GMP recently announced this fantastic Vintage Deuce Series ‘32 Ford that is sure to please collectors with a great list of features at a very reasonable price for this level of 1:18 scale quality. The sell sheet for this piece states:

“GMP is taking you back, back to the 50’s with this awesome ‘32. With it’s satin black paint and red steelie wheels wrapped in luscious white walls, it is the epitome of vintage cool. This little rod will have you remembering those long gone days of street light racing and late night escapes…”

This 32’s features include:

Only 996 of these are being made available for purchase and each piece will retail for $109.95 USD. Pre-orders are being taken now at the GMP Diecast website or by calling 1-877-880-2809. Collectors can expect the ‘32 to arrive in August.

Click the thumbnail above to see the larger version of the image.

GMP Diecast just recently announced the upcoming release of their 1:18 scale rendition of the famous drag racing Pontiac known as the “Tin Indian.” They share the background on the car as:

“The Tin Indian name is synonymous with drag racing and it’s glory days. For most drag racing teams of the day there was just enough people and time to get from race to race. But the Indian Team consisted of 3 planes, 2 transporters, a travel RV, a complete machine shop and 14 full  time people. All Indians were owned and expenses paid by Bill Knafel and Knafel Pontiac. Over the years, there were 42 different Pontiacs in the Indian family.

The Knafel Teams won more National/World Championships than any other stock class team – GM, Ford and Mopar included.  This 1970 Judge dominated the tracks and won the AHRA Pro-Am Nationals at Rockingham, NC and the AHRA World Championship at Bristol, TN. GMP has even recreated the famous keystone wheels for this famous replica. This replica has it all and will surely be the centerpiece of any Pontiac collection.” 

Features of this large-scale model include:

• - Serialized license plate
• - Diecast Metal Body
• - Opening hood, doors and trunk
• - Poseable steering
• - Functional suspension
• - Plumbed and wired engine
• - Poseable visors
• - Fabric seatbelts

The Tin Indian will be limited to just 2000 pieces and will retail for $139.95. The custom “keystone” wheel option can be added for $12.95. Collector can expect these to be available in April 2010.

GMP’s new release announcements continued in October with a set of 1:18 scale Fendered ‘32 Coupes from their Vintage Deuce Series and these have all the great detail and features that GMP collectors have been used to from this line.

• The ‘32s feature:
•  
• - Opening Doors and Trunk
• - Poseable Steering
• - Highly Detailed Engine
• - Detailed Under Carriage
• - Detailed Interior
• - Diecast Metal Body
• - Removable Engine Cowlings
• - Serialized Plate

Collectors can expect these to become available in January of 2010 retailing for $109.95

Click the image to see a larger version.

[via gmpdiecast.com]

GMP Diecast has announced several new releases this month with one of them being this 1:18 scale limited edition 1964 Ford Thunderbolt called the Little “Georgia Shaker.” Collectors with a passion for racing heritage will especially enjoy the history behind this die-cast replica. Here’s the story from GMP:

“Hubert Platt, the Georgia Shaker, was known for his great looking, strong performing cars, his on-track showmanship and his off-track flair. He was called a “controversial racing showman” in local racing newspapers as early as 1962. Hubert raced many “Georgia Shaker” cars but none came close to the Thunderbolt! Ford’s Total Performance program was well underway when the order was sent to build a batch of special lightweight Ford Fairlanes. Stripped to the essence, painted Wimbledon White and stuffed with 427 cubic inches of Galaxie V-8, the cars were dubbed Thunderbolts, and they struck factory experimental drag racing like lightning.”

GMP has taken Hubert’s beautiful Thunderbolt Shaker and recreated it in all it’s glory with this 1:18th scale replica. Some of its features include:

• – Opening hood doors and trunk
• - Retractable Radio Antenna
• - Folding Seat Backs
• - Opening Glove Compartment
• - Working Suspension
• - Rotating Driveshaft
• - Poseable Steering
• - Plumbed and Wired Engine
• - Authentic Interior Detailing

In addition to a standard version, there will be a very special limited edition car which will come with a signed certificate from Hubert himself. The signed version will be limited to just 250 pieces at $129.95 each and the standard version being limited to 1000 at $119.95 each.

Note: Click the image to the right to see a larger version of the image.

[via gmpdiecast.com]

The diecast collecting hobby recently suffered a great loss with the recent passing of Shane Whittenbarger on August 5, 2009. While I personally had only know Shane for a little more than a year, the impact of his presence in the diecast community was unsurpassed, and it became readily apparent how amazing Shane was only after knowing him for such a short time. I’m proud to have had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.

