Bravo, Matchbox: The Fantastic Exotic 5-Pack

It seems once every year, Matchbox does a 5-pack that just about every collector wants. Last year, it was the Classic Rides 5-Pack which, although nice, contained a few models that had already been released as singles. This year, Christmas came early with this Exotic 5-Pack, featuring five models that are all exclusive to this set. Five brilliant models, may I add.

It features the Ford Shelby Cobra Concept, Ford GT, Lotus Evora, Porsche 911 (996) Turbo, and Chevy Corvette ZR1. Five modern sports cars. Five licensed models. Zero generics. That alone makes it a winner in my book. Let's take a look at these models. Shall I start with the good or the bad?

Okay, I'll start with the bad. What's crazy is this casting isn't even that bad; it's simply outshined by all the other models in this pack. This is the Ford Shelby Cobra Concept, a car that I don't particularly care for. It certainly doesn't do any justice to the original Shelby Cobra, which was a beautiful car. This, however, is not. In an attempt to modernize the Cobra, Ford took away the curves of the original in favor of a more square-bodied shape. In my opinion, it's far from a success.

Nonetheless, you can't really blame Matchbox for it. They did what they could to make it true to the real thing. However, I do think the wheels are too small for the casting, which is abnormally large to begin with.

You know you have a great 5-pack when the Ford GT isn't even near the top of the list. It's always been a great casting, and this time it comes in a pretty metallic blue color with two-tone, 5-spoke sport wheels. I love these wheels to death, but they somehow manage to look wrong on this model. I think something more traditional, like the 6-spoke or the multi-spoke wheels in mono-tone, would've looked better.

Things are starting to heat up now. Here we have the 911 Turbo of the 996 generation. It's a fairly old casting that doesn't see much production anymore. It briefly made an appearance as a single a few years ago, in dark purple, and has since gone into hibernation, until now. I have a weakness for the 996. I think it looks miles better than the 997, and I don't mind the kidney-shaped headlights at all. Needless to say, I'm glad it's back.

Then we have the Corvette ZR1 in black with a touch of red and white striping. Not too much, but just the right amount. It looks absolutely sinister when paired with the black 5-spokes.

It's been a while since we've gotten a ZR1, and I've started to miss seeing these on the pegs. Even though this may be one of the rare instances where the Hot Wheels model is better than the Matchbox, there's never been a more deserving runner-up. And here in this 5-pack, it finishes in second place once again, but just barely.

The award goes to...

The Lotus Evora. British Racing Green. Gunmetal wheels. Racing decals. How could you not like it?

And I don't even care one lick about the real car. That's how good this one is. And that's how good this 5-pack is. Go out there and get it!