Johnny Lightning 1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro's

One of the issues with tooling up a certain model is the limits on what models can be done.  As the previous Matchbox Camaro article shows Matchbox did create a 1969 to fulfill most Camaro trims, but not all of them.  A convertible casting will require a completely different casting.  For Johnny Lightning realizing the limitations they devised a simple solution for this problem: make a few different tools and make the roof section and rear trunk part of the windshield mold and paint over the painted areas to simulate various models and roof designs.  The idea was pretty common with the 1994 Ford Mustang  and got widespread use from various diecast manufacturers with the 1999 Mustang (including Johnny Lightning).  They used this trick to create various late-model Camaro and Corvette models during the 35th and final year for the Camaro line in 2002 and the 50th anniversary of the Corvette in 2003.  Today I focus on the 4th generation Camaro side.

The first fourth-generation Camaro for Johnny Lightning was done in 1997 with the 1994 model that was designed solely as a police model hence the flasing lights mounted on the rear decklid.  This generation of Camaro went for a more streamline look with cab-forward design that cursed shadetree mechanics everywhere when it comes to servicing the engine, larger interior space, and futuristic looks.  Even with all of this the design still reflects the boxy third-generation design.  In this generation the SS returned with a few more ponies and a hood scoop.  In 1997 the dashboard was redesigned to make the air vents on the dashboard more useful than useless and the amber signal lights were added to the taillights.  In 1998 the Camaro got a facelift that now has flush headlights that ironically coincided wtih the 1998 Chrysler Concorde and a new engine: the LS1 5.7L V8 from the C5 Corvette.  Despite the updates the market for coupes was slowing and the fourth-generation design has turned away some of the faithful fans, leaving GM no choice but to cancel the Camaro after 2002.  Of course, the Camaro was still on many minds and GM resurrected the Camaro in 2010.

There are many versions of this 4th generation Camaro, so let me focus on the five shown here.  The first one is the hugger orange with white stripe 1998 Camaro convertible with gray interior.  This model was part of the Magazine series highlighting the Motor Trend July 1996 cover that predicted the new 1998 Camaro and boy were they spot on!  The front of the car has slender headlights in silver, lower black grille with Camaro name in center, side signal lights and foglights.  The ground clearance of the car is rather high, though.  On the sides you get a nice and clean profile with center line and cleverly concealed exterior mirrors.  At the rear is a separate rear spoiler that flows into the rear fenders, tri-taillights, and dual exhausts that exit out below the rear bumper.  The rear section is where the magic happens and depending on model and color the plastic sections can be visible or invisible.  On the convertible model the trunk and tonneau cover are part of the window trim, yet they're so nicely integrated that you really don't notice.

The metal base shows off the engine, exhaust, and suspension components, while the wheels on most versions are always plastic with various wheel designs; I prefer the mag wheels on the T-top SS models, but the redline tires on the 35th Anniversary convertible is very interesting.  The interiors are well done and feature detailed front bucket seats, rear seats with lower cushion recess, detailed door panels, two-spoke steering wheel, and detailed dashboard.  The tan interior of the dark green convertible works well and really highlights the car.  I found this one recently second-hand and it really impressed me, even if I have a 1:18 scale 1996 Camaro by Ertl in the same color outfit.  For the third convertible it's the 2002 35th anniversary convertible that premiered in the 35th Camaro series.  This was not easy to find and I found one back then in a K-mart where the A/C system went out in the middle of summer!  The red paint features dual stripes in silver that taper off into a checker flag pattern, 35th SS logo's on the front fenders, black interior, and 5-spoke wheels with redline tires; the latter is nice, but something more appropriate to the real car's split 5-spoke with blackened inner spokes would be nice.

Finally is the Camaro coupe models, and as mentioned before there are many coupe models: closed top or targa top.  The examples shown here are both SS models that debut in the 35th anniversary series and both are T-top models, but with differences.  Joining the 35th Camaro convertible, both SS models shown here have the second tooling with the ram air hood scoop.  I found both at the same time and I was impressed with both, really giving the true muscle car look of the Camaro.  The gray one has mag wheels while the red one has 5-spoke, yet both look really good on these cars.  Another cool feature is while the gray one has open T-top mode, the red one has closed T-top mode with see-through tops.  Very neat!  Despite a few flaws the 1998-2002 Camaro casting by Johnny Lightning makes up for it with its nifty construction that allows various body styles (including convertible top up, while never done for the Camaro, was done for the 1999 Mustang casting) and nice colors.  Just wish they had rubber tires.