Hot Wheels 1:64: 1995 Mazda RX-7 FD

The Mazda RX-7 is a front mid engine, rear-wheel-drive, rotary engine-powered sports car, manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1978 through 2002 across three generations, all of which incorporated use of a compact, lightweight Wankel rotary engine.

The first-generation RX-7, sometimes referred to as the SA (early) and FB (late), is a two-seater two-door hatchback coupé. It featured a 12A carbureted rotary engine as well as the option for a 13B rotary engine with electronic fuel injection in later years.

The second-generation RX-7, sometimes referred to as the FC, was offered as a two-seater coupé with a 2+2 option available in some markets, as well as in a convertible body style. This was powered by the 13B rotary engine, offered in naturally aspirated or turbocharged forms.

The third-generation RX-7, sometimes referred to as the FD, was offered as a 2 seater coupé with a 2+2 version offered as an option for the Japanese market. It featured a sequentially turbocharged 13B REW engine.

More than 800,000 RX-7s were manufactured over its lifetime.

Hot Wheels 1:64: 1966 Chevy Impala

The fourth-generation Chevrolet Impala is a full-size automobile produced by Chevrolet for the 1965 through 1970 model years. The 1965 Impala was all new, while the 1967 and 1969 models featured new bodies on the same redesigned perimeter frame introduced on the 1965 models. All Impalas of this generation received annual facelifts as well, distinguishing each model year. Throughout the early 1960s, Chevrolet's basic body designs became increasingly subtle, while the bright trim that was part of the Impala package added more than a touch of luxury to the look. The same pattern was followed in the interiors, where the best materials and equipment Chevrolet had to offer were displayed. In short, the Impala was on its way to becoming a kind of junior-grade Cadillac, which, for both the company and its customers, was just fine.

Hot Wheels 1:64: 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am / K.I.T.T. (Knight Rider)

The third generation Pontiac Firebird was introduced in late 1981 by Pontiac alongside its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro for the 1982 model year. These were also the first Firebirds with factory fuel injection, four-speed automatic transmissions, five-speed manual transmissions, four-cylinder engines, 16-inch wheels, and hatchback bodies.

Matchbox 1:64: 1985 Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder is a range of sport utility vehicles manufactured by Nissan since 1985. Until the third-generation model, the Pathfinder is based on Nissan's compact pickup truck platform which it shares with the Navara/Frontier.

The Pathfinder was marketed as the Nissan Terrano outside North America. Beginning in 2004, the R51 series was marketed internationally as the Pathfinder.

In 2012, the R52 series Pathfinder was released as a three-row crossover SUV based on the unibody Nissan D platform, moving away from the body-on-frame chassis format. The role of a mid-size body-on-frame SUV in Nissan's global lineup was passed to the Terra/X-Terra, which was released in 2018 and based on the D23 series Navara.

Matchbox 1:64: 1960 Chevy El Camino

The Chevrolet El Camino is a coupé utility vehicle that was produced by Chevrolet between 1959-1960 and 1964-1987. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the El Camino was adapted from the standard two-door Chevrolet station wagon platform and integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body.

Introduced in the 1959 model year in response to the success of the Ford Ranchero coupé utility, its first run, based on the Biscayne's B-body, lasted only two years. Production resumed for the 1964-1977 model years based on the Chevelle platform, and continued for the 1978-1987 model years based on the GM G-body platform.

Although based on corresponding General Motors car lines, the vehicle is classified in the United States as a pickup. GMC's badge engineered El Camino variant, the Sprint, was introduced for the 1971 model year. Renamed Caballero in 1978, it was also produced through the 1987 model year.

Matchbox 1:64: 2024 Fiat Topolino

The Fiat 500, commonly known as "Topolino", is an Italian city car produced and manufactured by Fiat from 1936 to 1955.

The name Topolino is Italian for 'little mouse', and is also the Italian name for Mickey Mouse.

The 2024 Fiat Topolino is a new, fully electric quadricycle (not a full car, but a vehicle designed for urban mobility) that aims to provide a fun, accessible, and sustainable way to travel in cities, according to Fiat. It's a compact, retro-inspired design reminiscent of the original Fiat 500.

