Can you have too much of a good thing?

Apparently not -- at least if you're talking about replicas of the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro.

Highway 61, one of the best known producers of highly detailed ¹/₁₈- scale diecast model cars, has introduced three versions of the much-loved 1969 Camaro. They join a host of other 1969 Camaro models now on the hobby shelf made by everyone from Maisto to Ertl.

In such a wide-ranging field of offerings, the biggest issue is how to distinguish one product from another. Highway 61 found two answers to that dilemma. First, provide detail and accuracy that nobody else provides. Then design cars showing equipment and accessories that can't easily be found from other companies.

Highway 61 chose three variants of the car: a Rallye Green SS396 with rare, factory-issued mag wheels instead of the more commonly seen rally wheels; an Olympic Gold SS396 with houndstooth cloth interior and the Rally Sport Package; and a LeMans Blue Camaro SS with rally wheels and a 350- cubic-inch engine.

All have details such as rotating driveshafts, sliding and tilting seats, operational sun visors and working glove compartments and console lids. They also have fully wired and plumbed engines and metal brake lines.

Perhaps the clearest distinction for Highway 61 is that its cars have just the right proportions, stance and appearance. Most other models of this car are off in one or more areas, botching the relationship of various styling elements.

These usually occur in the front end and in replicating the taillights, which came in several different versions. Another problem area with other toy car brands has been in duplicating the relationship of the rear-wheel well to the tires and the rear fenders.

But what Highway 61 got right in some areas went sadly afoul in others. Workmanship is becoming a growing issue with Highway 61 models, and that could well damage its heretofore quality reputation.

On the blue version I purchased, the door was badly out of line and once the package was opened, pieces of the suspension and shock absorber hung from the chassis. On a green version, the paint had been sloppily applied near the bottom of the rear-wheel well and had dripped onto nearby chrome trim.

According to an article in the June Toy Cars & Models magazine, the engine of one of the cars was missing an alternator and the wrong engine parts were installed on others.

These aren't minor things to collectors who prize both accuracy and workmanship. Highway 61 soon will find itself bereft of more than a few customers if it isn't considerably more careful both in assembly and in replicating their subject cars.

The cars retail for about $50 each. More information can be obtained at Highway 61's Web site, www.ffertl3.com.