Car Of The Day: August 11, 2012

Today's car of the day comes from craftymore's collection and is Yat Ming's 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham.

The Fleetwood Metal Body Company began business in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania on April 1, 1909 and continued as an independent automobile body builder until acquired in 1925 by the Fisher Body Company, a division of General Motors. The company continued in Fleetwood until 1931 at which time General Motors moved the entire operation to Detroit.

Long before acquisition by Fisher Body Company, the Fleetwood Metal Body Company had established its reputation as a builder of fine wood and aluminum auto bodies. Its built-to-order product was sought after by many notable people in the U.S. and abroad, some of whom were royalty from India and Japan, presidents of Poland and the United States, and well-known American movie idols. One specimen, built for silent screen star Rudolph Valentino, was recently on sale for $1,600,000.00.

"Unique" was the magic word that attracted the wealthy. One could purchase a chassis with wheels and motor from the best builders abroad, Isotta Fraschini, Bentley, Mercedes, Rolls-Royce or Fiat. American makers were Duesenberg, Packard, Cadillac, Pierce-Arrow or Stutz. There were also Reading makers of the S.G.V., the Chadwick and Daniels. The purchased chassis with engine and wheels was shipped to Fleetwood while the purchaser met with one of the company’s designers, usually in New York, to put onto a drawing the customer’s ideas of what the finished design should be. Once accepted, the plans were sent to Fleetwood where the body would be created, mounted on the chassis and finished in the colors, upholstery, and appointments chosen by the new owner. The car was “unique” to the likes of the proud possessor.
Eventually, under Fisher’s directives, the company also made production models with the celebrated Fleetwood name. General Motors most notable Cadillac model was the “Fleetwood” until it was recently discontinued.

The Fleetwood name was used on the top of the Cadillac line since 1927. In 1946, Cadillac created a special version of the Series 60 Special called the "Series 60 Special Fleetwood". The Fleetwood name was then used to designate the top of the line trim of the Series 70 and Sixty Special models through 1976.
In 1972, Cadillac refocused the Fleetwood name. The Fleetwood Limousine carried on from the Fleetwood Seventy-Five, while the Fleetwood Brougham took over where the Sixty Special was positioned.

The beginning of the end of the largest of all GM production cars was realized with the introduction of the 1971 B/C/D body cars. Cadillac remained exclusive to the D body for the Deville and Fleetwood with a wheelbase stretching to a lengthy 130 inches (3,300 mm). Engines grew to cubic inches not seen since the end of these massive cars, displacing 472 (7.7L) and finally 500 (8.2L) cubic inches. Unfortunately hp and torque levels plummeted with ever increasing EPA restrictions on tailpipe emissions and grams per mile emissions requirements, forcing gear ratios to taller and taller ratios, dropping to as low as 2.41:1.
1971 also saw the consolidation of the GM full size car lines to a new common frame/suspension design, shared by the Chevrolet Caprice/Impala/Bel Air, Buick LeSebre/Electra, Oldsmobile 88/98, Pontiac Catalina/Bonneville, and the Cadillac Sedan Deville/Coupe Deville and Fleetwood. While the other GM divisions used a front-steer setup (steering linkage in front of the engine crossmember), all Cadillac RWDs retained the 1961-vintage front suspension (rear steering linkage, eccentric cams in the steering knuckle in lieu of shims, strut rods attached to the framerails for caster adjustment). Rear suspsensions were now driven by the Pontiac designed 8 7/8" (8.875") ring gear 10 bolt salisubury live axle.

A new trailer towing package was added for the 1971-1976 model run allowing larger than ever trailers to be towed by Cadillac owners. Coupled with heavy duty cooling, 3.23 gearing, high output 80 amp large frame alternator and Heavy Duty THM400 transmission, the long wheelbase was ideal to pull trailers weighing up to 7,000 lb (3,200 kg).

If you needed a 5,000 pound car with a 133" truck like wheelbase and four doors, the '76 Caddy Fleetwood was your ride to destiny. This was the longest and biggest mainstream production car that was ever sold by Cadillac as 1977 would introduce the down sized full size models from GM across the Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Cadillac brands.

Cement Mixer Of The Day: August 10, 2012

The truck for today comes from craftymore's collection and is the Yatming '67 GMC L Series.

This model was introduced in 1960 as an L model designation but was really more referred to as the T series "Tilt cab". It ranges from T5500-9500 series with the 9500 sitting much higher. It ran well into the 80's with very little change outwardly.

