Category Archives: Greenlight

Some More US 1:64 Models

By Maz Woolley

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Releases from US premium 1:64 companies slowed down when the pandemic interrupted normal business activity and although releases have increased steadily over the last year there has been a marked increase in the number of recoloured/re-liveried models produced. M2 for example have endlessly produced the same castings in Coca Cola and several other US brand name liveries. They have also made a number of custom versions using existing castings and of course every release is accompanied by chase models in slightly different finishes. Other ranges like AutoWorld have simply slowed down the number of releases, though this may partly be as a result of now controlling production of Johnny Lightning releases as well. Greenlight have also slowed down the rate of new castings, again using the same casting many times in several different ranges. For example the casting used for the Plymouth Satellite Station Wagon shown below has been issued in five variations in the Estate Wagon Series alone. They also produce special models for sale at Walmart and Target stores.

Greenlight 1969 Plymouth Satellite Station Wagon

Released in the Estate Wagons series 5 this model is of a fairly basic car finished in white with few frills other than the tow hook which allows the model to be used in the Hitch and Tow series should they wish too or to pull trailers from the Hitched Homes series.

The second generation Satellite produced from 1967 to 1970 was built on the Belvedere platform frequently sold to Police Departments and was based on the full size Chrysler platform. The 1969 model was mildly re-styled with a new grille.

The Greenlight model has only one opening feature which is the tailgate which is not engineered well as it only folds out a short way and cannot be opened flat as was probably intended. Glazing is reasonably flush fitting though with rather distorting surfaces. The interior is moulded in black with door cards that do not reach up to window level and fairly basic seats. The dash has some moulded detail but no printing and a steering wheel which is a vague representation of some of those seen on the internet. The white paint is thinly applied so no detail is lost but it thins over the panel lines in some places. Door handles and fuel filler are printed over raised features as is the rear chrome strip. Lights are printed white at the front contrasting with a nicely moulded chrome effect grille with black wash to make the detail stand out. The rear lights, side indicator repeaters and rear lights are all printed on. Vehicle badging scripts are printed on the front wings and are minute.


Greenlight 1986 Chevrolet Caprice Brougham

This model is from Greenlight’s Vintage Ad cars series where the model comes with the backing card within the pack illustrated with a period advert for the car concerned. Here the advert tells us that the the Caprice Classic Brougham is ‘the uncompromised American Classic‘.

The model is of the third generation car which lasted from 1977 to 1990. It was a full size car though smaller than the previous generation of Caprice and the length of time in production reflected the gradual move away from full size platforms in the US so those that remained had less competition and there was less need to update them annually. In fact the 1986 Caprice was the first major exterior restyle since 1980 and the changes mainly consisted of a smoother front end and restyled tail lights. New aerodynamic mirrors were fitted but the model does not have any mirrors.

This casting is extensively used by Greenlight with it adapted to be cast as various model year versions. It appears as a base 1986 Caprice in the Hot Pursuit range for example and as 1981 Caprice from the Film ‘Thelma and Louise’ in the Hollywood series and the ‘A Team1980 Caprice Classic in the same series.

Here it is finished to a high standard with well painted body finished with the lower contrast chrome finish and the darker matt roof. Window surrounds and trim lines are nicely silver printed. The front and rear Chevrolet badges are printed as a silver shape but with no further detailing. The front bumper has nice black lines amongst the chrome finish and the rear badging is tiny and very neatly done. The wheels are nicely finished with the elaborate wheel covers and the thin white wall stripe. The tyres are much too wide, a failing on many US 1:64 ranges and a fault shared with the Plymouth above.



AutoWorld 1965 Chevy Suburban

AutoWorld have always sold their models as exact scale models and their tyre widths tend to be more accurate though not always as we will see on the Nova below. The Chevy Suburban shown from their Muscle Trucks series is one of the first models produced using this casting. Since its release models have been made in dark blue and white, orange and white , solid red and solid gold.

The Chevy Suburban was basically a large Estate Wagon based on truck frames and production started in 1934 and the model was updated as Chevrolet truck generations were released. The 1965 model was towards the end of the fifth generation which had started in 1960 . Both inline six cylinder engines and V8s were available and the models engine looks like a V8. The same vehicle with mild detail changes could also be badged as a GMC.

This was a large vehicle and had two rows of seats and a substantial load area behind that. It was a little more civilised than a crew cab pickup and was a practical vehicle for a tradesman who needed a vehicle for work and family activities. A 4×4 version was even available for those who needed it.

The model has nice flush glazing with neatly printed window rubbers though by printing them on the body rather than on the glazing there is an incorrect stripe of body colour between rubber and window a defect we also see on many Oxford Diecast models. Another defect is the large intrusion moulded into the rear of the model to provide the fixing into the chassis, totally unacceptable in this day and age when other fixing techniques are available. Apart from this the model is a nice one with nice printed handles, badging and front grille and lights. The rear is neatly finished too with red lights printed on and number plate. The wheels are colour matched to the car with a white centre and red badge circle. Thin white walls that are period appropriate are printed on and the tyres are thick but the closer to scale as the original Suburban had big truck tyres.


