This is one of my favorite castings (Matchbox-Super Kings). Although I would have deleted the red stripes and made the wheels more realistic looking. :cool:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc309/MalibuSeaS/diecast/Camino3.jpg

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc309/MalibuSeaS/diecast/Camino2.jpg

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc309/MalibuSeaS/diecast/Camino1.jpg

I wonder why there aren't many American cars (especially muscle cars, hot rods, street rods etc...) reproduced in 1/43. I'm sure many of us would love to see some great American cars done in 1/43 with lots of details. I guess that this scale is just not so popular in USA.

This El Camino looks good, although as you already said, with some better wheels it could be even cooler. :)

My theory as to why those fine castings failed so miserably in the US market is that those tacky, toylike wheels were so unrealistic and unappealing.

It's a shame that Mattel can't seem to figure out how to market these excellent castings successfully.

It's a shame that Mattel can't seem to figure out how to market these excellent castings successfully.

In the future I plan on changing the wheels (see link) and either removing or airbrushing the hood stripes (full size car did not come with hood stripes on a flat hood.) Especially red ones.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120233646518&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=002
Frank