What a time this is for Chevrolet hobbyists.

A slew of exciting new Chevrolet models have crossed my desk in a variety of scales and themes that likely will catch on quite well.

First is Exact Detail Replicas' astonishing ¹/₁₈th scale replica of a 1970 Chevrolet Malibu SS 454 hardtop with the "LS5" 454 cubic inch engine.

The car is available in Fathom Blue with either a black or white interior for $109.95. It replicates the car in painstaking detail, including real carpeting on its floor, fully plumbed and wired engine, opening doors and detailed trunk. It also features a working cowl induction system on the hood -- a flap that opened to provide air to the engine in the real car.

The chassis detail is stunning, with all the appropriate wires and fittings displayed accurately down to the positioning and design of the dual exhaust system.

Car enthusiasts will recall that the 360 horsepower LS5 engine was the slightly less potent version of the 454-cubic-inch V-8 that was legendary in its time. In the more powerful version, the engine put out 450 horsepower, giving it the highest muscle car engine rating in its day.

What you may not know is that there were only 8,773 454-powered Malibu SS cars built in 1970, and even fewer of the 360 horsepower version.

By the way, the hardtop makes a dandy shelf companion for the 1970 Malibu SS convertible that Exact Detail makes with the larger engine in it. The engines were introduced in 1970 when GM decided it was fine to install an engine of more than 400 cubic inches in a mid-size car.

The paint job on the hardtop model is stunning, with a richness and depth that sparkles and matches the real car precisely. The folding seat backs are exact designs that match the production car, and you can even read the automatic transmission numerals on the center console.

The only fly in the ointment -- and it's a small one -- is the silver/white color of the dashboard speaker grilles. My family owned a Chevelle from this era and I don't remember these grilles being that color, but perhaps I'm wrong.

In any case, the demand for this replica, made in only 1,000 examples, should be strong, given the high quality and painstaking attention by Exact Detail. More information can be obtained at www.exactdetail.com.

Maisto checked in with a beautifully detailed 2005 Corvette Coupe in ¹/₁₈th scale that easily is one of the best -- and most affordable -- on the market. Detail is so fine that there's a picture on the navigation screen of the Corvette emblem -- just like the real car.

Brushed aluminum sill plates and drilled pedals complete an accurately done interior. There's an opening hatch, luggage compartment and finely detailed engine up front, as well. And Maisto got the shade and texture of the alloy wheels just right, too.

There's really nothing to fault on this Maisto Vette. Detailing is right up there with the most expensive models on the market, and there's little reason to buy a more costly version with this Maisto version available for around $30 -- or less -- at most big box stores or hobby shops.

Maisto also has a 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster "woody" wagon that accurately recaptures the popular real car. Inside you can see the two back seats with their chrome handles, the deco dashboard and particularly nicely detailed steering wheel.

The wood paneling is basically decals, but it's done so well that I don't think you'd notice the difference unless you ran your finger along it. A huge six cylinder reminiscent of Chevy's famed Blue Flame six is nicely depicted as well.

Again, this is a well done model at a moderate price -- around $30 at most stores, that makes an interesting addition to collections. Information on both models can be obtained at www.maisto.com.