Thanks for sharing Rebecca.  Ecto 1 chasing Inky & Blinky is great! 

Hi Tim,
I apologize for not keeping on top of these 1:18 scale releases from Mattel.  I heard about them quite awhile ago but had no idea when they would be released.  Then, all of a sudden, they began showing up.  I did a search of eBay and found six of the releases (pictured above.)  Apparently, the Ferraris from Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Magnum PI haven't hit stores yet.  I'm looking forward to adding those, as well as the Miami Vice Ferrari Testarossa to my collection, but as for the rest of them, wow, they're pretty obscure.  I do applaud Mattel's effort to give us more TV and movie cars.  I'll do my best to get that 1:18 scale checklist updated.  I count on collectors such as yourself to keep me on my toes.

Hi, Joe.
I only just discovered your site today – and wow, do you know your stuff! I was really big into Matchbox cars in the 70’s (didn’t like Hot Wheels much even then), and to tell you the truth, I thought modern die-cast cars were on their way out. At least that’s how it looks at my Targets and WalMarts. But that must not be the case, judging from your website. I’m glad. My collection (which I still have) gave me more pleasure than just about any other toy I can think about. I KNOW that’s not the case with today’s kids. 

Anyhow, I just wanted to let you know what a fantastic site (and collection) you have. And I might as well ask you – I found your site because I am looking for a model of the Pontiac Firebird Esprit that was used on The Rockford Files.  Still living in the 70’s, I am re-watching all of the Rockford episodes, and I thought it might be cool to build the scale model of the Esprit, or a close approximation of it. That is not as easy as it sounds. Apparently, that particular version of Firebird was not made in either a die-cast or a model kit, near as I can tell. Can you confirm that? 

Thanks for any help you can offer! Again, fabulous site! 

P.S. I should also note that I liked your special M*A*S*H announcement on the Star Car link (I am a M*A*S*H fanatic.). And I would love to visit the CHRISTMAS STORY house – I didn’t know it existed. That is one of my favorite films! (“That son-of-a-bitch would freeze up in the middle of summer on the equator!”) 

Gary Litavis

Hi Gary,
Thanks for the nice comments.  Unfortunately, as far as I know, no Firebird Esprit has ever been released in die-cast form.  That's why the Firebird from The Rockford Files currently resides at #5 on my Wish List.  I really hope a die-cast manufacturer is eye-balling the Firebird Esprit.  I know for a fact it would be a huge seller in ANY scale!

Hi Chris,
Years ago there used to be a Warner Bros. store at a nearby mall.  I seemed to recall seeing a boxed set of die-cast Batmobiles that included the Batman Beyond version.  I regret not buying it because I have not seen it since and I began to think my mind was playing tricks on me.  I've never seen any evidence of this car ever existing, and I've scoured eBay  and the internet many, many times.  The items that you see pictured above are part of Hasbro's Micro Machines line.  Although not die-cast metal, the car does display nicely with 1:64 scale Batmobiles.  If anyone out there can produce evidence of a die-cast version of the Batman Beyond Batmobile, please contact me. 

That 70's Show anyone?  Found this at WalMart this morning.

Chris

I've seen that casting in stores, but didn't make the connection.  I never really watched That 70's Show when it was on TV.  How close is this to the car used on the TV series?  Can anyone produce decent images of the actual car?

I pop into the Disney Store occasionally and I'm amazed by the awesome Cars products they have for sale.  I've been SO tempted to pick up a few things but I want to just focus on the stuff offered by Mattel.  (Even though I couldn't resist the die-cast Frank.)  Thanks for those pics Patrick.

Here's a nice e-mail to end on:

Hey Joe,
Hope you're doing well.  We haven't communicated in some time.  I hope
you're enjoying the display case I sent you.

Since we last chatted, I have given my entire collection (22 cases like the one I gave you, with several duplicates in a box, just under 1000 pieces) to my 12 yr old nephew.  My brother has mounted each of the cases on the wall in their basement and they will continue to grow it.  My nephew has marveled at my collection for the past 7 or 8 years and I thought it was time to pass it on.  What really sealed the deal was one nite this summer they were visiting from KY and at 12 yrs old, he could name the movie or television show each piece was from.  I was blown away. I decided that this was something my brother and his son could continue for years to come.  My brother tells me that the two of them are now making weekly stops at all the usual places, searching for new releases.  He also tells me that  my nephew visits your website almost daily. It has given them something to do together, that will last for many years.

Steve Jones

That's a really great story Steve.  Thanks for sharing.  As I said earlier, it's great when young people get interested in this hobby.  And I'm glad my website can be a part of that experience.  For those who are curious, Steve is referring to the display case pictured at left.  If anyone is interested, I can put you in touch with him.