Ecm

Holiday dream come true!

2011-12-18T20:32:00.000-08:00

It’s a known fact that I really like VW. I’m an incurable enthusiast, collector and need I say “fanatic?” car guy. It has been my dream to have the miniature replica of my favorite 1:1 VW car that I own. If it were a VW Beetle, Bus and Golf, it would be very easy to have the small scale of any of them. But my actual car isn’t popularly modeled in scale. I can safely say it, that only one manufacturer did such model. And finally after years of yearning to find one, this holiday season brings good cheers! My good friend has sent me one, and I’m thoroughly grateful!

From Schabak of Germany, 1:43 scale.

The VW Jetta MK2, early model version .

I just love this color….

….because my 1:1 sports the same factory paint, Dupont LA1Z !

My 1:1 VW Jetta MK2, late model version.

Canadian version, Jetta Carat in Light Sahara Mettalic paint.

Matching interior is also VW code named, “Sahara”

Both Jettas are personally treasured!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Hope your dreams do come true, as mine did!

Enjoy & Cheers!

Came Raining VW

2011-12-05T23:47:00.000-08:00

The much anticipated annual VW day was held last weekend.

Aficionados and enthusiast alike came to celebrate…

… and so did the rains!

Nonetheless the outpour of affection for Vdubs,

wasn’t dampened at all by the downpour.

The songs of ‘The Beatles’ were playing full blast on that event!

We were literally ‘singing in the rain’. I saw some were ‘dancing’ as well!

View from the grandstand (shelter from the rains)

My fav on that day were:

A VW T34 ‘Razor’

Pale mocha Karmann Cabrio

Australian VW buggy side by side with a VW Sakbayan,.. Military VW Thing round up the box theme!

Pair of Fastbacks: early and late model

Green early VW T2 Kombi

Crewcab VW T1

Panel van VW T2

Showering VW style:

From parade grounds of previous show winners.

550 replica

VW Thing

Other forms of air-cooled joined in!

Vintage scooters

Lambretta

Gymkhana in 3 inch

2011-11-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

Quick fun with the Ford Fiesta...
...Ken Block style in 3-inch scale!
Enjoy! :-)

Great model choice, HotWheels!

Wish list 1973

2011-11-10T06:07:00.000-08:00

Start with;

-A legendary body design of an ageless classic.

Then,

-Widened the rear fenders to accommodate even wider wheels.

-Use light weight panels and stripped to net 840kilos.

Re-engineer;

-A tried and tested 6 cylinder engine

To,

-A displacement of 2.8 litres

-308 bhp / 290NM torque!

The agenda;

-Dominate Group 4 GT

The result,

-The all conquering Porsche 911 RSR 2.8!

This too is the top of my car wish list of all time!

The PMA version in 1:43…

…is a little wish come true!

Martini Racing Team Pickup

2011-10-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

Racing automobiles are splendid machineries.

Fitted with all the bells and whistles to go faster,

go farther and go for the win!

While the racing car has the lead role in a team,

support vehicles take on the supporting casts.

I find amusement in them as well!

The equally impressive transporters, trailers and trucks

are awe-inspiring machineries in their own right.

Case in point are the VW pickup trucks that were put

to task to support the VW Race Touareg at Dakar.

These eventually became the VW Amarok, a race

proven team pickup before even being officially offered

to the public in civilian form.

This is the inspiration for a quickie transformation!

A VW Rabbit (Golf) Pickup (Caddy) by Siku.

Transformed into the Martini Team Pickup.

While the VW Golf GTi takes on the brawlin’…

the VW Pickup does the haulin’!

Eye of the beholder

2011-09-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

Attraction initially is a result of a superficial desire on the external. We are simply drawn to beauty on face value. What you see as gorgeous on the outside preconditions that, what’s inside is presumed to be the same. It’s hollow, yes, but it is the law of attraction. And that is the flaw of it.

Cars are perceived the same. It is but customary to be awed by the wonderful curves of a sports car. The angular-tension and skillfully chiseled body lines of an Italian exotic automobile are a sight to behold. We adore the restrained ornamentation and appreciate the elegance of the well-tailored proportion on a German executive sedan. These attractions start at the external. Most of them are translated well on the internal and the performance side of their merits. And surely, they won’t disappoint the initial impression set by their external splendor. But, sadly there are those that are utter let down: looks well but doesn’t measure up to the expectation. Such a case could be the BMW Z3, as infamously reviewed in Top G... you know where!

External beauty can have a perilous effect if it sets off consequently high expectations on the other aspects. Is it then better to start with a less attractive external if that is the case? Would a plain-Jane of a design be better off? Maybe VW could be thinking along this light, decades back. The first Karmann Ghia, the Type 14, is universally accepted as a beautifully bodied Volkswagen. So much has been written about how well liked its shape is and KG-lover/enthusiasts are a plenty to affirm this. Though as beautiful as its external, the stock performance is not as sporty as the bodywork suggest. When the second Karmann Ghia, the Type 34 came into light, the reverse it seems happened. The external styling is, well, not as charismatic as the first one. To tell you honestly the first time I saw one in a photo, I really thought it was a Chevrolet Corvair. VW though, up the ante on a plushier interior, better available equipments, enhanced safety, bigger engine and host of other improvements. So did the plain-Jane KG approach work? Not really! The sales figures said so, thus their numbers aren’t many (by VW standards), making this KG a rare sight today.

So how does one perceived the external of the Type 34?

A queer proportioned coupe?

Are the Integrated driving light curiously placed?

Or, is the front end too distinctive?

Strong sharp lines earned its nickname “Razor”.

Luxuriously appointed interiors.

Personally, I have grown an unexplainable liking to this KG Type 34. Yes it is queer, but it has the charm of a rare uncommon beauty. If given the chance I’d love to have one (1:1) of these in my future garage. I guess “beauty” as they say, “is truly in the eye of the beholder”!

1:43 PMA VW 1600cc Type 34 from my Karmann Collection.

The name says it all!

2011-08-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

Of plastic and diecast series 2

There is a definite purpose in anything we do.

An action will cause a proportionate reaction.

It is the law of nature. Physics even says so!

Basically it has something to do with (well meaning) cause and (well intended) effect too.

Thus, many great creations encompass equally great effect on people.

When people started creating toys, their perceived purposes were vast.

Most toys are scaled down versions of desirable human possessions (i.e houses, prized animals, gadgets) that are meant to be aspirations in later adult life (i.e doctors gear, driving a sports car). A toy thus is a miniature meant to stimulate a child’s mind and heart to reach for his/her dreams in the future.

In spite of this fact, there is an underlying noble and basic intent of toys.

To be honest, the fundamental purpose of which is to bring happiness.

Pure and simple JOY!

So too this car brings joy …

Old-world delightful rendition,

of a vintage VW Scirocco MK1

by the brand, JOY-TOY

An apt name, don’t you think?

Made in Greece with joy!

Special thanks to my friend MT for this :-)

ATS old-school wheels

2011-07-05T04:22:00.000-07:00

Wheel fetish series

In the 70’s, it was still the norm to see cars, factory equipped with steel rims and chrome hubcap.

Those with alloy wheels were either top of the line models or cars from very expensive marques.

Of course, the aftermarket industry saw this as a lucrative opportunity to develop wheels to enhance the performance (by lighter rolling weight), handling (stiffer structure) and looks (sportier design) of the stock automobiles.

One of them, was a wheel manufacturer known as, ATS of Germany.

The alloy wheel they designed and designated as code# 55151, is one of my favorites.

These were fitted on special VW 1303 LS Cabriolet of the 70’s.

1303’s have better suspension utilizing MacPherson struts,

and the ATS alloy wheels made the suspension setup even more responsive.

The VW 1303 was the last of the German made classic air-cooled VW Beetle.

ATS classic wheels were appropriate German made equipment on this classic icon!

1:43 by Paul’s Model Art from my shelf of classic VW’s.

Of metal and plastic

2011-06-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

Cars of yesteryears were predominantly made with metal.
Progress and evolution have made this practice not the general rule anymore.
More and more plastics of different compositions have gradually replaced metal.
Good examples are bumpers, car exteriors and interiors...and by that, it's a lot!
The engine bay hosts a lot of these plastics as well.

There also exist, parallels in small scale car miniatures.

Those Lesney Matchbox for example, has metal bases then, now they are mostly in plastic.

I guess plastic will continue to exist side by side with metal, as both have their distinct advantages when used in cars. Whatever the scale is!
I have recently been receptive of the appeal of plastics as well.

They are mainly vintage plastic cars, and I’m delighted to have broaden my horizon.

Diecast metal is a staple in my collection, but I’m open to other materials nowadays.

This pair of VW 411, illustrates the individual charm of each material.

Diecast in 1/66 by Schuco, Made in Germany

Typical of vintage diecast cars are opening features like doors,

and diecast base chassis.

Plastic in 1/64 by Stelco, Made in Germany

Typical of this vintage are the lack of interiors,

and no base chassis!

Both wonderful examples of the curious VW 411

White Car Black Wheels

2011-05-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

Wheel fetish 2

There is a renaissance of the color white in cars. Not that white was absent as a dealer option, actually it has been there ever since. In the era of metallic paints and fancy mix, it has persistently survived. Recently, I have noticed that luxury rides, sport cars and even exotics are cloth in white paint; this trend has fueled the resurgence. White is the new silver nowadays!

Ironically, I even see it as the new measure of vanity. It is one of the cheapest paint per se, but on the maintenance front, it is the opposite. A frequent trip to the carwash and wax detailing are norms in owning a car painted in white. It rakes in more effort and expense to keep pristine. But going through all of this, one is rewarded with a stunning looking car; it is classic at the same time avant-garde. A cool combination!

There is an even more stunning combination IMHO!
Like this classic 911 turbo,

…same recipe on a modern 911 turbo!

Similarly on a classic Golf GTi’

…and its later reincarnation!

How, about on a Jetta GLi…

…or this MK4?

