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| Showcase: Volkswagen Karmann Ghia T34 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 17 2013, 02:28 PM (1,598 Views) | |
| mbx64 | Aug 17 2013, 02:28 PM Post #1 |
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Matchbox Collector
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![]() It has been ages since there has been a new classic car model from Matchbox. Although we did get three hot classics in 2011; the Lamborghini Miura P400S, the "not really 1971" Pontiac Firebird Formula and the Ford Mustang GT/CS, all three of these shining stars were introduced to us at the very tip of 2011. Therefore, it has realistically been over two years since we have had a fresh classic to digest, and the wait has been absolutely brutal. In fact, MB883 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia T34 isn't only the first new classic that we have seen in years, but also the first street car we have seen in years, albeit most of you would not consider this vehicle to be in the same category as the BMW 1M. Either way, then, this car can be considered a groundbreaking model for Matchbox collectors. The unfortunate flipside of this is the expectations of gangly 4x4's it relinquished. Well, we still have them coming. On the flipside of that flipside, it did create expectations that 2014 would have even more street cars. We went from 0 in 2012, to four in 2013. The 1966 Dodge A100, the VW Karmann Ghia T34, BMW 1M and Range Rover Evoque. Yes, I consider the Evoque and A100 as street "cars". For 2014, we have gotten the Alfa Romeo 4C, 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, Land Rover LR4 and the VW Bulli Concept. Once again, 4 street cars, although I am stretching it with the Silverado. So, either way, our expectations weren't filled, as we have the same amount of licensed street cars coming in 2014. Even outside of cars we are seeing barely any licenses, and that is never good news. Even I am not too pleased with the somewhat cheap odor that seems to be coming through with licensed new models. BUT, it makes the Team very careful with their licensed vehicle choices, and that is certainly a great thing. ![]() The classic car, then, is a rare breed. I highly doubt the existence of future classics to become new models for Matchbox, but they can always surprise us, especially when we are least expecting it. Anyways, enough with the future line talk, and back to our famed Karmann Ghia. It has arrived decently late into the year, but that is something I have come to expect from Matchbox. It never fails that street cars are destined to arrive in the latter part of the year. When the 4C and LR4 were announced, I was positive they would be released late into 2014. Low and behold, I was right. I do, however, believe that this Karmann can hold me over until the BMW 1M arrives, for reasons I will now explain. ![]() The T34 is a pretty interesting looking car in real life, and it is very intriguing to me when a model is made of a car with a rather obscure design. The front fascia is pretty quirky, and gives you a grumpy vibe. The body line crest that recedes from the door handle to the front of the car, and around the top of the headlights, then down to the front bumper, gives you a sense of depth so that the car doesn't feel completely rounded and lost. A thin bulge in the hood travels from the very bottom of the windscreen, down to the front end of the car, and creates a point of symmetry on the T34. It also makes the slight body decline from the center of the hood to the side more prominent to the eye. ![]() The Karmann Ghia T34's front fascia also has a very human-esque appearance, as it contains all the essential parts to a face. The round headlamps act as eyes, the crest is the two eyebrows, the hood bulge is a nose, and the bumper and bumper bars appear to be the mouth and teeth. It's loose, but it's there if you look closely. I find that on almost any vehicle you can connect the front fascia to a human's face, and that's definitely enough reason why the front of the car is the most important part of it, aesthetically speaking. It is often referred to as "the face of the car", even. Our "face" as not been forgotten when it comes to paint detailing. There are the lamps surrounded by a chrome frame, the characteristic reflective headlight assembly, and, of course, our VW badge. On this model it is quite crisp, but it is not so much so on the other three I have. ![]() When it comes to the side, all is pretty well here, too. There are sideview mirrors, which are attached to the diecast body, crisp door lines and subtle body dips and crests. Even though, the side is actually where we come to the one complaint I have with this model. No matter how good something is, there is always a negative, and we have reached the negative of the T34: it's body height. Yup, too low. The reason for this, I reckon, is the wheels. First of all, why tri-spokes? Check out the real T34, and you will see that it has hub rims, just like the disc wheels. And, Matchbox has small disc wheels, which means, if the car was raised slightly, they could've fit flush with the side of the body. I loathe it when the wheels are too large for the wells, so they must be inside them, as it makes the axle devastatingly tiny and throws the proportions off whack. So, why were tri-spokes used when disc wheels are on the real T34 and the team has small disc wheels that could've fit flush with the side of the body, like the real T34? I don't quite know what was going on when this choice was made, when there is such a clearly better alternative. The only reason I can conjure up is that this decision was made based on the custom Karmann Ghia this is modeled after. ![]() Luckily, that is my only complaint with this model. If I made you feel a little blue with my quibble, I will bring you back up to pleasure with another thumps up about this casting. The chrome VUM base and bumpers are not a part of the same mold as the interior, so there is no pesky whining about chrome interior. All is good here! As we make our way to the back, you can also spot rear taillight and license plate tampo strikes. Lastly, I can confidently say that the baby blue paint on this model is pretty sweet, and acts as a little bow on top of everything. ![]() My two DLM'd Ghias: ![]() ![]() ![]() There we have it, the Karmann Ghia T34 Showcased, albeit a little late. Actually, a lot late. Still, that does not change the fact that this is a beautiful collector model with front and rear tampoes, chrome bumpers, a black itnerior, clear plastic windows and a great casting to boot. 1966 Dodge A100; bring it on! I hope you enjoyed my latest Showcase, and my next one will feauture a model that is two-stories too tall! (It's not too tall at all, I just wanted to have some alliteration in here) Have at it, Nicolas |
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| Mikey 1/64 | Aug 17 2013, 03:07 PM Post #2 |
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Fullsize
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Great article and a great model. Thanks for your efforts Nicolas Shame I still haven't found one of these Karmanns yet...
