to the following schedule:
  • Wednesday, June 23rd at 10pm
  • Thursday, June 24th at 6pm
  • Friday, June 25th at 8pm
• - Each scroll is a certificate for one extremely limited (only 25 made!) Liberty Promotions car (the loot).

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Well Jeff, you’ve got me all excited about all these new limited edition cars that will be coming this summer, but where are the pictures..?!?! All in good time my fellow collectors. Rest assured that you’ll be able to see these new pieces right here as soon as they become available.

Until then, be sure to visit ToyCarConventions.com to get all the latest information on event tickets and accommodations. This is going to be one event that even Mickey and Minnie won’t miss!

“Papa” John Schnatter’s famous 1971 Z28 Camaro has virtually become synonymous with the brand by its appearance on commercials throughout the past year as well as in 1:64 scale diecast form. Collectors of larger scale pieces will want to check out this new 1:24 scale version of John’s pride and joy done up using the Camaro casting from Jada Toys. You’ll need to get it while its hot though, as this will only be available for a limited time for $29.99.

Click here to jump over and order up a nice hot slice of diecast!

Here’s a look at some of the latest Jada products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Jada, a company I find very hard to get new information on, has released Wave 12 of their Big Time Muscle line of cars. Do out in February and March. This line consists of a variety of Camaros, Corvettes and Mustangs. See the picture to the right for some examples.

Also, watch for some new Battle Machines coming soon to stores. Take a look at this new Bel-Air Taxi.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club.

Johnny Lightning has teamed with Papa John’s pizza to offer this exclusive limited edition 1971 Chevy Camaro Z-28 replica of the car “Papa” John Schnatter sold to save his father’s tavern and start Papa John’s pizza twenty-five years ago.

The cars are being sold on the Papa John’s website for $4.99 each and come with a coupon for a free medium cheese pizza.

[via papajohns.com]

Maisto is one company that is very hard to find up to date release information on. In this article I will attempt to inform you of all the 1/64th scale car lines they have to offer and show some photos of some of their line. The main two lines are: All-Stars and Pro-Rods, with sub categories to each.

Series 9.2 includes: ’36 & ’37 Ford coupe; ’32 Ford Roadster; ’36 Chevy Pickup; ’29 Ford Model A; ’50 Merc.

SUB-Series include: Tour Buses – Red and Blue colors. Fresh Pair – Two cars released together in a single pack. Transporters – 4 color choices. Elite Transporters – A Flatbed style truck w/car; a Tow Truck w/car; and Pickup w/trailer and car. Limousine – Stretched cars and SUV’s. Rescue Force – Police and other emergency vehicles.

Cars include: ’65 Mustang; ’62 Chevy Biscayne Wagon; ’62 Chevy Bel-Air; ’55 Nomad; ’67 Mustang GT; ’69 Corvette; ’70 Nova. Some cars have exposed engines which are: ’71 Vega; ’93 Mustang Cobra; ’70 GTX; ’64 Galaxie 500; ’68 Camaro Z28. A sub-series in the Pro-Rods line is the Haulerz line which has four styles of cabs to choose from.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The “In the Stores” column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

Here’s a look at some of the latest Johnny Lightning products that will be appearing in stores and online during the end of October and through-out November. *-Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

40th. Anniversary

Release ‘G’:

• - ’50 Oldsmobile
• - 50’s Chevy School Bus
• - ’65 Impala spoiler
• - ’65 Mustang fastback
• - ’68 Shelby Mustang
• - ’70 Challenger T/A
• - ’69 Camaro;
• - ’70 Dodge Charger
• - ’76 Corvette
• - 2 Dodge Vipers
• - ’67 Pontiac Firebird

In addition, it seems that Johnny Lightning has a big hit on their hands with this lower priced blister card releases. *40th Anniversary will end with the “H” cases and the 2010 “Forever 64” will start with the “I” cases.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club.

This blue version of the Rhode Island Hot Wheels Club Camaro from Liberty Promotions has been spotted selling for upwards of $300 on eBay. Limited to just 50, correction – 25 pieces (!!!), this might just be the most sought-after club car in recent years!

No, these shots aren’t from an over-enthusiastic collector with no budget for creating realistic diorama’s. They are actually from a 2008 Mattel outdoor advertising campaign that won a Bronze Lion at Cannes 2008!

