Car Of The Day: October 26, 2012

Hot Wheels 40's Woodie (Ford)

This example is from juantoo3's collection.

A woodie is a car body style, especially a station wagon, where the rear bodywork is constructed of wood framework with infill panels of wood or painted metal.

After the demise of actual wood construction, manufacturers used simulated woodgrain sheet vinyl—sometimes augmented with three-dimensional, simulated framework—to recall wood construction. In 2008, wood construction was evoked abstractly on the Ford Flex with a series of side and rear horizontal grooves.

As a variant of body-on-frame construction, the woodie originated from the early (pre mid-1930s) practice of manufacturing the passenger compartment portion of a vehicle in hardwood. Woodies were popular in the United States and were produced as variants of sedans and convertibles as well as station wagons, from basic to luxury. They were typically manufactured as third-party conversions of regular vehicles—some by large, reputable coachbuilding firms and others by local carpenters and craftsmen for individual customers. They could be austere vehicles, with side curtains in lieu of roll-up windows (e.g., the 1932 Ford)—and sold in limited numbers (e.g., Ford sold 1654 woodie wagons). Eventually, bodies constructed entirely in steel supplanted wood construction—for reasons of strength, cost and durability.

For more information check here: Woodie

This one is a special edition set car made for the Wild Wave playset.  The neon colors reflect the Cal Custom era of the late 80s, and until recently this was the only version to carry surfboards.

Car Of The Day: October 25, 2012

The 1932 Ford Vicky by Hot Wheels is the car for today.

The Model B was a new Ford automobile produced in model year 1932. It was a much updated version of the Model A and remained largely unchanged until the 1933 model year, when the updated Model C was introduced.

Strictly speaking the Model B was a four-cylinder car with a Ford Model A engine, but it was at this time that Ford began producing a very similar car with Ford's new Flathead V8 engine. The V8 car was marketed as a Model 18, though it is commonly called the Ford V-8 today, and was virtually indistinguishable from the Model B. Until this time, Ford had always produced only one basic car at a time.
There were two versions of the ’32 – a four-cylinder and the V-8 flathead. They came in two body styles, the "5-window" (two door windows, two quarter panel windows and the rear window), and the rare "3-window" Deluxe Coupe that featured front opening doors, also known as Suicide Doors. The Deuce was called Model 18, the “1” standing for “first” and the “8” for V-8. The less popular Model B was the four-cylinder model, a refined version of the four-cylinder Model A.

The ’32 Model 18 was the first successful V-8 in a low-priced car. The 65-hp engine was used in some models costing $460. There were 14 different body styles – like the roadster, coupe, sport coupe, two-door and four-door sedans, cabriolet and phaeton. Prices ranged from $460 for the roadster and the coupe's $490 to the $650 convertible sedan. Production totals numbered only 520 for the roadster and 28,904 for the two-door coupe. Nowadays, the roadster and coupe are notable, as these body styles are more used in making the models into streetrods.

Today, the 1930s Model B is a highly collectible car that people will pay thousands of dollars to restore to exact original style. During the WWII period, when they were first getting old, the Model Bs and V8s were frequently altered into hot rods. This continued into the 1960s on a large scale. Since the 1970s, 1932 bodies and frames have been expensive, which has reduced the number of "rods" being created. Those that are made, however, are quite evolved and often very expensive. A typical auto-show hot rod is a $60,000 proposition or much more, in a few cases.

Deuce coupe is a slang term used to refer to the 1932 Ford coupe, derived from the year of manufacture. In the 1940s, the '32 Ford became an ideal hot rod. Hot rodders would strip weight off this readily available car and soup-up the engine. They came in two body styles, the more common "5-window" (two door windows, two quarter panel windows, and the rear window), and the rare "3-window" Deluxe Coupe that featured front-opening "suicide doors."

Flea markets rock, esp for finding items such as this one carded for less than a $1. The venerable Vicky debuted in the HWs line in 1969 and was later recasted in 1994. The issue shown here is from 2002.

Minivan of The Day: October 5, 2012

Today's car of the day is Hot Wheels' Ford Aerostar.