AutoWorld 1963 Chevy II Nova Wagon

A much smaller model than the Suburban above, as the real car was a sub-compact introduced to compete with European cars which had been selling increasing volumes in the US in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Though small by US standards it was a large car compared with Volkswagens and other European imports. The model is of the first generation of the Chevy Nova which ran from 1962 to 1965 and which was a very conventional design intended to draw back customers who had been ‘scared off’ by the unconventional rear engined Chevrolet Corvair. The four door estate was available with an overhead valve inline four or six cylinder engine. The Nova was outsold by the Ford Falcon which was introduced in 1960 and became well well established whilst Chevrolet made the rear engined Corvair.

The AutoWorld model of this Nova is in its Muscle Wagon range. It can now be bought in the silver/blue shown in this article, red, azure aqua, and tan with a white roof.

The model is relatively simple with an opening bonnet showing what seems to be an inline six cylinder engine. The silver printed window surrounds work well as glazing is flush and it is modelled with side windows open. This model avoids the incorrect strip of body colour trapped between the silver and the glazing. The badging is tiny but present on the side and rear and the door handles side and rear are printed neatly over raised areas of the casting. The wheels are basic black with small silver hubcaps as befits a budget car. The hubs appear to be too deep for a basic model of the car. Again the tyres are too wide, photographs of the original car show them to have tyres about a scale two thirds the width of the model.

The interior of the model has nicely moulded seats and rear load area, as well as moulded door cards and a simply moulded dashboard with some evidence of dial shapes and an appropriate steering wheel moulding. The top of the dashboard even has moulded in vents. Like the other models here no attempt is made to model the indicators, gear shifters and other levers which would be attached to the steering column, or to provide exterior mirrors.


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Some US Prototype 1:64 Models

By Maz Woolley

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

This article looks at a few models released over the last year of US built cars, and a trailer, made to 1:64 scale. Two are from Greenlight which is based in Indianapolis in the US and the other is a Mini GT produced by True Scale MIniatures of Hong Kong. All models were actually made in China.

Greenlight 1949 Buick Roadmaster

Greenlight are a mainstream US industrial firm selling models in multiple scales and in large quantities. They are upmarket from standard Hot Wheels and Matchbox models and generally close to the advertised 1:64 scale. Here we see two versions of their Buick Roadmaster casting. The first is made in their Hitch and Tow series and pulls an Airstream Bambi marked 1961, the year the caravan was launched, on its base. Car and caravan are in matching custom paint finish. The lower part of the car is diecast and the roof, windshield and glazing are all plastic allowing for flush windows and neatly printed window surrounds. The second 1949 Buick is a convertible using the same lower diecast section and finished as the car which appeared in the film Rain Man and it is in Greenlight’s Hollywood series. The 1949 Buick was the first significant update of the Roadmaster after the Second World War and it was the fifth generation of the car.

In both cases there are no opening parts but a considerable amount of printed detail like Buick vent ports on the front wing and badging on front, side and rear, as well as the classic Buick Sweepspear‘ side mouldings and front and rear lights. Under the cars there is a cast in chassis detail as well as engine, transmission and other underside detail. Inside the car there is a good representation of a steering wheel for the scale, as well as a dashboard with moulded in details and door cards with raised details and nicely moulded seats. It is fitted with a sturdy metal tow bar which is not too distracting.

The Trailer/Caravan has appeared before in the Hitch and Tow series in its classic polished finish. Here it is in a two tone finish to match the tow car and it has many details printed on. The Caravan windows are solid dark plastic inserts and the trailer/caravan has no opening door or fitted interior.


1949 Buick Roadmaster. From Internet photographs it looks like it is modelled as as the rare Riviera Coupe version of this car.

1961 Airstream Bambi Trailer (Caravan) with lots of detailed printing to give custom details

The 1949 Buick Convertible as used in the Film Rain Man

Mini GT Lincoln Capri

MIni GT is a premium range made to a higher standard than Greenlight’s models and priced accordingly. They are again diecast and unlike Greenlights which are for 3+ years this is a collectors model for 14+. This model from Mini GT is a curiosity. As far as I can see it is the only 1950s model in their range, and no others have been announced to join it yet. Perhaps it is a test to see whether the US market will buy classic cars made to Mini GTs standard and price point.

The 1952 Lincoln Capri was the first generation of this car. It competed with the Cadillac Series 62, Chrysler New Yorker, and Packard Patrician. The model is of the 1954 version of this car which was powered by LIncoln’s new V8 and the car was priced competitively and sold in considerable numbers for a luxury, and expensive, product. The Capri was one of the first cars to offer an automated headlight dimmer.

The Mini GT model is made to their usual high standard with flush glazing even though the entire body is diecast. The window surrounds are printed to a very high standard as are the side body mouldings. We get a separate inserted emblem on the bonnet over a neatly printed badge. Front lights are separate inserts and the rear lights are red and orange over painted in silver on the separate rear bumper and light assembly. The front grille is beautifully moulded and painted with black infill. The wheels and tyres are excellent too with the central emblem in red printed on the silver hubcaps. The tyres are a nice scale width and have good white printed sidewalls. There is even a tiny mirror inserted on the Driver’s door.

