Diecasts and Collectibles

Mike Burke shares a 3-D shelf he created. Cool!

What would Milner be racing today? Thanks to Mike Sotosky for sharing!

Four custom-built diecast cars built by Don Benedict.

The ERTL die cast with the addition of spark plug wires, brake lines, and gas line.Thanks, Deano!

Some great shots of models from a fan's collection. Thanks, Steve!

Franklin Mint 1:24 '32 Deuce Coupe Replica

On July 12, 1999, I received a note from Rick Figari, present owner of the 1932 Ford Coupe.
He stated, " As for collectibles, the Franklin Mint photographers and engineers recently spent four days at my home photographing, measuring and drawing the coupe. They are due to release a limited edition, 1:24th scale model of the car which will come in a glass case with a copy of the video. Also Revell/Monogram is planing to release a model of the coupe in diecast in 1:25th scale."

It was released in 2001, but has been discontinued. You can find out more about it here and probably find one for sale on eBay every now and then!

Revell-Monogram 1:64 Diecast

Revell-Monogram released a series of American Graffiti diecast models starting in January of 2002. They were as follows:

(2651) American Graffiti Transporter
(3349) '32 Ford® Deuce Coupe
(3350) '55 Chevy® Street Machine
(3351) '58 Chevy® Custom
(4950) `32 Ford® Deuce Coupe w/ John Milner figure
(4951) `55 Chevy® Street Machine w/ Bob Falfa figure
(4952) `56 Thunderbird® w/ Car Hop figure

Revell-Monogram 1:25 Model Kits

Revell models built by Rob Riley

These model kits were released in September of 2000. The cost at that time was $17.00.

The original information from Revell's site was:

85-1510 METAL BODY "AMERICAN GRAFFITI" '32 FORD HOT ROD Skill 2
85-1511 METAL BODY "AMERICAN GRAFFITI" '55 CHEVY Skill 1
85-1512 METAL BODY "AMERICAN GRAFFITI" '56 THUNDERBIRD Skill 2

ERTL 1:18 Diecasts

In 2000, ERTL added the American Graffiti cars to their American Muscle Limited Edition series in 1:18 scale. Each car came with a plastic display plate with a background shot from the movie.

#32078

#32079

#32081

#32080

Bo Hopkins & Merc

Hot Wheels Set

The Hot Wheels set was available, in late 1998, through JCPenney and Sears.

Franklin Mint Mel's Diner

A pewter replica of Mel's Drive-In was produced by the Franklin Mint in the 1980's.

American Graffiti, the 1973 movie, was the inspiration for this diorama of Mel's Drive-In. Produced by the Franklin Mint in the 1980's, this pewter diorama measures 17" x 13" x 7". The four classic cars included are the '32 Ford Coupe, a 1956 Thunderbird, a Corvette, and a '58 Chevy Impala. You can see a dozen happy pewter people enjoying themselves.

Memorabilia Collection 1

Thank you to Gene who shared his extensive collection of American Graffiti diecasts and models!

Memorabilia Collection 2

A true American Graffiti fan, Richard Pinyard, sent in this picture of his 1:18 scale diecast collection and a replica of Mel's Diner.

Movie Re-releases

The movie was re-released on September 15, 1999 on videotape, laserdisc, and DVD! This special edition of the movie includes short interviews with all the stars and the original movie trailer shown in theaters. The pan-and-scan (83616) video also contains the die-cut audio CD on the right which contains four songs from the soundtrack.

The letterboxed (widescreen) version (83830) (or on DVD #20272) is the way to watch the movie! It is amazing to see everything we have been missing all these years on television and the original video (66010). The color has been enhanced in certain scenes, most noticeably in the clouds over Mel's Diner at the opening shot. Here is a review of the DVD version.

More American Graffiti was released on DVD on August 22, 2006.

A drive-in double feature DVD of American Graffiti/More American Graffiti was released on January 27, 2009.

The Blu-ray version of the movie was released on January 10, 2012.

Books about American Graffiti

There have been two paperbacks published dealing with American Graffiti.

American Graffiti

Lucas, George et.al. American Graffiti.
NY: Ballantine Books, 1973.
ISBN: 0394170725

A screenplay novel of the movie with 70 black and white photos included.

The Complete American Graffiti: The Novel

Minahan, John.
The Complete American Graffiti: The Novel. NY: Berkley, 1979.

A serialized novel of American Graffiti and More American Graffiti.

Vintage Hot Rod Apparel

Find this poster, jackets, tees, repro license plates from the movie, and more American Graffiti collectibles on Phil Morin's site, HotRodThug.