This month, there are a few repaints, and some great news across the pond!
First off. Hot Wheels has repainted the silver esprit (code car) black- for yet another variation to add to your collection. The tampos are the same, only the paint has changed. In addition, the silver esprit is now being released in their 2007 Stars Cars packaging... so be on the lookout. Matchbox has also repainted the Lotus Exige (reviewed in an earlier newsletter). Be on the lookout for the time green variation that is now out on the shelves.
Now to the important stuff!
If you have friends across the pond, or access to ebay (my home away from home, it seems). Then be sure to add these little gems to your collection!
This is part of the James Bond Car Collection series, which includes a magazine (that has some interesting tidbits about the movie and production) ... but the best part is that it also includes a 1/43 scale model (done very well by Universal Hobbies) in a diorama scene. Here's an image of just the car:
Well worth tracking down, if you can. So far, the lotus has been featured in issues #3 (Lotus Esprit -Spy Who Loved Me). and #8 (Lotus Turbo Esprit- For Your Eyes Only). I will include a few photos in the next issue of the Lotus from For Your Eyes Only.
Another new addition to my collection is the 1/43 new release of the Lotus Esprit S1 from Minichamps. As you probably know by now, I think that, for the price, it's hard to beat the quality and detail that goes into their models. This is no exception. The car itself is painted a 70's orange (called orange pearl on the box), and comes complete with the "love it or hate it" tartan interior. This is a limited edition of 2,016 pieces..and like all minichamps models, comes with a base and cover to protect the model.
Finally- Here is a teaser from Yat Ming, of their 1:18 releases for the end of the year....it's a Lotus Elite! As of right now, Yat Ming plans to release this red racing version, as well as one in yellow. I do have an Aston Martin DB4 Zagato made by them, and the quality is excellent for the price! The Lotus Elite is planned for an October 2007 release.
Happy Hunting!