Inside the model is difficult to see but is clearly in a single black shade wit very basic door cards and a dash with a bit of moulded detail but little else and the steering wheel which looks fairly basic.

1954 Lincoln Capri from Mini GT

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Greenlight for 2023

By Maz Woolley

Text Copyright of the Author. Photographs/Illustrations from the Maker or Wholesaler.

Greenlight are a major industrial model maker based in the United States with all its models diecast and finished in China. They produce models in many scales from 1:18 to 1:64. Although they do introduce new castings from time to time they do produce a huge range of liveries on any casting that they develop. They also produce special models for hobby shop outlets that you will not see here and have been known to produce specials for Walmart too. They frequently sell themed sets of models with each also being available as an individual model.

Greenlight models are priced above Hot Wheels and Matchbox but are cheaper than the new detailed 1:64 models from Mini GT or Para 64. For many years they were not readily available in the UK but of recent years they are being imported by large UK Model Wholesalers like John Ayreys.

The models shown below are mostly illustrated by manufacturers drawings at this point. These are charming but many ranges no longer produce these catalogue illustration style drawings as publicity preferring to generate images from 3D renderings. Personally, I rather like these ‘old-fashioned’ images. All the models listed below are due in the UK in January/February 2023.

1:18 Scale

11169 NTT Indycar Series 2022 #11 JR.Hildebrand /AJ Foyt Enterprises ABC Supply 7

Greenlight continues its coverage of Indy Car entrants. Very popular models on the US market.


1:64 Scale


13330 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Series 1 (6-Car Set) 12 pieces

Pikes Peak is an International Hill Climb also known as The Race to the Clouds. Invited contestants climb to the summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain in Colorado, USA on the last Sunday of June. The event features 156 turns over a 12.42-mile course beginning at over 9,300 feet and ending at 14,115’ above sea level. In 2018 the current race record, 07:57.148, was set in a prototype electric Volkswagen, with French driver Romain Dumas behind the wheel.

13330A Plymouth Savoy #62 Joe Giba 1957 Pikes Peak INT Hill Climb Series 1
13330B Chevrolet Impala #69 Bill Daniels 1967 Pikes Peak INT Hill Climb Series 1
13330C AMC Javelin Official Pace Car 49th Annual Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb 1971
13330D Plymouth Hemi Cuda #42 Jess Neal 1971 Pikes Peak INT Hill Climb Series 1
13330E Pontiac Firebird Trans AM Official Pace Car 58th Annual 1980 Pikes Peak
13330F Ford Bronco #17 Jimmy Ford 1994 Pikes Peak INT Hill Climb Series 1

30412 VW Double Cab Pickup 1970 w/Drop Tow Hook Gulf Oil That Good Stuff Gasoline

Greenlight frequently make vehicles in gas station liveries and US Oil Companies liveries. Here is a Volkswagen ‘Doka’ with tow truck fitments in Gulf livery. There is a wide variety of Gulf liveried product from Greenlight already from Box Van s to racing cars so plenty of scope for a themed collection of these models.


30428 Dodge D-350 Greenlight Trade Show Exclusive 1990

A model image this time. A well finished Dodge pickup here. A partner for the already released 1982 version of the same truck which differs only really in the front grille.


41160 Running on Empty Series 16 (6-Car Set) 12 pieces

The Running on Empty series has been running for some years and seems to be centred on vehicles used for club sports and fuel and part related liveries. Here new tooling for a Doge RAM D-150 makes its appearance.

41160A Chevrolet Camaro SS Bill Book Chevy Pacesetter Book City Altoona Pennsylvania

Sponsorship details fully replicated this Camaro makes for a nice model. Nice printed details on the front wing too.

41160B Dodge Charger Grand Spalding Mr Norms Mini Charger Funny Car Tribute 1968

Grand Spalding Dodge car company was owned by the late Norman Kraus, known as Mr Norm. Based in Chicago he understood the appeal of Muscle Cars from the early 1960s and was a famous face on the racing scene

41160C Dodge RAM D-150 Mopar Direct Connection 1981

Direct Connection is a long established seller of aftermarket parts for Dodge Mopar cars. The Dodge truck here is liveried in its company colours.

41160D 1990 GMC S-15 Sierra Flowtech Exhaust

Flowtech Exhausts are a sub-division of the Holley Corporation. With their tagline ‘punish the pavement’ these are aftermarket products for car and truck modifiers. The GMC truck here is in their livery with the flame motif.

41160E Topo Fuel Altered Hooker Headers

A Topolino funny car running in Hookers Headers livery. This is another Holley Corporation sub-division specialising in after market exhausts, mounts and other components.

41160F Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 Panel Van Phillips 1966

The ubiquitous Volkswagen Transporter in Phillips Oil company livery. The Phillips 66 Company is based in Texas and dates back to the 1920s. It is still an active player in the petrochemical market. Today, Phillips 66 gas stations primarily operate in the Midwest and Southwest. The 66 sign was influenced by the famous Route 66 trans-continental highway.


