Recently the attic in the house I grew up in was finally cleaned out. It contained a few things I had no idea existed, as well as some I hoped (but doubted) were still around. Such as this Greyhound bus my mother bought me at the Smithsonian when I was 7. Other items included a picture of me and my dad in front of my first car (a ‘69 Beetle) and stories I had written when I was in second grade. Amazingly, a whole box of larger scale diecasts from the 90s were up there.
Seeing the light of day for the first time in 20 years!
Besides the Buddy L Bus were quite a few VW and Porsche 1/18 - 1/43s, including this 993 Porsche 911 Carrera, probably a 1994 model. How was it determined that this is a 993? I believe the license plate may be trying to say something:
After some searching I came across the Amaranth Violet as a potential factory color. While admiring that whale tail, lets see what’s underneath...
A metal engine! With plastic detail parts, but it’s tough to find this level of detail at this price. (I probably paid $20 in 1990s dollars)
The hood opens too! Not sure if that is official 911 luggage, but it’s something.
Inside they were still making them with three pedals. Note the ribbing on the “leather-wrapped” steering wheel!
From the other side you get a good view of the stickers for gauges and tape deck.
Underneath they did some fairly detailed work. including twin exhaust and transmission.
Made in Italy! Bburago is now owned by Maisto and made in China and Thailand
Steering actually works, but no suspension to speak of. (I’ve noticed this seems to be an either/or feature with most of these models)
I’m amazed that these models survived so well. All of them were just tossed in a box, with no padding or packaging to speak of. This is a decent model with some nice touches for the time and what I likely paid for it, but after seeing so many incredible 1/18s reviewed here I notice all the cost cutting measures and cheapness (The paint, the hard plastic, the stickers). I’m happy I have it, but for a modern collector I would recommend passing.
And now what you all came here for. A picture of 16 year old Jeff in front of his first car!
Also pictured: his dad, who contributed nothing to Jeff’s monster 3 digit purchase price.... A boy in desperate need of some facial hair...... and FUZZY DICE!