Some really great inspirations! Don’t you think?

So, here’s my take on the theme…

White car,

Black wheels.

New car,

Old school wheels.

BBS from the Sportline Golf GTi

Wheel Fetish

2011-05-04T02:22:00.000-07:00

The love for cars has different versions of fixation.
Some love them for their flashy chrome stuff and bling.
Others go for the pumping audio equipment and electronics.
People spend their money on wild paint job and bodykits.
It all boils down to this; your money, your style.

I for one am a bit conventional on styling of 1:1 cars.
Sure I prefer Lambo or Porsches any day, if I have the dough.
But, would rather keep them bone stock. That is my preference.
None of the fancy cosmetics to modify them, I’d keep them original.
Apart maybe for one exception; the proper wheels!

I’m a self confess wheel fetish, literally and figuratively.
I like a car with a great set of rim/alloy wheels on it.
I can actually remember some wonderful rims on VW or Porsches that came standard on them. The aftermarket wheel that perfectly suite a VW, is a must have for me.
Thus, from my point of view a great set of wheels make a good car, great looking!

An example is this VW Golf IV GTi

The paint is perfect for this car

All the more, sporting the BBS wheels, model RS771!

Love the stance and overall look.

Paul Model’s Art 1:43 version

The start of something good!

2011-04-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

An event that is a prelude to something life-changing (for the better) is always a great time to remember. All of us have them in abundance, and these make it worthwhile when looking back. I’m compelled to share examples, which are the prerequisite of the best journeys taken. Such is the development of the Porsche 907 in 1967 by Ferdinand Piech (now the VW Chairman) for the 24 hours Le Mans race. It was a David among the Goliaths, as it was powered only by a 2000cc engine as opposed to the all conquering 7000cc of the reigning champ, the Ford GT40. But Porsche saw fitting to forge ahead, and came 5th overall in 1967 only bested by the much bigger engine Ford and Ferrari. In 1968, saw the winning streak of the Porsche 907. First winning the 24 hours of Daytona with the staggering 1-2-3 sweep of the podium finish! Next was the 12 hours of Sebring with an equally impressive 1-2 finish wins. Winning the legendary Targa Florio was subsequently in the list of impressive victory of this mighty mite. Then all it needs was the Le Mans win that would make the icing on the cake…but that didn’t happen. The Porsche 907LH (Langheck aka Longtail) would take the 2nd spot after the winning (3 year, grand-slam) Ford GT40. At the end of the 1968 season, the development of the 907 and its subsequent prelude to Porsche’s ambition for an overall Le Mans win, has taken serious root. The 907 opened the doors and has paved the way for the development of the greatest racing car in history, the legendary Porsche 917!

Ironically, my search for the 3 inch scale of the Porsche 907, was a wonderful start of something good as well. I have posted my search for the only known manufacturer of it, that being Majorette of France. A kind-hearted gentleman heed my call and thus as we say ‘’the rest is history’’. The wonderful Porsche 907 has led and brought me a very good friend! I can’t thank him enough for these charming Majorette cars!

Solid Red with the early regular wheel variant. Marked; #8, BP (British Petroleum) & Dunlop

Metallic Red with the 5-spoke wheels. Marked; #3, BP (British Petroleum) & Caltex

Orange with the 3-spoke wheels (background).

Light Blue with the 5-spoke wheels. Marked; BP (British Petroleum) & Shell

Metallic Blue with the 3-spoke wheels. Marked; #3, BP (British Petroleum) & Elf

Baseplate says 1/63 scale.

There are more colors and combinations apart from these....

... all are very good examples of the mighty mite 907!

Setting the record straight

2011-03-18T01:14:00.000-07:00

In the olden days, whenever a mention of ‘Volkswagen’ was made… you automatically think of the Beetle. A small car which was cheap to buy and cheaper to maintain. A perception that is connected to the brand, up to today in our shores. New VWs have been sorely absent here for a considerable time, so a lot of us are not up to date with, where the brand has gone to nowadays. Most still think, VWs are cars with aircooled engine at the back. What I can tell you from the everyday use of my watercooled VWs, is that; (1) good examples aren’t cheap to buy here and, (2) they are expensive to maintain as parts are from few specialized importers.

And speaking of how far VW has been to…here is one of the extreme case in point.

The Volkswagen W12 Coupe which set 7 world 24-hour speed records at the Nardo Circuit near Lecce, Italy in February of 2002. http://www.vwvortex.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=2&num=37

This is not your dad’s Beetle :-)

Mean machine in matte black body.

Designed by Georgette Giugiaro of ItalDesign, same genius behind the VW Golf & Scirocco.

Not your dad’s rear engine Bug

The mean W12 powerplant, 12 cylinder 600HP behemoth.

It rolls on my favorite alloy wheels, BBS of Germany.

Ran a record 7,749.4 kilometres at an average speed of 322.89 km/h….
Not bad for a Volkswagen!

Shown is the miniature by SPARK, from my 1:43 collection.

Here Comes The Sun

2011-03-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

…and I say it’s alright! You've heard of the Beatles, of course. I’ve taken a line from their song, which easily comes to mind, about being in the state of cheerful bliss. I’m curious about the reference to “little darling” and of its endearing reference. Ok, I’m thinking about small and cherished. So many similes exist in our miniature hobby and the warmth of joy it brings to collectors. Hey, George, Paul,and Ringo, must be talking about us for all you know!

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Time to bring out the Sun of joy then!

A pop-up roof wagon to enjoy the Summer.

80’s Vintage Hotwheels, the Sunagon.

A play of the words VW Vanagon and Sun.

Modeled after a 80’s VW Vanagon Wesfalia Camper.

And I say it’s absolutely alright!

Name First

2011-02-24T00:45:00.000-08:00

Mention the word Targa Florio to vintage road racing aficionados, and you’ll get them excited! This famous race in Sicily, Italy dates decades back and has Porsche history written all over it. So much so that Porsche’s success in that course, paved the way for the name ‘Targa’ permanently etched in its line of road going production cars. Thus when the Stuttgart firm decided to pursue an innovative semi-convertible sports car, the ‘Targa’ badge was adopted.

The very first Porsche to carry the ‘Targa’ nameplate was on the 1966 Porsche .

A first generation 911 Targa

Captured in essence by this vintage SIKU of Germany.

Special thanks to my good friend for the Targa!

Missing Max!

2011-02-03T06:13:00.000-08:00

Part 1

By now you’re wondering; why the affliction with Volkswagen?
Let me go back to a bit of affliction history. It’s because of ‘Max’.
‘Max’ is the name of my parents’ 1963 VW 1500 S Notchback. This was my very first long term encounter with a 1:1 VW and my dad gave it that name. 'Max' is like a well loved family pet. Everybody knows it by name.

I missed it so much today. Why? He's been gone missing! Why again? More of that next time…
To be continued….

Meanwhile....
My good friend sent me this, last year. It’s one that is in his dad’s collection. I’m so happy on the parallel of sorts and that I’ve finally got this wonderful miniature (been looking for an example, all of these years!).

A model of a 60’s VW Notchback.

A small scale of ‘Max’.

Has the same old-school appeal…

and period feel that is hard to come by today!

It’s a vintage piece by LEGO!

Hey, ‘Max’ got shrunken!

Baddie Corvette

2011-01-05T04:43:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons, the current Ford Fiesta is such a hit can be attributed to Jeremy Clarkson doing the famous review of it in Top Gear! A review which is witty and wildly creative. The cherry on the cake of course is this awesome segment featuring a mall chase.

I have to note Mr. Clarkson, a middle aged genius of a journalist, was in a way thinking like a teenage gearhead. Ok, at least when I’m that age, was in that same car-crazed wave length. I’d remember blasting away in our Notchback and would make a tight fast turn manoeuvre from the highway to its gravel shoulder, a dangerous teenage thrill! I can recall vividly how the little stones flew and dust engulfed the car. Ah, those were the days! Now I won’t pull that stunt again (and others that I’ve done then) definitely. But Clarkson subconsciously made a connection, and brought me back in time. Hey, it even made me get a Ford Fiesta, for crying out loud!

Now I’m aching too for some Fiesta fun :-)

Ok, so where are the Baddies?

This one? ………..wrong Corvette!

How about this?....... not so!

This?....... not even the right size :-)

Oh, well my Fiesta isn’t Lime Squeeze either!

The Good ^
The BAG :-)
& the BADDIES !

Location shoot:
First 3 pics @ my father's talyer-garage ....not a mall :-)
4th @ Mindanao Ave. Shell station night-out with drizzle!
last 2 on top of Ford Fiesta Backpack :-)

Happy holidays to one and all!

2010-12-14T21:21:00.000-08:00

May all of you have a delightful season!

My warmest wish for you are on the tree :-)

God bless!

VW Gathering Dec 2010

2010-12-06T21:44:00.000-08:00

The annual celebration of folks-wagens, friends, fans and fanatics never fail to disappoint. Weather that day (Dec. 5) sizzled hot and so is the enthusiasm of the followers of the gathering. Old and new faces share the same undying passion for Volkswagens. Notwithstanding the few fiberglass body air-cooled Flat4, the line “Invest in Precious Metal” is alive and kicking! Enthusiast came to drive, flaunt and rejoice their love for the marquee. Viva VW!

The Curiosities
NY Taxi

Earth Thing

Sand Thing

VolksRod?

Manxter Buggy
550 Replica

Komenda :-)

VW Brasilia

Type 1

Type 2

Type 3

Watercooled

We came in these 1:1 Rides, "ChocNut" (VW Jetta U.S. Version)

"Manga" (VW Polo Sedan)

Blue Oval Detour

2010-12-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Admittedly I’m into VAG vehicles; Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Seat, Skoda, VW, forthcoming will be MAN & Scania trucks. It will be a lot to collect if you go by that VAG list (10 marques), thus I’m focusing on VW and Porsche to keep things sanely. Outside of this list, there are selected side collections and special interest in other marques and/or themes. An example of which is a special interest in Ford vehicles. With the recent inclusion of the Ford Fiesta in my 1:1 stable, a compilation pictures taken years back of Blue Oval cars in my collection is gladly shared. Enjoy!

