SUPER KINGS

Superkings replaced the Speedking range in the mid 70s but some of the older models were added to this new range which focused on more normal everyday cars vans and utility vehicles.

PORSCHE 911 TURBO

This baby came in a few variations but the black with red trim is smoking hot.

PLYMOUTH GRAN FURY

The Gran Fury is an American classic that was used by police, taxis and the general population.

PLYMOUTH GRAN FURY

As a Yellow TAxi model

PEUGEOT 305

An old classic Pug in rally car guise.

VOLVO 245 AMBULANCE

The versatile Volvo estate here in ambulance form with opening rear tailgate and front doors.

DODGE VAN

Another American classic the Dodge van kitted out in Michelin colours is an eye catcher. The rear doors open on this very very cool model.

VOLVO 245 ESTATE

The family friendly Volvo estate.

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

One of the all time classics, the Golf. Need I say more?

The super cool Matchbox brand was one of my favourites and as a kid I had a lot of the models, all lost at sea now unfortunately, but it's never too late to get them again. Made in England by Lesney and eventually going into receivership in 1983, the brand made a huge range of model kits, toy figures and most famously, the die cast vehicles.

SPEED KINGS

These were the 'big ones' back in the 70s and every home had a least one or two intact or in need of repair. The normal cars were pretty cool but it's the dragsters and fantasy cars that really look cool now. Scalewise you're looking at around 1:42 but that's not entirely accurate throughout the range.

MERCEDES - BENZ 350SLC

A fine coupe with tasty rust red bodywork and opening doors and hood. The amber windows are unrealistic but this adds to the charm.

MERCEDES - BENZ C111

This was a concept car back in the 70s that had a rotary engine. It's not a particularly attractive car and looks somewhat dated today. The model has pop up lights and opening engine cowling. 

AMX JAVELIN

An American drag car with crazy green glass, protruding air filter, large rear wheels and opening doors.

MILLIGANS MILL

This dragster actually jacks the body up to reveal crash frame, monster engine and nitro tank. Another model with large rear wheels.

BANDOLERO

This dragster is pretty bland but the canopy opens up to reveal two big bucket seats. One of the ugliest cars I've ever seen but not as ugly as the latest Land Rover Discovery!

GUS'S GULPER FORD MUSTANG

Another dragster that flips revealing crash frame, monster engine and nitro tank. Again large back wheels.

DODGE DRAGSTER

What's not to like about a Dodge Charger? And while it's not in the title it's scripted on the front and rear of the vehicle. I like the oversized protruding engine, large rear wheels and cool orange colour.

DATSUN 260 Z

This is a pretty tasty rally car that sports an opening bonnet and three extra spot lamps on the nose.

SAND CAT BEACH BUGGY

I'm a bit undecided on beach buggys really but with it's cool orange and green flecked bodywork and wild cat head I guess it's cool enough.

HOT ROD TRACTOR

This hotrodded tractor with it's monster V8 is a very nice model indeed and the gear shifter actually moves!

K PICKUP 6 WHEELER

This 'K' pickup came with a glass canopy and a Honda motorcycle in the back. This is realy one cool and tough looking truck and bizarrely the front looks like a modern Volkswagen SUV!

K RECOVERY 6 WHEELER

This is the tow truck version of the 'K' and it's a muscly beast that's ready to rock.

SHOVEL NOSE

Another kind of ugly supercar with flip top.

CORVETTE CAPER CART

This Chevy is a pretty cool beast with a nice sparkle teal paintjob.

MERCURY COMMUTER

As a station wagon fan this baby satisfies the need!

MERCEDES - BENZ UNIMOG

One of the more boring models that looks like a box on wheels but the real life Unimog is a classic that can't be beaten.

DODGE MONACO ESTATE FIRE CHIEF

This old 60s classic dodge station wagon used in a fire service role.

RANGE ROVER

Range Rover here in utility form for forestry. This also came as a fire service and police vehicle. The rear tail gate also opens.

BAZOOKA DRAGSTER

Will you look at the size of that V8 engine! It's crazy and the jumbo rear wheels are ridiculous too. An extremely cool model by a long shot. The intake pipes are broken off and will be replaced with Hilti nails.

MERCURY COUGAR DRAGSTER

Another tricked out street car with mammoth V8 popping out of the hood like a menacing beast.

SUPER BULLDOZER

Can a bulldozer be a hotrod? Yes it can in the Super Kings world!

This came without tracks so I cut a bicycle tube and made some!

DIE CAST CENTER

Welcome to Die Cast Center!

I've always been into 1/32 scale model figures, (check out Commander Of Plastic men on Blogger) and the vehicles that go with them. But it's only recently I got back into the die cast cars, jeeps and other vehicles, since all the models I had as a kid are long gone. So how did it start? I found an old Lone Star jeep in the garden shed while poking for something.

These were pretty cheap toys that were made in England in the 60s, 70s and 80s, and while they are pretty basic they do have a certain charm. 


WILLYS JEEP

These were about 1/40 scale and came in different colours. The window frames usually fell off and the steering wheels snapped and got lost.

Blue model with folding window frame and balloon tyres.

 This was orange but the paint was badly worn and after an acid bath, basecoat and yellow topcoat, it's looking good.

 This was a blue model but this green repaint is supercool.

And then there were four! The next step is to make window frames and add steering wheels to the ones that are missing them.

TRANSPORT TRUCK

These came in orange and were pretty basic but good in the sand pit for making roads and carrying loads I guess. This model came from eBay and cost £2, with what looked like a Tipp-Ex white paint job so I just had to restore it, or customise it!

Now she's ready to roll to work again!