Many people might have known Shane as an up-standing collector, a tireless worker, a dedicated father and as someone you could always count on to get the job done. Not only was he a major force in helping ensure that the 2009 DiecastSpace Super Convention was as successful as it was, but he was also the producer for Saturday Nitro and always made sure there was an amazing guest lined up for me to interview for your entertainment. I am honored to have called him a friend.

Now that Shane’s battle with cancer has ended, the reality of his funeral expenses has come to light. Its an expense that without financial assistance, would force Shane’s parents to mortgage their home to cover. In honor of Shane, members of the diecast collecting community are stepping up to bare the financial burden. Amazing companies such as GMP Diecast, Liberty Promotions and GreenLight Collectibles have donated some amazing pieces to help raise funds at several upcoming charity auctions.

Beyond that I am asking you, my fellow collector and DiecastAudio reader, to consider donating to our cause via the Chip-In widget on the right column of the site. Clicking the Chip-In button will bring you to PayPal where you can contribute with a credit card or your own personal PayPal account. The Chip-In donations are being managed by Mr. Jerry Yates who is an Administrator at DiecastSpace.com.

Please get in touch with me personally via the contact page if you are not comfortable donating with that method, but would still like to contribute. I would be more than happy to provide you with my mailing address to apply a donation via personal check to the cause. Each an every dollar gets us closer to our goal of making sure Shane is remembered in a way that he and his family deserve.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Jeff Glasson
DiecastAudio.com

Most of the collectors and enthusiasts that frequent DiecastAUDIO tend to lean towards smaller scale die-cast. If you’ve stepped through my recently posted photo set from the GMP Experience during the Hotlanta Convention, then I’d say that there might be more than a small chance you’d like to see more of their affordable, highly detailed, larger scale pieces. Yes, the term “affordable” certainly means different things to different collectors, but when it comes to large scale die-cast, you’ll be challenged to find a piece with this level of detail and quality for GMP’s average starting price of around $100 to $150 (USD). If you haven’t had any prior exposure to GMP’s product line, then rest assured that you’ll get ramped up by seeing the occasional post (or more!) here on DCA.

Click to see the larger version

For starters, I’d like to introduce you to the GMP 1970 Plymouth “Blackbird” Roadrunner. This Stealth Fighter 1:18 scale piece as a plethora of features that include a:

• - Serialized Plate
• - Opening Hood, Doors and Trunk
• - Real Metal Leaf Springs
• - Functional Suspension
• - Rotating Driveshaft
• - Plumbed and Wired Engine
• - Tilting Front Seats
• - Fabric Seat belts
• - Removable Rear Side Windows
• - Opening Glove Box
• - Moveable Shifter
• - Poseable Steering

Needless to say, those are some pretty cool features – most of which could ONLY be done in large scale. If you’ve ever pondered adding some larger scale pieces to your collection, then I definitely recommend that give GMP a look. You won’t be disappointed.

Stay tuned for more GMP here on DiecastAUDIO.

I’m sure those who attended the GMP Experience during the Hotlanta convention would agree that it was quite possibly the highlight of the weekend. The event was spectacular from start to finish. Everything was top notch – from Tom Long’s (GMP’s President) gracious hosting, to delicious the BBQ and the amazing parting gift. Oh, did I mention the cars!?! Attendees got a first-hand look at almost every model that GMP makes. I think more than a few collectors left with a future GMP purchase on their brains! Not too shabby for a $25 premium event!

If that weren’t enough, the trip also included a side excursion to Milton Robson’s private 1:1 scale car collection. Getting a first-hand look at his spectacular award-winning collection of muscle cars and classics was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Here are some photo sets of both the GMP Tour and the side trip to the Robson collection. Enjoy!

The GMP Experience

Milton Robson’s Private Car Collection

Is it just me or does it seem that 2009 will be a great year to be a diecast collector? If there’s one thing to be said about our hobby, its there’s no shortage of diecast conventions in the near future! Here is a quick list of the best multi-day events happening across the country this year (listed in order of occurrence):

2009 DiecastSpace.com Super Convention
I’ve been talking about this “first of its kind” event for a while now, and its really shaped up to be one heck of a time! Its the first time almost all the major mainstream diecast manufacturers will be present under one roof. Mattel, Johnny Lightning, GreenLight, M2 and GMP as well as a gathering of the country’s top diecast customizers will descend on Las Vegas from February 18th – 22nd. If that wasn’t enough, the first ever Diecast Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be taking place to honor somme of the best names in diecast and the automotive industry.