The Ford Aerostar is a minivan produced by Ford Motor Company for the North American market; the first such design by Ford, it was sold from the 1986 to the 1997 model years. It was sold in both passenger van and cargo van configurations in two body lengths with both rear wheel drive and all wheel drive configurations. The Aerostar was sold only under the Ford brand; the first minivan sold by the Lincoln-Mercury division was the 1993 Mercury Villager. Production was ended after the 1997 model year after its replacement by the Windstar in the 1995 model year; both product lines were sold from 1995-1997. The role of the Aerostar cargo van was left unfilled until the 2010 introduction of the Transit Connect.

The aerodynamic styling (.37 coefficient of drag) resembled the Ford Taurus introduced alongside it for 1986. An early commercial ad campaign compared the side profile of the Aerostar to that of the NASA Space Shuttle. For much of its later life, the Aerostar would be marketed as part of Ford's light-truck lineup.

The first-generation Aerostar was introduced in July 1985 as a 1986 model. Originally unveiled in concept form in 1984, the body of the production version differed little from the concept except for detail changes to the grille and headlights. While the Aerostar was originally planned to use an optional diesel engine, this option was cancelled after the release of the concept.

Ford engineers chose the front-engine layout for the Aerostar for a variety of reasons. Ford found buyers of vans preferred the engine placement in front in terms of safety and engine access (in comparison to German and Japanese imports). In contrast to Chrysler, Ford used a rear-wheel drive layout with the Aerostar; this provided it with the same 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) tow rating as the GM minivans, 2½ times the capacity of the Chrysler vans. During its development, Ford chose to use a number of lightweight materials in its body design; the Aerostar used plastic bumpers, fuel tank, rear door and hood with the addition of aluminum drive shafts, axles and wheels. Although the Aerostar was designed from a dedicated platform (a first for an American minivan), many of its components were borrowed from the Ford light-truck lineup (from the Ranger/Bronco II). One major exception was the rear suspension, a 3-link coil spring suspension with a live rear axle; it was designed specifically for the Aerostar and was unique among American-market minivans of the time.

At its launch in 1985, the Aerostar was available in a single body length as a cargo van (Aerostar Van) and a 7-passenger van (Aerostar Wagon). The standard engine was a 2.3 L four-cylinder sourced from the Fox platform while the 2.8 L Cologne V6 sourced from the Ranger was an option; a diesel engine was cancelled during the development phase. A 5-speed manual transmission (Mazda TK5) was standard with an optional 4-speed automatic (Ford A4LD). The exterior and interior featured several notable design quirks. The Aerostar was one of the few American minivans ever to feature a handbrake in between the front seats; this was a feature retained by both of its successors and the current Transit Connect. Another quirk in early Aerostars is that while cupholders were an option only for the third-row seats, it could be ordered with up to six ashtrays and two cigar lighters; the interior may have been designed with a smoker in mind. Unlike other American minivans of the time, the 2nd-row windows on the Aerostar slid open, in a way similar to the Volkswagen Vanagon. Like Chrysler's minivans, the Aerostar was exported to Europe in small numbers, which is why the rear license surround is sized to accommodate European number plates in addition to American ones.

For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: Ford Aerostar

I'm not exactly sure what the stain is on the front bumper.  I didn't notice it until reviewing the photographs.  I'll have to try cleaning it off...  Anyways, this casting started life as a Flip-Outs model and eventually made its way to the Mainline.  I believe this particular example was a promo, however.

The cargo version of the Aerostar did not sell as well as the wagon, as the Aerostar's in-between size worked against it in comparison to the GM Astro/Safari twins.[citation needed] Aside from the lack of windows and trimmed interior, Aerostar cargo vans differed little from Aerostar wagons. One externally visible difference was the use of rear double doors instead of a hatch. On these, the license-plate opening was American-sized instead of the wagon's European-sized one (the cargo van was not exported). The Aerostar Van did not catch on as a base for conversion vans either.

The Van was sold with any available engine and came in both standard and extended lengths.

Car Of The Day: October 3, 2012

Today's car of the day is Matchbox Premiere's 1994 Ford Mustang Cobra.

