Distant Cousins from the Flat-Engine Fatherland

Sun Star

1:18 | Prices TBA

While they share manufacturer DNA and engine orientation (rear-engine, air-cooled flat-4s), that’s about where the similarities end between these two vehicles—except that they’re both new from Sun Star and both 1:18 scale. This latter is key because Sun Star had previously released numerous high-content 1:12 Volkswagen Buses. But it’s now brought those same virtues down to the more common, space- and price-friendly scale, and we’re thrilled. The “Samba” designates the version of the VW Microbus with the folding-cloth sunroof—and this one even works: You can gather the cloth back and open up the top of this model, adding one more opening to the standard 23-window configuration. Opening doors, folding seats, a detailed engine—this model appears to give nothing away to its 1:12 big brother.

We take the “Carrera” name a bit for granted now, but it meant something significant in 1957. Starting in late ’56, Porsche introduced the Type 547/1 Carrera engine to the 356A line. Named to commemorate Porsche victories the previous three years at the prestigious Carrera Panamericana endurance race, the engine was a road-going adaptation of the special DOHC 1.5L competition engine from the 550 Spyder race car, whereas the regular 356 engines were conventional pushrod OHV designs. The Carrera represented a huge boost in performance, raising power from the standard 60hp all the way to 100. With the Carrera engine aboard, the 356A became a force to be reckoned with in sports-car racing, establishing the reputation for the “Carrera” name that continues to this day. Sun Star has two new colors of the ’57 Carrera on the way: Aquamarine Blue and this rich Green.