The popular “Drivers” series from M2 Machines returns to retail this fall with a great line-up of classic castings that are sure to put a smile on collector’s faces. Release 12’s castings will include:

• - 1971 Plymouth Cuda HEMI -  Black w/White to Candy Turquoise Flame
• - 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona HEMI -  Black w/White to Candy Orange Flame
• - 1949 Mercury -  Black w/Gold & Green Flame
• - 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air – Black w/Candy Red Flame
• - 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 -  Black w/Black & Medium Pink Pearl Flame
• - 1969 Pontiac GTO -  Black w/Cyanide Blue Pearl Flame

The Chase piece for this release will a 1949 Mercury in Green with white flames and black pin stripes. Collectors can expect to see these hitting retail in September and October. Some online vendors have this series available for pre-order now.

Catch a glimpse of the Drivers Series Release 12 via these pre-production images. Click either image to see a larger version.

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 13: This release includes the ’69 Dodge Charger R/T, the ’70 Plymouth Superbird, the ’72 Chevy Vega – Bruce Larson, the ’69 Chevy Impala SS Convertible, the ’92 GMC Typhoon, the ’68 Shelby GT500, the ’55 Chrysler 300, the ’77 Dodge Monaco, the ’81 Chevy Malibu – Beat the Heat, the Sprint Car – DiecastSpace, the ’77 Dodge Monaco – Demo Derby and the ’65 Chevy Chevelle SS.

JL 2.0 – Release 5: This release includes the ’87 Ford Mustang – Beat the Heat, the ’72 Vega Wagon – Warren Johnson, the ’87 Buick Grand National – Black w/Flames and the ’09 Dodge Challenger R/T – Mopar Drift car

Muscle Cars 1:24 Scale – Release 51: This release includes the ’68 Pontiac GTO and the ’49 Buick Roadmaster. – Release 52: This release contains the ’71 Plymouth Duster and the ’68 Chevy Nova.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors fromonline 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 JohnnyLightning.com and others.

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!

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

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: MB38 – ’57 GMC Pickup, MB63 – Ice Cream Van

Walmart special colors: MB38 – ’57 GMC Pickup in white, MB53 – ’78 Dodge Monaco Police in gold

Lesney Edition (Superfast): Nothing new to report this month.

* – 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 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-Dreams Release 12 (All in Black with Flames): ’51 Ford Crestliner, ’49 Mercury, ’55 DeSoto Fireflite, ’55 Dodge Royal Lancer, ’57 Chevy Bel-Air, ’58 Plymouth Fury (Chase pieces are unknown at this time)

Click any image to see a larger version

1:24 Scale Release 12: ’71 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda in Lime Green or Red, ’57 Chevy 210 Hardtop in Blue or Cream

* – 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

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.

Series 1 of GreenLight’s new 1:64th scale Dioramas line was a major hit and the Series 2 is looking to share the same success. Here’s the official press release from GreenLight:

Scenes from your favorite GreenLight Collectible Collections Steal the Show

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 19, 2010) When GreenLight launched a brand new line entitled 1:64^th GreenLight Dioramas, the team envisioned it being a success. GreenLight knew this would be a popular line, but was ecstatic when the first assortment SOLD OUT prior to arrival! After the extraordinary success of Series 1, GreenLight is gearing up for the second release of 1:64^th Dioramas in May! “If you were impressed by the first wave of 1:64 Dioramas then Series 2 will blow you away!” says Jeff Nelson, National Sales Manager. Series 2 is composed of four different scenes including Bullitt, Hot Pursuit, County Roads and a brand new theme, Hitchin’ a Ride.

The revised Bullitt scene features the two famous cars later in the chase scene just as the crash occurs complete with scrapes and bullet holes in the models. County Roads captures the spirit of the 60’s with a light green Large Camper painted with peace signs and flowers. Hot Pursuit features the 2010 Mustang GT Convertible being pulled over by a Nevada Highway Patrol Dodge Charger, while Hitchin’ a Ride features the very first taxis made by GreenLight.

1:64^th GreenLight Dioramas Series 2 Assortment includes:

• - Bullitt/Steve McQueen #2 -1968 Ford Mustang & 1968 Dodge Charger (Crash Scene, Damaged))
• - 1:64 Hot Pursuit- 2008 Nevada Highway Patrol Dodge Charger and 2010 Mustang GT Convertible +two Plastic Figurines
• - 1:64 Hitchin’ a Ride- Two 2006 Ford Crown Victoria Taxi Cabs + two Plastic Figurines
• - 1:64 County Roads- 1965 Dodge D-100 with Large Camper + two Plastic Figurines
•    

These replicas feature opening hoods, detailed engines, real rubber tires, metal body and chassis, detailed graphics, custom license plates and are officially licensed by Ford®, Chrysler Group LLC®, Chevrolet ®, Warner Bros® Entertainment Inc and the Chadwick McQueen and The Terry McQueen Testamentary Trust. Each scene will vary in production quantities ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 as some of dioramas will be solid packed as well as in assortments.This release will be available in May 2010 at Toys ‘R’ Us, Toys ‘R’ Us Australia, Kmart, Meijer and your favorite hobby shops and online dealers!

