1976 Cadillac Eldorado (MCG vs BoS)

Here goes the comparison.

Both models, although released under different brands, are produced by the same company. It would be natural to use the same 3D model in production. That's likely what they did, and it's noticeable.

The general outlines, proportions, and dimensions of the models are identical. But there are differences in the details. The developers have made their homework and fixed what could be fixed without radical redesigns.

Differences:

- MCG - has windshield wipers under the top edge of the hood, and the small space under the hood edge near the windshield looks quite realistic for a closed model. BoS - this space is a filled-in basin with smooth edges. However, the hood of the MCG is raised too high near the windshield.

- MCG - part of the body into which the top retracts is horizontal, which is correct. BoS - the boot area slopes rearward.

- BoS - parking lights are chromed and resemble bumper fangs. MCG - parking lights are made of clear plastic with a pattern.

- MCG - wheels protrude from the arches, BoS - wheels are tucked into the arches.

- BoS - body curvature  is too abrupt at the bottom. MCG - the curvature is not as pronounced, perhaps not even strong enough.

- BoS - door panels are well-designed, with a separate handles. MCG - the panels are simplified, with handles either painted on or missing altogether.

- BoS - windshield is angled to much to the back. MCG - windshield's angle looks correct.

- BoS - A-pillars are completely painted silver. MCG - The inner part of the A-pillars is painted black, as it should be.

- BoS - pedals are painted silver. MCG - The pedals are black.

- MCG - grille has vertical moldings along the edges. BoS - the vertical grille moldings are missing.

- MCG - turn signals are yellow, as they were in '76. BoS - the turn signals are white (I prefer the yellow ones.)

- MCG - hood gap is pronounced form the front. BoS - the hood is integral with the body.

- MCG - radiator grille just looks better and resembles the original more. BoS - the fill of the cells is uneven, there are some unpainted areas.

- MCG - removable top with glass and magnetic top cover.  BoS - glued-on boot.

- MCG - blister packaging, the model is wire-tied to the blister with axles. BoS is packaged in a foam box, the model is screwed from the bottom with black wood screws. Half the time, the model comes off during transportation (a common problem with all BoS models).

The main difference, which may be decisive for some collectors, is that the BoS has a smooth paint job, with polished, almost mirror-like surface. The MCG is painted with 1/1 paint gun producing large paint drops which are then spread, creating an uneven surface ("orange peel").

But really, there's no choice. The BoS model was produced in a very small for its scale number of copies, sold out long ago, and now sells on eBay for exorbitant prices.

So, if you like the subject, you have no choice but to get the MCG model.

Very nicely done & presented - thank YOU!

Posted by: @carcass1996

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"I wish every convertible model would be made that way." 

Many 1/18 convertibles do indeed offer top-up / top-down (boot ) options.  Years ago, Sunstar  began offering "fixed"  convertible models - either top up or town down.   Obviously, a marketing ploy to capture additional sales that I believe was quite successful.

BOS certainly has better wheels (proper whitewalls, etc... ) but fails short in other areas.   I'd have to take the best of both and make one REALLY good one.  😏    For the coupe lovers, Stamp's is the only game in town, with only minor flaws.  (I've seen a few on eBay c.$1,200   😬 😬 😬) 

Nice "compare & contrast post"  Viacheslav!  😀 😀 

Thank you, Chris!

Posted by: @chris

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Many 1/18 convertibles do indeed offer top-up / top-down (boot ) options.  Years ago, Sunstar  began offering "fixed"  convertible models - either top up or town down.   Obviously, a marketing ploy to capture additional sales that I believe was quite successful.

Of course I know about Sun Star top-up /down variations, for me it was an excuse to have another color. But what I meant was an interchangeable top and boot, allowing the choice of how to present model. As far as I remember, Signature models offered that choice with their models. Both details are cheap pieces of plastic, adding that wouldn' be so terribly expensive.

Posted by: @chris

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For the coupe lovers, Stamp's is the only game in town, with only minor flaws

I have both Stamp 1978 Eldorado and blue BoS 1976 Eldorado coupe, may be I'll do a review of both someday.

Good news and very helpful review.  My scale has been 1:24 for more than 26 years, but only this year I have added a few more 1:18 models into my collection. I already had a few of the 1:18 Minichamps 'Dream Cars' and the BoS 1974 XJ Jaguar coupe.  But on this site someone posted a picture of the BoS 1976 white Eldo conv. that I had never seen so my search began.  Months ago I preordered two MCG Eldo convertibles from different eBay vendors.  So I hope to hear soon regarding shipping / delivery.  I ordered the black convertible w/red interior & the white convertible w/white interior.  My goal is to switch the interiors so I have a white conv. w/red interior just like the Eldo conv. I had new in 1976.  I have waited years to have a model of one of my most favorite cars from my past.

Although my experience and knowledge of 1:18 scale models has been limited but has rekindled some wonderful memories.  My Minichamps Lincoln Futura (bought years ago), I remember from my young childhood.  Dad took me to a car show, don't remember where, but there was the Futura and I was spell bound.  Wearing my little coat and tie, I pushed forward and under the rope to touch it.  The lady model let me sit in the Futura which I am sure was entertaining to the crowd, but not for Dad. Thankfully I only later got a tough-lashing from Dad and not the belt.  The BoS 1974 Jaguar XJ is also a replica of a car I test drove in a new 1975 model (same colors).  Have you ever sat behind of the wheel of an auto and felt it fit like a glove, just made for you?  That has been my lasting memory of the XJ two door hardtop.  But when I first saw a 1975 Eldo convertible, with its body modifications, it was passion at first sight.  So I ordered a 1976, not remembering at the time if it was suppose to be the last convertible.

Again, thank you for the review of the MCG Eldorado's.  Thankful, I didn't buy the the extremely expensive BoS version.  Now I am going to be stressed waiting from the vendors as to when they are shipping my models.

Posted by: @abaucom

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"But when I first saw a 1975 Eldo convertible, with its body modifications, it was passion at first sight.  So I ordered a 1976, not remembering at the time if it was suppose to be the last convertible."

I was a kid when those were new, but I too loved them!   Of all the 1/18 1973 - 1978 Cadillac Eldorados available, IMO, Stamp's are the best - despite being coupes...  😫 😫 

A fine comprehensive look at these wonderful Eldorado replicas from these companies ! They certainly each display well and are a standout in anyone's collection.

Posted by: @abaucom

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My goal is to switch the interiors so I have a white conv. w/red interior just like the Eldo conv. I had new in 1976

That is exactly the idea a friend of mine came up with - to swap the interiors with the black one to get a red/red with white top and triple black.

And I want to make the swap, too, to get something like this:

@carcass1996 I'm a bit surprised you're considering all these swaps.    Thousands of 1975-'76 Eldorado convertibles were manufactured; you should be able to find any desired color-combo.   🤔 🤔

@chris sorry, have no money for 1/1, spent everything on 1/18 and 1/43  

@carcass1996    Oops!   My brain must've shut off!   I re-read your post and NOW realize you were referring to 1/18 swaps, NOT 1:1.      Sorry, I'm not always the greenest shrub in the nursery.   😔 😔 😔