Jada Collectors rejoiced when two new lines began popping up on the pegs as we rolled into the 2011 collecting year. The first of those is the new 1:64 scale Bigtime 4Wheelin’ series thats a strong offering and rapidly becoming a hit with collectors of both off-road vehicles and monster trucks alike.

If you haven’t been able to catch a look at these first hand in the stores, then this overdue multi-part pictorial should wet your appetite for Wave 1 of these dirt loving beauties. Be sure to hunt these down at your favorite online or brick and mortar retailer if you like’em. We need to let Jada know that the collectors are still craving all things with that distinctive “Jada style!”

Part 1 of this 3 part series features the 2006 Hummer H1 and the 1957 Chevy Suburban.

Click on any image to see the larger version

Here’s a look at some of the latest M2 Machines 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!

Auto-Thentics: Release 15 – Auto-Trucks: Castings will include a ’50 Studebaker 2R w/plow, a ’56 Ford F-100, a ’54 Studebaker 3R, a ’56 Ford F-100 Stake Body and a ’58 Chevy LCF Spartan 60 (orange or Blue)

The Chase piece will be the ’58 Chevy LCF Spartan 60 in black/gold and the Super Chase is a ’56 Ford F-100 Stake Body in gold.

Auto-Projects: Release 2 – Castings will include a ’57 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer D500, a ’54 Studebaker 3R Flatbed, a ’58 Plymouth Fury, a ’69 Pontiac GTO Judge, a ’69 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi and a ’70 Ford Mustang Boss 429.

The Chase piece is a ’70 Mustang Boss 429 in a primer gray.

Drivers Series Multi-Packs:

Release 1A includes a ’71 Plymouth Cuda 440, a ‘71 Dodge Charger R/T Hemi, a ‘57 Ford Fairlane 500 and a ’57 Chevy Bel-Air w/TRU.

Release 1B includes a ’57 Chrysler 300c, a ’66 Chevy Corvette 427, a ’67 Chevy Nova SS and a ’70 Ford Mustang Mach 1 351 w/TRU.

* – 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

*Pictures courtesy of M2 Machines, Diecast Museum and 1StopDiecast.com.

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!

Just on the heels of the Johnny Lightning/Custom Crew collaboration comes another great team-up in the form of JL and Fireball Tim! The result is this custom 1976 Chevy Corvette known as “The Bad Mood.”

Collectors will begin finding this piece on the pegs at Wal-Mart, Toys ‘R Us and hobby shop locations across the country in just a few weeks. Until then, enjoy this sneak peek photo. Click the image to see the larger version.

[via fireballtim.com]

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

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

Today, GreenLight announced the upcoming third release of their popular 1:64 scale Motor World series. Volkswagen fans will be happy to see that they’ve included not one, not two, but three different versions of their popular Samba Bus casting!

Click the image to see a larger version

Here is the official press release from GreenLight:

GreenLight Collectibles has the World in the Palm of their Hand

Highly successful 1:64 Motor World introduces its third release and continues to shine the spot light on International Car Models

Indianapolis, IN (July 14, 2010) As motor vehicles become increasingly vital to everyday life, the automotive industry has grown to be one of the most important economic sectors and viable enterprises in existence.  This revenue is one that proves to be essential to the well being of the respective manufacturing countries.  These countries that produce the cars that we internationally adore are the focus of GreenLight Collectible’s highly successful series 1:64 Motor World.

GreenLight’s greatness has hit pandemic proportions as its reaches every corner of the globe.  To continue to move forward with this conquering reputation GreenLight created the third release of 1:64 Motor World representing global manufacturers as well as appealing to international and domestic die cast collectors.  The 1:64 Motor World Series is also the most economical line offered by GreenLight with a MSRP of $2.99.

1:64 Motor World Series 3 is sectioned into three different sub-series- Classics, American, and Speed.  Those cars that are placed into the “Classic” sub-set are distinguished vehicles, well-known for their appearance and performance.  The “America” collection contains manufacturers indigenous to the home of the brave and “Speed” sub-series include those vehicles that could rip the road apart.

