Volume X, Last Updated February 13, 2007

Since the mid 1930s, there has been a noticeable style trend change every few years. In high school geometry courses, we were taught that the opposite of a circle is a square. And I am sure that physics teachers enforced the necessity for lack of wind resistance to enhance speed. Thus, the style of a boxy automobile was radically changed with the introduction of a more rounded style. Examples are the Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow Concept car and the Chrysler Airflow. The manufacturers that adhered to this desire to produce cars that would go faster with less gas mileage, produced cars that were lower in height and had rounded engine hood, roof and fender lines. But every so often the styles must revert back to more squarish or boxier designs, as it appears that the design schools seem to run out of new ideas for the curvature of the automobile body. This is the present situation. Chrysler and Dodge Divisions of DaimlerChrysler have introduced a new boxier style for 2005. Also recently, some of the Japanese manufacturers have reached the same conclusion. Examples are the Honda Element and Scion xB. So, at the present time, boxiness is in and curviness appears to be temporarily on the back burner.

The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans along with the Magnum Station Wagon have retro model names but the designs are new for these marques. These cars have a radical change in appearance from the Intrepid/ Concorde cab forward' design of previous years. It is evident that the present cars have inherited their 'genes' from the Dodge Super 8 Hemi concept vehicle announced in 2001. Maisto did this model in 1:64 scale.

2006 Dodge Charger R/T - Hot Wheels

2006 Dodge Charger R/T - Maisto

2005 Dodge Charger R/T - Matchbox

Only three Charger models have been produced in small scale to date although Hot Wheels did offer the Charger R/T concept as well. No doubt more will appear in time. But any new model will have to really excel in detail and appearance since the existing Matchbox # 61 is an excellent replica. Also available is a Maisto model issued in a special 3- Pack in the Speed Wheels blister which were only available from Walgreens Drug Stores earlier this year. Hot Wheels has done the Charger R/tT in their 2007 line but it is much more cartoonish. Jada recently introduced a model of the SRT8 car in orange and black in their Big Time Muscle series. The only complaint is that the size exceeds the all-encompassing 1:64 scale category by a notable amount, but it can still be considered as small scale.

2005 Dodge Magnum R/T - Jada	2005 Dodge Magnum custom - 1 Badd Ride	2005 Dodge Magnum R/T - Yat Ming
2005 Dodge Magnum R/T - Maisto	2005 Dodge Magnum police - Matchbox	2005 Dodge Magnum - Matchbox
2005 Dodge Magnum R/T - Motor Max

The new Dodge Magnum is clearly a darling of the diecast world with more examples available already than for any other small-scale station wagon. Magnums have already been issued by Jada Toys (two separate models), 1 Badd Ride, Matchbox (# 30 police and now for 2007, a blue stock version with new wheels), Columbia Telecomm, Hot Wheels, Motor Max, Maisto, Yat Ming and Corgi Wheelz. The Jada models, although suggesting to be 'lowrider' cars, are very detailed example of these new models. The model identified a s a 2006 car is a slightly modified casting from the original 2005 model. An entirely new small scale manufacturer trading as 1 Badd Ride has introduced a Magnum in their line which was released in early 2006. This model gives the appearance of being a Sedan Delivery since the rear side windows behind the rear doors are blanked out and after market styling parts are included on this modified model. Another recent issue is a Yat Ming Road Signatures Series 1:72 scale model. For its size, it also features a great amount of detail. These have been found only in larger Wal-Marts and sell for only $1.44 each! At that price they are a very good replica. Maisto also recently issued their representation of this marque. Unfortunately, it has dark opaque windows and no interior detail is visible. Corgi Wheelz in 2006 have introduced as a new series of lower cost models. Although these are sold by Corgi, the reverse side of the blister card indicates that licensing and manufacture are actually by Yat Ming. The two Yat Ming models are slightly different in size. Matchbox offered the Magnum in police colors with a lightbar. One would expect that a street version would be produced sometime soon. The most recent issue is from Motor Max. They have included a model of this vehicle in their recently introduced American Grafitti set, complete with flames.

2005 Chrysler 300C Hemi - Jada	2005 Chrysler 300C Hemi - Maisto (Playerz)	2005 Chrysler 300C Hemi - Maisto
2005 Chrysler 300C Hemi - Columbia Telecomm	*2005 Chrysler 300C Hemi Limo - Maisto	2005 Chrysler 300C Hemi - Hot Wheels

The Chrysler 300C Hemi models have been made by four toy manufacturers. Jada Toys and Maisto were the first to produce small scale models of this marque. Jada has since issued additional variations including police cruisers and taxicabs. The Maisto model first appeared in the Playerz series. These are enhanced models which contain interior details, contrary to the lesser expensive Transit Authority model which is also available. This casting is slightly smaller in length than the Playerz model. Also Maisto issued a Playerz stretch model limousine in 1/64 of the 300C . This is about twice as long as the sedan model from the same series. Another 300 model of recent issue is from a new company trading as Columbia Telecommunications and was sold in Wal-Mart Stores for a short period of time. This model is not as exact in detail as either the Jada or Maisto Playerz versions. The Hot Wheels model issued in the 2006 First Edition Series, also lacks exactness in replication. The trunk length appears to be too short and presents a distortion of this model . Still awaiting release is a new 2 car set of these cars form Norev in France. From observation of the preproduction models, it is apparent that collectors will get what they have to pay for. Although this set will sell for about $25, it will surpass all other models in quality of detail that have been issued to date.

It is likely that other manufacturers will issue additional MOPAR sedan and wagon models in the future. But, they will really have to improve greatly to surpass the the replicas that have been offered to date.

*EDITOR'S NOTE: Purchase of anything with Donald Trump's name on it seemed in very bad taste but I swallowed my self-esteem and made the sacrifice for this story. At least I found it on sale for $1.50.

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