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New BTTF toys headed to retailers
Sunstar America, Johnny Lightning, Polar Lights, and Hot Wheels continue Future merchandising push
The future's looking a lot brighter for Back to the Future fans & collectors with upcoming new items from toy manufacturers, including die-casts and model kits. BTTF.com has obtained some early photographs from these manufacturers of prototypes and box art for three upcoming items.
First up is a very ambitious project from Sunstar America. Many months ago we informed you that Sunstar would soon be delivering three new 1:18 scale DeLorean diecasts. Their Stainless Steel Finish DeLorean (#2701) is being delivered to retailers the second week of November 2001, and their Gold-Plated "American Express" DeLorean (#2702) is expected in April 2002.
But of particular interest to BTTF fans is Sunstar's Back to the Future DeLorean (#2710), which is expected to reach retailers in mid-December 2001. Retailing for $39.99, we suspect that this will be a very popular item! The car features gull-wing doors that open and flip-down wheels for flight mode, incorporating the best features of previous die-casts & model kits from other companies. Below are several exclusive photos from Sunstar of an early prototype of the car:
 Fans will soon find new items from Johnny Lightning. In 1998, the company put out a very successful 1:64 scale diecast DeLorean in their first "Hollywood on Wheels" series, which continues to be popular still today. Apparently due to that car's success, the company will incorporate the same car into a Back to the Future diorama (#222-04), due also in December 2001. The diorama is from their fourth diorama series, and will include Marty McFly, Einstein, the DeLorean, and Doc Brown's Van from the Twin Pines Mall parking lot scene (suggested retail price is $10.99). A partial photo of this diorama is pictured below.
There will also be a 1:64 scale Back to the Future DeLorean "Hollywood on Wheels" Die-Cast Model Kit available in November 2001 (#489-10). Part of the new "Licensed Collection", the DeLorean will be available in 'Moonglow Silver'. Model kit comes complete with die-cast body and chassis, interior, hood, wheels, rims, screws and tool for assembly.
In July 2002, Polar Lights (a sister company to Johnny Lightning under the Playing Mantis moniker) will release a snap-together model kit of the DeLorean (#6811). Suggested retail price is $11.99.
 Available only in Japan, Bandai/Hot Wheels released a 1:64 scale DeLorean die-cast in September 2001 under the Charawheels brand (#CW21). It's not known whether Mattel will release the same car stateside under the Hotwheels brand or not, but the cars have already made their way onto eBay.
We'll have more details on these and other new items forthcoming in the near future, so stay tuned...
— Stephen Clark
Got a scoop? We're always looking for credible inside sources with information regarding the Back to the Future franchise. Your anonymity is guaranteed, so tell us what you know!
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