Very few tickets are left to this great event. Visit the official Super Convention site for ticket availability and pricing.

9th Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Nationals
Unofficially dubbed the “East Coast” Hot Wheels Convention, this Mike Strauss run event moves from city to city each Spring. This year it lands back in Reston, Virginia from March 25th – 29th. The week is always packed full of great events and fantastic ion-room trading. This year’s special guests include Howard Reese, Mike McClone, Phil Riehlman, Wayne Scott and Larry Wood.

Tickets are on sale now and will be available until March 5th or when sold out (which ever comes first). They can be purchased online with a credit card or with a check and the mail-in form.

Wild Weekend of Hot Wheels 6
Randy Price’s Wild Weekend of Hot Wheels returns to Connecticut this year on July 30th – August 2nd. This year’s event will offer a variety of events including a Guinness Book of World Records attempt for the Longest Track. Convention vehiles are being produced by Mattel this year and special guests will include Larry Wood, Mike Zarnock, Bob Parker.

A variety of ticket packages are currently available on the official Wild Weekend of Hot Wheels 6 website.

Hot Wheels Summer Smash 2
Jim Lombari and the Rhode Island Hot Wheels Club are bringing the diecast fun back to Warwick on August 27th-30th for the 2nd Annual Hot Wheels Summer Smash. This year offers four full days of activities and convention vehicles from both Mattel and Liberty Promotions. Special guests include Larry Wood, George Soulakis, Mike Zarnock and Bob Parker.

The official Summer Smash website is up and tickets are now on sale.

23rd Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention
Traditionally the larger of the two “Strauss” conventions, this California based convention is usually the most grand seeing that Mattel is headquartered just up the road in El Segundo. Dates for this event typically land in October with the official announcement coming out shortly after the Nationals in Reston are over.

Some collectors felt that the 2008 convention was a little lacking in its 40th Anniversary year. Perhaps the 40th Anniversary cross-counrty tour drained a little bit too much from the coffer. It should be interesting to see how this convention compares to the others happening earlier in the year – especially since Mattel is participating in the all of them.

The world might be in an economic frenzy right now, but the future is certainly looking bright for the world of diecast!

As I mentioned in my first SEMA 2008 wrap-up post, the diecast presence at this year’s show was fairly scaled back. However, GMP Diecast was there in full-force with the most impressive booth of all (diecast companies) who attended. Not only, did Tom Long and the GMP crew have great displays of their many product lines, but also hosted a guest appearance by racing legend Parnelli Jones! Enjoy the photos!

Special thanks to my SEMA sponsor, DiecastSpace.com for making this content possible!

“WOW!” is first word that comes to mind after returning home from Las Vegas and four long days at the 2008 SEMA show. The event is truly a car enthusiast’s dream and definitely the place to be with over 120,000 attendees from around the globe enjoying the best of what’s hot in the automotive world.

From a die cast perspective, the manufacturer’s presence at the show was definitely pretty thin. The primary players this year were GMP Diecast, Shelby, M2 and Welly. Mattel was missing from the show this year however, Hot Wheels designers Larry Wood and Jerry Thienprasiddhi made appearances at the PPG and K&N booths respectively. The dynamic duo of Chip Foose and Carson Lev could be found at the BASF and Pirelli booths and Joe Kelly Jr. from The Car Room magazine shared some space with the GMP crew as well. Last but certainly not least, was “Big Lou” Tanahara and Bossco from The Custom Crew who let me camp out at the corner of the Rodtana booth and soak in the coolness of the Sledster!

Needless to say I took a TON of pictures and shot quite a bit of video over the course of 4 days. During the course of this week I’ll be grouping the shots and creating several small “themed” posts. All of the pictures will ultimately be up on my Flickr account, and I’ll update this post when they are finally up.

Special thanks to CJ and the crew at DiecastSpace.com for the sponsorship!

More to come – stay tuned!

A recording of my interview with GMP President, Tom Long is now available on the Saturday Nitro page! Our interview covered many aspects of GMP including how Tom started the company, their close relationship with collectors, and of course lots of talk about their many fabulous die cast products.

This show also featured surprise call-in guests Doug Shore who spent many years as Director of Communications at Irwindale Speedway and Joe Kelly Jr. from The Car Room!

Jump straight to the show page here!