Notifications
Clear all
Forum 43
16
Posts
9
Users
41
Reactions
2,622
Views
Topic starter
19/12/2025 11:50 am
As a follow-up to a post about a month ago, I have just received the Iconic Replicas AMC Matador police car in Phoenix police livery.
I had it on pre-order and the UK supplier was good enough to let me know that Iconic had increased the price quite a bit on delivery (presumably due to the dreaded tariffs) and said I could cancel if I wanted to, but I went ahead anyway.
It is an interesting subject and nice to have, although the pale livery does make the body style look a little "soft focus". My slightly dark photos actually flatter it by making it look a bit bolder. I guess the black and white police version would look more dramatic but it wasn't available in the UK at the time (and seems to be selling at quite a premium where it is on offer).
Anyway it is a pretty decent, accurate-looking model.
No complaints about the paint finish, body graphics, light bar and fine windscreen wipers. The front and rear chrome is fine. By contrast, the rather grey-looking silver paint used for the window surrounds looks a little thin and weak, especially on the side window frames where it looks a bit cheap, but at least it is tidily applied so I'm not complaining too loudly.
I guess if you could be bothered to dismantle this model, strip the paint and fill in the mounting holes for the light bar and roof aerial, you could have a decent civilian version of an interesting car which as far as I know hasn't been done in 1:43. Or maybe Iconic will eventually do it for us, to get a bit more mileage out of the casting?
Graeme.M. Ogg
London U.K.
19/12/2025 11:59 am
I don't collect police cars but I like this because it is a car we don't see in miniature otherwise.
19/12/2025 4:55 pm
@jack-dodds The do - https://www.awesomediecast.com/1972-amc-matador-police-car-lapd-adam-12-1-43-diecast-model-car-by-iconic-replicas/ but you pay a premium! 😉
David Green and John Kuvakas reacted
19/12/2025 10:52 pm
A few minor details need correcting on the Adam-12 model, specifically, the license plate is incorrect, the rear of the can lights should be amber, and the roof top antenna is incorrect.
High detail would include the motorola spaeker on the rear shelf, the lamp and "hot sheet" table and of course the Motorola radio and the Federal Sign & Signal (company name) control head.
Topic starter
20/12/2025 8:07 am
Just as a postscript to this Matador piece, this morning I came across images of a proposed 1972 Matador prototype which was apparently abandoned because it looked too much like a Torino clone - although, who knows, it might just have been the usual AMC problem of a lack of money to produce this all-new coupe in addition to a new sedan. Whatever the story behind it, I think it looked pretty nice (and I guess it really belongs in the "Something different" or "What if?" slot in the Lounge).
This post was modified 5 months ago by Graeme Ogg
Graeme.M. Ogg
London U.K.
20/12/2025 8:48 am
Yes, I saw these a while back.... you gotta love the Adam-12 livery, regardless of how flawed it may be. For whatever reason, Adam-12 (late 1960's/early '70's LAPD cars ) are scarce. It's always a treat when I can see/acquire them in any scale!
This post was modified 5 months ago by Christopher Moroni
20/12/2025 12:44 pm
Mon-Fri ME TV shows 2 Adam 12 episodes from 6-7AM PST. I try not to miss them. There are plenty of different makes and models of cars and who can't see the LA area smog..lol.
20/12/2025 2:38 pm
Graeme; as you know this one showed up a couple of years later. It is odd looking I suppose but better than the prototype IMHO. It definitely polarized opinion when it was introduced. I like it much more now than back in the day. Hard to find now.
20/12/2025 2:50 pm
While perusing this post and checking pics I was shocked to realize that I completely forgot there was a 1972 Matador 2drht.
I also forgot that the '72'73 model was raced!
Steve Jacobs and Christopher Moroni reacted
20/12/2025 4:05 pm
It is odd looking I suppose but better than the prototype IMHO.
Really?
You and 6 other guys liked that car. 🙄 🙄 🙄
I remember reading that AMC went to Jack Webb and practically begged him to feature one in an episode of ADAM-12 (which at the time were patrolling in AMC sedans ).
Remember when Pete let Jim drive it to work? Even as kid, I thought, "Why the hell did Pete buy that thing? He traded in his blue Mustang convertible for that?"
Steve Jacobs and Jack Dodds reacted
20/12/2025 4:06 pm
@jack-dodds I agree.... it's really not too bad; it's a good looking car in hardtop form.
Jack Dodds reacted
21/12/2025 2:23 pm
This is a fine-looking AMC Matador police-car replica shown here ! I have a Javelin from this era in 1/64 but the actual Matador-type vehicle I have from these years are a couple of terrific Yat Ming "The Machine" diecasts in 1/18 scale. The Adam-12 police car would have to go all-out to run down one of these automobiles, lol !
21/12/2025 6:17 pm
Being a compact car guy, I like the last generation of Rambler Americans the best. Here are a few, mostly modifications of part works two door sedans.
And this body shell lived on much longer as the South American IKA Torino in multi versions.
This post was modified 4 months ago by John Quilter
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
Christopher Moroni reacted
Page 1 / 2
Next