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Creating another 1967 Impala

By John F. Quilter

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

A while back, Greenlight launched a Tuxedo black 1967 Chevrolet Impala sport sedan which most know as a four door pillarless hardtop.  It was from the TV series Supernatural so had some non-stock features like a pair of A post mounted spot lights and some alloy aftermarket wheels.   Otherwise, it was a good replica of this large family car which was almost at the top of the pecking order of Chevrolets, only the ultra-fancy trimmed Caprice was higher.  

Photograph from Greenlight Website

  I acquired one of these and not liking the non-stock wheels was able to find an internet photo of an Impala full wheel cover which I copied and reduce in size to 1:43 scale, printed and glued to the alloy wheel which is now a fair representation of the most common cover that would have been seen on these cars,  albeit not three dimensional.    

Image from website as shown

TSM, (aka True Scale Models) also makes 1967 Impalas, a convertible, and a sport coupe hardtop although thee are considerably more expensive than Greenlight models and made in resin.   These are accurate models of the SS version with the massive 427 cubic inch (7 litre)  V8 that was an option for someone looking for maximum engine size and power.   To set these 427 equipped cars apart from their lesser brothers they were fitted with a different bonnet that contained a chrome faux vent.  Because these largest engine versions were quite rare this bonnet is rarely seen.   The SS trim level was the sporty version which came with rallye wheels and bucket seats among other features.

The Greenlight model is also quite correct in scale, and fidelity to shape, and being relatively inexpensive makes a good candidate for my modification efforts.  I got to thinking I needed to complete the line up of these big full size family Chevrolets with a station wagon. So, an extra Greenlight hardtop went under the saw and became a station wagon.  

Two photographs above: – Original model with wheel covers added shown above with Body after cutting below.

I cut off most of the boot lid,  rear quarter of the top and using a piece of card stock mocked up an extended roof and tailgate.  This is used as a pattern when I cut out a section of sheet aluminium that is grafted on to the modified diecast body using an epoxy material known as J B Weld.    A jeweller’s saw is the tool of choice to saw away at the diecast body. If you attempt this, have multiple saw blades on hand as they break easily.  

Creating the paper master for the station wagon extension.

The new station wagon finished and shown next to original Greenlight model both with added paper wheel covers.

Good photos of the tailgate and most importantly a 90-degree side view is important to get the shape and details correct.   Google images always comes through which makes doing this type work much easier than it was 25 years ago.   I picked a light metallic blue colour which was common on this era of Chevrolets.  Interior would have been all vinyl in a matching blue.   Again, I covered the alloy wheels with my printed wheel covers for a more realistic look.   I used two different techniques for whitewall tyres, one got decal white walls which are a bit thicker, and the wagon got thin whitewalls using very thin wire from a discarded electrical relay winding, painted white and glued in place.

The photos below show the new groupings of 1967 Chevrolet Impalas that I can now display.


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Some American 1:64 Models

By Maz Woolley

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Over the last eighteen months releases seem to have come thick and fast in 1:64 scale from M2, Greenlight and other American firms but these seem to have largely been recolours, or re-finishing of existing castings in an array of different custom finishes. In contrast Auto World which took over Johnny Lightning a couple of years ago has had few releases, and even then a lot of existing castings have appeared in these. All these models are of course diecast in China for the US.

Pressure in this market sector has mounted from Mattel which has been developing more upmarket versions of Hot Wheels models and new Chinese based firms like Para64 and MiniGT. It surprises me that the established American premium 1:64 producers seem to be happy ‘resting on their laurels’.

The models shown here were released some months ago but have just made their way into my collection. They are of classic 1970s vehicles from a time when full size US cars were huge in size, and engine size too.

Auto World 1975 Buick Estate Wagon

This is from Auto World in its Premium Series Release 2 Version B from 2019. It is an example of the longest station wagon ever made and it was the highest level station wagon in the GM range as Cadillac never featured any wagons. It featured a ‘clamshell tail gate that looked pretty but seems to only offer a relatively narrow opening with the rear windows made to curve strongly inwards at the rear. It folded up and away and the lower half receded back into the lower body work giving a completely unimpeded access to the load area. Of course the cost of that was lost space for the recessing of the door panels and weight and complexity.

The Auto World model shows why they often produce the best examples of 1:64 scale US vehicles. It has wheels with realistic width tyres and lots of detail printing which makes it a neat replica of the real car. It also has some detail moulded into the base. Curiously, although it has an engine modelled the bonnet is not made to open. Those who try to will find that the bonnet fittings at the back break off and you are left with a loose bonnet – strange engineering – and annoying when it happens to you!

The real car was powered by a 455 cubic inch V8 driving the rear wheels through a three speed automatic gearbox. It was built in Flint in Michigan in relatively small numbers.

The model is large and the Buick ventiports are printed on the printed ‘fake wood’ sides. The green paint is a deeply coloured metallic with quite small flakes so it looks pretty good. The roof rack is overscale but that is pretty normal for smaller models, the one on the real car is pretty large diameter tubing but scaled down an accurate rack would be considerable thinner.

The interior is pretty standard black plastic tub with some moulded detail but no attempt to provide door cards or dashboard instrumentation.

