Highway 61 did a magnificent job with their 1/18 replicas of the 1953 Kaisers, here in Manhattan form. I have three of these beauties from them and this is the two-tone blue edition.
I believe Highway 61 was originally connected to elements of the Ertl line. Here's what HobbydB says about it : "F. F. Ertl III, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Fred Ertl III (the son of Fred Ertl Jr., past president of The Ertl Toy Company, and grandson of Fred Ertl Sr., toy maker and founder of The Ertl Toy Company). It makes detailed 1:18 scale American cars, usually under the Highway 61 brand." This is also out on the web :
"Highway 61 Collectibles is referred to by many names dating back to its heritage with The Ertl Toy Company. The grandson of Ertl founder Fred Ertl started producing diecast models in 1996 under the Die-cast Promotions® name. After a partnership with a foreign corporation, the name officially became Trademark Models™/Die-Cast Promotions® by F.F. Ertl III, Inc. If you collect agricultural or construction diecast, you will know that the Die-cast Promotions® name is used for those models and now the Highway 61 Collectibles badge has been set aside for use with diecast cars.
Highway 61 Diecast Cars give you incredible detail for the money. Most models have a fully wired and plumbed engine, detailed undercarriage, movable steering, working suspension, rotating driveshaft, flip down sun visors, folding and sliding seats and more. Most of these features are found on diecast models that cost almost twice this price! Highway 61 has taken diecast cars to the next level and really forced other manufacturers to take notice. Great products at a reasonable price with an excellent satisfaction guarantee will have other diecast companies scrambling to catch up. With diecast car models of Chevy, Ford, Pontiac, Olds, and Mopar, they have something for everyone!"
Talented people like Tom Haveland and others helped guide it during it's especially successful years (approximately late 1990's to perhaps 2010 or so ? This was when 1/18 diecast was really booming) H61 also made some other scales like 1/64 trucks and 1/16 trucks and farm vehicles.
Every time I see these beautifully done 1/18 HW 61 Kaisers I can't help but think about the FOUR DOORS that were once promised but then SADLY cancelled. Man-O-Man, I still (STILL!) want one! 😣 😫 😣
PS
...and yes, I noticed Mike's trickery. "His" four-door could've been the real deal. 😫 😪
Highway 61 did a magnificent job with their 1/18 replicas of the 1953 Kaisers, here in Manhattan form. I have three of these beauties from them and this is the two-tone blue edition.
