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1957 Chrysler 300 - ERTL vs M2 Machines vs Hot Wheels
Topic Started: Feb 14 2013, 12:48 AM (2,671 Views)
craftymore
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Support your local demo derby.

The 1957 Chrysler 300C was an absolutely beautiful car and has become an iconic model from the 1950s. Utilizing an optional 390 horsepower Hemi, the 300 has been cited as starting the muscle car craze. Regardless of your viewpoint on that issue, no doubt it was among the top performing American cars of the time period. In 2000, as part of their American Muscle line, ERTL produced a model of the '57 300C in 1/64 scale. M2 Machines followed suit in the latter half of that decade and Hot Wheels issued one as well in 2010 as part of the Larry's Garage premium line.

Let's take a closer look at all three models with select pics of the 1/1 used for comparison's sake.

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Hot Wheels
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ERTL
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M2 Machines
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Space between the headlights on the HW one seem a bit apart and why HWs has the headlights casted as though they didn't seamlessly transition with the fenders is a head scratcher. Windshield wipers are in the correct position for all three models. The turn signal moldings on the ERTL seem to conflict wit the front fenders.



Side profile . . .
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The roof line of the ERTL looks close to spot on. The side vent windows are seamless which is aided by the roof being entirely plastic which allows for a better look. The rear '300' symbol looks a bit over sized on the Hot Wheels compared to the other two. Front fenders on the M2 appear drooping downward.



Rear 3/4
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Hot Wheels
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M2
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ERTL
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Fender trim appears to close to the bumper on the Hot Wheels example. Gas tank flap looks too big as well for team HWs. M2 omits exhaust pipes that are snug with the back bumper. ERTL offers separate exhaust piping as well which is lost on the HWs and M2 products. Curvature of the back glass on the ERTL appears to be too great.



Rear View - M2's model is a bit too rounded for my liking while ERTL appears more correct. HWs isn't too bad.
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Front end view
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Hot Wheels
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M2
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ERTL
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I could live without a front license plate on the ERTL as it distracts from the front bumper lines. Grill work is commendable on all three efforts.



Extra examination pics.
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The side vent window is hanging in mid air on the M2 though it does have opening doors. HWs has a much too large gap between the bumper and fenders.

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ERTL and M2 have opening hoods and dual paper-element air filters are featured on both.
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Hot Wheels, ERTL & M2 Machines from left to right are pictured in front quarter view.
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So what to make of all of this? HWs effort has a non stock ride height in true Hot Wheels tradition which is a dock in my book. For whatever reason the M2 looks a bit rounded off appearance and a bit embellished in M2 style.Wheelbase might be a bit short in relation to the body as well. The ERTL has several things going for it with opening hood and trunk plus wheels that look the most accurate of the three as well as a highly detailed base. The stance of the ERTL is also the nearest to stock as well. Original retail price point for these also helps explain the equation as well. The M2 went for around $5, Hot Wheels for less than $3.50 . . . I want to say the Garage series was $3.27 or so, and the ERTL model was pricey in 2000 for around $5 I think. In today's prices, 2013 at time of writing, the M2 could be had for $2-$5+ give or take, HW for $2-$9. The ERTL piece can command premium prices of $15+ if buying online from certain places.


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QuicksilverDC
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Mopar Fanatic
Great well done article Zach, and in comparison the biggest detraction on the ERTL piece is the taillights, where the M2 really captures the taillight appearance. The M2 roof has always seemed a bit odd being too high at the windshield and too rounded appearance. The Hot Wheels is a Hot Wheel and the expectation wasn't high too begin with. The engine in the ERTL ranks #1 as does the opening deck lids with fitment of both opening features as excellent. On the M2 you have the opening doors which again you have a shade difference in the paint and poor mating of the vent window frame to the a post.

Overall I feel the ERTL edges out the M2 for 1st place.
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Dean-o-mite
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Muscle Car
Ertl beats them both. The M2 roofline makes me think it has been through the "hair gel" scene in "There's Something About Mary"
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pjedsel
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Muscle Car
The ERTL American Muscle series were top of the line when they were released - especially as they pushed the $5 price mark for a 1/64th diecast item. I know my wife raised her eyebrows many times as I was adding these to my collection. The opening features on the ERTL model are top of the line and I have never found one with a fit or finish problem like many have with M2 models. The engine detail on the ERTL is fantastic. Yes, the M2 is a great model and I have one in my collection of '50's era cars - also have the Hot Wheels issue which isn't even in the ballpark with the other two. Up until a year or so ago I was still able to provide collectors with the ERTL Chrysler for $5 -- the not so little hardware store in town had a bunch of the American Muscle cars - and I passed them on to others at cost.
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Jim
Fullsize
I have had the ertl one for years i like it the trunk, hood, opens you can tell it has a hemi in it .When that line came out i bought a few like the 64 chev and merc cougar for their time they were a very neat car. M2 i have yet to see one in Canada except that plastic cars dump a few years ago at walmart. A very good article and lots of great pictures . How come when i am logged in i see the little posted image sign and when i log out i see the pictures . i dont use photo bucket anymore too slow i been away too long things change l.o.l.
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daniel60
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Personal Luxury Car
Hey I just like looking at the pictures and man those were excellent!!!!
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