Greenlight 1978 AMC Matador Barcelona

This model was again released some time ago and is from Greenlight’s Hobby Shop Series 10 series of models. The second generation of Matador made between 1974 and 1978 was a full-size US car and was AMC’s biggest vehicle since the discontinuation of the Ambassador in 1974. Upmarket versions were made and badged Barcelona and Oleg Cassini (a fashion designer).

The “Barcelona” option was a special trim package which included velveteen crush fabric upholstery on the individually reclining front seats, vinyl roof, and co-ordination of colours both inside and outside. The Barcelona sedan came in a choice of two two-tone colour schemes: Golden Ginger Metallic on Sand Tan with a tan interior as modelled here, or Autumn Red metallic on Claret metallic with a claret interior. Additional features included woven accent stripes on the seats as well as on the door cards, a unique roof lining , heavier weight carpeting, dual colour-matched remotely adjustable rear view mirrors, 15-inch slot-styled road wheels colour-matched to the exterior colour scheme, and whitewall tires.

In 1978, the 4.2 litre inline six remained the standard engine with an optional 5.9 litre as the only available V8. Sales of the Matador fell by two-thirds in the 1978 model year and AMC dropped the line.

Overseas Matadors were also marketed under the Rambler marque and were assembled under license in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Australia by Australian Motor Industries (AMI). Matadors were also exported to the UK in right-hand drive versions but sold in very small numbers.

The Greenlight model is nicely painted, printed and detailed. The second set of axles and wheels offered is a bit of a gimmick as far as I can see as getting the original set off would need to be done very carefully to avoid damaging the wheels and the model. I am very surprised that it is marked as suitable for 6+ children with loose axles and wheels. And talking of wheels the tyres are over-wide although not as badly so as some other ranges like Johnny Lightning.

Although the special edition markings on the exterior are nicely printed on the interior lacks all signs of the special edition trim. It is a beige/tan coloured moulding with some details moulded in and none picked out in any other colour. It does have moulded door cards rather than bare metal sides though.


It is good that American firms continue to release models of cars of their past and there were some other models issued last year that I look forward to obtaining.


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Greenlight Indycar Models

By Maz Woolley

Here in the UK American Indycar racing is very much overshadowed by Formula 1. However, in the US this is far from the case with the Indycar series of street and circuit races wending its’ way round the country from April to September. To most of us outside the US Indycar racing is synonymous with racing round an oval speedway but the series is actually run mainly on road tracks with only three racetrack courses in use this season. At the moment the first four races of the season have been won by different drivers so the championship is an exciting one for Indycar fans. Although there is special kudos in winning the Indianapolis 500 ,which this season takes place at the 30th May 2021, the series is actually seventeen races long and one even takes place in Ontario Canada.

The series is sponsored by NTT a large Japanese communications company and is run by Penske. Indycar racing differs to Formula 1 in one key respect: the teams are only allowed to use a single Italian made Dallara IR18 chassis with a universal aero kit and Firestone tyres. A choice of engines from Honda and Chevrolet, both 2.2-litre V6 twin-turbocharged, is allowed. The standard specification is amended from time to time and was due to be changed for this season but this was delayed due to Covid-19.

There are fifteen teams entered for the 2021 season and a wide range of liveries is encountered as teams and sponsors vie to produce the most eye catching car.

Greenlight produces a range of Indycars in both 1:18 and 1:64 scales. These are relatively inexpensive, especially in the US. This allows collectors to build up quite a range of cars from the grid, though obviously the focus is on the most famous drivers and teams.

The images shown below show pre-production and cell images issued by Greenlight of the proposed cars for 2021 and when they are likely to arrive in the UK, presumably US sales will start earlier than that.

1:18 Scale

11113 NTT Indycar Series 2021 #5 P.O Ward/Arrow McLaren SP TBD (Road Course Configuration) June 2021

11114 NTT Indycar Series 2021 #15 G.Rahal/ Letterman Racing United Rentals June2021

11116 NTT Indycar 2021 Series #12 W.Power/Team Penske Verizon 5G (Road Course) July 2021

11118 NTT Indycar 2021 Series #3 S.McLaughlin/ Team Penske PPG (Road Course)July 2021

11119 NTT Indycar Series 2021 #29 J.Hinchcliffe Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport Genesys June 2021

11124 NTT Indycar Series 2021 #20 C.Daly/Ed Carpenter US Air Force (Road Course) August 2021

1:64 Scale

11504 NTT Indycar 2021 Series #2 J.Newgarden/ Team Penske Hitachi September 2021

11510 NTT Indycar Series 2021 #5 P.O Ward/Arrow McLaren SP TBD June 2021

11511 NTT Indycar Series 2021 #15 G.Rahal/ Letterman Racing United Rentals June 2021

11512 NTT Indycar Series 2021 #12 W.Power/Team Penske Verizon 5G June 2021

11516 NTT Indycar 2021 Series #30 T.Sato/Rahal Letterman Lamigan Racing Shield Cleansers July 2021


11517 NTT Indycar Series 2021 #20 C.Daly/Ed Carpenter Racing US Air Force June 2021

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A Look at a couple of Greenlight 1:64 Models

By Maz Woolley

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

The number of new castings from the premium American 1:64 producers like Greenlight, M2, and Auto World slowed down to a crawl in 2020 and so far the indications are that 2021 will be no different. M2 in particular seem to be determined to make as many different versions as they can from the same castings rather than do anything new. Autoworld only managed two releases in 2020 and most of the models included were re-colours. Greenlight did better but still released many fewer new castings preferring to re-colour and rework castings into new versions. The challenges of the current marketplace are obviously being felt in the US as well as in the UK and Europe.

