Die Cast X Holiday 2020

It is interesting how the two feature stories for this issue (which came about completely independently by the way!) both ended up playing on similar themes. Specifically, how two accessible performance cars from the same era grew beyond their original concepts but then, over the course of 50+ years, came back around to embrace their history while simultaneously pushing technology forward. The return of the Shelby GT500 for 2020 takes the idea of the Mega-Motor Mustang to astonishing new performance heights, propelled by a 760-horsepower supercharged V-8 that is the most powerful production engine Ford has ever installed in any vehicle! That led us to reflect on our favorite Pony Powerhouses from the past halfcentury, even as we check out Maisto’s take on the new Shelby and a movie hero…

Split-Window Splendor Auto World American Muscle 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 1:18 | Item no. AW1222 | $90 The ’63 Corvette was a sensation when it debuted in 1963. Low, wide, and sleek, it was completely unlike the car it replaced, sporting such exotic Corvette firsts as an independent rear suspension, flip-up headlights, and a 360hp fuel-injected 327 smallblock—and of course that stunning divided rear window. That last feature was beautiful but not at all practical, and it was eliminated the following year, making the ’63 coupe a true one-of-a-kind. What better way to celebrate than with Auto World’s American Muscle 1963 Corvette Stingray coupe in Saddle Tan with a beige interior, chrome knock-off wheels, and of course that fuelie 327! Autoworldstore.com A Pair of French Rally Aces OttOmobile 1976 Alpine A110 and A310 1:18 | Item no.…

Ford’s Mustang has a lot going for it. And no wonder—throughout most of its life, it has had a lot of motor to get it going! The degree of muscularity in Ford’s signature muscle car has varied a bit over the years, but with 56 years of heritage, it is second only to Chevy’s Corvette as America’s longest continuously-produced performance car. With that much history to draw from, there have been some truly impressive power plants pushing the original pony-car to ever loftier performance heights. With Ford having just launched the new Shelby GT500, we thought it was the perfect time to look back and recount our favorite powerhouse Mustangs and the diecast models that have called upon them for inspiration.…

Ford introduced the first performance version just a couple months after the launch of the first Mustang in 1964, but it wasn’t until Carroll Shelby worked his magic on the “Hi-Po” that it reached its full potential. Shelby massaged an extra 35 horsepower (306 total) out of the K-Code 289 with a new intake, carb, and headers, but the extra power was only the beginning of the transformation. He also yanked nearly 200 pounds out of it and completely overhauled the suspension and brakes. Roughly 34 GT350s underwent even more radical weight savings in becoming GT350R models designated for racing. 1966 saw the introduction of a special GT350H model for the Hertz rental car company, coining the nickname “Rent-a-Racer.” The GT350 would be overshadowed by the arrival of the GT500…

The Mustang did without big-block power for its first three years. Its next three saw a torrent of factory big blocks come tumbling out of Dearborn. First was the tepid 390 in 1967 and the 428 Police Interceptor that brought some heat to the Shelbys. Then there’s the 427 that never actually was, followed by the 428 Cobra Jet in ’68. But the biggest of the big was the Boss 429—so big, in fact, that Ford had to send the Mustangs that were to receive it over to the fabricators at Kar Kraft to chop up and relocate front suspension pieces to make room for the mammoth motor! Built specifically for NASCAR’s high banks, the Boss 429 featured semi-hemispherical combustion chambers, giant valves, and intake ports nearly big enough to…

When the Camaro joined the pony car race in 1967, Ford anticipated that its little 289 wouldn’t be able to match Chevy’s engine lineup, so the Mustang’s ’67 refresh included a big-block option for the first time. Unfortunately, that engine—a 320hp 390—was woefully outgunned by the Camaro’s 375-horse 396. But just like he had two years prior with the original GT350, Carroll Shelby had a plan. This time it involved shoehorning a 428 Police Interceptor V-8 from a full-size Ford between the Mustang’s narrow fenders. Again he added an aluminum performance intake manifold (this time topped by two Holley carbs!) plus a host of new styling elements and dubbed it the GT500. MORE SHOW, MORE GO For the first time the ’67 Shelby had all-new nose and tailpieces, making it longer and…