Some years ago SunStar produced a superb 1/18 diecast replica of the Kaiser Henry J compact/economy automobile from 1951. I am happy to have this really interesting diecast in both yellow and Indian red. SunStar did a terrific job with this model and it displays and photographs great.
SunStar did a terrific job with this model and it displays and photographs great.
Agreed 100% Mike. Unlike some of their other "Platinum" offerings, there's nothing goofy about this one. Everything looks just about perfect!
AND the one thing I always thought was terrific is that Sunstar correctly tooled these up to replicate exactly what Kaiser did - that is, they too offered their Henry J WITH & WITHOUT a trunk. Now that IS outstanding! 😎 😀 😎 😀 😎
These cars were reliable and economical transportation back in the day, but many journalists say they flopped mainly because the price tag was not low enough to persuade buyers from buying something much better appointed for just a bit more money. One odd feature though was that one early variation had no trunk access from the outside....very strange indeed! The first Henry J I ever saw was a metallic green one owned by my Grade 3 teacher.
These cars were reliable and economical transportation back in the day, but many journalists say they flopped mainly because the price tag was not low enough to persuade buyers from buying something much better appointed for just a bit more money. One odd feature though was that one early variation had no trunk access from the outside....very strange indeed! The first Henry J I ever saw was a metallic green one owned by my Grade 3 teacher.
COOL stuff. But I also like the drag cars they were made into.
- That's true. The cars were very good but why settle for something small when, for just a few bucks more, a "full size" Chevrolet, Plymouth or Ford could be had.
- I applaud Sunstar for tooling drag versions (...and I guess they sold fairly well ) but IMO they blew it. They tooled toy-ish looking racing wheels AND they replicated modern Henry J drag cars. I would've preferred vintage versions. One day, I may simply fabricate one myself. 😎 😎
