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Classics
1938 Buick Special
1/43rd scale
The Buick Collection
708-246-1543
www.route66modelcarstore.com
$104
When it comes to ubiquity in white metal, The Brooklin Collection's got everyone covered. One of its subgenres is the Buick Collection. While its span of 1934 to 1939 models is a little off-step with our issue theme here, we'll go with this 1938 Special four-door sedan regardless. Sharp, in the right Corot Beige with scarlet rims. That wonderful art deco Buick lettering is cast into the wheel covers. Paint thickness, and evenness of application, looks just about spot on. The highly complex vertical grille is delightfully accurate. Unlike some 1/43rds, this Special looks very good from every conceivable angle. Brasilia Press imported it; the Route 66 Model Car Store in Western Springs, Illinois, has it.
1965 Ford F-100
1/18th scale
Sun Star
800-829-1520
www.diecastauto.com
$42.99
1965 Ford F-100
While lamenting the blowing-away of so many other standbys of life, at least we can be happy the ice cream truck's still around. This jingling standard of summertime is now wonderfully represented in scale. Sure, it's a truck, but a Good Humor truck's as much an element of childhood nostalgia as any old-time car. Sun Star hits all the right details here: mirrors, semi-cab interior, freezer compartment door, refrigeration unit. The signage and lighting are perfect, as are the atypical body contours. From the kiddie days in Brooklyn, we remember these chillers having Ford sixes, not V-8s, but still. Admit it, you want one. Diecast Auto of Friendswood, Texas, will hear your cry.
Recent
Like most race cars, the Tiger II Chevelle was built in stages. In early-1965, Fibercraft fitted the front end with flat a fiberglass hood and fenders formed using a 1964 front end. A straight fron axle and Pontiac rear axle were installed on the original chassis and an Enderle fuel injected 376 cubic-inch small-block Chevy provided power, fed by a 30 percent load of nitromethane. Trial and error led to several wheelbase changes and many tweaks to catch more traction over the years. By mid-1966, it was already receiving an engine upgrade with a Hilborn-injected 427 cubic-inch big-block.
By 1967, the Esso sponsorship ended and the car received a new identity with blue paint and the name “Blitzer” on the side. Adcock reportedly installed a blown and injected big-block Chevy engine, but the NHRA would not allow that combination. The engine and the car were soon sold. According to history records, the car was last raced in 1973 by Jerry Rhodes under the name “Funny Money.”
For a stint, the Chevelle even ran wheelstander exhibitions with The Little Red Wagon, Hemi Under Glass and many more. The seller states that all collected documentation, including original old magazine features and historical information, is included with the sale.
Most recently, the Tiger II Chevelle underwent a five-year-long no-expense-spared restoration which was completed in late-2023. It was brought back to its original gold metallic flaked funny car state. Hot Rod Hoarders released a YouTube video about the restoration around a year ago:
HISTORIC Chevelle FUNNY CAR Found and RESTORED!youtu.be
“Most of what you see here is the original car down to the magnesium spindle mount front wheels,” writes the seller. “The Randy Bradford (Bradford’s Fiat Fuel Altered) built Hilborn-injected 427 cubic-inch big-block, Mike’s Transmission Ultimate 400, and the rest of the fresh Mark Williams drivetrain is capable of running competitively in modern nostalgia AFX, but still looks like 1966.”
This six-page feature in the January 2024 issue of All Chevy Performance magazine takes a deeper dive into the build’s history. The seller says there is another upcoming feature coming soon to the Chevy Hardcore magazine.
Original AFX cars are rarely seen in the collector car market. This historic 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle “Tiger II” is sure to fetch a lot of attention. Check out the classified ad on Hemmings Marketplace and pounce on the opportunity to own an incredibly rare hot rod.
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