A familiar brand from the past is racing back into the die-cast aisle this year: Muscle Machines.
Maisto is relaunching the brand of beefed-up and tooned-out muscle cars with a fresh approach aimed at connecting with a new generation of kids and collectors.
“We’ve brought the brand back from the ashes before, but this time, we’re doing it differently,” says Maisto, whose parent company, May Cheong Group, purchased the brand in 2011 and first relaunched it in 2012. “We’re sticking to 1:64-scale exclusively with new tooling right out of the gate in every release.”
Muscle Machines was launched in 1999 by Funline and changed hands a few times prior to joining the Maisto portfolio. While the original focus was on American muscle cars, the 2021 relaunch includes European supercars and JDM classics. Series 1 includes the Ford Mustang GT 500, 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Pickup, 1966 Dodge Charger, 1987 Buick GNX, 1964 Shelby Cobra, and 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. Future releases include gasser hot rods and vehicles from Ferarri, Lamborghini, Porsche, and more.
Additionally, Maisto is introducing flatbed transport sets to the range for the first time ever. Transport sets have become increasingly popular in the die-cast category in recent years, though availability can be tricky due to assortment packs. According to Maisto, the new 1:64-scale Muscle Machines Transport sets will have individual UPCs to enable digital sales of individual styles.
The new Muscle Machines range is expected to be available at major retailers, including Target and Hobby Lobby, in addition to specialty retailers and hobby shops later this year.