This article looks at two new castings last year from Greenlight both diecast in China to 1:64 scale and both castings will be available in a number of versions in a number of ranges.

Greenlight Vintage Ad Cars Series 2 1986 Chevrolet Caprice Brougham

The 1986 Caprice enjoyed a major restyle and ran until 1990. It was the only Chevrolet left with a full size platform with rear wheel drive. Both front and rear ends were mildly changed and the emblem no longer stood on the bonnet but was replaced by a badge above the grille. The Brougham was the top of the line car with split front seat with armrest, a pillow seating design in velour. They had plastic wood on the dashboard, a map light, courtesy lights and deep pile carpets.

The upmarket Brougham would have generally been specified with a 5 Litre V8 and automatic transmission.

This model is very nicely painted and has excellent printed details. The lack of any opening parts means that there are no overscale panel gaps.

Though the whole of the lights at the front are painted on they look acceptable at this smaller scale. The grille and badge are printed quite finely and the bumper is a large ‘chromed’ unit with the matt black strip printed on and replicates the huge bumpers used to meet US crash test requirements.

The side view shows the ‘silvered’ sills and the coachline, door handles and indicators and repeaters are very well realised. The window surrounds are neatly printed too as is the badging on the C pillar.

The wheels and tyres are fine with the fake wire wheel hubs well detailed, though a black wash would have improved their look.

Inside lots of detail is moulded into the dashboard and door cards but nothing is picked out

To the rear the emblem and badging are finely printed and though there are no number plates there are places where they could be fitted if the buyer wanted.

The rear three quarter view highlights what a big car the Caprice was and how much of its length was boot (trunk).


Greenlight Estate Wagons Series 5 1969 Plymouth Satellite Station Wagon

The second series of the Satellite was introduced in 1968. The model shown is a regular Satellite not the more upmarket Sport Satellite. This can be determined by the basic egg crate grille ands shape. All cars in the range had V8 engines ranging from the entry level 4.5 Litres upwards with auto boxes with three or four gears. The Satellite was introduced as a top of the range mid-sized car in 1965 but by 1969 the GTX and Sports Satellite were levels above the basic Satellite.

The basic Satellite was a relatively plain car with a simple grille and lacking two tone paint or chrome detailing compared to many other US Wagons. The shape has been well captured though the paint ‘splits’ at all the panel gaps.

Compared to the Caprice the front end is not modelled or printed as well with the grille looking ‘ragged’ when looked at closely. Light printing has little bits missing and is not round in some areas. The bump on the metal chassis is also a bit obvious when viewed at eye level.

The side view highlights the fact that the side windows look too shallow compared to internet photographs. Perhaps the overscale printed silver window surrounds make this worse too.

Side repeaters and badging are neatly printed. And the interior is moulded with a fair bit of detail on door cards and dash, though none is picked out by over printing.

The rear of the wagon is rather poor. The opening lower door panel means that a window is omitted for the upper part and the panel gaps round the lower half are large.

The ‘chrome’ stripe and badging are better than the photo suggests but the rear door panel is disappointing. The photograph below shows that it has not been engineered well enough to open flat.

A tow hook is included as I expect that this wagon will turn up in the Hitch and Tow series at some point.

The wheels have pretty basic hubs. These appear to be the same as the Brady Bunch version of this car from Greenlight without any printing to make alloys clear.


Despite some criticism of the Satellite these models are good value at US prices. Though dearer than standard Hot Wheels the models are much more ‘collector friendly’ with less compromise in build and detail. Better Hot Wheels ranges with more detail and better wheels tend to be sold at premium prices closer to Greenlights prices and M2 and AutoWorld are similar prices too. Of course here in the UK all the US based ranges sell for considerably higher prices than they do in the US.


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Greenlight Gremlins

By Robin Godwin

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

It seems like many model purchases these days are not transparent unless you are buying “blue blood” models such as Minichamps or some of the resin ranges. A significant number of current model ranges are sourced from other manufacturers – to (mis)use a British term, they are ‘badge engineered’. This is often explained as a function of Chinese or other manufacture where the actual casting company owns the moulds, which is probably true. But the result is that collectors may see a nearly identical model in several different ranges, differentiated by as little as a tampo logo signifying the current seller or minor detail upgrades/ downgrades. My biggest beef with the print model magazines is that they rarely indicate a models provenance, implying in their reviews that it is an original casting/model. One of the most prominent providers of these contract models is PCT (Premium & Collectibles Trading, parent of IXO, IST and J-Collection ranges), and many of the models they provide to certain ranges were originally conceived as partworks. This is, to me, what complicates model purchases today.

