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.

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.

Earlier this month GreenLight Collectibles announced a new 1:18 scale 1965 Shelby Daytona CSX2601 that will be available in July at hobby shops and wholesale dealers.

Here is the official press release from GreenLight:

Indianapolis, IN (June 22, 2010) Fully restored and wearing its famous Reims livery, the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601, frequently referred to as “American Racing’s Crown Jewel”, sold for a record-breaking $7.25 million at Mecum’s inaugural Monterey, California Auction on August 15, 2009. A car with this amount of notoriety is very much deserving of recognition and GreenLight has decided to do just that with its production of a 1:18 scale replica to tribute this incredible chart-busting auction accomplishment and legendary piece of racing history.

This Shelby Daytona Cobra was one of six cars built by Carroll Shelby to compete against the dominant Ferraris in the F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) World Manufacturers Championship for GT race class in 1965. The coupe body was an experimental design and was built on an existing Cobra chassis; these modifications increased the top speed by 25 MPH, allowing for the Cobra to keep pace with the highly regarded Ferraris. After the car won its first race, five more coupes were built including the CSX2601.

After competing at many racing events, CSX2601 made its history when it seized the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for the United States. Steering the U.S. into that victory was legendary driver Bob Bondurant. “I always wanted to race in Europe against the world’s best drivers. Winning that World Championship was the crowning achievement of my career,” shared Bondurant.

Join GreenLight and celebrate one of the proudest moments in U.S. race history with this official licensed 1:18 scale special edition. The 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 represents a competitive spirit and victory against all odds. GreenLight’s model will have a limited production run of 1,900 pieces and a MSRP $39.99.

This 1:18 die-cast replica features a detailed engine, real rubber tires, metal body and chassis, detailed graphics, custom license plate and is officially licensed. The release is scheduled for arrival in July 2010 and will be available through official GreenLight official hobby shops and wholesale dealers. For more information about GreenLight’s 1:18 scale ‘65 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 and other quality collectibles from GreenLight, visit http://www.greenlightcollectibles.com.

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!

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!

1/18th scale: ’67 Mustang racer in cream and black; and 2010 Shelby GT-500 cars both in bright Blue and Torch Red.

Muscle Car Garage - Release 12: ’66 Mustang GT; ’68 Hemi Road Runner; ’71 GTO Judge convertible; ’72 AMC Javelin AMX; ’09 Corvette ZO6 GT-1; and a ’10 Camaro SS.

Auction Block – Release 11: ’66 Shelby GT-350H; ’68 Plymouth GTX; ’69 Chevy Chevelle SS; ’70 Corvette LT-1 ZR-1; ’71 Charger R/T; ’10 Ford Shelby GT-500.

* – 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.

Chris Walker has been a busy boy. Not only did he produce several of the excellent event cars at the recent 2010 DiecastSpace Super Convention while launching the first run of his new Dreamliner casting, but he also managed to produce a limited run of “Shelby authorized” VW Drag Buses.

Up until now, these pieces were only available to the attendees of the Super Convention. Only a small quantity (less than 10) remain and will be made available on a first come, first served basis via the Alien Projects website. This is the 3rd Shelby bus from Chris, and this time they are painted black with the yellow graphics and feature Terlingua decos. Each piece is set in an acrylic case and numbered.

The sale link will go live on Friday 26, 2010 at 9pm EST (6pm PST). Each remaining bus will be sold for $125. I was fortunate enough to have my raffle number called during the invitation-only Shelby party which yielded me one of these beauties. They are definitely worth your hard earned dollar.

GreenLight Toys has been a great supporter of all the DiecastSpace.com convention right from the get-go and 2010 is certainly no different. This week collectors are treated to a first look at the flat artwork of GreenLight’s 2010 Super Convention car.

This 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 is a brand new casting, and its making its debut in a promo run for the Super Convention. The final piece will come dressed in Kona Blue Metallic with White Stripes and will sport the convention logo on the roof.

A total of 1008 pieces are being produced for the convention. 912 of those will be Regular Version cars and the remaining 96 will be Green Machines. As an added bonus, GreenLight Toys will be offering a special deal for convention goers. Collectors who buy 5 regular version cars will receive a Green Machine for FREE!