For more information and pictures of the real truck please see: Hankstruckforum.com

From info pieced together, the L series began production in 1960 and ran through the 1980s. If anyone has any more accurate info, please post a reply.

Car Of The Day: August 9, 2012

Today's car of the day comes from craftymore's collection and is Yat Ming's 1993 Chevrolet Camaro.

The Chevrolet Camaro is an automobile manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand, classified as a pony car and some versions also as a muscle car. It went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed as a competing model to the Ford Mustang. The car shared its platform and major components with the Pontiac Firebird, also introduced for 1967.
Four distinct generations of the Camaro were developed before production ended in 2002. The nameplate was revived again on a concept car that evolved into the fifth-generation Camaro; production started on March 16, 2009

The fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro debuted for the 1993 model year on an updated F-body platform. It would retain the same characteristic since the first-generation's introduction back in 1967; 2-doors, 2+2 seating, available as a coupe (with optional T-top roof) or convertible, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of V6 and V8 power plants.

Production was moved from GM's Van Nuys, California, assembly plant to Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, Canada in 1993. The new design incorporated sheet moulding compound (SMC) made from chopped fiberglass and polyester resin for the roof, hatch, doors, and spoiler.Both the front and rear suspension design was improved. Base Camaros were powered by a 160 hp (119 kW) 3.4 L V6. The 1993 Camaro also featured the LT1 V8 engine with 275 hp (205 kW) and 325 lb·ft (441 N·m) torque that had been introduced in the Corvette one year earlier, as well as an optional Borg-Warner six-speed manual transmission when ordered with the V8. The Camaro was the first of many vehicles to use this gearbox. In 1993, the Camaro Z28 was selected as the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500. A "pace car edition" as a $995 option found 633 buyers and featured "Indy 500" identification on black and white body color scheme with multicolored pinstriping and white painted road wheels.

As a part of the 800 line from YM, this series competes directly with Summer for the low rent district in diecast land.

Car Of The Day: August 8, 2012

Today's car of the day comes from craftymore's collection and is Yat Ming's 1950 Buick Roadmaster.

The Roadmaster was an automobile built by the Buick division of General Motors. Roadmasters produced between 1936 and 1958 were built on Buick's longest non-limousine wheelbase and shared their basic structure with entry-level Cadillac and, after 1940, senior Oldsmobiles. Between 1946 and 1957 the Roadmaster served as Buick's flagship, as it did when it was resurrected for the 1991 through 1996 model years.

The Roadmaster received its first major postwar restyling in 1949. Its wheelbase and overall length were reduced but its weight was actually marginally increased. The biggest change was a much larger two-piece, curved glass windshield that the sales brochure described as like an “observation car.” It was also in 1949 that Buick introduced "VentiPorts." Four were displayed on each of the Roadmaster's front fenders,[4] with three on the fenders of all other Buicks. The sales brochure noted that VentiPorts helped ventilate the engine compartment, and possibly that was true in early 1949, but sometime during the model year they became plugged. The idea for VentiPorts grew out of a modification Buick styling chief Ned Nickles had added to his own 1948 Roadmaster. He had installed four amber lights on each side of his car’s hood wired to the distributor so as to flash on and off as each piston fired simulating the flames from the exhaust stack of a fighter airplane. Combined with the bombsight mascot, VentiPorts put the driver at the controls of an imaginary fighter airplane. Upon seeing this, Buick chief Harlow Curtice was so delighted that he ordered that (non-lighting) VentiPorts be installed on all 1949 Buicks, with the number of VentiPorts (three or four) corresponding to the relative displacement of the straight-eight engine installed.

The 1950 restyling featured a grille so toothy that Consumer Reports commented that "a toothbrush for the dentures comes extra." The Sweepspear had proved so popular in its first year that it was made standard on most body styles at the beginning of the 1950 model year, and on the station wagon and the new long wheelbase sedan mid-year. The long wheelbase sedan was stretched an extra four inches (102 mm). Like the convertibles, the Riviera and the extra plush long wheelbase sedan came with both power windows and power seats as standard equipment. The only change under the hood was that hydraulic valve lifters were fitted to the engine. Overall Roadmaster sales fell to 75,034, with Roadmaster’s share of total Buick output plummeting to 12 percent, thanks mainly to the surging popularity of the Special.

Check out more on the Roadmaster by visiting: Buick Roadmaster

Among the plastic base models done by YM, this is among the ones that isn't as easy to find. The large grill and swoopy styling from Buick look good even in the 21st century.