-Racing Fords

Nascar Thunderbird, both by Matchbox/White Rose

-’64 ½ Mustangs

Mustang Nothback, both by Racing Champions

-Mustang Fastbacks

Piston Popper by Matchbox Rola-matics

Premier Edition by Matchbox

New Real Fun Toy

2010-11-14T07:39:00.000-08:00

Lately I have taken a break from the car diecast hunt.

I can’t seem to find a particular model that suits my present yearning.

I’m looking for something small…

…of great play value…

… meant to enjoy…

…to excite…

…to bring the little boy in me!

-

Until this one came to fill my child-like urge again!

-

-

-

My new 1:1 Fun Toy

The 2011 Ford Fiesta Hatchback

First time to gas-up

Fun interiors

I’ve named her “Ängel”

Up in Tagaytay for break-in trip

Very enjoyable small car indeed :)

This will suffice until the 1/64 version comes along :-)

Lord of the Rings

2010-10-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

The 24 hours of Le Mans is one the oldest, most prestigious and important automobile race in the planet. Proof of its enduring appeal is the timeless Hollywood film ‘Le Mans’. I tend to believe its lasting allure is the sport car manufacturers bringing in their new hardware for punishing endurance and reliability testing. Eventually these tested car components do find its way into their road going cars for customers. LM consequently is a high profile, exciting and competitive arena for new car technology with proven positive results. No wonder the 24 Heures du Mans lord it over all other circuit!

Starting with the new millennium, one car manufacturer has lorded over the winning circle in LM. The assault started in the year 2000 up to 2005 with the Audi R8 completely dominating the circuit. Of course interrupted only in 2003, by the Bentley Speed 8, which too is technically a revamped R8. Actually the Audi works R8 was conveniently absent from the 2003 race, to give way to its sibling in the VW Group. Thus Bentley was able to enjoy a much important commemorative victory. It has to be noted that the 5 (+1) victories came in the form of petrol powered VWAG V8 powerplant.

2006 to 2010, saw the shift from petrol to diesel powered Audi LM cars. First being the winning R10 TDi (Turbo Diesel Injection) of 2006 to 2008, a grand slam of 3 years in a row. Not bad for an oil burner! One has to mentioned that 2009, was for Peugeot, in again a diesel racer. To cap the decade, the Audi R15 TDi sealed the 9 total wins for the Ingolstat car company. Hence making Audi, the ‘4-circle marque’ tied with Ferrari in 2nd place for most wins of all time in Le Mans.

From Paul's Model Art 1/43.

This particular model, a gift from my brother-in-law a few years back :-)

The Le Mans 2006 winner...

...AudiR10 TDi

Very first diesel powered to win in Circuit de la Sarthe .

Headlamp, tow hook & carbon fiber detailing.

Audi Sport cockpit.

Shell & Bosch taking care of the fuel system.

A glimpse of the floor/cockpit detailing.

Rapid diesel fuel filler for 90 litres tank full of VPower.

This is where you mostly see the competition; at the side mirrors!

O.Z. magnesium forged wheels shroud in Michelin, providing the grip for the conquering TDi...

....of the 4-ring margue and currently the lord of Sarthe!

General Patronage

2010-10-13T01:18:00.000-07:00

A lot of people in my part of the woods, say it was fun to grow up in the 70’s and early 80’s. Maybe because life and expectations were simpler then: thus most were so easily pleased. At that time, pleasures can be derived out of simpler consumer goods and visual entertainment. Back then, the television was tops in home leisure. I guess by now it would be the PC/laptop/netbook/ipad or whatever one would call it; with Facebook, YouTube…and blogging constituting the shift to infotainment. But then again, that would be another story…. so back to the simpler days!

For most of us (youngster then) gear-heads, the TV was a source too of simplistic enjoyment of car-related shows. Of this genre, the Dukes of Hazzard was king of the hill! A fantastic mix of hot cars, palatable stars and car stunts made it an epic hit. Never mind that there was nary a ‘thick’ plot. With “General Lee”, Daisy, and a huge dose of wild driving week after week in it, were more than enough good reasons to waste away part of my youth in televiewing. My patronage was sealed forever!

Raw Deal

2010-10-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

After a much needed PC upgrade,. now a DigiCam.
Been trying out shooting RAW images.
Here are some output for starters.
Life can be complex, if you wanted it that way (haha)!
I’m not sure though on the outcome. Is it better?
I’ll take a while to max the potential of RAW.

Ahh Change….

Cheers!

Clearing the cobwebs

2010-09-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered for a moment how many miniature cars are there in your collection? I can presume there are more than a hundred of them. Some of us have thousands of these tiny cars in various scales! Honestly, I don’t have any exact inventory of mine. Got lost in the joys of collecting itself, thereby lost count of the enormity (LoL) and the extent of addiction! Weeks back, I had time to go through the ‘overlooked’ part of the collection. Cleared the dust and the cobwebs running through the display shelves. In the process, rediscovered a Spyder in there!
More precisely, the Porsche 936 Spyder chassis #001.

The 24 hours of Le Mans 1977 winner rendered in 1:43 by PMA…

driven by Hurley Haywood, Jürgen Barth and later by Ickx.

#4 is viewed as unlucky in the East…

This Porsche Spyder clearly debunks that!

And one more thing…

2 of a kind…

2 Martini 1:43’s

Whale Wonder

2010-09-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

Whales are impressive creatures. Having said that, I feel that might be an understatement too. Enigmatic might somehow do justice to describe them. Of the vast (sadly endangered species) varieties, three famous whales have one thing in common. Their names!

Uno:
Moby-Dick, an epic 1851 literary masterpiece of Herman Melville. The novel is also known as ‘The Whale’, aptly being the center of the engaging tale revolving around the hunt for a white Sperm whale.

Dos:
Moby Dick, a 1967 adventure cartoon by Hanna-Barbera. It is part of the back to back series; ’Moby Dick and Mighty Mightor’. Of course, Moby being a white Sperm whale protagonist character. Kids (at heart) my age, saw and enjoyed the re-run decades after.

Tres:
Moby Dick, an extreme Porsche 935/78 racing behemoth. Nicknamed due, to its white color and distinctly unique long tail shape. A powerful mechanical white Sperm whale at that! A testament to its brute raw force is claiming the ‘fastest car on the straight in Le Mans’ by doing 235 mph in 1978! Earlier it won in Silverstone Circuit driven by Mass and Ickx. An imposing reminder of the glorious car racing days of pure mechanical (not bland electronically aided gizmos) dynamics.

This particular 935/78 is one of the legendary cars of the equally legendary 24 Heures du Mans .

Now, that’s a white whale of a tail!

Complex aero-bodywork, for a 911 derivative racer.

Detailing is typical of 1:43 Paul Model Art, which I have a certain fondness.

Personally, the Martini livery adds to the irresistible appeal! It’s a fav!

The real 1:1 is in the Porsche museum.

This one resides in my miniature (read: modest) museum :-)

Yellow Decadence

2010-09-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

How time does fly!

It was like a decade has passed so fast- in reference to collecting 1:43 accurate scale car miniatures. Due to shifting interest towards much smaller scale cars and vintage (any scale) diecast, they have since been given the attention deficit. Last week though I got sick; nothing serious, just one day rest was all I needed. I was able to check my 1:43’s that day. All of a sudden, some realization nudged me and a retrospect is in order.

For one, the ‘accurate’ connotation needs a bit of re-assessment. “Back then” standards (of mine) were easily pleased by the Porsche 911 GT2 model subject. I was then awed by the detail, the livery decoration and presentation case. Decades later, examining and seeing it again, made me realize the rather crudeness of the detailing. Taking macro photos of it was the culprit. From just the naked eye (unassisted) everything is well enough. One lesson is thus learned; never macro-examine an old ‘accurate then’ stuff.
The other realization is that things, yellow with age. Occurrence often glaring with this phenomenon afflicts white paint, paper, bare white plastic and clear ones. Checking the GT2, the decal decorations have shown its yellowing state. It’s like decay! I don’t mind this happening to a period toy car or vintage diecast, as a yellowed decal or sticker adds to its old world charm and authenticity. This doesn’t apply to an accurate scale car though in my opinion; yellowed decor detracts from the overall look of perceived accurateness. Another lesson learned; choose tampo decoration over decal!

Case in point: I got this Vitesse Porsche 911 GT2 in Singapore late 90’s.

Albeit the macro scrutiny, I feel the model still has some appeal.

Maybe because- it serves as a reminder of my yearly tradeshow visits to Singapore. A memento of a bygone era. Now tradeshows (I’ve attended) have shifted mainly to Shanghai, Beijing or Guangdong.

A parallel is the Paul Model’s Art GT2 received from my friend last year.

The signs of yellow ageing are apparent.

Of course, since this came from a good friend, elevates this to ‘priceless’ category. RAOK, gifts received…I hold with great personal value!

Macro photos won’t flatter the GT2 details…
…but pulling back a bit and brighter light could get the eye fooled :-)

…or B&W, maybe…

Brazilian Beauty!

2010-08-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

The best 2010 HotWheels so far, IMHO.
Kudos to Mattel for making this in miniature. Great decision!
A very first in small scale, of a Brazilian VW SP2!

The proportions are well captured.

Great detailing...logo tampo is way cool!

The gas cap receives detailing as well. Nice touch!

I do hope more VW Brazil cars are done in 3” scale, like the Karmann TC and Puma.

Wouldn’t it be great, having a 1:1 of the VW SP2 someday? I’ll keep on dreaming :-)

Lift me up

2010-08-19T22:00:00.001-07:00

A bit stretched out these (August) days, pertaining to time and schedules! Aren’t we all? Usually during the rainy season, building related construction activity is traditionally on the lean side. This year though is one of the exceptions for our company! Certainly, I can’t complain as this is good for business! Nevertheless, one needs to get something to ease the hectic pace, as at times it can be downright exhausting.

