Jada 1972 Plymouth GTX

Due to Covid restrictions, seeing actual examples of models is still fraught with difficulty, but thankfully online investigations make things easier. Jada Toys produces some excellent die-cast vehicles in multiple scales, many of which cross the fine line between models and toys. This 1:24 scale 1972 Plymouth GTX in its Bigtime Muscle range is typical. The body is a reasonable representation of a stock vehicle, but the oversize wheels and tyres give the model a cartoonish appearance. The paint is thick and glossy and the emblems on the bonnet and sides look fine.

The dished chrome alloys represent five-spoke split rim wheels with ultra-low profile tyres. There’s a loop-style chromed bumper protecting a deeply inset grille and clear headlight lenses. The interior is plain black with hi-backed bucket seats. The doors, bonnet and boot lid all open. The engine bay features Jada’s usual simple one-piece insert. It’s listed by Jada as currently available, but the market changes rapidly. Examples representing cars from the Fast & Furious franchise are listed at around £28, but shop around to find the version you like. Incidentally, the final GTX came out in 1971, so the 1972 examples were actually Roadrunners ordered with the 440 cid engine, which were upgraded to GTX trim. Only 672 examples were made.