Can someone give me the lowdown on the differences among all of the ERTL American Muscle lines? I see different cars advertized as "Elite Edition", "Collector Edition", "Authentics" etc. Are there different levels of quality or detailing?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Skip

Hi Skip,

Hopefully I can help you here....

American Muscle: Standard line that is found in all stores including mass markets like Target, etc.

American Muscle Hobby: Technically this line is the Elite, Collectors Edition. Only found in Hobby stores, but sometime TRU gets exclusive editions in as well. The Elites do have a bit more features and are much more limited in production.

American Muscle Authentics: The Top of the line ERTL product, and in my opinion the top of the line for any diecast in the $100 and under price. Most with over 200 parts, carpeting, fully wired, hosed, plumbed engine, suspension, working drive shaft, working visors, seats, glove compartment, and soo much more.

If you need to see some photos just visit our site we have some photos there that may help you see the difference in the lines.

Russ
Milezone's
Get to the Zone!
http://milezone.com

Thanks for the reply Russ? I have another question. How do the Highway 61 cars stack up against the Ertl's? Are they the same castings?

Thanks,

Skip

Hwy 61 is a different company . Cars are not the same as Ertl . Castings are much more detailed!

Actually Highway 61 is a equal quality to the Authentic line, not the regular line. So they actually are so close it's a equal. Some better, some worse.

Highway 61 is actually ERTL's grandson, a different company, but from the same blood line. :-)

Russ

Thanks for the info. After you posted about the authentics line I figured it was pretty close to the Highway 61 stuff. I wouldn't be surprised if HW 61 have used some Ertl molds. Both the Ertl authentics and the Highway 61 cars look excellent...especially considering the price. I wish there were more shelby mustangs and first gen. special camaros in those lines. I'd be all over them for that price.

There is a Camaro in the Authentic line, but a '69. As for using ERTL molds, Highway 61 did thier own molds, so they are like Dave said a totally seperate company.

Russ

There is a Camaro in the Authentic line, but a '69. As for using ERTL molds, Highway 61 did thier own molds, so they are like Dave said a totally seperate company.

Russ

Is the Camaro in the Authentic line a '69 or '67. I saw the Butterscotch yellow '67, but not a '69.

I also have seen a '67-'68 in red and in black done by HW 61.

Are there any good resources I can use to find out everything that has been released by HW 61 and the Ertl Authentics?

Thanks,

Skip

Authentics '67, you are right. And '69 Camaro for Highway 61. That is it in Camaros between the 2. Authentics Camaro has red, black, and soon to come butterscotch yellow. We will have more blacks in stock in about 2 weeks.

Russ