Fortunately, this hobby offers the breather and is indeed therapeutic. :-) by way of the ‘lift related business’ on commercial vehicles by Siku promotional. A backgrounder on the tampos would be in order. ABUS is a company specializing in lift hoist and cranes. STILL, an intra-logistic firm doing forklifts.

The ABUS vehicle Volkswagen LT28 is very hard to find in this part of the world.

Much thanks to my good friend for this ‘Made in West Germany’ marked, Siku VW LT28!

Getting the ABUS van surely lifts me in high spirits! Such great timing on its arrival :-)

STILL vehicle Volkswagen T4 was available locally for some years back.

Have to note that the actual STILL vans have them forklift atop them.

My Preferred Prancing Horse…

2010-08-12T23:10:00.000-07:00

…is this Lancia :-)
A precursor to this beauty is of course, the legendary 1956 Lancia-Ferrari of Juan Manuel Fangio. Soon after Lancia racing team was integrated with Ferrari in the 50’s, came the takeover of Fiat in the late 60’s. In the 70’s, Lancia needed another shot of Italian DNA to bring it back to legendary form. This time around the great designer Marcello Gandini’s penned the desirable wedge-shaped Stratos, which I feel is the best Lancia of all. A Ferrari powered Lancia at that!

Of the small scale versions, the Tomicas are my preference.

This Tomy pair depicts the two famous Lancia Stratos!

1976 Lancia Stratos HF 1976 Monte Carlo Rally Winner #10

1977 Lancia Stratos TURBO Gr.5 Giro d'Italia Race Winner #539

Two shots of Martini

2010-07-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

I definitely will confess!
I admit it. I’m addicted to this…
…in multiple takes of…
…Martini …
I meant the racing livery!

A few precious hours of sunray in this dreaded rainy season made it possible. A quickie transformation of a bone stock casting was the order of the day. Employing the ‘lazy custom’ approach, the Matchbox Golf GTI V was transformed into another Martini racing livery VW.

The Matchbox make-over was a little bit on the tame side.

Subtle as a MB ought to be.

The HotWheels variant, I’ve done previously, is on the wild side.

As a HW should be; flamboyant and extrovert!

Now, I have a pair of GTI V Martinis.

Weekend Impromptu

2010-07-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

It’s has been raining sporadically for quite some time now. July can be such a dreary period indeed. Two weekends ago it didn’t rain! Alas, a good reason for an unplanned travelling up north of Manila with the family!

The quick agenda;
A trip meant to fill some food for the mind, body and spirit! At least that was the plan! But then again, there was not a plan at all!

The loose itinerary:
a) Drive up the expressway for a much needed de-carbonization of my old-school VW. Although ‘Bulak’ (cotton), the white Jetta GLI is well maintained and is a daily driver (6days a week for an old-school car is not bad!), it needs to stretch some mechanical tendons as it is mainly a city slicker. There is nothing better than a blast of 160kph to remove carbon deposits in the engine combustion chambers!

b) Take a hearty brunch meal (I did say “food for the body”) in the sprawling food mall pretending to be gasoline station inside the expressway. A tall frost coffee to liven the senses (need to drive alertly) to top it off!
c) Drive-off 60 plus kilometers away from home and visit some places for uplifting ones spirit and mind.
d) The rest is ...well…anything goes!

I did 'accidentally' met a guy with a VW Beetle and his family’s collection of cameras. Dozens upon dozens of old Japanese and German cameras in those assortments. You got to love this kind of stuff, unpredictably fun!

I parked in a street, a few walks from his place and thought that the street graffiti is a weird contrast to the original Alpine white paint of the Jetta. Or is it just me?

After that, we made a quick visit to a very near Marquee mall for the ladies' favorite activity: shopping... and again food galore!

Of course it’s de rigueur to check out diecast cars, and I was not disappointed. I set loose one diecast during another food mall-gasoline station stopover for dinner heading back home. Darn, another nice coffee and Subway footlong sandwich was irresistible to cap the night gorge!

The best catch of the day was totally unexpected, making for one happy impromptu trip!

Dutch Deutsche Duo

2010-07-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

Policing can be truly tough work.
One can only imagine the long hours, the rough times and the danger that goes along with the job description. Definitely these law enforcers need all the right tools to get the job done right! Nothing comes close than a proper set of fast wheels to lighten (and brighten up) the load of policing. Especially for gear head patrollers, that would speak volumes of great motivation!
What better way to equip them? Have Porsches as patrol cars!

The Dutch 911S for their Politie.

Fittingly made by EFSI of Holland!

The Deutsche 901 (early 911) for their Polizei

Wonderful rendition by SIKU of Germany!

Hey, these police cars work hard on the beat. A few scraps and scratches are au naturel!

Much thanks to my wonderful European friend for this duo! I believe he speaks Dutch and Deutsche too!

Garota de Ipanema

2010-06-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

While Antonio Carlos Jobim’s ‘bossa nova masterpiece ;’The Girl From Ipanema’ enchanted the world in the mid 60’s, it had started then our appreciation too for Brazil, samba, lovely garota and football. The sports legend ‘Pele’ which is regarded as the greatest football player, cemented my awareness of Brazil!

In the automotive world in the 70’s the Philippines tried to implement its ‘Alcogas car fuel program’ during the same time that Brazil’s started their own ethanol program. The stark difference though is that our nation stopped that program in such a short time but Brazil persisted and now is regarded as the leader in Ethanol fuel. On a good note, we have recently restarted our alcogas program based on the Brazilian success story.

The 70’s also marked the height of the popularity of locally assembled CKD (completely knock-down) units of Volkswagen. These were performed by DMG Pilipinas and included among others, the VW Brasilia. A wonderful VW, that somehow has a VW411 front and a VW Golf box-hatch silhouette! It was a hit over here back then, much like Jobim’s classic bossa nova tune! The local VW outfit assembled the Brazilian-made VW Beetle, VW Passat and VW Brasilia until the early 80’s….after which operations sadly stopped. While in contrast, Brazil continues to produce VW’s to this date. Lucky for them!

Luck is pouring my way this year and among them would be getting my scale version of the VW Brasilia. ‘Obrigado’, goes to my Rio de Janeiro friend for the wonderful car!

A great memento is the literature to go with the collection. The VW Brasilia is part of a motor periodical’s celebration of the history of classic Brazilian cars.
Front of Literature

Rear of Literature

Pages

Centerfold... The Girl From Ipanema

.....Swings so cool and sways so gentle, That when she passes each one she passes goes "a-a-ah!"

Seja feliz!

Last hurrah for the summer!

2010-06-08T02:43:00.001-07:00

It’s peculiar season again. A time when summer is about to end and the rainy days are about to set in, is upon us once more! For the weather tracker, it’s shaping to be a very unusual year; El Nino for the 1st half, La Nina for the other half! For the rest of us, the optimist kind, we’d use this period for the last leg of summer fun.

These images then come to mind; A car of your choice and a scenic camping destination thrown in.

A better image would be; A group of friends sharing the same love of cars, a breath-taking vacation escape and water-fun on blue waters!

Hurrah!!!

We are the Champions!

2010-06-01T00:43:00.001-07:00

Last year, on its 40th birthday the legendary Porsche 917 was bestowed the title “The Greatest Race Car in History”. I always have a fondness of the 917, as it has the mystical imagery of power and success. I akin this to a fire spewing dragon; a mighty beast to conquer and a powerful force to respect!
Scale car manufacturer are not immune with the unique fascination and magnetism of the legendary 917. One of them is Safir of France under the ‘CHAMPION’ branding, and their versions are nonetheless real champions in their own right.

These two possess the old world charm that only vintage 3” scale car have.

I’m partial to the appealing 3” products of the 1970’s. These fit the bill!

CHAMPION Porsche 917 #22 Martini 1971 Lemans Winner (white)

CHAMPION Porsche 917 #23 Salzburg 1970 Lemans Winner (red)

Island Vacation

2010-05-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

Cebu Vacation, May 22 to 24, 2010 with a newfound local friend!

I'll let the pics (and caption) do the narrating :-)

Islander diecast from Lahug. Locally sourced for a memorable stay in Cebu.

Getting filled up... for a sensory delight of a vacation!
Start of a refreshing experience and jolts of fun!

Art of appreciation.

Bai (friend)...hey this is a Baywindow bus! Fitting!

Art of sitting.

Sombrero roundabout.

Missed "Tipaklong"....so I sketched him!

Waking up early for a great day!

View from our hotel room balcony... breathtaking!

Breakfast with a view of the beach.

Relaxing on beach lounge chair.

Jacuzzi with a view of the horizon...perfect!
Infinity pool, fools the eye.

Mactan beach, sun...

and sea! I love it!

“Bic-Eclectic”

2010-05-14T00:37:00.000-07:00

Caught a glimpse of this one in my shelf; A scale bicycle like no other, fitted with a mix of unusual parts.
A spur to revisit my 1:1 unusual bicycle…

My Cinelli revisited
A good friend gave me this vintage Italian bicycle (detailed story somewhere in my earlier blog). I restored it but took a different route. I’ll call it Neo-Vintage; a mix of well-worn vintage parts (with oxidation, rust & scratches), refinished vintage parts and updated with non-conformist use of newer parts. A eclectic blend of old and new stuff.
Cinelli bikes have cult following in the same vein as Vespas, Lambrettas & Lamborghinis. They are design objects of desire!

My 60’s Cinelli head-badge.

They don't make them like they use too; intricate lugged brazing

Bottom bracket lugged brazing detail

Vintage Crane GS works!

Drop-out are Campagnolo

Vintage Dura-Ace works!

