76 http://www.modelcollector.com | august 2019
Model Collector, MyTimeMedia Ltd, Eden House, Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 6HF email: [email protected]
your letters
So happy with Hunter
I just want to say a big thanks for the Hastings Classics Hillman Hunter model that I won
in your May 2019 prize draw. It came as a lovely surprise!
I had read with great interest Dom’s review of, and 10 out of 10 score for, the model. This
brought back boyhood memories of my father’s red Hillman Hunter, so the model holds extra
nostalgia for me! I particularly remember the black vinyl seats, which would get extremely hot to
sit on in the summer months! I entered your prize draw (never thinking I would win) and then
ordered an example in Tahiti Blue from Frank Jones at British Heritage Models. I was really
pleased with my purchase. I especially like the detailed front grille and how well the shape of the
real car has been captured.
So, I am lucky enough to have both versions of Hastings Hillman Hunter displayed alongside
each other in my cabinet and I now look forward to further releases from Hastings Classics.
I've already decided to put in a pre-order for the Austin Maestro that’s been announced!
CHRIS OSBORN
BRISTOL
You are very welcome, Chris. I am delighted to learn you are so pleased with your prize. Ed.
Coventry Cricket
Ben Earl’s letter in the July edition was
interesting and I'm grateful for the photos of
the estate car, which will now need to be hunted
down! One minor point, though: the first
generation Plymouth Cricket, based on the
Hillman Avenger, was made here in the UK and
exported to the US, rather than made there. It was
quite common to see Avengers with Plymouth
badging in Coventry where I grew up, as the trim
parts were available to the car workers building
them. The Brazilian Dodges were made in Brazil
and were substantially different, with lots of
local content and design tweaks.
MAZ WOOLLEY
EMAIL
Nothing better than a little local knowledge!
Thanks for this input, Maz. Ed.
1:43 scale Gap
I thoroughly enjoyed
Steve Coles feature on
the Trans-American
Expedition in the July
issue. As a young lad in the
early ‘70s I recall reading
an article about the
Expedition in a magazine
called Quest (copies of
which can be found
on eBay), which was
published by Duckhams
Oils to publicise all of its motorsport activities and various
sponsorship deals.
Since then I've always admired the early Range Rovers,
collecting all four Dinky versions, which, apart from the wheels,
are, for their time, a good representation of the real vehicle.
I was, therefore, delighted when Oxford Diecast introduced the
1:76 version and, in particular, the Darien Gap model. With the Quest
article in mind, I examined the model with a magnifying glass and
was surprised not to find Duckhams logos. Indeed, a quick search on
the internet revealed that the recommended oil for the Rover V8 was
Duckhams Q20w-50. This all brings me to the ‘minor’ issue Steve
has with the 1:36 scale Corgi version, which sports large Duckhams
logos on its rear wings; logos which, Steve states, should not be there,
because Duckhams hadn’t been involved in the Expedition.
In view of all this, I have to ask if it was more than just a coincidence
that these logos were included on the later Corgi model?
Hopefully, Oxford Diecast will bring out a 1:43 scale version.
What a fine model that would be!
ASHLEY COOPER
EMAIL
I’m so glad you enjoyed Steve’s feature , Ashley. The detailed
packed into OD’s 1:76 scale version is fantastic, but I agree it
would be fab to see a 1:43 scale version, too! Ed.
Oxford Diecast’s beautifully detailed little 1:76
scale Darien Gap Range Rover. Any chance we
can now have this model in 1:43 scale, please!
may 2019www.modelcollector.com 27
EXCLUSIVE PRIZE DRAW WIN!
HASTINGS CLASSICS’
NEW HILLMAN
HUNTER
MK 1
Entry is open to all UK residents with a permanent UK address, with the exception of employees (and their families) of MyTimeMedia Ltd, its printers and agents, and any other companies associated with the competition. Winners must be aged 18 or over. Only one entry per TERMS & COO S
household is permissible. No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, damaged or delayed in the post. Winners will be notifi ed by post. Prizes are not transferable to another indi-vidual and no cash or other alternatives will be off ered. The promoters reserve the right to amend or alter the terms of the competitions. The winner will be chosen from all correct
entries received by the closing date specifi ed. Please note that data will be managed in compliance with GDPR law. Our privacy policy can be found at http://www.mytimemedia.co.uk/privacy. The decision of the judges is fi nal and no correspondence will be entered into.PLEASE NOTE: There is a little discolouration of the card outer sleeve to the box of the
otherwise perfect example we’ve got up for grabs here.
Good luck, everyone!
Nthe ultimate 10/10 accolade in this month’s New Releases section (see page 19).Introduced to the British public in 1966, the Hillman Hunter went on to ot only do we think the Hillman Hunter Mk 1 is a fantastic choice of launch model for Hastings Classics’ exciting new 1:43 scale hand built white metal series but our reviewer, Dominic Borrelli, has awarded it
become the most prolifi c of the Rootes Arrow range of family saloons. It remained in production for 13 years, through the transition from Rootes to Chrysler UK, and on to 2005 as Iran’s national car, the Paykan.
Hunter Mk 1 to a tee; the Polar White paint fi nish is fl awless, and there’s some really super detailing. Indeed, close inspection of the interior reveals a lovely little Hastings Classics’ handsome new model captures the shape and stance of the
touch: a copy of We should also point out that wing mirrors, not included in our photographs, are included for the buyer (or in this case, winner) to fi t. Autocar magazine left casually lying on the front passenger seat!
been strictly limited to a build of just 100 (individually numbered) certifi cated pieces, priced at £99.99 each, so we’re delighted to be able to off er you the This version in Polar White (the model will also be made available in blue) has
chance to win an example for your collection in this month’s exclusive prize draw. on this page and mail it to:To participate in the draw, all you have to do is complete the entry form included
Hastings Classic Hillman Prize Draw, Model Collector, MyTimeMedia Ltd, Eden House, Enterprise Way, Edenbridge TN8 6HFAll entries must be received before the closing date of
May 24, 2019.
HASTINGS CLASSICS’ HILLMAN HUNTER PRIZE DRAW
Name: Address:
Tel No: Postcode:
Email:
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Watching the detectives...
I thoroughly enjoyed the series on British cars produced/marketed in
foreign countries.
Like myself, other readers may have noticed a few examples of British cars in
famous American movies. For example, in the first Dirty Harry move an Austin
1100/1300 (known as an Austin America) makes an appearance towards the
end when the yellow school bus enters the bridge/tunnel; while approximately
three quarters of the way through the second Dirty Harry movie (probably The
Enforcer) we get to see another Austin America, this time a red one. This can be
spotted from a bird's eye view camera position and is quite dusty looking.
Now, to the biggest surprise – Bullitt; in the scene were Steve McQueen parks
his Mustang at the brow of a street corner to go over to a newspaper stand,
parked right in front of his car there’s a tatty blue Hillman Imp!
Or, to finish, how about the black Morris Minor in American Graffiti?
PETER GASTON
EMAIL
I think we all love a little movie car spotting. Perhaps there should
be a special collectors’ edition of Goggle Box! Ed.