Die Cast Industry News

Herb Grasse, designer of the Bricklin SV1 and signer on the Automodello Founders Edition, died from complications of pancreatic cancer on 8/24/2010. Details are on the Automodello website.

Diecast Reproductions, of Tampa Florida, once again commissioned Manny Salano to weather a model, and weather it he did. Manny took a Franklin Mint 1972 Fiberglass Corvette and turned it into a barn find we all wish we could stumble upon. No matter what part of this model you explore it has paid its dues to father time.

Manny has a talent for aging diecast, I call it an art; I have seen a lot of projects such as this over the years and to my eye Manny captures the results of father time like no other.

Yes, I know these models aren't for everyone but if you are one of those guys that loves to display your models in a diorama, then this model could fit nicely into your plans; it could be a before and after display or simply an old junker in a garage. Whatever you decide, if anything, I have to commend Manny on a job well done. And since these models are individually weathered no two models are the same. You will also receive a title which is your certificate of authenticity proving that this is truly a Manny Salano original. The retail price on this model is $199 and it is only available through Diecast Reproduction.

The Franklin Mint announces the release of some muscle, all of which are dealer exclusives and very limited editions. Dealer Exclusives means these models are only available through your favorite Franklin Mint authorized retailer.

First up are two stunning Shelby Terlingua Racing Team cars both 1:24th scale and both limted to 250 pieces. Both these models retail for $155 plus shipping and handling.

Next up are a pair of 1970 Chevelle's SS 454 in 1:24th scale and both of which are limited to 250 pieces also. These are available in Champagne Gold and Cortez Silver and both of these retail for $155 plus shipping and handling.

Mint Models announces the release of its latest exclusive and that is a 1:24th 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 in Cyber Gray Metallic. This 1:24th exclusive is limited to a mere 500 pieces, and carries a retail price of $155 plus shipping and handling.

Automodello announced the release of their Bricklin Series of 1:43 replica's. There will be a few different color schemes of this classic, which was short lived in real life. Take a few minutes to check the Automodello Models out today.

The Bricklin retails for $94.95 and is limited to 399 pieces worldwide. Check it out on our Diecast Models page to learn more about this fabulous replica.

Diecast Reproductions of Tampa Florida announces the release of two three car sets of AAR Cuda's in 1:124th scale. The first set is Red with two cars signed by Phil Remington and Dan Gurney, just to be clear one signature appears on each car (Two Cars total). And a reversed paint scheme on another, the one in front, for a total of thirty pieces for this set. I found this set to be outstanding in build quality and the color is really impressive too. While these sets aren't for everyone if you have an extra $999.99 lying around you might want to take a look at them; they will be very collectible and sought after for years to come.

The purple set was just as impressive as the red one. Fit, finish was outstanding on this set too. I love the color combination especially on the reversed color model the best. Also, two models are signed as mentioned above, and this is a thirty car set also. Again both sets are 1:24th scale and both sets retail for $999.99

Finally, the third model sanctioned by Diecast Reproductions is a Junk yard piece, which is another '70 Cuda weathered by Manny Solano, an artist that has built a reputation for himself on aging models such as this. The Model was weathered beautifully, if you want to say that and it too is a 1:24th scale replica and this one is limited to just 12 pcs, with a retail price of $295.

All models were manufactured by the Franklin Mint, and all models are 1:24th scale. To view more images of these models you will find them on our Diecast Models page or simply click on these links:

• Red Set
• Purple Set
• Weathered Cuda

It's not often you get a second chance in life but the Danbury Mint is giving you one now; if you missed the Green 1957 Suburban now is your chance to fill the void with its Sand Beige cousin. The Danbury Mint 1957 Suburban covered in Sand Beige is a 1:24th classic and it can be yours for a mere $129 plus $9 shipping and handling. Don't miss your chance to own this classic the second time around; you will kick yourself if you do.

If you had the pleasure of living through the muscle car era then you remember this one well. Or at the very least you knew of it or had a friend or two that owned one. Either way it was a Classic, which was sought after, by most kids with their hormone's running wild. I was one of them.

The Danbury Mint 1965 Pontiac GTO is a must have for the muscle car collector; it is as gorgeous as our images portray it and that alone makes it a buy. All kidding aside the car is a Classic, and the Danbury Mint did it proud. A 1:24th scale replica, which retails for $129 plus $9 Shipping and Handling. The model is covered in stunning Montero Red with a white interior. The Danbury Mint includes an up top which is black and compliments the model nicely.

Did someone say Bullet Nose? Well here it is — The Danbury Mint 1950 Studebaker Champion Coupe in all its glory, finished in gorgeous Aqua Green. The 1:24th scale model is a "Limited Edition" of 5000 pieces worldwide and carries a retail price of $149 plus $9 Shipping and Handling. The fact that this replica is a Limited Edition will make even more desirable to the serious collector.

For months there was a rumor concerning the release of an unpainted 1931 Mercedes-Benz from CMC in 1:18th scale and now that rumor was confirmed from CMC with the announcement of the 1931 Mercedes-Benz SSKL Mille Miglia. I have to tell you these are high-end models worth the price of admission, trust me.

The Franklin Mint announced the release of a parking lot full of New Models. Please visit our Diecast Models page to learn what they are. Sorry there are no JSS Flash Movies for any of them as we haven't received any of these models at this time.