Old-school bracket

Vintage front hub by Campagnolo

Newer quick release

Vintage hub on Campy drop-out

Meaty Panaracer tire on Ritchey makes for a comfortable ride

Vintage Cinelli stem

Newer Truvativ crank

Vintage legendary Unicanitor saddle in new cover

Vintage Belgian Weinmann brakes

Weinmann brake clears the big tire

A new use for vintage shifter bracket

A new use for one vintage bicycle….my personal joy ride!

Belgium to Bagiuo

2010-04-28T02:46:00.000-07:00

The adventures of ‘Tipaklong‘

The little fellow came all the way from Belgium, sent in by a good friend. I’m pretty sure he has travelled quite well; from his birthplace in Germany at the Siku factory and passed on to different other places in Europe. One can tell it was well enjoyed, by the play-worn look. That is a good thing! This small VW-T2 crew-cab brought smiles to many faces!

Now it’s bringing smile to mine and the family!
It will be a fun travelling companion here in this part of the world.
First adventure: the summer capital, Bagiuo.

Checked-in at a suite.

Resting on a pillow… spoiled!

Dusk, waking up early.

Ok, why Tipaklong? The ‘grasshopper’ , its face does look one. Doesn’t it?

Enjoying the landscape at Mines View Park.

Blending in with the foliage at the President’s Mansion

Resting at Wright Park.

Trying a miniature bridge at the Botanical Garden

Rock climbing at the Grotto

Now, an interesting VW-T2 in Session Road.

Juan Cycle Mind

2010-04-18T22:49:00.000-07:00

Padyak ng pedal
Kaluskos ng kadena
Gulong ng gulong
Halik ng hangin
Saya ng sikleta

(Loose translation =“Cyclist’s Sensory Pleasures”)

My CR

Cycle Room, the size of a toilet :-)
It stores the 1:1 2wheeled delight

My small scale delight…

Corgi 1:43, the wheels are diecast!

Orange posturing

2010-04-05T07:43:00.001-07:00

Citrus colors are undeniably ‘in vogue’ this summer.
Hot like the weather, are colors of green, yellow and orange.
It’s easy to associate them with something fresh, something new.
New, can be also interpreted as an event of renewal or change.
No wonder, even political parties are taking on citrus colors as their official hues. I don’t blame them; they must be saying their choice of color is indeed suited to mean change. But change can have different paths; change for the better or change for the worst!
I do hope it is for the better; a better future for the now generation.

I hate politics, I really do. It makes me sick sometimes. Sadly humans are social beings admittedly having political views one way or another. These past vacation weeks, I experienced seemingly adult persons arguing childishly and heatedly about whom to vote for president. Their views and their rationale are contrastingly correct and wrong at the same time. Maybe they should see first what their candidate’s political citrus colors chosen, hypothetically meant. Maybe a clue will unfold regarding their political posturing? It’s the only light-heartedly and sane way to analyze it.

Like these on http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html
Dark green is associated with ambition, greed, and jealousy.
Dull (dingy) yellow represents caution, decay, sickness, and jealousy.
Red-orange corresponds to desire, sexual passion, pleasure, domination, aggression, and thirst for action.

Or you Google more for other color meanings…there are tons on this subject!

Better yet, I’d just stick to the color I like best on a Thing... or two. More specifically the VW 181 Thing. The Thing came in citrus colors as well, but then again I’m partial to…..ORANGE.
Why?
Three reasons to like this hue…

Faller (Germany) up front

Matchbox (Mattel) middle

HotWheels (Mattel) back

Posturing Variations
Faller has fold down top, fold down windshield.
Matchbox has fold down top, top up windshield.
HotWheels top up top, top up windshield.

Run for your life!

2010-03-26T01:38:00.001-07:00

There is a recent (2010) amusing story about this subject. Funny and heartbreaking at the same time, depending on how one sees it.
The protagonist is a young lad under our watch (his mom works abroad) and is the subject of an unusual snapshot of life. A true story...
So here goes…
He was being taught how to drive their ‘green’ car on that day. It seems like one of those normal days for practice driving, as he has done this routine previously and even had attended formal driving school weeks back. But this is no ordinary day, and what was about to happen will change his life forever.
He seems a bit edgy that day, as observed by his two lady passengers. It was maybe due to an earlier scene in which passing-by school children were laughing at him while he seems so tensed practice driving. Another is that, a rusted VW Beetle overtook him because he was using only 1st and 2nd gear all the time. On top of that, the Beetle’s driver even made an effort to stop and asked “if anything is wrong”, since the ‘green’ car’s pace was too slow. Subsequently, adding insult to injury? Maybe!
Then a few meters down the road, the unthinkable happened. The ‘green’ car being an import was equipped with an active heater. That heater core has a hot water recirculation system from the engine radiator going to the inside aircon evaporator/waterheater radiator via a pipe loop. That pipe inside the car’s interior leaked and the a/c fan drove white steam spewing from the aircon vents. Like sauna steam, it’s warm but won’t hurt you. Harmless steam won’t kill you, but can ruin your life (and your character), which is even worst.
Guess what! Our young lad panicked, opened the car door and ran for his life! In all probability and instinct-driven went on to saving himself! He did run a good distance away from the ‘green car’ and leaving his lady passengers still inside the car! The ladies were all composed and even were asking him to park the car properly, while he was biting his nails, shaking his head, and was jittery. Our disgraced protagonist was later on repeatedly saying “Di ko na kaya” and “Ayaw ko na” (“He can’t do it anymore”) , referring to him driving the ‘green’ car never again….forever! He totally freaked out!
The incident totally changed his life and what people perceived of him. He’s been the butt of jokes in many instances. Definitely this one will stick out like a sore thumb for the rest of his life. Life then can be a sick joke!

On a much lighter side of things, this particular ‘run’ is much welcomed in its life span. It can well be said that a diecast manufacturer will maximized the production run of a certain casting, for profit. You’ll eventually wish that they’ll retire it after so many over-played variations. Such is the case, when HW opted to retire the two castings of the beloved Porsche 911. Retirement then should be a good thing after all?

The two 911 HW Final Run,
Love the met blue paint job…

…the spoke-wheels as well!

White paint is fitting on the Carrera…

…the side graphics is spot-on hot!

These won’t hit the roof in dollar value…

..who cares…

…a good champ knows when to retire in good esteem.

These are special for 911’s collectors?
I personally feel; they are!

2 Slices of Pizza

2010-03-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

Pizza is an inseparable part of me and my teenage slice of life. Having been blessed to be sent to the big city for college schooling, my journey to adolescence started with that time too. Using our Volkswagen, my dad and I would journey 125km from our home to my second home in the city. More aptly, a dorm away from home, best describes it. Before my dad headed back home, he always treated me to a hefty meal of pizza, chips and chicken. These memorable rites were repeated countless of times, and collectively, a wonderful bonding of father and son. Looking back, I greatly appreciate my dad for doing so.

Well, there’s also something special with this particular pizza themed diecast as well. Lesney Matchbox did the early VW T2 in the guise of a Dormobile. They got it right, a proper Dormobile is a Microbus with a pop-up roof as a sleeping deck, and the 2 versions (blue & orange) in transitional wheels are so pleasant in every detail. From that casting, another variant was developed. That other variant has the roof rendered without the pop-up plastic; making it a one whole piece of diecast top. Curiously the bottom plate has still the ‘Dormobile’ marking, which IMHO should be more aptly termed as a ‘Kombi’. That makes it somehow special though; a marking error from the factory maybe, that no one needs to complain about. Me, I love it 100%. With the pizza tampo, it serves as a reference to that memorable time when VW and Pizza became part of my slice of life.

White pizza van VW T2 has the still ‘Made in England’ charm.

Black pizza van from the Mattel era is a VW T1 ‘Samba’ in the backdrop.

These 2 makes me crave for 2 slices of pizza. Tasty!

How to Spot a Rabbit

2010-03-04T06:58:00.000-08:00

The colorful story of the VW GTI Mark 1 is such a well documented and glorious one. Even Jeremy Clarkson has high regard for the original hot hatch. But then again the Mark1 GTI has a continental divide that makes it even more interesting. Jeremy’s beloved Golf GTI was the 1976 European version with the 1.6 liter 110PS that started it all. Then from across the pond, there is the Rabbit GTI of 1983 U.S. release with the 1.8 liter engine.
Of course, the Golf was never called one for the 1st series in the American market, but was known as the Rabbit. The succeeding generations were properly named Golf, in whatever market they were sold, up to the 4th generation. VW of America revived the Rabbit nameplate again, on the Golf Mark 5. Confusing? I am as well. It’s purely marketing to me!

Small-scale talk-wise, HotWheels didn’t miss the opportunity to model this famous hot hatch. Made in HongKong and marked ‘Hare Splitter’ it is an obvious spin of the Rabbit nameplate. Surely HW was suggesting this to be the GTI version of the Mark1 VW Rabbit, as this was ought to be a sportier version. But then again, there a continental divide that makes this particular diecast interesting like the real Mark1 GTI! The Rabbit version has square headlights and the Golf version has the round ones, as easy visible differentiation. So HW actually modeled the European Golf GTi, not the U.S. Rabbit GTI. A wonderful mix-up of sorts! Another interesting tidbit to add to the colorful GTI Mark1 story!
I love this Hare of a Golf….

Or Golf of a Rabbit….

GTI spotting #1 (above): backdrop #1 is the HotWheels Golf5 GTI (custom by Komenda VW). No Rabbit5 GTI exist! Another one of those amusing marketing move!

GTI spotting #2 (below): On background is Matchbox Golf GTI Mark2. No confusion of hare whatsoever :-)

Intended Accelerators

2010-02-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

Reading between the blurred lines

A great number of us want to be in control of everything around us. Such is man’s voracious quest for control over the physical world, the society, his emotions and his desires. But in spite of that, man can’t completely get what he wants, tooooo badddd that it will never happen. Nothing can be perfect!
End of story?
Not really, there is such a word as; compromise. Now that seems kinda fun, when you look at it from an optimistic perspective. More like learning to accept cheerful improvisation and adapting to known limitations. There is always a child in us that says; I’ll make do with inadequacy and imperfection.
Take the case of these vaguely controllable toys that are such fun.

