I was given authorship here a while ago and was encouraged to make an introductory post. I have finally gotten around to it, so here I am! For my first post, I figured I would review the first ever large diecast I ever collected: a 1/18 Ertl Shelby Cobra.
I got this diecast as a gift in the early 90’s when I was just a kid. I had already shown a lot of interest in cars and had many, many Hotwheels. This was the first serious collectible I ever got though. Ertl was known more for their tractor models, which were heavy. When Ertl got into making car models, they made them with the same philosophy. This model has survived pretty well despite my abuse, as evident from the missing hood pins and wipers.
One thing I never liked about the Etrls though was how the trunks didn’t open. Most of the Ertl models had very skinny tires too. Their Cobra however came with steamrollers instead of tires. Also, I always wondered if that tag number ever belonged to a real Cobra.
The interior is not bad, I can only really knock them for the sticker on the steering wheel. Yes it is filled with dust but my attempts over the years to reach in with a cu-tip on many of my diecasts winds up doing more harm than good. I should probably just get a compressed air bottle.
Most of the time when you see a Cobra model, it has a cheesy looking set of dual fours. Ertl went with the single four in the pan, which I always liked. And its got a hood prop made out of metal!
So that’s my first ever large diecast. It kicked off a very unhealthy hobby that led to years of collecting in an attempt to be a 1/18 Jay Leno. My hobby is very fortunately tolerated and encouraged by a very understanding girlfriend (who has bought me diecasts for holidays, even Vantine’s day). I will be posting more diecast reviews as long as I continue to not be so damn lazy.