|
Stock #24378 |
CB's Die Cast Review: April 30, 2000 |
|
2000 First Editions #13
I had hoped to review this
model when it first started to surface, as it was the First Editions casting I most anticipated
seeing this year. At first, I had difficulty locating one. After I had, some
greater responsibilities took precedence. But now, I will weigh in with my opinions
regarding this casting, albeit later than I had wanted to originally.
One very visible accoutrement is the single red surfboard, the first such extra on a new design
since 1969's Volkswagen Beach Bomb, and the fifth such occurrence overall. Unlike
the previous designs however, this board appears to be casually placed; yet it is held firmly
in place with a clever locking notch hidden behind the side roof post. The surfboard
sports its own Hot Wheels logo molded into the surface.
The car rides on five-spoke wheels, with small ones up front and the new extra-wide large ones
in the back. In spite of the nearly all-metal design, the Malaysian-made car is a little
light up front, and may not handle well in some of the performance track sets. But, in spite
of that, I don't see how this car isn't the First Editions casting of the year.
| |
When I look at the Surf Crate, the design impresses me. The Hot Wheels vehicle
is based on a larger scale model, and the look has translated very well to 1:64 scale.
The casting contains highly detailed relief throughout the body, chassis and companion parts.
The metal body is painted purple, with various castings wearing shades from a medium grape to
a dark blackberry. Details include the ram air intake on the engine. The die-cast
chassis in zinc plated, and designed close to the ground. The sloped radiator and rear
gas cap, with a cast-in Hot Wheels logo, are included in the details.
The chrome plastic engine and dual exhaust piece is well detailed, and cleverly held in place
with a body rivet post below the air intake and two hidden tabs that insert on either side of
the body. The black plastic interior appears to be well detailed, but it is difficult to
see because of the color and the low profile roofline. It does sport the name of the vehicle,
molded into the rear deck, and appears to contain two seats, a center console and a solid steering
wheel. There is no windshield, but this is barely noticeable doe to the design.
One feature that helps make the car is the simulated wood-grain design tamped on either side.
It is a difficult tampo to keep in register, but Mattel is to be commended for daring to produce
such a decoration.
