Shelby Collectibles Preview

  
       
 

 
       
  Rarely do I get the chance to preview an upcoming line of cars in the prototype stage. So this look at the new Shelby Collectibles 1:64th line is very exciting for me. Four new cars are coming, a 1966 GT 350, 1966 GT 350H, 1968 GT 500, and a GT 500E Eleanor. Here's a look at three of the powerful ponies in a rarely seen raw form. Enjoy!  
       
 

 
       
 

1966 GT 350H

  
       
 

 
       
 

1968 GT 500

  
       
 

 
       
 

GT 500E Eleanor

  
       
  We're all familiar with adult collectible diecast, and this new line will be advertised as such. The cars will feature everything the adult collector has asked for. Opening hoods AND doors, sculpted interiors, correct motor detailing, rubber tires, jeweled headlights and taillights, and of course, full metal bodies and chassis'. Here's some pictures of the various cars highlighting those features.

 
       
 

 

  
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
     
 

 
       
  Looking at the images above, you can see that each model features it's own interior, engine, and chassis. And, which is a huge plus for the customizers out there, the cars are held together with screws, so you can build your Pony to suit.  
       
 

These three photos are from Chris Walker (Night Stalkers Customs). They are three of the production prototype wheels for the cars. The samples I have all came with some basic testing type wheel. These will be better proportioned to the cars than the ones on the test shots.  
 

 
       
  Here's an excerpt from a message from Chris with a customizers point of view and some added photos:  
       
  "They also have under hood and interior door panel detail. The interiors have separate rear view mirrors that are not molded onto the glass. Below you will see pics of an exploded view. The engines, interiors, and dashboard are all separate molded pieces. The interior of the GT350 has Mustang detail all over it. The floor board also has a molded floormat and pedals. Unless you wouldn't know it from the pics, it looks like an 18th scale. From a customizers standpoint, this is JACKPOT! You can add another motor, or wheels very easily. You can even make a pro-street style by removing the hood and the body still has the hood latch details. The doors are also screwed on like the 18th scale cars. Nice touch."  
 

 
 

 
 

 
       
       
  Since these are preproduction, the cars came to me off the card. Here's a look at the card sample and how it may look with the car attached. Sort of. The back of the card includes facts about Shelby Automobiles, and Carroll Shelby's portrait.  
       
 

 
     
 

 

  
  There will be 4 tools, 6 different castings of the first run in August. Initially, they will be sold at K-mart and will have an MSRP under 2.99. They may also be sold through the Shelby online shop. More info to follow. There will be 4 more castings in fall--see the card back above for details. The production run is 60000 each for the first runs. The folks at Shelby Collectibles are thinking of doing some white interiors as the "rare ones." If so, only one percent (600) will have white interiors. However, they wont be specially labeled. You'll have to look at the cars and not the cards.  
       
  I know these are a little hard to see in raw zamac and all black features. And the fit and finish isn't the best--yet. After all, these are first run prototypes. The finished product will delight Mustang and Shelby Collectors alike.

---Joe

Have you missed any Features or Reviews? Click Here

  
       
 

Home