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Stock #24369 |
CB's Die Cast Review: January 18, 2000 |
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2000 First Editions #5
Over the last few years,
Mattel has issued updated 1990s versions of the 1960s concepts Silhouette, Twinmill
and Splittin' Image. This year, that practice is continued with the introduction of
Deora II, based on the Deora model from the first year, which itself was based
on the futuristic concept car of the same name.
The Deora II is an interesting vehicle, owing its inspiration to the Deora, but
showing a unique design all its own.
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The original full-sized Dodge Deora was designed by Harry Bradley and built by Larry and Mike
Alexander (the Alexander Brothers) in Detroit from 1964 through 1967. The concept started out
as a Dodge A100 pickup truck that was practically rebuilt from the ground up. The low profile
cab, with a hinged "Pac-Man" front entrance partially constructed from a Ford station wagon
tailgate, necessitated the engine and radiator being relocated to the truck bed. Unlike the
original Hot Wheels model, there were no side windows in the cab, only empty space. The full
width taillight was actually mounted inside the tail facing downward, and reflected light onto
an angled strip of stainless steel - the "taillight" glowed red with the brakes applied, and
appeared as bright polished stainless steel when not. The turn signals operated in chase-light
fashion from center to end, as did the Ford Thunderbirds of that period. Originally painted in
gold metallic, the Dodge Deora also wore brown paint over the years. Today, it is in the process
of being restored to its original appearance.
As are the Silhouette II, Twin Mill II and Splittin' Image II, the contemporary
Deora is a more rounded more beefy version of its predecessor. The metal body is painted in
silver metallic with a gloss black enamel torneau cover. The chromed plastic insert detail
includes the two-seat interior and a rear end oversized eight-cylinder motor, along with quad
exhaust and a thin profile front bumper. The bubble-shaped windshield and side glass, as well
as the flat rear glass, is smoked gray plastic. Ironically, the windshield
and front end closely resemble the back end of a 2000 Ford Taurus wagon. I assume that
this was purposely done in tribute to the original Deora. Headlights, fog lights and
taillights are detailed on the body. Air intake vents are molded into the sides.
Perhaps the most noticeable detail is the pair of surfboards, decorated in a Hot Wheels
Racing theme. Each board sports three low profile fins on its tail, and is molded in blue
plastic. The boards snap into the rear window, but unlike the original model, they float slightly
above the truck bed instead of resting on it. The back tips of the boards slip under a spoiler
that sits above the engine, which helps hold them in place. The boards are easily removable
however, which explains the small parts warning on the package. A small black HW logo on the
spoiler's passenger side is the only tampo present. The chassis is black plastic with moderate
detail. In another homage to the 1968 model, the truck rides on small wheels all around, except
these wheels are of the five-hole variety. The vehicle was manufactured in Malaysia.
