Wednesday, July 1, 2009

MATCHBOX KINGSIZE - RACING CAR TRANSPORTER




The model we are unable to identify is a racing car transporter and, as it was produced by Matchbox Toys, we can assumed it to be modeled on a British Major Pack series it later became Kingsize model number K5 at a stated scale of 1/54th. The model has no mention of the vehicle make is made on the model or on the packaging. It is similar in design to the Corgi Toys (Commer based) Ecurie Ecosse racing car transporter and, like the Corgi model, the Matchbox transporter also features a two-tier loading system. Painted overall in mid-green with �glass� roof panels, the model carried �Racing Transporter� decals with a �BP� shield and checkered flag. Alongside the BP sign are the names of four famous motor racing circuits. The model was never issued with racing car so on �team� connections can be made, although various catalogue illustration show Ferrari 156 cars being loaded/unloaded.

GTbyCITROEN supercar concept video driving in London


A new promotional video was released last week showing the GTbyCITROEN concept cruising around the streets of London. You may recall that Citroen executive Vincent Besson told members of the media attending the Geneva Motor Show that the car will be produced in a limited edition of no more than 20 units.

GTbyCITROEN concept in London

In this video, we see the proposed supercar just as much as we see stupified onlookers. Needless to say, you do not often get the chance to see a production version of a car specifically designed for a videogame. Takumi Yamamoto, of Style Citroen, created the 4.96 meter long exterior of the car while working with his friend, Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi. The car will be featured in Gran Turismo 5, a videogame that may be released for the Sony Playstation this winter.

GTbyCITROEN concept at 24 Hours of Le Mans

We would not be surprised to see Ford win the bid for these engines, as PSA Peugeot Citroen already has a cooperative agreement on four different sets of common rail diesel engines. Using Ford engines could keep relations positive between the two companies.

GTbyCITROEN concept in London

Those details have changed a bit since March. Autocar is reporting that Besson officially gave the car a greenlight. Production will initially be limited to just six, with an expected retail price in the �1.1 million range. Expect the car to keep it's carbon fiber body and less-than-common interior. While we don't mind the copper trim, we get much more excited about the driver-side switches, and the F1-inspired steering wheel. Expect the car to recieve a 500+ horsepower V8 engine provided by an American automaker.

GTbyCITROEN concept in London

Instead of looking for the car virtually, you can check out the actual GTbyCITROEN at Goodwood from July 3rd to the 5th. The current version of the car will attempt the 1.16 mile-long Goodwood Hill six times during the weekend. Meanwhile, the first look at the final production model will take place at September's Frankfurt Motor Show.

GTbyCITROEN concept in London

GTbyCITROEN concept in London

GTbyCITROEN concept at 24 Hours of Le Mans

via:worldcarfans