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Topic starter
26/01/2008 7:12 am
REVIEW AND PICS: GMP 1966 Ford Fairlane Convertible
I can't get the review posted into the database, so I'll be posting here insead. There are some new pics, so enjoy. Y'all have a super weekend!
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Ford's Fairlane was named after Henry Ford's Fair Lane Mansion in Michigan. Introduced in 1955, it wasn't until 1966 that it reached Muscle Car status for many. In 1966, the Fairlane was completely re-designed in order to stuff the power-pounding 390 V8 engine in and also heralded the arrival of the Fairlane GT and GTA options. New convertibles were also available after being dropped from the line-up for years. With the GT and GTA package, you got the big 390 V8, a four speed on the floor or an automatic (with the GTA), special striping, suspension modifications, disc brakes, special hood and unique steering wheel.
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GMP has released the first convertible in their Ford Fairlane mold. In my opinion, GMP has three successful 1/18 mold lines: The Pontiac GTO/LeMans, The Plymouth Road Runner/GTX and the Ford Fairlane/Mustang. After having screaming success with an impressive array of Fairlane hardtops, issuing a convertible was inevitable. And their fist offering does not disappoint. Yes, it's heavy. A whopping five pounds of precision diecast marvel. The Wimbledon White paint bounces in the sunlight and the contrasting Red interior adds some punch to overall impression. This car will demand attention on your shelf. Please don't place it next to a shrinking violet model!
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As if producing a top notch, high end model wasn't enough, GMP didn't stop there. They've thrown in some little toys to add to the enjoyment of the Fairlane. In individual plastic baggies, you not only get the perfectly replicated up top, but two rear quarter windows with silver trim to use with the top up option, Red plastic inserts that fit into the rear seat side panels for when you display your Fairlane top down, PLUS, a set of two vinyl fender covers with the Ford Blue oval emblem!
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The interior is another fine effort with carpeting, fabric seat belts, moveable sun visors and the always treat of roll-up windows! GMP has stuffed incredible detail into all their Fairlane editions this Wimbledon White Fairlane wasn't spared.
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The Ford powerplant 390 V8 is fully wired and plumbed with eye-popping accuracy. When you prop open the hood (with realistic, scissor hinges) of this diecast beauty, the engine looks real enough to imagine it turning over with the twist of the key. The trunk has the same level of attention GMP lavishes on all their 1/18 releases.
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There is no disappointment for Ford and convertible lovers with GMP's latest release. If the White 1966 Fairlane ragtop doesn't make your blood pump and heart race, there was a Black edition produced for Tom's Garage members only that you might want to try and grab in the secondary market if you aren't a Tom's Garage member. Scoop up a piece of White Lightning with this first GMP 1966 Ford Fairlane Convertible release. It's sure to create excitement in any Muscle Car or Ford collection.
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26/01/2008 8:12 am
What a great review and photos Patty.....Terrific alike always!
26/01/2008 8:29 am
Terrific review Patty.Those GMP Fairlanes are awesome models.
26/01/2008 10:42 am
Magnificent photographs and a great review of that GMP beauty, Patty !
26/01/2008 11:24 am
Shape of the body
This is something I haven't read about any of the GMP's Fairlanes, and it's whats keeping me from buying one- does the body look curved to anyone else? I've looked at pics of the real car and it doesn't seem to have this- it's almost like a cartoon, like it's hunched over, ready to launch- is it just me?
26/01/2008 2:50 pm
no, it's not only you, Zach....
I have four of the hartops and I know what you're talking about, but I'm not sure if the model's contours are incorrect or I'm looking at these models like I never really looked at the 1:1s. When I pull up images of the 1:1 to compare, the model seems to compare well.
26/01/2008 2:51 pm
pretty model; pretty picx, Patty.
26/01/2008 3:29 pm
I think it is more evident in the convertible. The hard top line conceals the slope better, but it is there on the 1:1. The rear trunk lid slopes downwards and the car is very angular so it looks very different depending on the photos or where you stand when looking at the 1;1 in person. The design can cause 'funny eye'. I think GMP got it right; of course I am crazy however so you will have to be the judge.
Topic starter
26/01/2008 5:41 pm
PICS: 1:1 and GMP 1966 Ford Fairlane comparison pics.....
At first glance, the model does appear a bit slanted in the rear, but here is a comparison photo of a real 1:1 Wimbledon White Convertible GT in a very similar photo angle. The GMP model is pretty darn close. It really is a beautiful diecast...
Oh, and a big Thank You for all the great compliments. I'm very enthusiastic about gorgeous convertibles!
A 1:1 1966 Ford Fairlane..
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The GMP 1/18 1966 Ford Fairlane...
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27/01/2008 7:36 pm
Same observation here... Patty did a great review and the pics are just superb !!! But if you look at the 2nd and last pics, that curvature seems evident.
Anyway, that car looks awesome with the ocean as a background !
:))