For 1994, the Mustang underwent its first major redesign in fifteen years. The design, code named "SN-95" by Ford, was based on an updated version of the Fox platform. It featured dramatic new styling by Patrick Schiavone that incorporated some stylistic elements similar to those of earlier Mustangs. A convertible model would also return, but the notchback and hatchback body styles used in earlier Mustangs were not available. Prior to the redesigned Mustang's launch, a 2-seater concept car called the Mustang Mach III was shown at the 1993 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and hinted at what future Mustangs might look like. The production Mustang resembled the Mach III concept's sweeping body curves. The Mach III concept also featured a supercharged 4.6 L DOHC V8 with 450 hp (336 kW; 456 PS). While this engine was not put into production, it hinted to the future use of Ford's Modular V8 in the Mustang, including the eventual use of a supercharged 4.6 L V8.

For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: Ford Mustang

This casting is actually the Indy 500 pace car recolored.  The rollbar is what gives it away.  This casting is still available and was most recently an exclusive model in ten packs.  Not bad for a model approaching classic status at this point.  Quite possibly the nicest '94-'98 Mustang in small scale.

The base Mustang featured a 3.8 L OHV V6 mated to a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional AODE 4-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 145 hp (108 kW; 147 PS) at 4000 rpm and 215 lb·ft (292 N·m) of torque at 2500 rpm. For 1996, the base V6 gained five horsepower with a new powertrain control module (PCM), the EEC-V. The AODE transmission was replaced with the 4R70W 4-speed automatic transmission for 1996.

Ford allocated $700 million to improve the Fox platform for the 1994 Mustang. Efforts were made to improve the car's handling as well as noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) conditions over the previous generation Mustang. The Mustang's front suspension makes use of MacPherson struts with longer lower control arms, new spindles, anti-roll bars, and other enhancements over 1993 and older Mustangs. In the rear, a four-bar link solid axle is used. The 1994 Mustang's standard rear axle ratio was 2.73:1, though this was later changed to 3.27:1. All Mustangs received standard four-wheel disc brakes, though anti-lock brakes (ABS) were optional.

Along with its new exterior, the 1994 Mustang received new interior styling. The Mustang's cabin featured a "dual-cockpit" layout that was adorned with contours and sweeping curves, similarly to other Fords of the time such as the Thunderbird. The 1994 Mustang offered many amenities and conveniences, a number of which later became standard equipment. The preferred equipment package came with power windows, mirrors, and door locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, and a trunk cargo net. Also available was Ford's Mach 460, 230-watt multi-speaker sound system with CD player. All 1994 Mustangs received standard three-point seat belts and dual front airbags. Also, in 1996, the Mustang's tail light design changed from three smaller horizontal strips to three larger, contiguous vertical strips.

Building on the base Mustang, the Mustang GT was reintroduced for 1994, featuring higher performance and better handling than the base Mustang or its 1993 predecessor. Ford carried over the 302 CID Windsor pushrod small-block V8 engine (called the "5.0 L" although its capacity was 4.94 L) from the 1993 Mustang GT. Total output from the engine was 215 hp (160 kW; 218 PS) at 4200 rpm and 285 lb·ft (386 N·m) of torque at 3500 rpm. Though more refined, the 5.0 L V8 actually saw a drop in output for 1994 from the 1993 model year due to stricter emissions control (although many dyno figures do not support Ford's drop in power rating). Mustang GTs could deliver zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration times in the mid-six second range and complete a quarter mile in about 15 seconds. The Mustang GT also featured a stiffer handling suspension, a 3.08:1 rear axle ratio (later changed to 3.27:1 or 3.55:1 depending on the transmission and model year), dual exhausts, and larger 16-inch (410 mm) wheels (compared to the base Mustang's 15-inchers). The 1994 Mustang GT was named Motor Trend Car of the Year.

For 1995, a one-year model referred to as the Mustang GTS was introduced. This was considered to be a "stripped down" version of the Mustang GT that included the performance parts of the GT model, but a minimum of non-performance related features.

Ford dropped the 302 CID Windsor V8 that was in production since 1968, and the 1996 model year introduced the Modular 4.6 L SOHC V8. The new engine produced 215 hp (160 kW; 218 PS) at 4400 rpm and 285 lb·ft (386 N·m) of torque at 3500 rpm, matching the output of its predecessor. For 1998, the 4.6 L V8 received a small increase in output, resulting in 225 hp (168 kW; 228 PS) at 4750 rpm and 290 lb·ft (393 N·m) of torque at 3500 rpm. This was achieved through PCM calibration and a modified fuel system. Though capable of matching or exceeding the older 302 V8's output, the 4.6 L V8 was criticized for delivering inadequate performance, particularly against the larger displacement of the OHV V8 used in the Mustang's chief rival, the Chevrolet Camaro.

