The featured 16-x diecast model for this issue is the Hot Wheels 1970 Chevelle SS. #4 of the 26 car 1999 First Edition Set.

This is an excellent diecast model.
An example of the increase in quality that has been prevalent
in recent models by both Hot Wheels and Matchbox.

Click on small pix above to see larger pics (Refer to the pix above) The first thing I can say about this model is, it's heavy. When you pick it up it has great heft. This allows the model to really take off and roll on it's superb suspension. As a result the "roll" is excellent. However the "road feel" is not that great due to it's hard plastic wheels. This Chevelle has very realistic grill features including parking lights. The large white rally stripes are beautiful and well done. But I take points off for the "Hot Wheels" logo in the stripe on the trunk lid. This model also has beautiful blue metal flake paint that really was something to see under the studio lights. It has the grill over the rear marker lights a very nice detail that I criticized Road Champs last month for leaving out on their 1/43 scale version. However it has no detail on the tail lights, headlights, parking lights and marker lights. It's interior is very sparse and has the solid disk steering wheel that's standard these days on the new Hot Wheels and Matchbox models. I take points off for all of these things. This is an outstanding model all things considered so I decided to compare it to the Johnny Lightning 1970 Chevelle,( last pic on left)as you can see there is no comparison. The JL doesn't even look like a Chevelle more like a Torino or something. In the end the Hot Wheel's Chevelle is a great model but I can't give it the highest rating because of the lack of attention to important details so I give this model FOUR STARS. (I give the Johhny Lightning Chevelle 1 star)

Cool 1-6x diecast item you should aquire. The Playboy Playmate edition diecast car #1. There are three reasons it should be in your 1-6x diecast collection. This is the FIRST time this has ever been done. This is the VERY FIRST one of this brand new series. It's a crossover collectible of interest to both 1-6x diecast collectors as well as Playboy collectors. This item hadsn't been very well publicized and I would bet that there aren't going to be very many of the first one made. I decided to share it with you while they are still available. If you want one go here. With shipping it's around $11 or so. This appears to be an outstanding car with real rubber tires with "Goodyear" in white letters on them. It's designed around a Pontiac Grand Am. And it says "Playmate of the month January 2000" on the door. I can only speculate about the overall quality of the car since it's still in it's blister pack and I don't intend to open it. (This item features no nudity and is being mentioned here solely for it's collectible value. This is not an advertisement for this item).

Next Month: The Hot Wheels Ferrari 365 GTB/4 fastback.