
Muscle Machines Import Tuners
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Hi all, Unless you live high on a hill, or under a rock, then there's no doubt that you've seen the newest phenomenon in the automotive world somewhere in your neighborhood. The Tuner style of car. Instead of large displacement motors these small cars are hopped up with a host of specially designed aftermarket parts developed just for this style of car. What started out as kids putting large exhaust tips and aftermarket decals on their cars has turned into a multi-billion dollar industry. These cars aren't only looks anymore. If assembled correctly, a good bit of power can be squeezed out of the smaller displacement motors. And even the manufacturers of the basic cars offer packages with special suspensions, larger rims and tires, and performance engines and transmissions already installed. It was only a matter of time before someone decided to turn out a serious line of diecast cars modeled after these new street cars. Introducing the Muscle Machine Import Tuners. |
| At first glance, these cars look a little out of scale. They are considerably larger than other 1/64th cars, but the extra length and width actually make these Tuners look more realistic. And the folks at Funline didn't miss a trick with these cars. Besides the myriad of details, the overall fit and finish is some of the best work I've seen from the Muscle Machine company. The only problem I found was the hood on the red Skyline needed a little "tweak" to properly close. | ||
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| The front and rear of every car is completely detailed with lights and extra paintwork that resembles carbon fiber light covers and panels. And since the line of cars attempts to copy the current hot look of Tuner cars, all the standard body modifications are included on each car. None of the six models has a stock look. And they shouldn't. | ||
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Each of the six models has it's own distinct turbocharger system peeking through the hood. All done in shiny plastic to simulate an aluminum FMax or AVO aftermarket system. But the engine mods don't stop with the turbo..... |
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Open the hood on any of these models and you'll find highlighted manifold covers, air intake systems and sway bars painted in chrome red, blue, green and orange depending on model. There's also a few subtle black chrome highlights which adds depth. |
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Each car in the first run of the Import Tuners has a sunroof, except one, the Subaru WRX. So I had to go find out why. I did a little digging around a few WRX websites, and learned that the model in this set is based on the rally car, which has a fresh air scoop on the roof, therefore no sunroof is offered. Good research by Funline. |
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| The sunroofs are a nice addition to these little cars because there wasn't any skimping on the interiors either. Multicolored racing interiors, complete with silver painted gauges, a fire extinguisher, and pillar mounted tachometers complete them. A note about the Nissan Skyline, it's a right hand drive. And no two models share an interior. | ![]() |
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| What self respecting Tuner car wouldn't be loaded up with a few decals? And if you look closely, you can see the fine detailing of the rims that simulate disk brake rotors. | ||
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Speaking of required equipment for a Tuner, that ever present thumping of way-too-much bass from the subs is a standard. So are a couple of amps, a giant wing, and one or two more decals...... |
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| Although the differences are subtle, no two models share a wheel. And for you customizers, if you don't like the paint or wheels on a particular car, then flip it over, remove one screw, and customize your tuner to your hearts content! | ||
| There's enough wing surface area on this set to lift a 747 off the ground. But besides all the wings, this shot also shows a little more of the painted details that sets these cars apart. | ||
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These cars are already a hit. They've been in the stores for a month or so now, and they do sell quickly. Like a few other diecast models, these cars are kind of a niche car, and they do attract folks who otherwise pass by the diecast aisle. There are a total of 12 cars in the first run, two each of a 2000 Honda Civic HB, 2001 Ford FR200, 1997 Toyota Supra, 2002 Acura RSX Type S, 2000 Nissan Skyline GTR, and the 2001 Subaru WRX. Great details, quality workmanship, and only 2.99 each. Get yours while you can!! |
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Thanks to the folks at www.1stopdiecast.com for furnishing me this sample set.
Joe
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