Are you into patriotic themes? Do you just collect motorcycles? Whichever it is, you many want to check out the New Franklin Mint 2008 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide FLHTCUI; this patriotic bike is covered in the American Flag and it is a 1:10th scale replica. Also, the bike is limited to 1500 pieces worldwide. The 2008 Harley retails for $169 plus shipping and handling.

Here they are the PhillyMint 1970 Dodge Challenger's 40th Anniversary models. Both replica's are 1:24th scale and very limited editions. The Triple Black replica retails for $59.95 plus shipping and handling. You have until July 9th to order the companion model, the same model but with a white interior, guaranteeing you the same Limited Edition number for both models. After July 9th all white interior models will become available to the general public so long as you own a triple black model.

So what are you waiting for? Add the triple black model to your collection today and if you want a winning pair go for the two of them; you won't regret it, I promise.

The Opalescent Silver Blue 1964 Griffith Series 200, Founders Edition by Automodello is a very limited edition; a mere 192 pieces were produced.

The Founders Edition includes an impressive plate on its base, which denotes the pertinent information regarding the model. This is another highly detailed replica, from Automodello, which retails for $195. Let me be VERY clear these are not toys; they are HIGHLY detailed replicas, which must be seen to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into creating these little gems.

JSS is pleased to announce Automodello will now be included in all our products. Automodello is the manufacturer of high-end 1:43 scale replicas specifically targeted to fill voids left by mainstream diecast manufacturers, starting with the Griffith 200.

Pictured here is the 1964 Griffith Series 200 in Regal Red; it is limited to 262 pieces. I should mention they come in their own display case too. We show it here sitting on its base; there is a Lean cover which is included also.

Please take a minute to explore the Automodello site; our friend Raffi is involved on this project and most if not all are familiar with his work.

The 1964 Griffith retails for $95 and Rose loved it, which says a lot.

In my opinion the best '50s Chrysler, in this body style, yet. The 1958 Chrysler New Yorker, in Garnet Maroon Metallic is a 1:24th replica that is absolutely gorgeous. Our images don't do this model justice; it is even more stunning in person. Don't take my word on it, order one and if you aren't impressed send it back. This one is a keeper!

The Danbury Mint New Yorker retails for $129 plus $9 S&H it. Check it out on our Diecast Models page.

Yes you read the headline correctly; this brand 'New tool won't be trumped by anything else, this year, at least.

The Danbury Mint has become rather efficient at hitting them out of the park and this 1956 Buick Roadmaster 4-Door Riviera is no exception. This stunning replica finished in Carlsbad Black, Seminole Red and Cameo Beige is just gorgeous. The color combination is perfect; it displays beautifully and will be the center of your collection. This 1:24th scale replica can be yours for $129 plus $9 s&h. The bar has been raised again; I can't wait to see who tops it.

Do you collect trucks? Well you do now; this one is a must have; it's that gorgeous.

OK, so it's an old tool but who cares; the boys at Danbury did an outstanding job dressing this old girl up and it was worth the wait.

The 1969 El Camino SS-396 is a 1:24th replica, limited to 5000 pieces, and painted in gorgeous Cortez Silver.

If you want one, don't wait too long to place your order because this one won't be around too long. You have been put on notice remember that. And it can be purchased for $149 plus $9 s&h see me in a year when it is double that on auction.

If you love muscle then you will love this Green machine from the Danbury Mint.

The 1969 COPO Camaro is a 1:24th scale replica covered in Rallye Green. Yes, it's a lot of green but it displays well with all the muscle cars you may have in your collection. The Rallye Green Camaro is a repaint of its Silver cousin; therefore it was released as a standard run, which retails for $129 plus $9 s&h.

The Philly Mint Triple Black Challenger is due in stock the first week of June 2010. The 1:24th replica retails for $59.95 with Free shipping to JSS visitors that use the following code on check out (check out code: JSS) This offer is good through June 2010 or until the model is sold out. For more info please visit the Product Page on the PhillyMint.

FYI, the numbered models are all gone and there are a limited amount of non-numbered cars remaining. Remember, you snooze you loose.

Right from the secret cave, somewhere in Gotham City, appears the autographed version of the Bat-Mobile. The replica is signed by Adam West (BatMan) and Burt Ward (Robin), for those of you that were into this series, it may be the piece you need, to complete your collection.

The replica is 1:18th scale, with a retail price of $299 plus $9 s&h. And if you prefer to make payments, you can. Holy Master card Batman what a deal!

Yes, this is a real truck. Since posting this truck I received numerous inquires asking if this is a real truck. Yes it is. How do I know? My father drove one for a bread company that's how. Also, the Hershey Auto Museum has one on display too.

I digress, the JuDee's Collectible Divco Twin Coach painted with the Helms Bakery Graphics will be a welcomed addition to any collection. The model is a true 1:24th scale replica with a retail price of $125. Take a few minutes and explore the JuDee's Collectible web site to learn more about this little gem.

The next model off the Danbury Mint car carrier is a stunning 1951 Ford F1 Pickup covered in what is called Siverton Gray. This 1:24th model can be had for $129 plus $9 s&h.

For more information on this model please visit our Diecast Models page.

The Danbury Mint heard our plea for more repaints of their old pickup line, and here are the first of those repaints.

The 1931 Ford Model A is a 1:24th replica painted in Cigarette Cream with Orange trim, it retails for $129 plus $9 s&h.

For more information please visit our Diecast Models page.