Volume VII, Number 1

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. This story addresses the post-2000 models and a companion story on the 1950's is also in this issue. Next month the 1960's and 1970's will be offered followed by the 1980'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' is offered. Some enterprising toy car maker should take note.

Supercars of post-2000

Lotus Esprit V8 - Hot Wheels	Jaguar XKR Coupe - Hot Wheels	Aston Martin Vanquish - Johnny Lightning
Shelby Series 1 - Hot Wheels	Saleen S7 - Motor Max	Dodge Viper - Racing Champions
BMW Z8 - AUTOart	Porsche Carrera GT - Pioneer	Honda NSXR - Motor Max
VW W16 - Matchbox	Lamborghini Murcielago - AUTOart	Bugatti Veyron - Hot Wheels
Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 - Johnny Lightning	Enzo Ferrari - Hot Wheels	Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG - Siku

Missing in Small-Scale:
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Bentley Continental GT
Chrysler ME Four-Twelve
Ford GT

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