Is everyone paying attention? Motor Max Fresh
Cherries have proved to be the hottest new models of 2006. While I
cannot offer quantitative proof of this statement, we can at least
agree that this new series has created a stir.
With their release of the Ford Pinto, Maverick and Mustang II as well as
the upcoming AMC Gremlin and Pacer models, Motor Max has made the un-cool
cars of the first gas crisis, cool again. Even better, Motor Max has produced
these with the quality of a Johnny Lightning but they sell for less than
$2 each.
How could this happen? I suspect we can thank Mac Regan for this new and
unexpected trend. My guess is that Motor Max saw the success of Johnny Lightning's
1970's compact models like the Vega, Mavrick, Gremlin and Hornet, and decided
to follow suit. Mac has had a soft spot for these cars of the common man/woman
and clearly he is not the only one. What American family did not own at
least one of these cars? We had a Vega and a Pacer.
As collector cars go, these are still so far below the radar that a depth
sounder would be more likely to turn one up. You can own any of the few
survivors for less than $1,000 with a little shopping. As toy collector
cars go, this may be just the beginning of a 1970's love-fest.
Frankly, I'm all in favor of more toy cars from the 1970's. Back in
the day, many small-scale diecast companies were so busy doing custom
and fantasy cars that they barely scratched the surface for production
car replicas. European and Japanese cars from this era seem to be
better represented as companies like Tomica, Siku, Majorette and Playart
offered realistic models. From Hot Wheels we were given the Poison
Pinto, Vega Funny Car, Gremlin Grinder and Packin' Pacer. Some 30
years later, it seems we want a toy version of the real car.
Here are my top ten suggestions for American cars of the 1970's that deserve
to be done.
1975 Cadillac Seville
1970 Buick Riviera
1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
1977 Pontiac Grand Prix
1975 Chevrolet Vega Wagon
1973 Ford Gran Torino Wagon
1976 Mercury Bobcat
1975 Dodge Aspen
1975 Chrysler Cordoba
1979 AMC Eagle Wagon
My bias toward station wagons is obvious but then far too few have been
done. I also have a particular affection for the personal luxury coupes
like the Cordoba, Riviera and Grand Prix. I'm sure you could select another
20-30 cars of this era that deserve to be done in small-scale and as long
as it does not include any Mustangs, Corvettes, Camaros or Firebirds, I
would be happy to agree.
Will the 1970's be the next big trend in toy cars? I don't see it becoming
the next 'tuner' or 'low-rider' wave but if we see cars of the 1970's from
Summer, I may re-think that. |
1970 Ford Pinto - Motor Max
1970 Ford Maverick - Motor Max
1977 Ford Mustang II - Motor Max |