1:64^th Motor World Series 3 includes the following twelve vehicles:

• Classics – 1958 Porsche 356A Carrera Speedster – Blue
• Classics – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – Red and White (Firestone)
• Classics – Mini Cooper – Red with Black Stripes and Top
• Classics – Volkswagen Samba Bus – Yellow with White Top
• Classics – Volkswagen Samba Bus – Beige with Olive Green Top
• Classics – Volkswagen Samba Bus – Teal with White Top
• American – 1955 Chevy Bel-Air – Black with Grey Top and Silver Trim
• American – 1956 Ford F-100 – Black
• American – 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C – Blue
• American – 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am – Black
• Speed – 2003 Dodge Viper SRT/10 – Yellow
• Speed – Jaguar E-Type – Midnight Navy

All twelve cars from Series 3 will be available at Toys ‘R’ Us and Gordmans throughout the United States and through GreenLight Hobby Distributors/Wholesalers and Online Dealers around the world beginning in September 2010.

1:64 Motor World die-cast model cars feature 100% authentic metal bodies, plastic chassis, authentic detailed wheels and are officially licensed by the respective automobile companies.  As with GreenLight Collectibles offerings, the “Green Machine” chase car program carries over into the Motor World line with 2% of the production run manufactured in alternate schemes to provide the marketplace with the rare vehicles the collector craves.

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

My multi-part pictorial post on GreenLight’s current Motor World release continues with the All American Series. Castings for this series include the Ford F-100, the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, the Chevy Bel Air and the Cadillac Eldorado. Check out the Speed Series from Motor World Release 2 in Part 1 of this pictorial set.

Click any image to see the larger versions

Stay tuned for Part 3 featuring the Classics Series!

One of the biggest challenges a diecast manufacturer faces is getting the proper “mileage” out of each casting’s tool. Companies who specialize in realistic diecast replicas feel that pressure even more by having to stay within the constraints of authentic paint colors and design.

GreenLight Collectibles certainly falls into that category, yet they continue to excel and succeed with creative lines that collectors continue to enjoy year after year. Their County Roads series is a line that offers a wide selection of appealing vehicles that would all be right at home cruising the the back country roads on the out-skirts of a sleepy town.

The 6 castings that make up County Roads Series 4 strike a nice balance of muscle, 4-door sedan and classic work truck that covers 4 different decades. Those castings include the 1968 Chevrolet C-10 Pickup, the 1970 Pontiac GTO, the 1977 Dodge Ramcharger, the 1987 Pontiac Firebird Formula, the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria (Laconia, NH Fire Dept.) and the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO. 

Click any photo to see the larger version

Each vehicle in the series features rubber tires and a full metal body and chassis. The production run is limited to just 4500 pieces and each car is individually numbered on the chassis.

GreenLight’s extremely limited “Green Machine” Chase Cars are part of this series and are produced at only 2% of the run. They are randomly inserted in cases and of course, very hard to find at retail. Buying sealed cases is your best chance of getting your hands on one!

County Roads Series 4 is currently on its way to brick and mortar retailers, and online retailer are currently taking pre-orders for sets and cases. The MSRP for single pieces is $5.99 USD.

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 ‘5’ includes: a ’71 Chevy Camaro Z-28; a ’71 Chevy Vega (project); a ’59 Chevy Impala (Big Lou graphics); a ’08 Dodge Viper SRT-10; a ’69 Chevy Camaro RS/SS 396; a ’87 Chevy Monte Carlo SS; a ’50 Chevy Panel Truck; a ’92 GMC Typhoon; a ’68 Shelby GT500; a ’69 AMC AMX; a ’03 Ford Focus (race); a ’75 Chevy Corvette.

Johnny Lightning has also announced a Hobby line coming in 2010 called “JL 2.0”. These cars are believed to be for Hobby exclusive distribution. A 1/64th scale car with metal bodies and chassis, rubber wheels, and exclusive color and design. This will be their answer to what they feel collectors are looking for. Watch for these coming soon.

The 1964 Impala SS was a car that brought luxury and affordability together. Now Johnny Lightning is reproducing that car with all the attention to detail and lavish styling of the original. From the windshield wipers down to the gearshift—but no seatbelts, which were optional at the time—this 1:24 casting perfectly replicates the most minute aspects of the Impala.

* – 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 products from M2 Machines that will be appearing in stores and online.* There is very little coming out this month. For those of you who follow this line you may have trouble finding what you want in the stores. I suggest an online retailer if you want to find what your looking for. Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit.

Auto-thentics Release 11: ’58 Plymouth Belvedere in Teal; ’59 Caddy series 62 in lavender; ’57 Ford Fairlane 500 in red/white; ’57 Chevy Bel-Air in cooper; ’57 Chrysler 300c in yellow; ’55 Dodge Royal Lancer in 2 tone blue.

Click any image to see the larger version

Chase pieces include: ’57 Ford Fairlane 500 in Black/gold; and a Gold Chase of a ’59 Caddy series 62.