Click any image to view the larger version

[via theinspirationroom.com]

Up until now, we’ve only been able to see the e-sheet for the limited edition Pope Designs Camaro that will be part of the Wild Weekend of Hot Wheels Ladies Lunch honoring Shirley Wood. The run is now complete, and I’ve just received these shots of the final piece. All I can say is WOW!

Now all I have to do is convince my wife to attend!

Click either image to see a larger version

Be sure to visit the official Wild Weekend of Hot Wheels 6 web site for more information on tickets and accommodations for this event coming to Connecticut on July 30th thru August 2nd 2009.

The e-sheet madness continues with all four of the pieces that Chris Walker is producing for the 2009 Hotlanta Collector Experience in June. You certainly can’t go wrong with casting like these and I think you’ll are that they’re looking great!

Each car will be part of a designated event/ticket at the convention. Here’s the breakdown:

• Bingo / Boneshaker
• Convention Ticket / VW Drag Truck
• DiecastSpace Party / ’67 Camaro
• Nightstalker Experience / VW Drag Bus

[via diecastspace.com]

This past Tuesday, the convention promoters at DiecastSpace.com announced that Nascar racing legend Bobby Allison will be the official guest of honor at the Legends Dinner during the Hotlanta Collector Experience this coming June. The announcement states:

“On Saturday June 13, 2009 Hotlanta Collector Experience Legends Dinner is proud to announce a Nascar Legend as our special guest, Mr. Bobby Allison will be on hand to spend time with our guests. The Allison family is a fixture in the auto racing world and is bringing along a very special collectors piece for the charity auction.”

The Legends Dinner is a premium event and requires a ticket purchase. Each ticket includes access to the dinner, a special limited edition Legends Dinner Camaro from Pope Designs and memories that will last for a long time to come! Tickets to this great event are almost sold out. Visit the Hotlanta Collector Experience website for more information.

[via diecastspace.com]

Last week I posted some shots of the cool cars Bryan Pope of Pope Designs is creating for the Hotlanta Collector Experience. This time around I’ll wet your appetite with another Pope creation that will be available at the upcoming Wild Weekend of Hot Wheels 6 convention.

The pink beauty shown below will given to all the women who attend the Ladies Luncheon honoring Shirley Wood (wife of the “recently retired” Senior Hot Wheels Designer Larry Wood). The luncheon is limited to 50 ladies, so get your tickets soon before they sell out!

Visit WWHW6.COM for more information and pricing on Wild Weekend tickets and premium events.

[via wwhw6.com]

Several of the convention pieces for the upcoming Hotlanta Collector Experience have been announced and based on the looks of things, this is turning out to be one heck of a show! An e-sheet for the Pope Designs Legends Dinner Camaro has been posted on DiecastSpace.com for the past few weeks and a Drag Truck from Nightstalker Customs was also announced. The e-sheet for the Drag Truck should be available soon.

This week, a picture of the convention exclusive Batmobile (Limited to 50 with Real Riders!) has surfaced and the RAOK Party Drag Bus from Pope Designs was also just revealed. Pile that on top of the online-only Camaro SS from Johnny Lighting and you can start to see the great level of quality this event will provide! Be sure to visit the Official Collector Experience website for more information on all the cars that will be available at the show.

Click any image to view them up close

[via diecastspace.com]

I’ve finally caught a break in the action here at the 2009 Hot Wheels Collector’s Nationals in Reston, VA to start getting some of the content I’ve captured up online. Here are a few close-ups of the core convention cars (minus the traditional HWC car).

- Click any image to see them up close -

For those who have not attended a Nationals convention before, you’ll notice that the first 3 cars are labeled “of 4″ while the charity car does not have that same marking. The true 4th car is a given out for free at the finale event on Saturday night. I’ll post shots of that as soon as I can get it in my hands. Stay tuned!

As car enthusiasts, we’ve been able to enjoy drawings and photographs of it. As diecast collectors, we’ve been able get our hands on it from manufacturers like Jada Toys and GreenLight Collectibles. Now, AUTOBLOG.COM lets us know what its really like to experience one first hand!

Last week the folks at Autoblog got to spend time with the Hugger Orange hued Camaro Convertible Concept that GM brought out to California. The result is a great article with plenty of juicy “tid-bits” about what will present in the final production run of the car as well as an amazing photo gallery containing 52 shots of the beauty! Click the link below to make the jump over to their site for the full story.

[via autoblog.com]