|
Stock #24391 |
CB's Die Cast Review: November 27, 2000 |
|
2000 First Editions #32
Mattel has produced
a First Editions casting based on the Austin Healey 100 roadster, better known as the
"Hundred."
There is much to like about this casting. Physically, its proportions are damn close
to the real Hundred. Even the paint separation mask on the body matches the full size
car. The only note, a minor one, is that the Hundreds never wore a black and silver
dress. White or red was the secondary paint color on the black two-tone Hundreds.
However, they were available with red interiors. The model has good weight and hugs the
ground well. Very nicely done, Mattel. And, it does look good in black and silver
dress.
| |
The Hundred was the first of the series of models known as the Big Healeys, and over
14,000 were manufactured in two phases from 1953 through 1956. The early phase,
designated as BN1, had a three-speed transmission. The later phase, BN2, had a
four-speed transmission in addition to improved front wheel bearings, hubs and brakes.
The four-cylinder engine averaged 24 miles per gallon and went from 0-60 miles per hour
in just over ten seconds. The sleek body was designed by Gerry Coker, and features
a windshield that could be tilted down into a reclined position that was classified as
racing mode. The Hundred quite possibly is the most popular of all Healey models,
and today many are owned by collectors and enthusiasts in Europe and the United States.
With the exception of the blown engine, the Hot Wheels model is an excellent replica of
the Hundred. The die-cast body is painted in a two-tone black and silver enamel
scheme. The hood and trunk detail is exquisite, to the point that it almost seems
the hood opens, as on Spectraflame-era castings. All of the body details are replicated
faithfully, including headlights, taillights and marker lights. Aside from the body,
the rest of the model is designed atypically of the standard castings. The chassis is
zinc-plated die-cast metal, but it consists of just the center frame of the car, from the
front axle to the beginning of the exhaust pipes. It includes very strong relief of
the oil pan, transmission, drive train, struts and steering arms. The remainder of
the underbody is chrome plated plastic, and it sits further up into the body. Also
part of the chromed component are a number of well detailed parts, including the distinctive
front grill, eight cylinder blown engine, rear bumper with quad exhausts, and some interior
details. Most of the interior consists of red plastic, and features two seats and the
dashboard. The seats have good detail, while the dashboard has minimal relief.
The remainder of the interior is part of the chromed component, and includes the center
console with the parking brake and shift stick, as well as the pedals on the floor.
The windshield is smoke tinted plastic, and is positioned in the lowered racing mode.
The car rides on standard five-spokes with fat slicks in the back and is manufactured in
Malaysia.