Matchbox 1:64: MBX Mini Cargo Truck

Was at a Dollarama yesterday and bought four Matchbox 1:64 scale vehicles. $2.00 each + tax, I could not pass up even though Matchbox is not my favorite brand.

Bought this one simply because it exists. No real need or want per se.

TFL Hobby Outboard & Dumas 18" Short Stuff Boat Kit

I still have to finish my plastic model kit, but I received this Dumas boat kit (wood) and TFL Hobby electric outboard motor. I have never seen this kit with an outboard motor and it is a little large for the boat proportionally, but I think it will be cool. Can't wait to start this.

Also, it is spring, so RC season!!

AMT 1:24: Chevy Van w/ Drag Boat

I have slowed down on my three month 1:64 diecast binge. All have been catalogued below. I have slowed down purchases, but will still post new ones and perhaps use existing cars in diorama shots.

In December 2023, I bought an AMT 1:24 scale plastic model kit, because I wanted the boat! Well, 17 months later and I have started building my first model kit in 42 years!!

I have clearly not chosen box art. The van is called the Magic Bus, after a family friend's dad's truck in the late 1970s...

Mini GT 1:64: BMW M4 CSL

The BMW M4 is a high-performance version of the BMW 4 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M, that has been built since 2014. As part of the renumbering that splits the coupé and convertible variants of the 3 Series into the 4 Series, the M4 replaced those variants of the BMW M3, the M4 also had a CSL version that stands for Competition Sport Lightweight, these models were 100kg lighter than the standard M4. Upgrades over the standard BMW 4 Series include an upgraded engine, suspension, exhaust system, brakes and weight reduction measures including increased use of carbon fiber, such as on the roof of the car, and the door cards.

M4 CSL
At the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show, head of BMW's M division Frank Van Meel announced that the CSL nameplate would be making a return, replacing the GTS in the performance model monikers. On May 4 of 2022, BMW announced that the M4 CSL would debut at the 2022 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Changes include significant weight reduction of around 200 lb (91 kg), hence the CSL name, which stands for Coupe Sport Leichtbau (Lightweight Sport Coupe), a large front carbon fiber front splitter, a ducktail rear spoiler, more horsepower, 543 hp (551 PS; 405 kW). Only 1,000 units were made.

MoreArt 1:64 Diorama / Display

Diorama to house these two Tarmac Works cars for now...

 

Tarmac Works 1:64: Renault 5 Turbo

Rally Costa Brava 1985 Attila Ferjáncz / János Tandari

The Renault 5 Turbo or R5 Turbo is a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout sports car, produced by French automaker Renault, loosely based on their popular Renault 5 hatchback, primarily designed to compete in rally sports. Launched at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1980 (1980-1984), the car was sold in a street-legal version, to comply with homologation minimum production numbers regulations, certifying that the R5 Turbo was to a sufficient extent indeed a "production car".

Despite a hefty price-tag, market demand for the Renault 5 Turbos exceeded the required homologation production minimums, such that a total of 4,987 (1,820 Turbo 1 and 3,167 Turbo 2) R5 Turbos were manufactured during the six-year production run.

 

The tobacco sponsor logos come as decals customers must apply themselves. I will add them when I have time and a photo of the real car to know where to apply. I know some 1:64 scale manufacturers won't even include the decals separately.

Tarmac Works 1:64: Volvo 850 Estate

Australian Super Touring Championship 1995 Tony Scott.

The Volvo 850 is a compact executive car that was produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1991 until 1996. Designed by Jan Wilsgaard, the car was introduced in a saloon body style; an estate style was introduced in 1993.

The Volvo 850 was shown for the first time in June 1991, and the car marked a departure for Volvo, featuring multiple unprecedented features for the company; these included a transverse 5-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, a Delta-link rear axle, a side impact protection system, and a self-adjusting front seat belt mechanism.

The Volvo 850 was succeeded by the Volvo S70 and Volvo V70.