Tales of Toy Cars, January 2004

The term 'supercar' is used in a variety of ways so right from the start, let's get the definition straight. Supercars are those rare models that can be seen as above or beyond all but a handful of competitors. They look sexier, are quicker, faster, sound better, handle better and cost more, usually a lot more, than normal cars. These are the 'statement' cars that manufacturers build to establish their place in the automotive food chain. All have sporting capabilities but may be able to carry up to five persons. These are the cars we never forget. They are in the automotive books, on the calendars and featured in movies. Only a select few ever own one and just a chance to drive one is a goal seldom realized.

They must be fast and top speed is one way of defining a supercar. In the 1950's, they had to be able to exceed 125 mph. In the 1960's, 140 became the benchmark with a bump to 150 for the gas-starved 1970's. For the 1980's, top speed of 170 was required, moving to 180 for the 1990's and 190 mph or more for the supercars of today. While these numbers narrow the field, they are not the final determining factor. A true supercar is more than the sum of it's parts. Supercars are instant collector cars from the day they are introduced. Many European luxury cars and American muscle cars have the straight-line speed but they are not and can never be supercars. While in the final decision, supercar identification must be subjective, it is also subliminal. Supercars can weaken men's knees and women's virtue. They have a power that transcends their top speed or 0-60 times. For anyone age 3 to 103, to see and hear a supercar is to create a unique memory and desire for such a magic machine.

Toy car makers love supercars. Toy Ferrari and Porsche models are easy to sell and always catch the eye of kids and collectors alike. The following is part one of a three-part survey of small-scale supercars. We begin with the 1950's with a second story on post-2000 models. Next month the 1960's and 1970's will be offered followed by the 1970's and 1990's models. Perhaps most surprising is how many supercars do not exist in small-scale and a list of these 'missing-models' will be offered with each story. Some enterprising toy car maker should take note.

Ferrari 166M - Kyosho	Ferrari 250GT Spider California - Kyosho	Ferrari 250 Testarossa - Kyosho
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - Siku	Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe - Corgi	Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe - Tomica
Jaguar XK120 Roadster - Matchbox	Jaguar XKSS - Hot Wheels	Jaguar XK140 Coupe - Matchbox
Porsche 550A Spider - Hot Wheels	Porsche 550A Spider - Hongwell	Porsche 550A Spider - Maisto
1957 Chevrolet Corvette - Welly	1957 Chevrolet Corvette - Racing Champions	1957 Chevrolet Corvette - Matchbox

Missing in Small-Scale:
BMW 507
Pegaso Z102
Bentley R-Type Continental
Facel Vega FV
Aston Martin DB4, GT and Zagato
Ferrari 250 Europa
Ferrari 400 SuperAmerica

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