By Doug Breithaupt
Here is the answer to
a question no-one has ever asked. How many small-scale diecast cars have
been produced with flat black hoods? From my collection, only five could
be found. Primarily found on U.S. muscle cars, flat black hoods must have
served some purpose or did they just look mean. Surprise, two of these cars
are British/European muscle. 
Clockwise from top: 1971 Boss Mustang & 1973 Capri by Matchbox, 1970 Aston-Martin DBS by Corgi,
1969 Road Runner & 1969 Mustang Mach 1 by Johnny Lightning
The Ford Capri was a hit
in the UK, Germany and the U.S., as a Mercury. The Aston-Martin DBS '67-'72
was a high-priced GT. The simularity with the two Mustang fast-backs invites
styling comparisons. The DBS was a lot more than just a British pony car.
That was the role of the Capri. The Road Runner splits the hood with two
flat black stripes but the idea is tha same. Are there other flat black
hoods in your collection? Let me know.