The following editorial reflects the personal thoughts of Doug Breithaupt relating to our common hobby of miniature cars. It is intended to generate discussion relating to 'Tales of Toy Cars'. Your letters are welcome and may be submitted via e-mail.
 Mopar Match  Chevy Combo  Ford Fraternity |
A Perfect Match TofTC recently welcomed Jeff Koch to our distinguished list of contributing writers. Jeff's skills as a professional writer (most recently with Hot Rod Magazine), and editor of the the late lamented 'Collecting Toy Cars' magazine were proof of his credentials. In addition, Jeff is a serious collector of toy cars and he and I have found a number of models from our respective collections to trade. Just last week, Jeff e-mailed me that he has accepted a new challenge. He is leaving California to head for Indiana as he has accepted the position of Brand Manager for Johnny Lightning. Frankly, I can't think of a better combination. Without a doubt, Johnny Lightning (JL) has been the primary catalyst for the current golden age of diecast cars. No company has moved more quickly to bring new and innovative models to market and they have done so while keeping prices at fail levels. In just ten years, JL has become a keystone of the diecast market, to which all other producers look for new trends and levels of quality. JL would be the first to admit that there have been mis-steps along the way (.com cars anyone?), but most of their products have been right on the money. Bringing a real collector and enthusiast to JL is a master stroke. I know that Jeff and I agree that the market needs more models of un-done cars in 1:64 and fewer '57 Chevys, '63 Corvettes and Dodge Vipers. Jeff has agreed to an interview with Tof TC once he gets settled and we may still get an article from his pen on occasion. Congratulations to JL and Jeff for a perfect match. Now, if we could just find a true toy car person to direct Matchbox. Better yet, we need a toy car person to buy Matchbox! Speaking of perfect matches and Johnny Lightning, the three images to the left feature a 'Car and Truck' theme from some of JL's great models. See Jeff, I'm giving you ideas already. For Mopar fans, we have the 1978 Dodge L'il Red Express Truck and a 'Rambunctious' 1970 Plymouth Barracuda funny car. I love the candy-apple red colors. For Chevy fans, the 1956 Chevy Cameo Pick-up is paired with the 1978 Chevrolet Corvette, both in silver and red. Lastly, FoMoCo fans have a 1929 Ford Model A Pick-up and a 1968 Mercury Cougar, both in classic black.. |
Just in case anyone is interested 1964 Studebaker Avanti |