* – 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 products from GreenLight Collectibles 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.

Hobby Collection Series, Release 5: ’10 Mustang GT; ’64 Plymouth Fury Sport; ’69 Ford Mustang BOSS 302; ’71 AMC Javelin AMX T/A; ’09 Corvette C6 convertible; and a ’67 Chevy Impala SS. All pictured below.

New Motor World, Release 2: ’55 Chevy; ’56 Ford F-100; BMW Z4; ’53 Caddy Eldorado; Jaguar XK; Lamborghini Gallardo; Land Rover Range Rover; Volkswagon 30; Mercedes Sprinter; Mini Cooper; ’65 Shelby Cobra; Volkswagon bus. All pictured below.

* – 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.

“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!

M2 is hitting it hard! I will keep you up to date on all their lines and monthly releases as I can find information released.

 Auto-Lift, Release 3:

This new release includes: a ’49 Mercury in both red and gray; a ’66 Dodge Charger in both black and met. blue; a ’67 Chevy Nova SS in both met. orange and red; The Chase piece in this series will be the ’49 Mercury in a red and gold car.

Drivers 101, Release 5:

This new release includes: a ’71 Dodge Charger in purple; a ’69 Pontiac GTO Judge in red; a ’67 Chevy Nova SS in silver; a ’70 Ford Torino GT in yellow; a ’70 Ford Mustang BOSS 429 in met. orange; a ’57 Chrysler 300c in black; Which is also the Chase piece, this time in blue.

* – 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 Lincoln Johnny Lightning Race Club recently announced the availability of their 2010 custom club car. The club selected Johnny Lightning Ford, Chevy and Dodge (shown) van castings as the base for this year’s run.

A total of 15 were customized for the run by M & S Customs who have also done a number of cars for the Rhode Island Hot Wheels Summer Smash conventions. Each car is being sold for $20 to non-club members and $15 to club members.

Contact the club through their official website for more information.

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]

Last month we saw Wave #9 starting to hit the pegs and I’ve already started seeing Wave #10. The list of cars released is listed below. *Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page, and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Wave 9

• -#5 Jaguar XK 120SE (New Model – Shown)
• -#6 ’68 Citroen DS
• -#21 Audi R8
• -#42 GMC School Bus (New Model – Shown)
• -#44 Street Sweeper (New Model – Shown)
• -#91 MBX Motor Home

Wave 10

• -#9 ’61 Jaguar E‑Type Coupe
• -#14 TVR Tuscan S
• -#36 Audi RS6 Avant
• -#40 Lincoln Navigator,
• -#43 Ice Cream Cruiser (New Model – Shown)
• -#57 Pierce Fire Engine,
• -#58 Chevy Impala,
• -#65 International CXT
• -#70 Mercedes‑Benz Unimog U300

VARIATIONS

• - #26 ’08 Honda Civic Type R in white instead of metallic silver .
  - #29 Dodge Magnum in metallic dark grey instead of metallic dark red.
  - #55 ’08 Ford E‑350 Ambulance in metallic orange with white15box with "Primary Response — Ambulance Service" tampo instead of red with maroon box with "Ambu Medic Emergency Medical Transportation" tampo (Shown)
• - #89 ’68 Toyota Land Cruiser in light blue instead of dark yellow (Shown)
• - #60 with package name Ladder Truck in yellow‑orange instead of red.
• - #74 Plow Master 6000 in metallic silver with dark blue bed instead of green with black bed.
  - #79 MBX 4×4 in metallic chrome blue instead of metallic brown.
  - #01 ’71 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser in metallic light greenish gold instead of metallic light green (Shown)
• - #21 Audi R8 in plain black or metallic black.

I heard that some places already have the last wave for the year. Here is a sneak peak of the New models; Cadillac Ambulance and MBX Mixer. They will be part of the last wave of this year.

* – 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.

Muscle Car Garage “Up in Flames” release 2 is coming at the end of October into November.

The series will include: ’66 Ford Galaxie; ’67 Chevy Corvette; ’69 Buick GS; ’70 Plymonth Road Runner; ’71 Chevy C-10; ’09 Dodge Challenger

*Pictures courtesy of Greenlight.com.

* – 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

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

Another package arrived in the mail from Johnny Lightning, so I just had to flip on the camera again and share in the fun of revealing the contents! A short video slideshow with detailed pictures follows the unboxing portion, so be sure to watch it until the end!