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| Stampede | Aug 17 2013, 08:11 PM Post #3 |
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Team Canada
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This is a stunning model, and your pics reflect that. ![]() I was so happy to add 2 to my collection! It just looks great, and is an example of a Matchbox done right. |
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| JustDavid | Aug 17 2013, 08:13 PM Post #4 |
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SUV
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I'm still on the hunt for this VW...it's gorgeous and your write-up only serves to make me want it that much more. Excellent work Nicolas. |
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| mbx64 | Aug 17 2013, 08:56 PM Post #5 |
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Matchbox Collector
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Thanks Terence! It is certainly a piece that shows Matchbox can do things right.
Thanks very much!
Thank you, too! I'm glad that the Karmann is being loved, although it doesn't surprise me the least bit. |
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| Bill50 | Aug 17 2013, 11:49 PM Post #6 |
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Fullsize
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A nice model indeed,my only gripe it is in the wrong color blister would prefer if Hot Wheels had done the model as MB are not readily available in the UK.
Edited by Bill50, Aug 17 2013, 11:51 PM.
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| 66alfa_gtv | Aug 18 2013, 12:04 AM Post #7 |
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Fullsize
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It's a model I might pick up, but I wont be using optimistic superlatives. It just hasn't quite earned them. There was a time when windshield glass was crisp and defined. Perhaps this model's glass looks a bit blobby for safety reasons. Maybe it's another case of Mattel's slack quality control. Either way, it's a detail bugging me. There is too much contrast in the headlight tampo as well. It's a bit garish, and would look much better if the lights were simple silver dots. All that grumpiness aside, here's a case of nice, even paint on a $1 casting. This color looks just right on a vintage VW, and while it may be a tad too thick, it is consistent. The body looks well defined, and thank the maker - no chrome interior. |
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| Bill50 | Aug 18 2013, 04:12 AM Post #8 |
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Fullsize
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I always look forward to your quotes as you leave the polish in the cupboard where it belongs.
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| cody6268 | Aug 18 2013, 09:07 AM Post #9 |
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Minivan
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I'll be getting this one, even though I'm not a big VW fan. There were two classics in 2012, the Seagrave Fire Engine and the Buick Century Police Car, but I think they are classified as emergency vehicles ,not exactly classics |
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| daniel60 | Aug 18 2013, 10:06 AM Post #10 |
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Personal Luxury Car
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| Bill50 | Aug 18 2013, 11:52 AM Post #11 |
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Fullsize
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Superb pictures you have there really very good.
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| realgone58 | Aug 18 2013, 02:27 PM Post #12 |
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Station Wagon
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I picked one of these up last week. My local WM never seems to have anything else, but they do keep up pretty well with the latest MB's. Reason being is that they buy those in smaller quantities I think. Can't wait to get a Dodge A100. |
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| Stampede | Aug 18 2013, 10:08 PM Post #13 |
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Team Canada
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Same here. It looks to be a great model. BTW Daniel, great pics!
Edited by Stampede, Aug 18 2013, 10:09 PM.
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| wall-e | Aug 19 2013, 05:44 PM Post #14 |
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Station Wagon
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I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for this one. I'm not sure how many of the actual car were imported in to the US. I've never seen one, myself. |
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| mbx64 | Aug 19 2013, 06:55 PM Post #15 |
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Matchbox Collector
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Glad that you were able to find one of these. I am over-the-edge waiting for the '66 Dodge A100. It should be out by October/November (next 2 or 3 batches). I feel bad for Matchbox, though, as by judging the MAN# this was originally slated to be THE first 2013 Matchbox new model to be released, but Chrysler had a little fit about something. Now it's all the way at the end. Drat!
According to Lee Hedges, a Karmann Ghia specialist, only 42,505 units of the T34 hard-top were built, and none were officially exported to America by VW. Only 15 T34 Cabriolet's were made, 6 of which have still survived, and are home in Germany. Daniel, as usual, awesome photos!
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| HappyWheels | Aug 28 2013, 03:27 PM Post #16 |
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Subcompact
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I really like this. I have an appreciation for convertibles, especially vintage ones. I will have to haunt the Matchbox pegs for this one! Thanks! |
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| ivantt | Aug 28 2013, 10:07 PM Post #17 |
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New casting? Quick! Take it apart!
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I wish most of all that MBX will continue making euro classics such as this VW. I'll buy a handful of these just to thank them for their effort and decision to go with it. Please, more such cars!! |
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| wall-e | Oct 5 2013, 04:42 PM Post #18 |
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Station Wagon
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I got one yesterday at Dollar General. Can't wait to detail it! |
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| daniel60 | Oct 5 2013, 04:52 PM Post #19 |
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Personal Luxury Car
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I just purchased some ultra fine tip pens if I would ever stop taking pictures I could give it a try LOL>
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1:58 PM Jul 11
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Shame I still haven't found one of these Karmanns yet...







1:58 PM Jul 11