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Picture Of The Week - 08/02/2008 Go Go!!
MultiQuote
#8
Posted 03 August 2008 - 11:20 AM
QUOTE(Guntownal @ Aug 3 2008, 08:17 AM) 
The 1:1s are real screamers. They have great motors in them. Not my cup of tea in the styling department, but you gotta love the performance.
I have the black one also and I bought the model kit blue one 'cause it was a white lightning.
I have the blue one from the model kit, too. But not a WL.
Cheers. Cobra
#10
Posted 03 August 2008 - 02:22 PM
Nissan Skyline casting #045 from Street Freaks release 10.
2004 Pontiac GTO casting #855 from Street Freaks release 14.
Images courtesy of JLCollector.com. Thanks Wyatt.
I have both versions shown above but actually prefer the BWF Skyline over the BWF GTO.
It's too bad that the real GTO wasn't more popular.
The right car but at the wrong time.
Cheers. Cobra
#13
Posted 04 August 2008 - 12:13 AM
As an aside, I feel slightly responsible for the GTO existing at all--not the casting, the car itself. One of my last HOT ROD stories was called something like "13 reasons we need this car now" and drove and shot a Holden Ute, which shared driveline and underpinnings with the GTO. Within six months of that blurb on the cover of HOT ROD, the GTO was announced.
Now at JL, I remember GM had something of a bidding war over who got to make this car in scale--and I pushed hard to get it. Companies were invited to somehow prove that they were partial to hyping the GTO in all its iterations. With the new 68-9 casting, a recent '64 casting, and the '67 and '71 still in circulation, our plan was to show GM that we not only had the range, and that we were willing to tool up for not only the new 04 model, but for the '73 GTO (which could also be done as a Grand Am) also. An odd choice perhaps, but a calculated one that helped explain the depth of JL's casting bank. JL got the license, and there were a lot of GTO models across the range in 2003-4 as "support" (ie, more money in GM's pockets).
When the car was announced in 2002, it was to be a $25,000 car with 350hp. Alas, post-9/11 exchange rates with Australia jacked the price to $35,000, making it more competitive with BMWs (allegedly) than with the Mustangs it very easily would have blown out of the water, given the price. When the real car came to these shores, it flopped. And so did the model. And I ended up looking stupid, twice.
jk
Now at JL, I remember GM had something of a bidding war over who got to make this car in scale--and I pushed hard to get it. Companies were invited to somehow prove that they were partial to hyping the GTO in all its iterations. With the new 68-9 casting, a recent '64 casting, and the '67 and '71 still in circulation, our plan was to show GM that we not only had the range, and that we were willing to tool up for not only the new 04 model, but for the '73 GTO (which could also be done as a Grand Am) also. An odd choice perhaps, but a calculated one that helped explain the depth of JL's casting bank. JL got the license, and there were a lot of GTO models across the range in 2003-4 as "support" (ie, more money in GM's pockets).
When the car was announced in 2002, it was to be a $25,000 car with 350hp. Alas, post-9/11 exchange rates with Australia jacked the price to $35,000, making it more competitive with BMWs (allegedly) than with the Mustangs it very easily would have blown out of the water, given the price. When the real car came to these shores, it flopped. And so did the model. And I ended up looking stupid, twice.
jk
#14
Posted 04 August 2008 - 05:36 AM
I guess I am one of the few people that really like the GTO. I do like the LS2 versions better but I would be more than glad to drive the LS1 version. They are pretty tough, too. I know guys around here running juice or blowers and they are holding up really well.
#15
Posted 04 August 2008 - 09:54 AM
I liked the modern GTO as well. They are pretty stout.
Another reason I'd say it didn't sell so well is because you had a lot of people claiming it didn't look like the ones from back in the day. It didn't have the retro look like the Mustang. I mean, so what? I just didn't understand how people were complaining about another RWD V8 coupe being introduced into the market. Yeah I loved the old look but come on...although I could understand where some people were coming from with the Cavalier comments. I heard there are plans to bring the HSV Coupe 60 concept stateside but as what I'm not sure.
It would have been pretty cool if they brought the Monaro over as the Grand National and thrown a turbocharged V6 into it. But like the GTO, it probably wouldn't have sold well.
Another reason I'd say it didn't sell so well is because you had a lot of people claiming it didn't look like the ones from back in the day. It didn't have the retro look like the Mustang. I mean, so what? I just didn't understand how people were complaining about another RWD V8 coupe being introduced into the market. Yeah I loved the old look but come on...although I could understand where some people were coming from with the Cavalier comments. I heard there are plans to bring the HSV Coupe 60 concept stateside but as what I'm not sure.
It would have been pretty cool if they brought the Monaro over as the Grand National and thrown a turbocharged V6 into it. But like the GTO, it probably wouldn't have sold well.
#20
Posted 05 August 2008 - 07:12 PM
Wyatt I agree with you. It is one of my favorite "new car" castings. I think JL did a great job of nailing the scale and dimensions of this car. The front end of the car especially the grill is a fantastic example of diecast detailing in my opinion.
I love it and have several variations of the car to boot!!!! Thanks as always for bringing a great casting each week.
One of my favorite versions of this car. I actually like the looks of the regular better but could not find a picture.
I love it and have several variations of the car to boot!!!! Thanks as always for bringing a great casting each week.
One of my favorite versions of this car. I actually like the looks of the regular better but could not find a picture.
#21
Posted 05 August 2008 - 09:35 PM
This is an under appreciated casting of a not so widely appreciated car. You can find these now for decent prices and if your looking for a car with a high performance engine for not a lot of $, then this is your ride. That is assuming you can live with the looks. I'd own one if given the chance imho.
Anyone else think the black version shown in Wyatts pic actually looks like it could pass for a newer Matchbox casting? Swap the wheels with some newer 10 spokes from a MB Bentley and who would know the difference?
Sir Crafty prepares to dodge oranges and other various projectiles thrown at him . . .
Anyone else think the black version shown in Wyatts pic actually looks like it could pass for a newer Matchbox casting? Swap the wheels with some newer 10 spokes from a MB Bentley and who would know the difference?
Sir Crafty prepares to dodge oranges and other various projectiles thrown at him . . .
#23
Posted 10 August 2008 - 07:27 PM
One of my favorites!! I have a regular of all but the yellow limited edition one. However I was able to pick up the white lightning of it!! Weird huh? As for the rest I have whites of all but the BWF, model kit version and the purple one.
This post has been edited by pontiacfan: 10 August 2008 - 07:35 PM
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