Tickets for the 2010 Super Convention and special events are still available in limited quantities. Be sure to visit the official 2010 Super Convention website for more information on tickets and accommodations.

Fresh off the glimpse of the 2010 Super Convention Dinner Dairy we got a short while ago is this look at a raw, unpainted version of 2010 Shelby Mustang from GreenLight that attendees of the VIP Admin Party will receive. I think this is just the tip of the iceberg for the sneak peeks with just a few months left until the main event.

Click any image to see the larger version

Be sure to visit the official Super Convention website for information on tickets, accommodations and event activities.

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.

Tom Zahorsky from Johnny Lightning sent me an envelope in the mail, so I flipped on the camera to share in the experience of seeing what treasures were contained within!

These 40th Anniversary cars are part of Assortment 1 which contains the following castings:

1969 Chevy Camaro SS- Black with Flames
1969 Dodge Charger R/T- Hemi Orange with black vinyl top
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T- Spoilers #1 Satin Silver with Green stripes
1950 Olds- Metallic Blue with Black top
1965 Ford Mustang- Big Flake Metallic Blue
1970 Dodge Super Bee- Two-tone Red and Silver
1970 Plymouth Superbird- Spoilers #2 Passion Purple Metallic with White stripes
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS- Gloss Black with Matte Black stripes
1969 AMC AMX- Black with Flames and ghost stripes
1968 Shelby GT500- Weekend Racer Yellow

Be sure to check them out at your favorite brick & mortar or online die-cast retailer!

[via johnnylightning.com]

The Shelby Team graciously brought the Terlingua Cobra and a Super Snake Mustang to be put on display at the Super Convention. Its not too often you get to see two cool cars like these get driven into a building, so I captured the moment.

If you have a fast internet connection, be sure to click the “HD” button on the player to see the video high-definition. Enjoy!

Special thanks to my sponsor, DiecastSpace.com for making my trip to the convention possible!

On Thursday night, Amy Boylan and Chris Walker hosted an invite-only party at the Shelby Cafe. Unfortunately my late arrival meant missing the ultra-cool “behind the scenes” tour of the Shelby facilities – however, I was able to snag these shots of the cafe which features Shelby memorabilia and decor through-out.

Special thanks to my sponsor, DiecastSpace.com for making my trip to the convention possible!

Being the first year for the Super Convention, the majority of convention cars offered were Code 3′s created by various customizers. Limited runs and great quality will keep these selection in the “highly sought-after” category.

The two Johnny Lightning pieces at the beginning of the set were part of the general admission ticket. The black Shelby was the standard offering while the red Mustang was the chase piece. Please note that this set does not contain pictures of every car offered. I will add additional pictures as I go through the cars I was able to bring home.

I also include several shots of the many Jimmy “The Boxman” Chavez pieces that were available at the Diehard-Diecast booth. Enjoy!

Special thanks to my sponsor, DiecastSpace.com for making my trip to the convention possible!

Several full-scale show cars were on display in the main hallway at the convention. Shelby brought the Terlingua Cobra and a Super Snake and Dennis Roth brought the Bonneville Tric. Of course collectors really went nuts for the Hot Wheels Crazy Horse Funny Car and Mattel’s Twin Mill. Even Larry Wood himself helped HWC Chris and HWC Bryan roll the Twin Mill into the hotel!

Stay tuned for video footage of the cars entering the building as well as a special moment that got captured at the end of the convention when the Cobra was leaving the building!

Special thanks to my sponsor, DiecastSpace.com for making my trip to the convention possible!

Is it beginning to seem like this SEMA content has no end..?! Well, I’m definitely not done yet. This time I give you some shots of the new M2 Machines muscle cars that Sean Taylor brought by for us to take a peek at. Nice detail, great paint and opening doors and hoods make these puppies ready for competition with the likes of Johnny Lightning. You’ll also see a few shots of Big Lou Tanahara checking out “Stretch Rod.”

I also spent some time at the Shelby booth and somehow only managed to walk away with a few shots of the Shelby Collectibles diecast they had on display. Fear not, Shelby fans – the lack of pictures will be made up when I release the VIDEO footage of SEMA where I spent more time with their diecast than I did with the still camera. Until then, enjoy these shots and stay tuned for more!

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