As soon as the Ridemakerz press release came across our desk all we could think about was how this might be an opportunity to play with some model cars while still on the clock.
Mission accomplished. We started with the company's latest replica, the new 2010 Ford Mustang - somehow they'd managed to make the models look cartoonish but strikingly authentic at the same time. But this is no one size fits all toy.
Each version is highly customizable - log on to the Ridemakerz home page and you can choose from a variety of models including the new Dodge Challenger, the Scion xB and Mini Cooper - more than a dozen cars and trucks in all. Once you choose the car or truck you want, there are a variety of options including wheels, tires, exhaust pipes, spoilers, and even music. Yes, it plays music - and for an extra $25 you can make it into an R/C car. It's worth it, trust us. You can also build a virtual car online at the Ridemakerz web site.
Working headlights and brake lights are part of the R/C package too. The cars are roughly the size of a football and come only partially assembled - putting the thing together is half the fun, don't think IKEA assembly, think snap together model with a few extra screws for good measure.
Don't think stunning realism, that's not what these cars are about - it's more about fun. Each accessory cost an extra $3 - $5. The exhaust tips, spoiler, wheels and tires shown here are just a few of the options - some look cool and some just look silly. Prices for the cars themselves run from $10 - $29. Add the R/C feature and you'll spend around $45 in total depending on what you add.
Normally we avoid anyhing with a clever "Z" at the end, but in this case, we just couldn't help ourselves.
Brian Moody, Automotive Editor and Senior Toy Guru
greenpony says:
10:01 AM, 04/ 3/09
Seems to me someone here blogged on this before.
carlisimo says:
02:44 PM, 04/ 3/09
I wish they had a wider variety of cars, but I'm tempted...
briancam says:
08:09 PM, 04/ 3/09
Challenger is cool as are the flat black Mustang and Ford Super Chief truck
novell says:
06:33 AM, 04/10/09
My kidz have 5 of them between 2 boys. Great service too if them breaks. My son has had wheels break off and they replace the chasis for free. Easy swapping of parts and the R/C option is quick at about 14MPH. I am regretting not getting a Black Mustang that matches my 07 GT for myself.
novell says:
06:33 AM, 04/10/09
My kidz have 5 of them between 2 boys. Great service too if them breaks. My son has had wheels break off and they replace the chasis for free. Easy swapping of parts and the R/C option is quick at about 14MPH. I am regretting not getting a Black Mustang that matches my 07 GT for myself.