2021 Auto World ThunderJet Release 31 SC360 – Cars N Coffee

Cars N Coffee is a nationwide phenomenon of loosely organized events that brings car lovers of all kinds together. These early morning events (some start at 5:10 AM!) are usually scheduled to avoid causing traffic issues and are held in parking lots of shopping centers, arenas and churches. Anything automotive is the common bond and although themes like Exotics or Muscle Cars are used, most gather any types of cars from Low-Riders to Custom Street and Oldies. If it’s got wheels and motor, it’s usually welcome to join. In that spirit, Auto World has put together a great Cars N Coffee line up with the latest Thunderjet release (#31 SC360). Everything from classic oldies, to super cars to low-rider and muscle cars are present at this event! Time to take a stroll with a cup o’ joe and see what’s in the parking lot this morning.

SC360 – 1 1966 Volkswagen Beetle – Poppy Red/White and Robins Egg Blue/White

Decked out in classic European factory style colors, the ‘66 Beetle comes in a Poppy Red and White two-tome, along with a Robins Egg Blue and White two-tone. The Beetle was riding high in the mid 1960’s and in 1966 alone saw Volkswagen become the number one car import in the United States with 420,018 cars arriving that year. The VW “Squareback” and ”Fastback” debuted that year adding to the numbers, but the majority of buyers claimed a Beetle as their first choice.

SC360 – 2 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Roadster – Black/Silver and Red/White

Bill Cosby best described the Shelby Cobra, “Wait ‘till the kids in the Chevys see this!” “The speedometer goes all the way to 200 M.P.H. and there’s room past that with the words Oh Wow!” Cosby’s version of the Cobra was only one of two cars built to that specification, and so unnerved Cosby on a test drive that he returned the car to Carroll Shelby. Truly the masterwork of Shelby American, the 427 Shelby Cobra, with over 900 H.P. was the iconic American sports car.

SC360 – 3 1941 Willys Coupe Gasser – Pearl Lime/Pearl White and Tangerine Pearl

The 1941 Willys Americar was the resulting evolution of the 1937-39 models, eventually borrowing styling cues from the 1939-40 Ford Coupe, but on a smaller scale. It’s that smaller scale that attracted the drag racers to use this car as the base for a potent contender in the Gasser class and it would later find a role as a preferred hot rod for street customs. The two cars in this release are fantastic examples of street customs with incredible pearl paint that the photos do not do justice.

SC360 – 4 1966 Chevy Nova SS – Butternut Yellow/Black and Granada Gold

Chevrolet introduced major design changes in the 1966 Chevy II body style. Following other body styles with sharper edged lines in a restyle the squared up the appearance. The Super Sport option could be added for an additional $159 and could be included on any Chevy II package except the four cylinder models. Wider rocker panel trim and SS emblems on the deck lid and front grill identified the Super Sport model. The Nova name was promoted in 1966 Chevy sales literature, but the Nova nameplate did not appear on the car until the 1967 models.

SC360 – 5 1962 Chevy Bell Air – Custom Black/Pink and Custom Light Blue/Dark Blue

The 1962 Chevy Bel Air has always lent itself well for customizers and the longer wheelbase of the fifth generation of the line made for excellent low-riders. Auto World’s new release of this model has some fantastic custom paint that replicates some of the traditional and intricate paint work that accompanies some of the best low-rider designs. This is one of the most complicated paint schemes I’ve seen on a factory released HO slot car.

SC360 – 6 1969 AMC AMX – Pink/Black and White/Red

American Motors always seemed to be the hardest working American car manufacturer in promoting their cars. This was most apparent in the performance lines. This release highlights a promotion effort tied to Hurst performance parts and a vibrant pink and black paint scheme that captures the wild colors of the late 60’s.

SC360 Thunderjet Release 31 Packaging

Auto World has released a great series of cars in this offering and have really stepped up the paint work making these some of the most eye-catching Thunderjets yet! This will be slated for a January 2021 and will be among the first cars for the new year.