Car Of The Day: August 7, 2012

The Yatming 1979 Ford Mustang Turbo visits us from craftymore's collection and is the car for today.

The Ford Mustang is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It was initially based on the second generation North American Ford Falcon, a compact car. Introduced early on April 17, 1964, dubbed as a "1964½" model by Mustang fans, the 1965 Mustang was the automaker's most successful launch since the Model A. The model is Ford's third oldest nameplate in production and has undergone several transformations to its current fifth generation.

The Mustang created the "pony car" class of American automobiles—sports car-like coupes with long hoods and short rear decks—and gave rise to competitors such as GM's Chevrolet Camaro, AMC's Javelin, and Chrysler's revamped Plymouth Barracudas and Dodge Challengers.

Back when Ford introduced its all-new Mustang for 1979 it offered versions powered by Fours, Sixes, V8s and, for the first time, turbocharged Fours. Yes, the old, OHV 5.0-liter V8 would eventually earn a huge, passionate and continuing cult following in that "Fox body" Mustang, but in 1979 what everyone was interested in was that turbo Four.

Based on the rather agricultural 2.3-liter overhead-cam "Lima" Four from the Pinto, the Mustang's turbo version had the compressor heaving through a two-barrel Holley carburetor to produce 140 hp. Since the available 5.0-liter V8 that year was also rated at 140 hp (and also breathed through a two-barrel carb), the turbo Four seemed like a viable alternative at a time when OPEC was diddling with the petroleum supply.

Yatming offered two '79 Mustang castings with the other being the Pace Car version. The separate tail light insert is a cool touch.

Race Car Of The Day: August 6, 2012

The race car for today is the Yatming 1970 Lotus 72.

The Lotus 72 was a Formula One car designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe of Lotus for the 1970 Formula One season.

The 72 was yet another innovative design by Chapman featuring inboard brakes, side mounted radiators in sidepods, as opposed to the nose mounted radiators which had been commonplace since the 1950s and an overhead air intake. The overall shape of the car was innovative too, resembling a wedge on wheels which was inspired by the earlier Lotus 56 gas turbine car, and the layout taken from the Lotus 63 four wheel drive project testbed. The shape made for better air penetration and higher speeds. In a back-to-back test with the Lotus 49, the 72 was 12 mph faster with the same Cosworth engine.

Chapman's efforts produced one of the most remarkable and successful designs in F1 history. Taking the stressed engine layout technique from the Lotus 49 and adding advanced aerodynamics produced a car that was years ahead of its rivals. To begin with however, problems with the handling of the car had to be overcome, due to a lack of 'feel' caused by the anti-dive suspension geometry - which was designed to prevent the nose of the car dipping significantly under braking - and the anti-squat set-up at the rear, which was supposed to stop the car 'squatting down' under acceleration. Once the suspension was modified, there were no further problems. The car caused a sensation amongst the media and fans, with many people clamouring to see the remarkable car in action.

Check out Lotus 72 to learn more on the Lotus 72.

Yatming and Formula 1 aren't synonymous with one another despite the release of several race cars of the 1970s.

Car Of The Day: August 5, 2012

The car for today is Yatming's 1966 Chevrolet Malibu.

The 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle promised to be leaner and hungrier than ever before. Touting new styling and a range of performance options the Chevelle remained the viable choice for many. Packed with both style and performance, the ’66 Chevelle was offered in four series, including: “SS” Super Sport 396, Malibu, Chevelle 300 Deluxe and Chevelle 300 models that included; convertibles, sport coupes and sedans, wagons, and 2 and 4-door sedans.

The all new styling boasted big new looks with a broad new grille and bumper, a more raked roof line, chrome accents, and a curved side window. Two simulated scoops, which would become a SS signature, were also introduced this year. Depending on the model, most Chevelles packed a 120hp 194 Six or a 195hp 283 V8 as standard, although you could get up to 275hp with a 327 V8. Super Sport 396 models included a 325hp 396 V8 as standard, and a 360hp 396 V8 could be ordered.

Check out Oldride.com to learn more on the Malibu.

The Malibu casting from Yatming isn't rare but it's less common than others. As with most other Yatmings of the 1980s it features a metal base, opening doors and 'working' suspension.

Truck Of The Day: July 24, 2012

Today's truck of the day comes from craftymore's collection and is Yat Ming 1978 Chevy Stepside 4x4.