GreenLight LLC is a premier manufacturer and marketer of officially licensed, authentic die-cast replica vehicles. GreenLight die-cast replicas are available in 1:18^th, 1:24^th and 1:64^th scale and are officially licensed by General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Group LLC, Carroll Shelby Licensing, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, Tim Phelps, Grand-Am Road Racing Association, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Bridgestone Americas.

Every now and then I’m amazed where the hobby of collecting diecast cars has taken me. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to some great places and meet some of the coolest people in the hobby. One of the folks I’ve been fortunate enough to be-friend over the course of the last few years is the talented and very down-to-earth Eric Tscherne. If you aren’t familiar with Eric or any of his many accomplishments in the diecast industry, then I suggest you check out the Saturday Nitro interview we did last year. Its a great listen and will definitely get you up to speed.

Diecast designers come up with a tremendous number of designs that unfortunately are never selected to become real castings. Its been many years since Eric moved on from his design position with Mattel and the Hot Wheels brand, yet one of his original designs has seemingly come back to life as part of the 2010 Hot Wheels line-up. Eric recently sent me his account of how this design has come full circle and is now becoming a reality. I’m sure you’ll agree, its a really interesting read. Enjoy!

The new Dodge Charger Drift Car that Hot Wheels is producing as a 2010 New Model is actually one of my designs! I originally designed the car at Mopar’s request. BJ Birtwell, then with Chrysler as a youth marketing person, called me up on behalf of Shaun Carlson and NewFormz to design their new drift car. This was in 2005. The guys, including driver Samuel Hubinette, wanted to do something with the Charger to make it more aggressive and unique. Originally they had asked for a wide body design which you can see in my drawings. Through that process however I kept coming back to the SRT-8 body and especially the hood. The 2005 show car was before the release of the SRT-8 so things like the hood were unavailable for the 2005 build.

The NuFormz team eventually migrated over to an SRT-8 body but the paint scheme remained. Shaun Carlson had raced for Mopar for years dating back to his Dodge Neon front wheel drive dragster (a Hot Wheels car I worked on while at Mattel). He had recently been running Pro-Stock for Mopar for Don Schumacher’s team with legends like Allen Johnson. Shaun had expressed bringing over the cool Colored camo designs of the Pro-Stock cars asking for something a bit different and in Mopar Blue. I designed a camo that had Mopar script and "M" icons interlaces with a traditional camo print.

At the time when I was designing the show car, I was also working on the Foose diecast line. At toy fair I was with Chip and we were talking about various projects and I found out that Chip was going to do the wheels on the Charger show car. It was mind blowing to me that we had both been working on the car but unaware of the other’s involvement even though we had been working on the diecast line for months! Some of the build of the show car was captured in a documentary, Drift The Sideways Craze that aired on Discovery’s HD Theater and TLC.

At the Super Convention Phil Riehlman and I got to talking and he told me Jun Imai had handled the Charger project for Hot Wheels. Jun is super talented and it shows in his work. The Charger came out beautiful. It is really cool to see my design end up in the Hot Wheels line some 5 to 6 years after I left. I now know how it must feel for other artists, designers, customizers and race car drivers to see their design turn up on a toy store shelf when it wasn’t the original intent. It’s a honor and a privilege.

- Eric Tscherne

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.

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.

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

The guys at DiecastLive.com recently released these sneak peek “spy shots” to get collectors revved up for the upcoming release of their new 2008 club car. Once again they’ve teamed up with Greenlight Toys to produce an fantastic looking Daytona Charger that truly lives up the “White Hot” name its been given.

Each car ships with a custom backing card inside traditional sealed clamshell packaging. The entire run consists of 2016 cars that are made up of 1824 Regular Edition and 192 Green Machines. This year, the Green Machine will not only feature a white-to-green body, but will also come with a green interior, green bottom and green tires!

A recent price drop on the cars is really making this piece a great buy for collectors. Right now you can purchase (2) regular edition cars for just $9.99 (+S&H) which will give you the chance to have a Green Machine randomly inserted into your order (in place of a regular edition). Alternatively, you can guarantee yourself a Green Machine buy purchasing a Regular Edition and Green Machine with matching numbers for $49.99 (+S&H).

Pre-orders for the Charger are currently being accepted on the DiecastLive.com site and are available to DCL members only. Membership is free, so be sure to register first if you aren’t already part of the DCL community!

[via diecastlive.com]