Car Of The Day: October 1, 2012

Today's car of the day comes from juantoo3's collection and is Hot Wheels' 1914 Ford Model T (Hot Heap).

1964 AMBR award winner, the famous King T designed and built by Don Tognotti and Gene Winfield represents the 60's like no other roadster. Began in July of '62 and finished in '64, the King T has been restored with exacting standards to the original. The custom tubular frame with independent rear suspension and '51 coil springs for the front have been fully restored to the original over the top chrome presentation. The original engine, fully rebuilt and dynoed, features gleaming metal flake paint. Presented in its prime for the show circuit with Hilborn injectors, the King T is currently fitted with a Carter AFB 500 carburetor. Hydro-matic transmission shifts with linkage run through the spark and advance controls on the steering column. Interior features the period pleated and button tufted design, along with the original chest seen in display materials. Original rims re-created to duplicate the wood spoke look favored by Tognotti. Painted in Wild Pearl Lavender by Gene Winfield in 1963, Gene was asked to re-create the original paint. In 2007, Winfield flew to Seattle and painted and remembered times with the King T. Full photo documentation. The King T is famous for wild styling and over the top chroming. Also sold as a model known as Tognotti's T the Grand Sweepstakes winner at Winter Nationals Auto Fair and the Oakland Roadster Show became famous later as Hot Heaps, the Hot Wheels version of Don Tognotti's dream. Accompanied by original documentation from Gene Winfield's personal collection, MPC model kits, magazines, display material and the 1964 AMBR Trophy rebuilt to a more manageable size.

For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: Tognotti's King T

Hot Heap, redline Hot Wheel, based on Tognotti's T, America's Most Beautiful Roadster Award winner...1914 Ford Model T custom, made in the USA.

These pics show how it looks now with some fresh shoes and some tweaking of the bent axles. Brown, while not a rare color, is considered scarce and is one of the more desireable spectraflame colors for this model. The bent windshield is factory stock, they came from Mattel this way for a time one year. Rumor is that there was a problem with the machine, but since the cars were still *believeable* (sellable), they continued making them for awhile before repairing the machine. Most Hot Heaps have straight windshields. -juantoo3

It looks as if this car was recently sold at Barrett-Jackson.  And what a stunning looking roadster!  The Hot Wheels model doesn't do it justice, especially not in this color.  I want to see them bring this one back in the correct lavender.  What a stunning car!

SUV Of The Day: September 28, 2012

Johnny Lightning's 1980 Ford Bronco is the SUV for today.

The Ford Bronco is a sport utility vehicle that was produced from 1966 to 1996, with five distinct generations. Broncos can be divided into two categories: early Broncos (1966–77) and full-size Broncos (1978–96).

The Bronco was introduced in 1966 as a competitor to the small four-wheel-drive compact SUVs such as the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout, and built on its own platform. A major redesign in 1978 moved the Bronco to a larger size, and it was built using a shortened Ford F-Series truck chassis to compete with the similarly adapted Chevrolet K5 Blazer.

The full-size Broncos and the successor Expedition were produced at Ford's Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan.

The Bronco received a major redesign for 1980, coinciding with the F-Series. The new Bronco was shorter, and had cosmetic changes along with powertrain, suspension and other odds and ends. Most notably, the live front axle was replaced by a Dana 44 Twin Traction Beam (TTB) setup in the front end for an independent front suspension. The TTB is a hybrid of a true independent front suspension and a solid front axle, with a "solid" axle that pivots around the differential and uses coil springs instead of leaf springs. The TTB system offered a higher degree of control and comfort both on and off road, but sacrificed wheel travel, and is notorious for being difficult to keep aligned when larger than stock tires are used.