THE Bump car!
Steering is mayhem, it accelerate like stink! Never mind the brakes; there is none! What fun!

(Shown are EnchantedKingdom Roadsters, shot by ECM 21Feb10)

THE Slot car!
Steering is fly-by-wire control guessing game, its throttle control stinks even more! I love slot racing!

(Shown is OCR Porsche 935)

The Pull-back car!
Steering is surface dependent, it accelerates but bumps to a stop! You gotta like the hybrid drive (free wheeling / friction wound combo) it has! I do, Darda is my fav of the genre!

(Shown is DARDA VW Golf Cabrio)

Something coincidentally similar to cars nowadays?
Unintentionally Intended? Hmmmm….

Something NEW, Something gOLD

2010-02-12T21:39:00.000-08:00

Side-by-side feature

The VW Scirocco GT24 was raced in the 2008 Nurburgring 24 hour even before the actual market launch of the production model.
The result is a 1-2 victory in the 2.0-litre turbo class. Impressive!

Then comes HotWheels, racing to bring this to our pegs and the result is a winner as well! Equally impressive!

Joining it at the background is the original Mark 1 Scirocco.

Something NEW, by HW

Something OLD gold, by Polistil-Italy

And something to look forward to from HW...
the red version as raced in 2009.

914 / four

2010-02-07T23:42:00.001-08:00

My partiality to the car wearing both the marques that I loved most is obvious.
The VW-Porsche 914 is such an automobile of queer amalgamation due to its parents.
An offspring brought about by a volume car company on one hand and the other the purveyor of specialty sports cars. The result is an interesting combination to say the least.
Today the union has come full circle, Porsche is now owned by Volkswagen AG.
My interest was reinforced with the recent introduction of MB of the 914. This makes it a 3” quartet of one of my favorite car.

Matchbox

Siku V-series; Germany

Faller; Germany

Schuco; Germany

Poster Poser

2010-01-30T00:12:00.001-08:00

Those my age would know this;
As a little boy, the exotic wedge fast shape is an ultimate dream ride.
The menacing look even captures the childhood fondness of robots then.
I remember my classmate would draw this endlessly until he masters the car's details.
Most of us would have pictures of it. A poster is the ultimate on the wall décor.
Ah those were the days!

Reliving that age of naïve automotive amazement is embodied in this heavy 1:43 diecast.

Bandai Lamborghini Countach

Best find of previous year

2010-01-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

Looking back with a wide smile

2009 was a great year for my growing collection!
Of the many wonderful cars to come my way,
This one is the best I got for that year. A truly great holy grail found!
Actually it was send over to me and found by a wonderful friend..…
I can’t thank him enough.
Incidentally was received on my birthday week last year!
From the 1960’s Rail Route Series by Majorette.
The only known Porsche F1 (Type 804) in real life and 3" diecast.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-09T19:51:00.001-08:00

A wonderful time of the year has started already!
Allow me to greet you a “wonderful season ahead”.
It was a blast to start this season with you in mind;
Great family, great friends and great fun!
Cheers!
May your season be merry and bright!
Love and peace to one and all!

VW Day 2009 Snapshots

2009-12-06T18:14:00.001-08:00

Pictures paint 1001 words.
I’ll let the photos do the talking then!
Enjoy!

Vdub lines

...more Vduds

& much more

2 x 2 = twice the fun

2009-12-02T18:01:00.000-08:00

Finally my quest for the HW anniversary version Gulf 917 #2,
has been realized!
This was made possible by the generosity of JDMike.
I couldn’t thank him enough for the RAOK!

The Gulf team is steadily growing and is experiencing a much welcomed expansion.
To celebrate it, would be to join the two #2’s in a fun shoot!
Enjoy….I am!

Hard working Pups

2009-11-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

I remember in my teen years, my hard working Dad always envisioned owning a ranch of a farm for leisure time. He would describe vividly going to that place in a beat up pickup truck with paint-faded rusted body work. Of course he’d patterned this vision from the Western films he loves to watch. Many years later, the ‘leisure’ farm of his dream did come true, and I’m happy for him.

My Dad celebrated his simple birthday this November and this reminded me to post these much played-with Pickups. I wouldn’t dare restore their paintwork as this is how they should look like….paint faded rusted….Hey! I’m becoming my Dad (haha).

SHOUT Out:
Thanks to a wonderful friend in Belgium for the yellow version, and JDMike for the white one! Both were given to me this November. The green Pup, I have this for decades and is a delight having a trio now!

Husky VW Pups!

Custom MBx Regular Wheel Karmann

2009-11-24T18:11:00.000-08:00

More than a "Lazy Custom" series

Back in 2006, I wrote in my blog a glimpse of my liking of a weekend warrior….
http://ekomenda.blogspot.com/2006/08/rebel-racer-weekend-warrior-everyone.html
It is this blue Karmann Ghia I sketched.

3 years after, a few weeks back….I gave it a go!
I did though revised a bit, since after that blog entry….both HW and Jada had some pretty wild concepts of Karmann coupe racer and I wouldn’t want to repeat them in this custom. Sticking to my wanting of a vintage weekend racer, but in another guise is the route I pursued. I always loved to have some Matchbox regular wheel VW’s (donations, RAOK are welcomed :) ), and this is a good excuse to make one.
From the recent MB Karmann Ghia…

Initially I wanted it to be just a lazy custom, but the original stance is too high. So a new chassis was grafted, then fitted with skinny regular wheels from a beater Siku…

To make this Karmann Speedster in one of my fav livery.

Some more views.
Showing the fabricated front lip spoiler,

tonneau cover, roll bar & twin tail pipes.

Cheers and Enjoy!
Erwin

Alpine & Sahara Night Out

2009-10-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

"Taking time to smell the coffee" series

It is an occurrence every week that you will see this tandem.
An Alpine White VW Jetta GLI Mark 2 on a convoy with a Light Sahara Sand VW Jetta GL Mark2.
At times having car wash together…..or parked in a coffee shop…..side by side in a gas station store…..mostly just hanging out!
These are our dynamic duo of old school sedans. At first glance they seem to be clones, but they are not exactly identical as one is a US version, the other a German version. You have to be with them to see their numerous differences in features.

I love old school water-cooled VW’s that much, thus having one is not enough. My family is into this hobby together, and that’s the other reason to have this pair.

Shot last night, this is one of many night outs with our fav old school cars.

Enjoy your 1:1 as much as the smaller scale cars! We do :-)

Cheers!

Quotable Quotes 1

2009-10-11T23:40:00.000-07:00

Fun Interpretation Series

“Racing Is Life…
Anything That Happens Before or After…
is Just Waiting.”

My fun take on this….Enjoy!

Stop gap custom

2009-09-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

'Lazy Customs' series

I’ve wanted the HotWheels 50th anniversary Porsche 917 Gulf #2 , the 1970 24 Hours of Daytona winning car for quite a time, yet until now has not bagged one. I think waiting will take some more time. Meanwhile, a great guy sent me this HW Real Rider spare… though we both share the same observation. It does not represent an actual racing car.

Alas, an opportunity presents itself for a quick transformation.

The inspiration:
The 1970 1000km Brand Hatch race winner, which was never modeled in small scale yet. The 917 piloted by the legendary Pedro Rodriguez

The ‘lazy custom’:
The car was de-tampoed.. .rubber tires reversed for thicker sidewall…home-made livery applied….added detailing.

The Gulf #10 Porsche 917 Kurzheck.

A pair of shots inspired by the 1970 race photo.

The glass top resembling rain soaked track :-) maybe.

Cheers!

Japan only German model

2009-09-16T23:56:00.000-07:00

‘They don’t make them like they used to’ series

For VW, the Japanese market it seems is an important one. I guess it confirms my brother-in-law’s (my wife’s youngest sibling) observation that there exists an enthusiast base for VW cars. Let alone that he also owns a VW Golf IV now in Japan, and is part of that fan base.

Back in the late 70’s, VW introduced the highly successful Golf I in Japan. The Golf was badged a GLE. It is an ‘only in Japan’ model, as the Mark 1 Golf GLE exist nowhere but in the Land of the Rising Sun. Everybody would expect a GTI badged hot hatch 2-door Golf, and the acronym is known worldwide. Well, this makes the GLE very special then.

Somehow I was hoping to find the meaning of GLE, to understand why it was a Japan only model, but to no avail. Rather I’ll try to guess what it stood for. Normally car plates with GL, would mean “Grand Luxury”. GLI, then is “Grand Luxury Injection”. In early German cars, E stood for Einspritzung or fuel injection. Alas, GLE can then be simply a GLI in another form.

Here in small scale, Tomica captured the Japanese special VW Golf GLE.

Kudos to Tomy for modeling this one of a kind Golf.

It is a special version made by no one but Tomy?

I’m a Golf lover myself and this casting is a favorite. Thrice that much…

...and got to get them in our national flag colors (hahaha)

Smallest Diecast Karmann Ghia

2009-09-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

Miniature Appeal Series

Contradictory to the dictum “Bigger is Better”, nowadays everyday things are getting smaller. Good examples are computers and host of personal devices, are leaning towards being handy and tiny.
Miniaturization then is the operative word and it does have its inherent charm.

For diecast car collectors, they know too well the appeal of miniatures; the scale representation of their favorite automobiles. Most would say, having them is the only sane way to have your very own 1,001 or more cars under one roof! But let us admit it; the real reason is that miniatures have irresistible appeal, period. Let us not even touch on mini pinchers or bonsai, a wonderful small scale car is a sight to behold.

How about going to the extremes of diecast car miniaturization?
I believe the firm, Tsugawa of Japan has done it by this example of one my favorite classic VW.

The smallest diecast of the VW Karmann Ghia (Early version Type1)

For scale comparisons, it is shown beside the JL 3” Karmann, and 1 Philippine Peso coin.

Overall length is 1 inch (25mm), thus it should be around 1: 170 scale

For its size it is quite heavy. Note it even sports clear plastic windows.

