Mini muscle

We

usually concentrate on the top shelf models in this magazine, but most collectors like to check out the bargain basement as well. These 1:64 scale cars were found in Big W and we have to admit they are very cool. And very cheap.

The mint green 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona is part of Hot Wheels 2013 HW Workshop series, priced at $2.25 in my local store. The radical Daytona was a limited-edition of 500 road cars built to homologate this design for NASCAR racing.

Other classics in the Workshop series include a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S, 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator, 1971 Dodge Challenger and 1969 Ford Torino Talladega. Not a bad collection to park in your 1:64 fantasy garage.

Matchbox, now owned by Mattel, has traditionally produced a more conservative range of models but there are signs that they are also after a slice of the mini muscle market. A 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula is part of the MBX Adventure City series. These also retail at $2.25.

Also spotted was a new brand called M2 Machines, made in California by Castline Inc. These are $10 each but include opening bonnets and doors with realistic engine and interior details, plus rubber tyres. These are small toys for the big boys.

The M2 ‘Wild Cards’ series includes this 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Super Stock drag car with orange Hemi motor. Also included is a 1969 Pontiac GTO and 1968 Firebird.

Each store seems to have a different range of models so you’ll have to hunt around to find the ones you want. in 1952 when it was operating as Coote & Jorgensen in Fairfield, Sydney.

It was a sad day although the company supplied plenty of Jim Beam, which may explain why the group seen in the last day photo appear to be fairly happy. Let’s hope they got good redundancy packages.

Also seen in the photo are the last two Borg Warner boxes to come off the production line. These were made for a SssangYong and a London taxicab.

When the doors closed another significant piece of Australia’s once booming car manufacturing industry was lost.