I usually like to call out manufacturers who issue “new” models that are simply reissues of earlier partworks – Solido, Whitebox, and Greenlight come to mind, but there are many more. All this is just a lead-in to a recent purchase where I have been unable to identify the source of the model. But the mystery is more complicated than that. I’m talking about a South American (Chile, to be exact) publishers partwork called “Hollywood Cars” in (a claimed ) 1:43 scale and the one model that interested me – a VW Beetle from the movie Gremlins. The model itself, which spent many months in the “covid-post” from a Chilean vendor, is actually labelled as a Greenlight – it is cast in the plastic base.  But Greenlight already did a Gremlins Beetle in 2015, and that model was sourced from an earlier PCT partwork. It has Greenlight tampoed on the base. The South American Beetle is, however, a completely different casting with a production date of 2018.

A bit of background: the publisher is Mercado Libre in Chile. It is apparent that they contracted with a Spanish marketing company, Luppa Creative Solutions, to arrange production of the range of cars. I know that Greenlight is responsible for the Beetle, but cannot verify the other models. So here is a Chilean partwork issue, sourced by a Spanish company (albeit, with an office in Lima, Peru) using model(s) produced in China, by the American company, Greenlight. Could this be more complicated? Yes, because I doubt very much that the Greenlight VW is an original GL mould. It is actually way cruder than “normal” 1:43 GLs, and is to a slightly larger scale. I thought originally it may have been sourced from one of the lower end Chinese manufacturers like Welly, Yat Ming (Road Signature), New Ray, Hongwell, High Speed or others who have made 1:43 Beetles. I have many inexpensive Beetles in my collection but could find no matches. I have only seen this Beetle in this specific collection. I’m guessing that Greenlight sourced a low-end model because Mercado Libre wanted to meet a price point in what might be a low volume market, and Luppa also needed to make a profit on the whole arrangement. Certainly, Greenlight (or PCT themselves) might have provided the higher specification regular issue Beetle, but profit margins through the supply chain may have been too low or negligible. Certainly, the higher spec model is more expensive to produce. Can anyone add more information?


Editors Note: I think that the involvement of Greenlight may be to give the partwork producer access to Greenlight’s Volkswagen and Hollywood licensing arrangements which take a lot of organising. Greenlight has four Hollywood ranges in different scales but the cars shown below are mostly not shown on their website in their 1:43 scale range. As Robin says some of the models look more like 1:64 items if the models are shown to size. It seems to be a feature of some, though not all, South American partwork ranges to use more toylike models presumably as Robin suggests to keep the sales price down.

If any reader has further information on the models in this range we here at MAR Online would be interested to hear it.


A flyer illustrating the 15 Hollywood Cars partwork series. If it shows relative model sizes, then it is apparent that scales are approximate, and the vehicles themselves may have multiple origins. I believe the numbers immediately under the models are introduction/availability dates. See https://listado.mercadolibre.cl/delorean-hollywood-cars (photo internet)

The higher spec Gremlins Beetle, left, actually represents the 1967 Beetle from Gremlins (but with bumper errors), whereas the Chilean Hollywood Cars version is an earlier VW (headlight angle and slightly slanted quarter window post). Oversize wheels and tires on the Chilean model accentuate the already too tall casting.

Size and detail differences are apparent. The movie car bumper was like the Chilean model on the right only minus the overriders.

Engine cooling vents tell you these are completely different model years. I never saw the movie, but the two bumper mounted items inside of the overriders are accurate to the movie car, but I’m not sure if they are meant to be lights or something else.

The size difference is quite apparent in this photo. The Chile model, top, has Greenlight cast into the plastic base along with the year 2018. The PCT sourced 2015 Greenlight version only has a tampo. VW licensing acknowledged by white tampo on the base of the Chile model and a “ghost” tampo on the lower model. LU 315 cast on the base behind the right rear wheel of the top model may be a Luppa control number or possibly a clue to who actually cast the model. The model appeared as #11 in a series of 15.

Luppa is acknowledged on the front of the Chilean box.

VW licensing is acknowledged on the box of 2015 “rest-of-world” issue, top, with a hologram licensing sticker.


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Dirty, Worn, Beaten, and Abandoned – Part I

Models that are made to reflect the used and abused states of their full-size subjects

By Harvey Goranson

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Many of us enjoy seeking old toys and newer model cars in the best condition possible, as-new or mint boxed when we can afford them. In recent years some manufacturers have offered up models that are new, but then, not so new. These have included dirtied or partly wrecked racing cars, rusted heaps from movies and TV, and even a barn-find relic or two. Here are a few I have added to my collection.


Ixo Lancias – Around 2006 or so, Lancia Club Japan had a group of limited edition Lancia Martini rally cars issued with a dirtied appearance, as they might look after a rally stage. The edition size for each is listed as 1000. I have three of the Martini-sponsored Monte Carlo rally winners, No. LCJ001 Lancia Delta Integrale 16V (1989), No. LCJ004 Lancia Delta S4 (1986), and No. LCJ006 Lancia Delta Integrale 16V (1992).

