The Diecast Zone · Model Car Club Since 1997
Diecast Collector Forums
Eight forums, every scale, and thirty years of shop talk — new arrivals, restorations, reviews, and the finds you won’t see posted anywhere else, with the full archive back to 2002 restored and searchable. Free to Register.
8Forums
195,000+Topics
1,276,000+Posts
10,000+Members
1997Research From
Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
07/07/2014 6:32 pm
1939 Delage D8-120 Cabriolet.... body by Henri Chapron [PIC]
Interesting back story on this car which never saw a junk pile in its long life. It was appropriated by a Vichy French general who, charged as a Nazi collaborator shipped the car to California but was, himself, denied a visa. As with many in his predicament, he found refuge in Argentina and sold the car to RKO Studios. It starred in 3 movies including Gene Kelly's "An American in Paris" with some minor design changes supervised by Henri Chapron himself.
In 1955 RKO gave the car to a production exec in lieu of a $15000 severance package. In 1987, it made its last move... to the Peter Mullen Collection.
This Minichamps model is just one more reason I celebrate the Resin Revolution. Be it prewar or Motorama, this stuff is right up my alley.... great moments in automotive design.
The finish on this model will light up a room. The deep red on red is absolutely electric and the trim and accents are spot on. Almost inperceptable touches like the double scalloped pinstriping that surround the wheel vents are some of the elements that will make you take out the magnifying glass. The interior looks very nice (but hard to photograph) with the faux wood accents well simulated.
The glazing is optically pure and the grill when magnified defies belief in the fineness of it sculpting.
All and all, this is a competant reproduction of a most regal design from the Chapron coachbuilders. If this genre appeals to you, then I highly recommend this model. As with others in this series, it is a numbered limited edition of 1002.
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
07/07/2014 7:04 pm
Great photos as usual Rich, thanks for taking the time.
07/07/2014 11:03 pm
That is some model and what great photographs
Rich, do you have any pictures of your complete Minichamps resin collection? I hope so!!
Topic starter
08/07/2014 12:11 am
That would make an awesome picture. However...
Alas and alack, I don't have them all. I had to pass on those that I already had in 1/24. Too many coming out too fast for my budget.
08/07/2014 1:59 am
Wow! It's beautiful! Very tempting.
08/07/2014 2:46 am
WOW! Looks fantastic.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
08/07/2014 3:00 am
Great photoshoot as usual, Rich, you are an inspiration to us all
08/07/2014 10:44 am
Stunning. Tempted definately. But no sale.
08/07/2014 7:08 pm
Terrific shots ! What a stunning model in every area.
08/07/2014 8:11 pm
That's a real beauty, Richard!
Gorgeous photos- as always!