TofTC Classic Concours d'Elegance
by Doug Breithaupt

The best of pre-war European and American grand-classic automobiles are seldom seen in small-scale. In the last 10 years this trend has changed and collectors can now assemble their own miniature version of the famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Hot Wheels and Racing Champions have dominated the production of these classic models. A handful have been done by Tomica, Siku, Matchbox and others in their regular lines. I have selected 10 grand classic models for display here that have all been offered in special collector versions. Johnny Lightning's Hispano-Suiza just misses this 'by invitation only' selection due to it's choice of colors for the current version. Maybe next year.


1939 Bugatti Type 57C - Shah of Iran

1937 Cord 812 Sportsman Convertible

1935 Duesenberg SSJ

1941 Lincoln-Continental

1936 Auburn Speedster
1939 Bugatti Type 57C - Shah of Iran
This Hot Wheels collector model is one of their latest and a beautiful diecast car. The detail of the interior, chrome accents and lift-off engine cover is a delight.
1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K
While this casting has served Hot Wheels for many years, this collector version is the best one produced. This super-charged beauty is lovely in dark green.
1937 Cord 812 Sportsman Convertible
When Racing Champions produced their beautiful Cord in 1:64 scale, they offered small-scale collectors one of the greatest automobile designs of all time.
1936 Cord Beverly Sedan
Just released in their 'Legends' series, Hot Wheels' has finally given their Cord Beverly the detail it so richly deserves.
1935 Duesenberg SSJ
This Racing Champions model is perhaps the best 1:64 scale model ever made. The detail is amazing with correct apple green paint on the viewable engine.
1935 Duesenberg SJ - Maharajah of Holkar
This Hot Wheel is also very nice but the body appears too narrow. The engine cover lifts off but the wire wheels are tampoed. Base says 1932 but it's a 1935.
1941 Lincoln-Continental
Edsel Ford's first Continental looks great in this racing Champions version. Engine detail is available when the cover is lifted.
1932 Cadillac V16 Cabriolet
Racing Champions did the great Cadillac V16 in their Mint Editions series. Like the Duesenberg, it has detail far beyond most cars of this scale.
1936 Auburn Speedster
Even though the wide tires make this look like a replica of the real car, the lines of this classic Hot Wheel model are so very stylish.
1937 Talbot Lago
Companion to the Mercedes-Benz above, the lovely Talbot Lago is an aerodynamic marvel by Hot Wheels. This tear-drop coupes never looked better.


1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K

1936 Cord Beverly Sedan

1935 Duesenberg SJ - Maharajah of Holkar

1932 Cadillac V16 Cabriolet

1937 Talbot Lago

And the winner is... Racing Champoins' 1935 Duesenberg SSJ with second to the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C and third to the 1937 Cord 812 Sportsman. Hey, for your show, you get to be the judge!