A bit of trivia : The hubcaps are sized like that of the needle pin-head….that tiny!

The Godzilla Bug

2009-09-02T02:44:00.001-07:00

They don't make them like they used too - series

Years back I had the chance to meet this fascinating duo; Pinoy father and son who shared the same hobbies as mine; VW, miniature cars and bicycles.
We both have 1:1 VW to enjoy, drive, and that was the start. Theirs was a Kombi, mine my old-school watercooled Vdubs. Theirs was a VW miniature model to dream of having, mine is the longing for one.
When the son has to leave for the US to study, I thus pursued his childhood treasure and hoped he’d allow me to be its new keeper. Upon much convincing he did let go and the Godzilla Bug was mine.

I did promised him among others, that I won’t sell it. I wouldn’t …
Here’s why?
I saw this giant of a bug in one of the VW magazine (US publication) and it was in the Top 20, Rare of the rare. Didn’t believe it until I checked the internet…. this Bandai Wireless Remote Controlled Litho Tin VW Beetle can’t be found…..yet.
Most of the Bandai are bump’n’ go or cable remote controlled. Could be, it’s uber rare indeed.

The Godzilla Bug aka ‘Latang Uwang’ (Tin Giant Beetle)

For scale purposes it is pictured with the tiny Tomis

Opting for a tatami looking backdrop for the following photos (ooops… it’s a Belgian made rug actually…LoL)….. to go with the Japanese origin….
The instruction manual, antennae, remote are all intact

Box is still complete. ‘ Wireless Radio Contol’ & 'Kingsize' printed on it.

Operable sunroof and see thru motor reveal rotating fan.

Lovely Lithograph on Tin.

A bit of tidbit. Thanks to Brian’s Radicon bug post, it made me remember to feature my non-diecast giant bug.

Bay-window years

2009-08-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

They don't make them like they used too - series

The Kombi is the VW Bus that I have seen more often when I was a kid.
The name even became a house-hold name during the 70’s and was highly popular.

I’m very fond of these two versions of the Bay-window (VW T2) bus.
The early version as modeled by that of Matchbox, from their Superfast transitional years.
Note the front signal markers lights located below the headlamps.

Tail lights are smaller, similar to that of the T1 bus

The latter version’s as done quite well by Tomica, from their F-Series range.
Note the front signal markers lights were located along side the headlamps.

taillights are now larger.

I’m not sure though, which exact model year were these 2 versions modeled after?
What is sure nonetheless, that these are my from my childhood era!

Tale of Two Gamas

2009-08-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Side-by-side feature

1969 is a peculiar year.
For one it has two numbers flipped.
That year was the release also of two peculiar cars;
the quad-lamped VW 411 and the VW Porsche 914.
Noticed too, that two of their numbers are similar,
yet flipped in arrangement. Coincidence?

The mother of peculiarity is that these two shared the same
4-cylinder Type4 engine!

The VW 411, the very first 4-door VW mid-size sedan

Very first VW to sport MacPherson front strut/rear coil
suspension and first to use monocoque body.

Love the opening features of old 1:43.

When Gamas were still labeled ‘Western Germany’ products.

The 914, the very first official joint venture car of VW & Porsche.

Very first mid-engined production car for Porsche.

Operable parts are appealing in 1:43, including pop-up lamps and removable top.

Made, prior to the unification of Germany. So Cool.

Vintage Galgo Racer Find

2009-08-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

Holy Grail Series

This has been on my want list,
since 4 years back.
It was very elusive and all the more,
made me crave for one very bad.
Why?
Reasons being;
1st it’s a legendary Porsche.
2nd a delightful 3” Can Am 917-10.
3rd painted in German racing silver.
4th the Martini livery is a favorite.
5th a driver is on board.
6th it’s made in Argentina.
7th a not so common brand.
8th I just yearn for vintage stuff!

Mint in box…

Martini Porsche 917-10 by Galgo.

Appealing chunkiness

old stuff is...

way cooool!

Rescued to be a 1968 Winner

2009-07-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

Received this from a great guy.
This Majorette is in a much loved state. The wheel caps (covering the bent wires) were transferred to complete a similar car in blue with good original state.
I think it’s the only known model of the Porsche 907 L (longtail) in 3”.

Majorette, indicated Lemans on the base thus suggesting it was from the 1967 Lemans race in which the 907L was the 2-liter class winner. This particular diecast is likely appropriate also for the 1968 24-hours Daytona race since it has the unusual vertical air scoops on its tail. The #54 is the race winner, the team taking 1-2-3 finish for 1968.

Here’s the rescue:
I noticed the Majo is shorter between the door and rear wheel opening than the actual car, thus decal is scaled down to fit. It’s not meant to be a so accurate model…it’s a charming 3” diecast car I’m after. Wheels were reused and fitted with straighter axle.

Paint was applied thin to show the casting’s features ….nicks were intentional to give it the not so polished period look. Rear grill and tail-light details added…

and so were front nostril details, gas cap at rear fender…

and 4 tiny badges.

I opted to simulate aged number decals for the vintage look…

and left the base in its well loved state.

Fahrenheit Jagermeister

2009-07-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

Lazy Customs Series

It’s rainy days here in the tropics….
not a good time for doing customs. (Yawn)
Squeezing time during rare hours that’s sunny,
I was able to do this one that is based
on the Golf GTI V Fahrenheit Edition,

Kudos to Matchbox for doing a spot-on version
and inspired me to transform one for my
‘Lazy Customs’ home-made collection.

Fast Orange VW

Komenda Racing GTI 5

I’m liking the all black wheels!

Again, “No rivet was harm” in the making of Lazy Custom :-)

Transformers Too?

2009-07-13T00:47:00.000-07:00

When Hollywood brought the Transformers to silver screen life, a different morphing took place. The film’s version transformed the original cast into GM’s own. Some of us would have preferred the Bumble-Bee as a VW Beetle and of course, Jazz to be the Porsche 935 Martini ‘ Moby Dick’.

Gladly in 1/64, our desired morphing can still be possible…

On 1:1 though, this Pinas Optimus has yet to…

Tale of Two Blue Tails

2009-07-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

Side-by-side feature

Back in the mid-70’s a kin who resided in Canada, sent boxed packages of assortments. One box contained all toys for the little ones; me, my sibling and cousins were delighted about the gifts. All of these toys were new to us then and didn’t even know they existed. Among other presents that I got, was a Corgi Whizzwheels Porsche 917 in metallic blue. The streamlined, long-tail and slender shaped car garnered my admiration from then on. A treasured diecast; having the distinction of starting my love affair with Porsche.

Three and half decades later, an admiration was rekindled. This time, a short-tail version of the 917 caught my fondness. It’s by Pilen of Spain, in heavy casted 1/43. The significance of it being my very first Porsche Gulf livery model!

Two treasured blue-tails

My very first Porsche diecast, the 917L

My very first Gulf Porsche, the 917K

Un-mint Appeal?

2009-06-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

There is something eccentric having to do this.
Genuinely, I can’t discern why….
…but I’m drawn to this nostalgic connection.

To start with; rat rods are supposed to be,
rough and tough, down and dirty.
What’s the point of a polished model,
it wouldn’t be then a rat Volksrod.

To capture the spirit, I took a dead mint HW.
Scrapped the paint and chipped it at random.
Slapped some well-worn transitional & early
MB Superfast wheels. No more detailing
whatsoever, plain and simple retrograding.

Somehow this rat Volksrod brings me back,
and in touch with my first ever VW,
the Matchbox #15 red 1500 Saloon.
It was well played with and very much loved
that its remaining paint is no less that 60%
intact and the windows broken. Needless to say,
that one is a hands down all-time favorite!
Those front wheels are from that very same toy
I played with as a 7-year old gear head.
That MB VW, is now a Cal-look Bug and is my
most treasured diecast. (Watch out for it soon)

Something old, something new but made old.
I guess it was about lighthearted retrospect.
The aftermath of this reminiscing is an
‘un-mint custom’, a liberating fun exercise
contrary to the norm. A general norm that mint
is the better condition most of the time.
In this case, like a much faded Levis 501 jeans…
well-worn is definitely more appealing to me!

Transitional front wheels for my 1st MB Bug

Rear wheels from my other childhood Superfast MB

Coop Sports Car

2009-06-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

Karmann car series

VW and Porsche have a long history of cooperation that started with the first ever KdF car. Both are synonymous to the German version of ‘I scratch your back and you scratch mine’. This close relationship was apparent too in the 60’s when both wanted a transition sports car model. VW for one wanted a replacement of the Karmann Type34, and Porsche for its part a successor to the entry-level 912.

The result is the VW Porsche 914, a car that bears both names of my main passions, as far as the automobile is concern. It too reminds me of how cooperation is made of; a combination of team effort, purpose, compromise, sharing, trials and resolve. Thereby with these representations, I feel it is special!

My 3” version is by any measure special to me as well.
Siku V312 1970 VW Porsche 914/6, the six-cylinder variant of the 914 is one of my all time beloved diecast.

This particular 914 is from the 'Siku Flitzern' series, the German firm’s 1970 response to the transition to faster rolling wheels, meant to compete with HotWheels Redline or Matchbox Superfast. Thus the wheels are sometimes referred to as Flitzern.

A delicate and very charming model IMHO, having the early clear windows that differ from later yellow window releases and those all black Siku R3 wheel are one of my favorites in a Siku.

Another raison d'être why I collect VW and Porsche.
Cheers!

Destination : Simply FUN

2009-06-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Beating the showers, Part 2

To me the trip is as great as the destination.
Truth be told, I don’t expect much from a travel.
My motto : I’ll make the most out of it!
Any simple moment should be simply enjoyed.
And enjoyed, is what we did!

Some snap shots….
These trees sport unusual leaves?

They are actually fruit bats!
Sometime ago, it was told that these bats left for good.
Good thing they came back.

Got a good dose of vibrant colors...

