Heeeres Johnny!

Our old friend the Hot Wheels redline 'Swingin' Wing' is a classic example of the die cast designers art. From Ira Gilford in 1970, this is one of the iconic exotic cars which drew me onto the long road of collecting Hot Wheels. The cool spoiler, deep electric violet paintwork and dual cockpits make it one of the best redlines ever.

The Johnny Lightning car line made by Topper in the sixties clearly sought inspiration from Mattel and their 'Custom Spoiler' car is a clear example.

Although it has a standard single cockpit, the swept lines and high white spoiler, plus the violet finish surely  suggest a little plagiarism.
 

However, Corgo Rockets could well be guilty of pinching ideas, albeit for a real world car design. Their rendition of the Alfa Romeo Pinninfarina also takes the high white spoiler and violet finish and shares the blade like protrusions at the front like the Custom Spoiler. Either way, they make a lovely trio, followed up by the standard Corgi Junior version in Cobalt Blue.