*NEW* 1/18 Ecto-1

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/7585/59ecto.jpg

Rumblings began late last year about a rumored highly detailed 1/18 Ecto, to be released by Hot Wheels for adult collectors. Couple months ago, a handful of online toy retailers began taking pre-orders (in the $95-115 range) for delivery estimated/starting December, 2011.

I met up with a friend yesterday who happens to work for a diecast distributor. Jeff recently received confirmation from Mattel, will have them on hand in November, and provided the above picture this morning. I do not know where they will be retailed yet and am fortunate that Jeff hooks me up before product hits store shelves. (Too bad they don't distribute all brand names!)

Ecto-1 will be limited to 10,000 pieces worldwide and I am already down for two. Figured one needs reconstructed/built into a proper '59 Miller Meteor combination as it has never been released in this scale before! Given how Precision Miniatures '59s have skyrocket in value and this limited production run, it isn't a stretch to think these will increase as well.

If this is a must-own model for you, I can tack onto my request with Jeff. No money until they arrive. The other new 1/18 model being released simultaneously with Ecto-1 is the A-Team van.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Jeff provided more details.

Originally these were supposed to retail for $90 before tooling costs increased. (He doesn't know if this is truth or Mattel decided to capitalize on the popularity and recent sales of their other Ecto-1s released.) Suggested retail is now $129.99 and these will ONLY be available at hobby stores. There are a mere 5 distributors in the US receiving these for dispersal to retail outlets. Jeff's distributing company is slated to receive 136 Ecto of which over 100 are already ordered/spoken for. He's checking if their stock can be augmented, as closer to release they will sell out. Jeff anticipates seeing these on eBay before Xmas for close to $200.

Jeff will sell direct to me for $110. I've reserved 4 (so far). I don't mind offering my networking connection as a service to other enthusiasts and not a money making venture knowing how difficult it can be sometimes to locate items wanted. BUT be prepared if you claim one/multiples to pay immediately when the time comes. My bill with Jeff will skyrocket quickly! Knowing that I'll actually have these before hitting both online sites taking pre-orders and exclusive store shelves saves time/money hunting. More of a bonus that they're $20 under retail and no tax (although there will be shipping after I retrieve in person from distributor). The sooner you get a claim in - the better. :thumbsup:

[Todd Merrifield]

It will be interesting to see how availability on the secondary market plays out. With 10,000 at this price point I wouldn't exactly call it a "limited edition", but it depends on how many original purchasers will want to hold on to it rather than resell it. When I was collecting GMP Camaros out of the 27 cars released I don't think any of them were over a 3,000 piece production run, with some of them only having 350 released, and I had no problem getting all of them at a reasonable price. Then again, the Holden Efijy concept car had a 6,600 release, and I've never seen one for less than $600. All of these cars were around the same price point when first issued, so it should be interesting to see how high or low it goes.

[John Royark JR]

This dosent look any more detailed than the 1:21 scale that Ertl released years ago.

[Peter Jennings]

Attila
I have a 2003 Ertl release of ecto. How will this one be better?

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Turns out the above forwarded photo is for the upcoming 1/43 release ($40 retail) - not 1/18. That's highly detailed for a 1/43 and am told the 1/18 will be more so. Here are two additional promo shots of the 1/43:

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/3760/59ecto4.jpg
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/9464/59ecto5.jpg

No image has officially been released of the 1/18 yet. Jeff says they are in production currently. I can't answer how it will be "better" than Ertl's release. Keep in mind that Ertl's is not an accurate replica, nor is it true to scale (1/20 or 1/21 as John mentioned), and it now sells for $200.

Found this spy shot posted in Malaysia. Look closely at detail and compare to the first image (reposted below it) and this could well be the 1/18 - or a prototype thereof.

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/615/59ecto3.jpg
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/7585/59ecto.jpg

Friend of mine is taking 5 of the 1/18 now, 4 for Xmas resale. I've upped my order to 10.

[Loren Baldwin]

That "spyshot" has been floating around the internet for at least 3 years now...

[Josh Noiles]

That spyshot looks awkward and computer generated. Something it up with the fenderskirt, and the roofline is odd.

I am excited and bummed out by this release. That's a lot of money, especially considering I already own the Ertl 1:21 release. Can I justify having two of these cars?

I remember buying my Ertl example at walmart for $19.99 years back! Can't believe how much they've appreciated. I suppose this is good cause to order the Mattel example. Would you be willing to ship one to Nova Scotia, Canada, Atila? If so, I would be interested.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Sure Josh, as my order with Jeff had been upped to 12 already. Jeff also relayed that the 1/43 is due out very soon after the 1/18. They are not taking orders for the 1/43 yet though for some reason.

[Josh Noiles]

Excellent. Really appreciate it! Please put me down for 1. Do you need any personal contact information to make sure you get reimbursed when the time comes? I would be sending a bank draft/money order in the mail, as I do not have paypal. Is this satisfactory?

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Better late than never. Mattel is finally getting around to fulfilling this distributor's order. Jeff has received confirmation that it has shipped and they are awaiting delivery. If anyone still wants a 1/18, I need to know now. Looks like I'll only have 4-5 available total, so orders received from this point forward is important.

Let's hope price has stayed same.

1/43 through same distributor sold out already.

[Jonathon Fowers]

Better late than never. Mattel is finally getting around to fulfilling this distributor's order. Jeff has received confirmation that it has shipped and they are awaiting delivery. If anyone still wants a 1/18, I need to know now. Looks like I'll only have 4-5 available total, so orders received from this point forward is important.

Let's hope price has stayed same.

1/43 through same distributor sold out already.

I would like one!!! Put me down for one! Thanks Atti.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Will do Jonathon.

Realized that I hadn't put 1/43 pics up yet.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9131/dsc08193b.jpg
http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/2060/dsc08191f.jpg

This one is just 'okay' in my book. Sure, detail is good (not great) for 1/43. And it does dwarf other 1/43 scale models at a whopping 5 7/8" long. But it is light. Really light. Like same weight if resin cast. At retail price of $40 or a little higher I imagine buyers will be pleased with them. Wouldn't suggest dropping stupid amount if can't live without one though.

1/18 should be considerably stronger in all aspects from what I've seen so far.

[Brady D Smith]

I need some info. thanks.

[Josh Noiles]

Still a possibility of getting one through you, Attila? I am still interested if you'll accept me sending you a money order in the mail.

-Josh