... fun ride on an orange-striped jeepney...

and fed the cat !

The main event is the water fun.

Mammals are having a field day…

…showing their stuff….

and putting a smile on us all !

Enjoy and Have FUN!

Superb Mercury Speedy

2009-06-03T22:35:00.001-07:00

Holy grail series

There are things that simply are thought provoking for me.
A deep inquisition on how things were designed and made during previous decades.
Previously powerful PC and CNC tools weren’t available then, and yet much masterpieces of product designs were achieved in the 60’s or even later decades.
I start to imagine a 1966 Porsche Carrera 6 - the epitome of street legal Stuttgart race car; its 6 cylinder boxer engine, drive-train and shapely bodywork are marvels of car design and engineering. Every part is hand drawn and then manufactured. From plans in paper, to its realization in metal; an awesome feat in every respect.

This applies to my amazement of the Mercury Speedy’s version of the Porsche Carrera 6.
From my point of view, it is unbelievable that this is 4 decade old product.
Wonderful detail abounds, and those wheels are a sight to behold! Having rubber tire threads for a 3” inch car from that era is commendable.
I really don’t know if it just me, but surely those who made this Speedy earns my admiration and respect!

The Speedy’s box is as delicate as the model

Every angle …

…is a joy to glimpse.

Italian made masterpiece.

Bravo!

Solo Fun Run

2009-05-21T06:51:00.001-07:00

Beating the showers: Part 1, The Trip

Impromptu out-of-town trips are always the best.
Not only are they thrilling, they are usually the ones that do materialize.
Sometimes we plan too much for one, but they end up just that, mere plans.
Deciding at the spur of the moment is the way to get this done. Pronto adventure!
This best describe this road trip; one that is meant to beat the coming of the rainy days.

So we set out to test how well our old-school VW waterwagen eat up this road meal with gusto. All captured from inside the vehicle at high speed, the travel scenery is a joy in itself.

The road fun views

Nice road cut through the hill

More hill cuts

I love the country-side...

...and the mountains

Trip curiosity made me smile

The destination's first view...

...and a sneak preview...

...why we came here...
up next in future post!
Enjoy!

Japan-released MB VW

2009-05-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

The first wave of Superfast MB’s are really charming pieces of diecast miniatures.
More so is the era they represent for a certain age of collectors.
Most of us have in one way or the other share a common experience with them.
A point in time of childhood memories and carefree clean-fun days!
During the 70’s and 80’s, this enjoyment broadened worldwide.
It’s exciting for collectors to acquire versions of their favorite MB’s,
released specifically in another country, to understand its worldwide appeal.
This, I do share the fascination.

My Collection of and Fascination with Japan-released Superfast Matchbox.

VW Bug in Japaneses box

VW Bug in Japanese blister

VW Golf 1 in Japanese box

VW 4x4 in Japanese box

Cool Gama Minette

2009-05-07T02:21:00.000-07:00

Holy grail series

After 3years of looking and waiting…
Finally got this Gama Minette Porsche Carrera.

It’s a bit dirty, some nicks and all, but I’m very pleased with this one.

Decals have yellowed already, the front one torn thus showing cleaner paint.
Should I restore the torn portion? Come to think of it, I’ll keep this as is!

The Minette’s shape captures the Porsche 906 very well…although

…the wheels are curious in their proportion. They looked like push-pins!
But then again, I liked these very unique wheels. They won’t roll fast, the rods are thick.

I’ve been also searching on detail info about this model before I got this, but the web doesn’t have much. So I’m sharing some for others that might be interested. The rear plastic has an “H” marking of sorts, …really don’t have a clue what it means.

Engine bay showing the gold paint cover and the carb stacks.

So much joy having this already...and the trill of the hunt that went into it....
This the next holy grail!

Gulf Thing

2009-05-02T00:48:00.001-07:00

Now the team is complete.
My previously done McQueen race bug has a matching car for the pit crew .
The MB VW Thing color is perfect, even the license plate color….
and good for a ‘lazy custom’ quickie transformation.

VW Notchin'

2009-04-29T23:42:00.001-07:00

Our friend is definitely enjoying his '65 VW Notchback!
One Cool California Ride!
Gotta give it to Don for keeping our favorite Type 3 sano clean!

Successor to the the KG

2009-04-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

Karmann cars series

VW was in need of a successor to the Karmann Ghia.
They wanted the formula right, as a previous attempt,
was not to their usual expectation.

The formula was such that it must be; like the 1st KG,
An Italian designed 2+2 body,
Power/Drivetrain/Platform by VW,
Built by Wilhelm Karmann GmbH in Osnabrück, Germany.

The result was the VW Scirocco.
Designed by Giugiaro of Ital Design.
Mechanicals from the 1974 VW Golf
And built by Karmann.
The outcome is the most successful VW coupe, of which
800,000 units were sold. A true worthy heir to the KG.

My Paul Model Art 1/43 of the 1976 VW Scirocco.
Single wipers, quad-lamps, front air dam = 70’s sporty
BTW, Honda copied this to make the 1st gen Accord!

Love that wedge look, which is signature Guigiaro design.
Sporty VW OEM wheels are beautiful on this coupe.
My brother has the 1:1 of it.

Regarding PMA’s formula = detail is always done right!
In typical early watercooled VW, exhaust tailpipe
is angled. You got to give it to PMA for accurateness!

Delineation

Scirocco MK1 in 3”

2009-04-16T01:31:00.001-07:00

Old-skool waterwagens series

The VW Scirocco has been one of my favorites since high school.
In fact, I remember making a drawing of it on illustration board.
That wedge shape and sloping hatch is my teenage desire.
To top it all of, VW made some tasty ads showing how,
desirable and competitive this baby was. They made me lust for it!

On small scale, the 3” version is on the hard to find category.
It’s not an oft modeled in small scale as opposed to larger ones.
Delighted to have this version by Yatming of HongKong.

It’s old-skool in every sense of the word….

back in the old days when they make them loaded with charisma.

The last of the breed

2009-03-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

I remember having a rekindled interest then with F1,
when the TAG funded Porsche engine was developed for McLaren.
TAG-Porsche-powered F1 cars bagged 2 constructor championships
in 1984 and 1985, and 3 driver crowns in 1984, 1985, and 1986.
Giving a total of 25 victories for the McLaren MP4/2.
Incidentally this started my infatuation with TAG Heuer watches.
After Porsche being disinterested in GP, I coincidentally did too.

But as a constructor, Porsche had only one win in GP race history.
This happened in 1962, with a Porsche 804 driven to victory
by Dan Gurney at the 1962 French Grand Prix.
Code named after its flat-eight engine? Maybe.

Porsche soon realized that they wanted to race cars similar to ones
that resemble their road cars and the rest they say is history.
IMHO is a wise decision made in the 60’s.
Classic GP is cool, but after 1987 everything is all about computer
aided driving and smart aleck cars. F1 is just too boring now!

The glory days are about real diving skills and bravery,
competitive machinery and mechanical superiority.
The #30 Porsche 804 Dan Gurney is!

My 1/43 804 by Quartzo

Still made in Portugal

Featured : Volksrods

2009-03-04T21:56:00.000-08:00

By DC Customs

Our friend Don is churning out these cool hot rods,
and making me drool in the process!
I got to have one these customs!
I’m enjoying these pictures,
sent by DC….
AWESOME!

My only Maranello red thing

2009-02-06T23:03:00.000-08:00

There are things that I can’t explain up to now.
I love cars in general and that is a popular fact.
Of course my real love affair is VW das auto,
then Porsche is my endearing mistress of sorts.
But I have an eye for other interesting cars too,
even have Mustangs, Corvettes in my collection.

What I don’t understand is… why no Ferrari?
Having a couple of Lamborghini models
since this Italian brand is part of VW…
isn’t it natural to like the OTHER Italian car?
Still were is the Ferrari urge, that most
collectors are afflicted? I don’t know!

Anyway, there is a first for everything.
Mr. Charles gave me this red hot ballpen,
knowing that I’m a writing pen collector.
Well now, it’s a ….Maranello red pen!
Will this be a start of my liking of the red one?
Your guess is as good as mine!

Brought-in, from the Vegas strip.
It’s 100% genuine like the Sin in that city.

Darn, it sure is red as the OTHER Italian car!

The horse with no name? HiHo- Silver?

I know Ferraristas like these letters. Don’t you?

Did I mentioned...I like this pen a lot?
I do, any received gifts are ultimately collectible!

Awesome Vintage Redlines

2009-01-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

You know how us Porschephiles tick?
Palms sweating whenever Stuttgart finest are held!
And, yes I got sweaty and ecstatic holding them.
I mean, the small scale ones.
I’m still working on a dream 1:1…
…someday it will come.

Of the 1/64 kind, the vintage Redlines are up there,
on THE covetous list.
These HotWheels Porsche 917’s are smooth rollers!
Alas, I can say for sure they are!
I’ve glided them on my table and they are speedy hot.
Appreciate these awesome redlines from Chad Castle.
These made the start of the collecting year a blast!

Spectra-blau blast

Spectra-grun-go

Chrome-lightning streak

Awesome Redline racing team

Self Gifts

2009-01-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

Holy grail series

Whoever said,
“ If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself”,
must be a collector!

This is what happened last season.
I know I’ll be receiving diecast from friends,
(which I did by the way)….
but at the same time,
wishing I’ll be having ones that’ll blow me away!

Taking matters into my own hands….
Got myself into serious self-giving.
Splurging into Holy grails, not only 1 but 2 for the season!
Thereby making these into,

My Christmas’ self gift.
Lone Star Flyers VW Microbus

My New Year’s self gift.
Sakura Porsche RSR

Come to think of it,
this is a start of something good!

Air-Freshener Joy

2008-12-21T23:31:00.000-08:00

The season brings a breath of fresh air.
So,
Cut this out….
spray your fav perfume…
hang this on your rear –view mirror…
Get into that joyous spirit….
and enjoy the holidays everyone!
God bless!