wix Challengers B5 blue 1/18 2009 & 1/24 1970 RTs

[randyc]

Yes I'm late to the game, but been buying quite a few diecasts of late.   These came in yesterday.  Sold under the WIX label.  The 1/18 is a hwy 61.  The 1/24 is identical to the Danbury/GMP piece.  These were substantially cheaper than they sell for under their manufacturer labels.   As so many others have said, most of us can't build these for what they are selling for now.   

I was afraid I made a mistake on these.  I bought them without seeing the actual cars.  Photos in listing were of the box only.  So I was really worried.  HOWEVER, when I opened the shipping box, the Wix box appeared to have never been opened.  The COA baggie had never been cut to open.  Still isn't.  THe styro cradles were still taped - looked like factory tape.  THe CARS were still coverend in the slick plastic and the little tapes in the door jambs.   I was happy to say the least.   Can't see anything to do to these to improve them.  Except they will be displayed!  

both have working suspensions, opening hoods, trunks, and doors.   Detail photos are of the 1/24.  Both have seat belt detail, phtooetch grilles, metal transfer emblems.  Yes the hood hinges are a little clunky - no scissor hinges.   the seat backs tilt forward on both and the 1/18 has seats that slide back and forth.  

If you are looking for really nice models, now is the time.   Really nice models can be had for reasonable prices.   As an example, I slaved to  builde an accurate stock 49 Mercury, fixing the trunk lid, detaiing detailing detailing.   Frustrated my self several times trying to get it "just so".   And I am still proud of it.    But for $15 +shipping, I scored a Danbury Mint version with opening doors, hood, trunk.   Nice chromed window surrounds, UPHOLSTERED interior, and properly detailed door panels.  Yes it's black.  Yes I didn't get the pride of building.  I have been building for over 30 years straight now - probably 40 years total.   There isn't much new that makes me want to build from a kit anymore.   I like spending a few hours detailing the diecasts and moving on.  For what I'm willing to pay, there is usually something needing repair or cleaning.  I have bought some real dirt bags.   And turned several for good profit.  

My wife loves these way more than the plastics because they are heavier and she loves the working details.  She handles and "plays" with each one, before deciding where it will be displayed.  And I am happy to let her because that keeps us both happy with a houseful of toy cars.

[Gramps46]

Those do look nice Randy.

[Geno]

I have this version, it's the Vanishing Point Challenger. I also have an E5 red version. These are super nicely done. Great score Randy.

 

Edited August 15, 2018 by Geno

[randyc]

Those do look good, Geno.  I'm only now getting into the 1/24 diecasts.   So I'm getting quite a few nice deals on these things.  But I've also about reached the end of the "cheap" cars from a few years back.  And the new diecasts/resins are quite high [to me].  

 

[Geno]

I agree on the newer ones. I like the Automodello 1/24 resins but I can't afford $250-400 for those. My wife would wring my neck anyway lol. I do love that blue Challenger, it looks great.

[randyc]

look for the Wix set - much cheaper usually than the single GMP/Danbury piece.  At least what I found over the last couple weeks when I was looking.  Around $50 for the set was what I was finding.   And they only put Wix on the license plate and underside.  no big door decals like Crown Premiums have most of the time on their pieces.   I can buy a lot of old mint cars for the price of the one Automodello.  Patience being the key there of course.  And being tolerant of making a few repairs and not minding the absence of a box/papers much of the time.   

 

[Geno]

I agree Randy, I buy them for the model not the paperwork etc. I like you am willing to buy ones needing repair as well because I like working on them lol. Especially if you can get them at a great price.

[randyc]

I think I'm going to buy a "mint" good humor truck that needs repair and sell my 1/18 HoJo Ice cream truck.  I'm trying to sell off my 1/18s so I can disply my 1/24 & 1/25 scale builtups and diecasts - more cars in same space.  I did buy a lot of 6 cars a while back that had one car I wanted.  Bought lot for $61 + shipping.   Made about a $50 profit by just cleaning and even kept one car from that bunch

Bought another lot of 6 for $75 incl shipping and repaired and sold some - sold enough to pay for lot and kept about half of them.  I love "littler box" cars - look like they were displayed in a littler box.  If complete, they have all cleaned up to a sellable state.  But I have bought cars for resale and the wife decides she wants to keep them for our collection - she's a good un.  And it works for me.  

Can usually buy for less than cost of kit and paints.  And lets me still have some model bench time.