The quintessential land yacht, for me was the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser. This rather inexpensive model had good bones, so it was worth detailing the dash, unpholstery, door panels,door sills, wheel covers, wheel well trim, grill and other touch-ups.
Truly one of the classic 'Land Yachts' of a bygone era. What fun it was as a kid waiting to see what 'next years model' was going to look like. Nice detail work!
Truly one of the classic 'Land Yachts' of a bygone era. What fun it was as a kid waiting to see what 'next years model' was going to look like. Nice detail work!
In 1958, I just hated those land yachts. We had a few un-PC derogatory terms for these cars that 6 decades later, I wouldn't dare repeat. Now I just adore these great examples of automotive kitsch.
Truly one of the classic 'Land Yachts' of a bygone era. What fun it was as a kid waiting to see what 'next years model' was going to look like. Nice detail work!
So true about eagerly awaiting the 3rd week of September every year to make the rounds of all the dealerships unveiling the latest cars. It is one of my favorite memories....so exciting!
@franklemire - As a kid growing up in Detroit, I loved when my father drove past the Alfred Kahn designed GM World Headquarters on West Grand Boulevard. On the ground floor, throughout the year GM would display their cars that could be seen as we drove by through the glass windows. During the model changeover, which was usually in September, GM would cover the windows until the time was right to reveal the cars to the public. An annual highlight of my childhood was marked with excitement to see the newly redesigned cars that were common among most brands and models.
Nice work on the model. I always loved these over-the-top Mercury Turnpike Cruisers. They epitomized the excess of the era. Interestingly, the hardtop Mercury and Lincoln featured the electric breezeway rear window (backlite). However, unlike the convertible, the Mercury had a plastic backlite instead of the glass that was a feature on the Lincoln convertible.
Nice work on the model. I always loved these over-the-top Mercury Turnpike Cruisers. They epitomized the excess of the era. Interestingly, the hardtop Mercury and Lincoln featured the electric breezeway rear window (backlite). However, unlike the convertible, the Mercury had a plastic backlite instead of the glass that was a feature on the Lincoln convertible.
Here's Danbury Mint's hardtop version.
I have that model also. I love the bubble skirts and the working continental spare.
