 The real thing: Labonte steers his 1996 Monte Carlo through the turn. (Photograph courtesy of The Podium Finish). It's been a long while since I've cracked open a Racing Champions 1/64 from 1996. Likely, it's been since about 1996. I found this car sealed up nice and neat at a second-hand store for just three dollars. While the car's packaging really is just the normal standard type, this is clearly an upgraded casting. The Racing Champion cars I enjoyed in the 90's did not have a hood that could open, and most didn't have rubber tires either. This little lime green Monte Carlo has both. It also comes with a clear plastic stand, and a diecast plaque. I'm not sure how popular these were back in the day because I think even now, they tread on being pretty superfluous (because of the metal plaque). After nearly 30 years stuck between some plastic and cardboard, this car finally has some room to breathe. This isn't my favorite Labonte livery, but the colors and the sponsor are iconic. In case you were wondering, this is indeed the car that Bobby Labonte drove alongside his brother, Terry after he won the championship in 1996. In fact, when the season ended in Atlanta, it was Bobby who won the race, and Terry who won the championship. They drove side by side in a victory lap together in an unforgettable moment in Nascar history. You can see that whole race here.      Notes: Based on the age of the model and the low price I paid, I really don't have any business complaining about anything pertaining to this diecast. So here are just a few 'take aways,' if you will. The casting itself is strongest in the back half of the car. There are some really smooth and impressive contours back there. I'm sure some modifications had to be made in order to offer a hood that could open and close, and I'm also pretty sure that meant giving the car a lift towards the front half of the chassis. But I'm not a big fan of the nose-up attitude the car has, and I'd gladly give up the added feature for a car that sits level. I'm guessing the age of the car is a contributing factor to the discoloration of the hood compared to the front fenders of the car. I'm really impressed at how well the rubber tires have held up all this time, and the car rolls beautifully. This car doesn't really meet my minimum standards for review, so she'll shortly be joining the other throwback machines on the wall display without one. A parting thought? It's 2025, and we still see you over there Bobby Labonte. What a legend. Sources:
-Jayski.com -Nascar.com -Racing-reference.info -Thepodiumfinish.net
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Photo of the DayAppreciation of 1/64 scale model race cars and the history they represent, one photograph at a time. Archives
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