The C/K is the name for Chevrolet and GMC's full-size pickup truck line from 1960 until 1999 in the United States, from 1965 to 1999 Canada, from 1964 through 2001 in Brazil, and from 1975 to 1982 in Chile. The first Chevrolet pickup truck appeared in 1924, though in-house designs did not appear until 1930. "C" indicated two-wheel drive and "K" indicated four-wheel drive. The aging C/K light-duty pickup truck was replaced with the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in 1999 in the US and Canada, and 2001 in Brazil; the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD heavy-duty pickup trucks followed in 2001.

An all-new clean sheet redesign of General Motors' Chevrolet and GMC brand C/K-Series pickups débuted in 1972 for the 1973 model year. Development of the new third generation trucks began in 1968, four years prior to production in 1972, with vehicle components undergoing simulated testing on computers, before the first prototype pickups were even built for real world testing. The redesign was revolutionary in appearance at the time, particularly the cab, departing from typical American pickup truck designs of the era. As a result, the third generation quickly became known as the "rounded-line" generation; although some people refer to them as "square bodys", given that the trucks appear square-like by more modern standards.

GM's design engineers fashioned the "rounded-line" exterior in an effort to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, using wind tunnel technology to help them sculpt the body. Third generation design traits include "double-wall" construction, sleek sculpted body work, flared secondary beltline and a aerodynamic cab which featured rounded doors cutting high into the roof and steeply raked windshield featuring an available hidden radio antenna embedded into the glass.

There were two types of pickup boxes to choose from. The first type, called "Fleetside" by Chevrolet and "Wideside" by GMC, was a "double-wall" constructed full width pickup box and featured a flared secondary beltline to complement the cab in addition to new wraparound tail lamps. Both steel and wood floors were available. The second type, called "Stepside" by Chevrolet and "Fenderside" by GMC, was a narrow width pickup box featuring steps and exposed fenders with standalone tail lamps. Initially, only wood floors were available.

The wheelbase length was extended to 117.5 in (2985 mm) for the short wheelbase pickups, and 131.5 in (3340 mm) for the long wheelbase pickups.

The rounded-line generation ultimately ran for a lengthy 15 model years (1973–1987) with the exception of the Crew-Cab, Blazer, Jimmy, and Suburban versions, which continued up until the 1991 model year.

Scored this mint Yat Ming from Pjedsel. Trucks should either remain stock ride height or lifted with this being an example of the latter.  -craftymore

Car Of The Day: June 29, 2012

Today's car of the day comes from juantoo3's collection and is Yat Ming's 1937 Studebaker Coupe Express.

Jump to: navigation, search The Studebaker Coupe Express was a coupe utility, produced by the Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana, between 1937 and 1939. Unlike other concurrent pick-up trucks, the coupe express mated Studebaker's passenger car styling to a full size truck bed.
The Coupe Express was created by using the Studebaker Dictator passenger car frame, running gear, and front sheet metal. A new body stamping was made to form the cab back. An all-steel pickup box was built for the pickup models. The model was sold as a cab and chassis, with rear fenders attached, so a service box could be fabricated by the end user (such as a plumber, or depot hack).
The truck was powered by the larger of Studebaker's L-head six-cylinder flathead engines and mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. Studebaker offered a Borg-Warner 3-speed transmission with overdrive as an option. Other options included, a radio, heater, wire reinforced sliding back window and turn indicators. Two wheel options were available including a stamped steel disc wheel and a stamped steel 'artillery' spoked wheel.

For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: Studebaker Coupe Express

If it ever comes time to pick a definitive small scale Yat Ming casting- one car to represent the company as a whole, I vote for this one.  An extremely well-detailed, accurate casting with an opening hood of an obscure pickup from a defunct manufacturer.  With about 5,000 units built over a three year period more than seventy years ago, there aren't a lot of these left out there in 1:1.  When Yat Ming goes for it, they really can hold their own with any other company in the 1/64 arena.

Production for the 1937 model year was approximately 3,000 units.

The truck's passenger cab was restyled in 1938 to reflect the modernized passenger car sheet metal resulted a slightly longer pickup bed. Production for 1938 was approximately 1,200 units.

The 1939 model was again remodeled to reflect Studebaker's annual design updates. Production was approximately 1,000 units. The Coupe Express model was discontinued after the 1939 model year, and Studebaker did not offer a successor model for 1940.

Studebaker introduced the M-Series pickup truck 1941, while the company used the Coupe Express name in advertising for a time, but no M-Series trucks were ever officially designated as the Coupe Express.