With a smaller Bronco and fuel economy in mind, Ford offered a 300 cu in (4.9 L) straight six as the base engine. Though this engine came with more torque than the 302 cu in (4.95 L) V8 and comparable to the 351 cu in (5.75 L) V8 (until the High Output model), it was limited by a 1-bbl carburetor and restrictive single-out exhaust manifolds. Electronic emissions equipment added in 1984 further reduced the power of the inline six. Ford used up their remaining stock of 351M engines before turning over to the 351W in mid-model year 1982. A "High Output" version of the 351W became an option in 1984 and continued well into the 1987 model year until the introduction of fuel injection. Output was 210 hp (157 kW) at 4000 rpm vs the standard 2-bbl 351W which made 156 hp (116 kW) at 4000 rpm. The 302 was the first engine to receive electronic fuel-injection, starting in the 1985 model year, as well as a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The Eddie Bauer trim package started in 1985 as well. From 1980 to 1984, some Broncos had sliding topper windows.

In 2011, JL released a John Deere themed mini set which included a '50 Olds, '93 F-150 plus this Bronco. Thus far this old Racing Champions casting has only been issued just this one time in the JL line. 

Car Of The Day: September 27, 2012

Today's car of the day comes from craftymore's collection and is High Speed's 1963 Ford Thunderbird.

The Thunderbird ("T-Bird"), is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United States over eleven model generations from 1955 through 2005. When introduced, it created the market niche eventually known as the personal luxury car.

A new third-generation Thunderbird bowed for 1961 on an unchanged wheelbase and would see mostly minor alterations through 1963. Distinctive styling was highlighted by severely pointed front profiles, modest "blade" tail fins, big circular tail lamps (a sometimes Ford hallmark), and outward-curving body sides bereft of sheet metal sculpturing.

There was again just one engine: Ford Division's new 390 V-8, a stroked 352 but delivering the same 300 horsepower. An optional power package offered 40 more bhp for 1962-63. With minor alterations, the 390 would be the basic Thunderbird power plant through 1968, joined by big-block options beginning with '66. Base prices for '61 stood at $4172 for the hardtop and $4639 for the rag top.

Third-generation engineering was conservative but sound. Ford had contemplated front-wheel drive, but felt it too unorthodox for this market. Instead, engineers stressed quality control, solid construction, ride comfort, and minimum noise at speed. Extensive use of rubber bushings for the coil-spring independent front and leaf-spring rear suspensions made the 1961-63 Thunderbirds among the best-riding cars of the day.

Slightly less than a quarter of a million Thunderbirds rolled off the assembly lines of Ford for the '61-'63 3rd generation 'personal luxury' car.  At this point, the Thunderbird was seen as a luxy Ford car that had similar looks of the larger Lincoln Continental evoking an elegance not seen in other Ford cars.   High Speed produced this 1/64 item in the early 2000s and it remains the only true stock example in small scale of a '61-'63 Thunderbird hardtop.

After Greenlight bought the High Speed castings previously used in the Readers Digest series and other models, there had been speculation as to when or if we'd see the '63 Bird included in their Motor World line.  With the High Speed factory closing in China this year, we found out GL did not obtain the mold for this casting which disappointed me greatly. Had hoped to see this in the Motor World line to buy a few for my collection plus one for custom duty . . . .  aka derby bait! :D   While that won't happen, I'm very glad to have this in my collection.  I was lucky enough acquire this model from  Hosspower98  who won a lot of High Speed items and offered several to me. :thumbup:   This had been one of my grail items.

Snowplow Of The Day: September 25, 2012

Today's truck is M2 Machines' 1956 Ford F-100.

The 1956 F-100 is a one-year only body style. The 1956 F-100 is easily identified as it has vertical windshield pillars and a wrap around windshield as opposed to the sloped pillars and angled windshield of the 1953-55. The 1956 model also offered a larger wraparound back window as an option. Starting in 1956, Ford offered the very rare "Low GVWR" versions of each model. Also in 1956, seat belts became an option.

The '56 F-100 was available with either the inline 223 cubic inch inline six which offered up 137 horsepower or the 272 cubic inch Y-Block V8 with 173 horsepower.

Check out Wikipedia to learn more on the '56 Ford.

No one is currently offering the amount of details for the price point that M2 currently is. A '56 Ford in small scale is cool enough with opening doors and all metal construction. Toss in a snow blade and tow accessories and ya got one sweet ride.