Correction: I mentioned that the Superbird does not have an opening hood and it in fact does – the fit on it was so perfectly flush that it appeared to be a solid piece!

Special thanks to Tom Zahorsky, Senior Design Manager at Johnny Lightning for the continued support and sending these great cars to share!

[via johnnylightning.com]

This time we look at another 50′s styled custom Hot Wheels – the ’69-70 issued Nomad.

Here’s a cool fact about this car. It first appeared as a concept show car for General Motors Motorama traveling caravan of car shows. The concept was GM’s first station wagon bodied dream car. It was originally built on a stretched 1953 Corvette chassis and appeared as a 1954 show car called the Chevrolet Nomad. It had a 54 corvette body with the trademark Nomad ribbed roof, full quarter panel side glass and rear hatch. Thank god the design gurus at GM thought better and left the Corvette as a 2 door sports car and shifted the Nomad design to the all new 1955 Bel Air chassis!

Hot Wheels designers kept most of the Nomad styling intact rounding out the wheel opening to give the car a lower stance for orange track racing. Other features were an opening hood, metal chassis, an interior in white only and an exterior available in 12 spectra flame colors.

About the “roofless” Nomad shown: Well, my brother took a hammer to that one in 1971, so I cut off the back and made the “El Nomadino!”
Restored in purple spectra.

Note: all resto’s carry repro wheel from the redlineshop.com.

Each time an official Hot Wheels Convention comes around, collectors who can’t actually make it to the event in person are treated to the ability of purchasing at least one of the convention’s souvenir vehicles online. Since this week marks the start of the 22nd Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention in Los Angeles, Mattel is putting a quantity of the all new Real Riders SS Express Chevelle up for sale!

This is the first time the “spoilers” style Chevelle has been used since it came out in the Since ’68 series earlier this year. It will be available to Red Line Club members for the standard 24-hour priority window starting on 09/30/2008 at 9:00 AM PST, and any remaining quantities will be available to all HWC members on 10/01/2008. This beauty of a piece is priced at $19.99 plus S&H, and there is a purchase limit of two cars per membership.

Be sure to visit the official announcement on HotWheelsCollectors.com for more details about the sale and additional pictures of the car itself.

[via hotwheelscollectors.com]

In case you missed it, Greenlight Collectibles and the CW Television Network have joined forces to offer fans of both the TV show “Supernatural” and Greenlight diecast, a special treat. At the beginning of the month, Warner Home Video released “Supernatural – The Complete Third Season” on DVD.

Each DVD Box Set sold at Best Buy will contain a GreenLight Collectibles 1:64 scale 1967 Chevrolet Impala 427 die-cast car. The car was designed to be a replica of the Impala driven by Dean Winchester (played by Jensen Ackles) and Sam Winchester (played by Jared Padalecki) during season three.

The highly detailed ’67 Impala features:

• - A die-cast metal body and chassis
• - Gloss black body paint
• - A two-tone interior
• - Ohio “CNK 8003” license plate from the show

In total, there will be 26,500 DVD Box Sets available at Best Buy stores throughout the USA and Canada. This offering is not only a great opportunity for GreenLight collectors to add an excellent and unique piece to their collections, but also get a look at pretty decent television series as well!

[via greenlightcollectibles.com]

Now that the latest Kmart Collectors Day has come and gone, the special events continue with the Kmart 2008 HOT WHEELS Collector Edition ’56 Chevy Nomad Promotion! Mattel teams up with Kmart for this type of special offer just a few times a year, and collectors are certainly in for a treat during this 40th Anniversary celebration.

Just as in the past, this is a 20-for-1 mail-in promotion. Simply buy 20 select Hot Wheels basic cars at any Kmart and send in the full card backs as well as a check or money order for $3.00. In return Mattel will send you a gorgeous Hot Wheels Collector Edition ’56 Chevy Nomad with the following great features:

• - Mate black paint
• - The classic Hot Wheels flame in red and white on the sides
• - Red stripes on the top
• - 40th Anniversary Logo
• - Real Riders five-spoke wheels with red stripe tampo
• - Metal body, chassis and engine
• - Light smoke-tinted windshield

Collectors should note that the original announcement for the promotion mentioned that the ’56 Nomad would include an opening hood. Since then Mattel has updated the announcement to let collectors know that the final version will no longer be including that feature. Despite that change, this 40th Anniversary Nomad is a great looking piece! Be sure to visit the official promotion announcement on HotWheelsCollectors.com for additional information including details on which card backs are acceptable for this promotion.

[via hotwheelscollectors.com]