CMR 43003 Porsche 917 – From a partworks series, the model is mis-labelled as the 1971 Daytona winner, when in fact it represents the 4th place Rodriguez-Oliver car from the 1971 Sebring 12-hour race. This is clear from the simulated damage to the right front fender and cobbled up replacement headlight. Decals representing duct tape-repaired fiberglass and race front end grime complete the decoration, though I think the outlines of duct tape pieces were a bit overdone. Also, the black-outlined roundel may only have been on the right side. But still a very effective budget model.

Spark US046 Porsche 935 – Sometimes the damage effect is minimal. When I got this Porsche 935/77A, the Whittington Brothers entry that won the 1979 Watkins Glen 6-hour, I thought there was decal damage to the Budweiser ad at the left rear fender (see closeup). But no, a race photo revealed that Spark had exactly replicated a tear and black smudge to the ad which occurred during the race. Well researched Spark!

Spark 43DA69 Lola T-70 Mk. IIIB – Initially, Spark issued the 1969 Daytona-winning Lola T-70 Mk. IIIB in its pristine blue Penske-Sunoco livery that it started the race in. This was Spark S1437. But later Spark started a series of Daytona 24-hour race winners, and they needed one for year 1969. So, they issued the same model in post-race condition, with sprayed race grime and simulated duct tape repair to the front bodywork. Nicely done, a little more effective than the decals used on the CMR 917.

Greenlight 96421 Dodge Monaco “Bluesmobile” – In the 1980 blockbuster “The Blues Brothers”, Jake Blues is released from prison only to find that his brother Jake has replaced their old fine ride with an ex-cop car he got at a Mt. Prospect police auction. Anyone who has lived in Chicago knows how a car can look after only a few years of snow, salt, and potholes, and the movie car appeared even worse. GreenLight has been making numerous movie cars in multiple scales, and this is one of their best efforts. The 1974 Monaco has dull paint (faded on the roof), old police markings that look like they were lazily ground off, and missing hubcaps to complete the effect.

GreenLight 86495 Ford Gran Torino 1973 – The Big Lebowski is one of my favorite Cohen Brothers movies, so I had to have this one. Jeff Bridges plays The Dude, a slacker who is mistaken for another, more well-to-do Lebowski, and the mayhem starts from there. Throughout the movie the Dude’s Torino plays a part, getting more beaten as the plot transpires. GreenLight did another good job, with rust, scratches, primer spots, wonky license, and missing hubcaps. The effect fails a little when broken door handles are tampo-printed, not 3-dimensional parts. But this may have been so that the casting could be used for other versions.

Ebbro 44454 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk. I – What’s wrong with this one, you might ask? It is a nice replica, but Ebbro made an otherwise concours Sprite look like its leather has been worn down from use. And there’s more wear on the driver’s side, as you might expect. A subtle touch that was worth a mention here.

Please see more dirty cars in Part II.


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Datsun 510

By Maz Woolley

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Greenlight‘s sales model depends upon castings being extensively re-used. Their castings of Japanese cars have been cycled through many custom and racing finishes. Here we see the Datsun 510 from 1968 in a relatively stock finish in packaging celebrating its 50th Anniversary. This model is to 1:64 scale and made for Greenlight in China for the US.

The Datsun 510 was sold under that name in North America but was known elsewhere as the Bluebird. Said to have been influence by the design of the BMW 1600-2 it was styled and engineered in house by Nissan and featured a Single overhead camshaft, for cylinder engine. It had MacPherson Struts at the front and trailing arms at the rear. It was fitted with a four cylinder engine, of various sizes from 1.3 litre up to 2.0 litre, which drove the rear wheels through a four speed manual gearbox.

The Bluebird sold well in the UK partly because it was supplied with radio and other equipment as standard rather than as expensive manufacturer’s options. However the generally poor rust proofing meant that the cars were destined to gain a reputation for strong mechanics but a short body life. That said this was the era in the UK when Fords, FIATs and Vauxhalls seldom lasted five years before rust showed and a need for welding to get through the MOT annual test was common.

The model from Greenlight has custom alloy wheels and a front spoiler fitted so it is not a particularly accurate anniversary model. But sales rather than accuracy are a key driver for Greenlight and they have a philosophy of ‘close enough’ like Hot Wheels. That said the car captures the shape of the two door body well and printed badging is neatly done. It being a very fine casting and the glazing being flush means that the printing of the silver window surrounds on the body actually works well.

The front grille is slightly heavy to my eyes and could do with a little more delicacy, but it is reasonably accurate and has Datsun printed on a badge area in the centre. To my mind the opening bonnet mars the model a little as the panel gaps are huge and it does not sit tightly above the grille. It also only opens a short way to reveal a difficult to see engine, air filter, and other details.

Although the wheels are aftermarket ones the tyres are rubber and nicely moulded. The interior has some nice details moulded in to the dashboard with air vents, instrument panel and glove box markings clearly embossed. The door cards are also quite detailed. None of this interior detail is picked out and there is no instrument decal.

I rather like the way that the windscreen wipers are moulded into the casting and then printed silver to pick them out. As the windscreen is flush glazed they sit nicely on the base of the screen.

All in all a nice model if far from perfect. It is interesting that the US model makers from Hot Wheels to Greenlight are now incorporating historic Japanese cars into their ranges something that current UK model makers have shown few signs of emulating.


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