Diecast of the Day: AutoArt Nissan Skyline GT-R R34

This is one my first AutoArts, and the only one that I've had since about my teen years that's survived (yes, tortured AutoArts, too). The fit and finish on this R34 is impeccable. The hood and boot don't stay open by themselves anymore, but the model is old; it wears with time. The whiteness is still new, and the interior is still in top notch shape, as are the wheels and trim pieces. This is from a time where AA cared about quality rather than quantity, so the fit and finish is above standards for the new ones. The R34 has been one of my favorite cars since it's launch in 1999, and I wanted one in a non cliche color; everyone has the oh-so-common-blue (not that its a bad choice however), and the grays seem to be common, too. But a white one? Unheard of! So that's why my copy is white. I tend to go for combos that replicate how I'd have one done up. Yes, white and gray is typical for a car such as Camry, a Skyline seems to "exotic" to wear the combo; but it works. In the shadows, the white does bring out the lines of the car, and even better, the white works in coordination with the light to hide some details while bringing out others. For $90 4 or 5 years ago, this HAS to be my best bang for the dollar in recent memory--save from my $70 UT Cossie I scored this month.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Ford Fairlane 500

No, this isn't the best year for Fords, nor is this a particularly rare car, but I shot it anyway. Why? Because it's a decent classic car in the land of salty winters and humid summers. With no hubcaps, and obligatory red paint and half done interior, it seems as though it should've been an extra in CHiPs. You know, the cars that get flipped off semis during a crash scene, or cars that are used for the bad guys to run into trying to escape from Ponch. But I dig it. Or it could do its duty bringing a trio of children to school on Mondays through Fridays and go up north on Saturdays. Or it could be the transportation for a generic young person who doesn't have enough money. Or maybe it's a restoration in progress? With a 289 and a 3 spd auto, it could very well have done all of these scenarios. Or maybe I have a bit too vivid of an imagination when it comes to cars?

Diecast of the Day: Mondo Motors Maserati Gran Turismo

The Maserati Gran Turismo is one of my favorite modern cars, so I knew I wanted to have it in 1:18 form, and for that I turned to Mondo Motors. While not having the quality of, say, an AutoArt, this is a good model. The fit and finish is great for the price point, thought details are a tad scarce. The interior is nice, too with gauges and seat texture. The engine, however, is a bit bland and seems as if Mondo did the engine compartment after the car itself was done.I am fond of the color combination, though, as black w/ red interior is never a bad combo. I don't know of anyone else currently producing a Gran Turismo in 1:18, so for now, this is it. At $30 or thereabouts, it's not a bad buy; I do wish for an AutoArt or Minichamps version. Perhaps even Sunstar? Granted those would cost more, but for the better detail those versions would have, I'd say it's worth it.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Maserati Gran Turismo S

Yes, it's a new car, and yes, the Gran Turismo is relatively common in Uptown. That doesn't stop me from shooting them, however. I in love with this car; from it's long hood and short deck, to the sculpted side flanks and fenders, this thing is STUNNING.In terms of aesthetics, I'd slap this at the top of the list, right below the Alfa 8C Competizione.

This car is gorgeous. The fit and finish is above par for Maserati, and it ties into Bentley quality-wise. Despite being a "gran tourer", the Gran Turismo is very much a fast car; think of it as a luxury F430 of sorts. No, it doesn't posses 12 cylinders, and it isn't offered in race trim--yet. But that doesn't matter. What matters is when you drop down the cash for a GTS, you're getting an exclusive combination of style and performance.

Sixty miles per hour comes up in 4.9 seconds for the S and 5.2 for the "base" version. Horsepower is a pleasant 433, which seems give the 4.7 V8 enough grunt to propel the car to a top speed of 183. Not that you would dare go that fast on public roads, although, in this car it has to be pretty hard to resist the urge to try and do so.

Oh, and that sound. My god. I've heard many a engine sounds at car shows and events, but this wins hands down. The 4.7 used by Maserati is among one of the best engines I've heard. Ever. Emitting a deep sonorous bellow, the raspiness can be felt by your feet if you're standing close enough. The sound, too, will have your heart beating faster--I can guarantee that one. It's a sound which has one on edge, from the moment the vehicle is started, continuing to when you can no longer hear it. If it's this much fun for passersby, imagine the experience of driving one. If you find the Maserati styling to be not quite your cup of tea, the 4.7 can be tried out in the Alfa Romeo 8C. More on that later.

Minneapois Street Sighting: Bertone X/19

I see a pattern emerging here; European cars :D This is a decent example of the Fiat/Bertone collabo, the X/19. Introduced to the US in 1972, the X/19 was sold as a Bertone. In Europe, it was sold as both a Fiat and as Bertone. Fiat X/19s were made from 1972 to 1982, and the Bertone version picked up in 1982 where the Fiat left off. To get into the US car market, some (disgusting) changes had to be made. Contrary to its home-continent version, the US version arrived with huge bumpers that were bigger, and more crash resistant. Good for safety, I supposed, but boy did it ruin the front and rear of the car. Yes, I do understand that rubber bumpers are not very safe, but in honesty, cars today have bumpers that don't hamper the appearance; even European cars. So why couldn't this have been years ago? The Fiat/Bertone X/19 would've been an even hotter car!

This particular X/19 is not being care for in the least; not only is the paint (what remained of it anyway) peeling dramatically, it has been spotted around downtown Minneapolis in every type of weather condition; in the rain (with the top off), in the snow (again with the top off) and even has been seen sitting in the grass under trees. What a great way to treat an interesting piece of sports car history. On a positive note, it appears that the trim is all intact and it does have the correct wheels. And, I'm glad it's not sitting in some dumbass's yard or on its way to the crusher yet--in its current state, though, I fear it may be heading to the big scrapyard in the sky. Such a sad end for what once was a good little European roadster.

Diecast of the Day: I have a few surprises coming up

So, with summer around the corner, and me getting more hours, I can buy more diecasts. I have a written "must obtain" list consisting of at least 100 diecasts. Can I buy them in one summer? I doubt it, but I can make good headway. I'm into British sports cars, so AutoArt has what I want. So does Norev. Problem; I don't have the cash to spend $80 to $90 on a 1:18 unless I want to buy 3 or 4 this summer vs. 6 or 7.

I do have a few surprises coming up; keep your eyed peeled for a 1:1 and 1:18 double feature soon. I'm not disclosing what the car is, but it's gonna be a good one.

In the meantime, I am going to shoot the rest of my 50+ 1:18 collection, and have more features on the way!

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Maserati Merak

Now this is an awesome sighting! I mean, how often does one see classic exotics much less classics Maseratis. This Merak was a clean example of a prestigious marque. From far away, ie across the street it looked GREAT; the paint seemed fresh, the wheels were shiny and the tires appeared new, even. Up close, wear and tear was visible, especially in the weatherstripping and panel fit. The interior had missing odds and ends, including the steering wheel cap you see here. The great thing about this particular Merak was that the trim was intact. The owner informed me that it was indeed undergoing restoration, which is not a cheap process for any car, so restoring a Maserati requires time and money; lots of both, in fact. He's spent the past 10 years buying the trim pieces and weatherstripping and hopes to have the car finished for WOI 2009. I can't wait to see it done, and you can bet the owner can't either! Exotics are meant to be driven, and drive it he does.