Fresh Off The Pegs: Johnny Lightning's Classic Gold Series 2, Part One

I've been wondering when I'd be seeing these...

Finally, a new wave of models from Johnny Lightning, just making it in before the end of the year. It's the second series in the Classic Gold line, featuring the following six cars:

- 1980 Datsun 280Z
- 1980 Chevrolet Monza
- 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado
- 1983 Pontiac GTO
- 1972 Chevrolet Vega Wagon
- 1978 Dodge Warlock

I will be showing the first three on the list in today's post.

Certainly, this is a more attractive group of models as opposed to the first series, which has been sitting on the pegs since the beginning of the year and shows no signs of selling out unless clearanced. Those cars were a mixed bag; the Jeep Wagoneer was fantastic, but the others lacked the premium feel of a six dollar car. Some of them even had plastic tires, and that's a no-no for anything that costs more than five bucks. The colorways and designs were a little bland overall, and I was not convinced enough to get all of them.

As much as I try to cut back on 1/64 diecast these days to make way for 1/18's, I couldn't leave any of Series 2 behind. The premium look was there. The colorways and designs were top notch. This is the Johnny Lightning that we've been waiting for and what we've been accustomed to seeing from them in the past. When it comes to models and castings, they have one of the most diverse catalogs out there, and this set should have something for everyone.

Johnny Lightning's models are what I would call an acquired taste. They have the exaggerated look that most would see as a toy, but there is enough detail to suggest that it's largely meant for collectors. The scale is generally smaller than 1/64, and proportions are not always true to scale. If you like vintage and old-school, they have what you're looking for.

The three I am showing today are my guesses as to which ones will be the most popular. I'm sure the Z will be the first to go, but I'll just say it right now: it's neither the best, nor the 2nd best, and certainly not even the 3rd best model in this wave.