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Topic starter
19/09/2015 8:56 am
1954 Chevrolet promotional 1951 saw the first plastic promotional Chevrolet models by Product Miniatures, AKA PMC. This was a very unique series of promotionals, never to be duplicated again as this was nearly a full range of models and body styles. In later posts I'll show more of these. Annual Chevrolet models by PMC continued until 1960, though quality and range deteriorated significantly in later years.
Shown here is a 1954 Bel Air 4 door sedan, 1/25th scale plastic promotional bank. These models had a coin slot in the base with the inscription: "To help you save for a rainy day or a new Chevrolet." The colors were also imprinted on the roof as shown. The Bel Air 4 door sedan was also the only 1954 available in a toy store version solid color and less detailed hubs.
Other PMC Chevrolet promotional models for 1954 were:
Bel Air: Convertible, 2 door sedan, two door hardtop and the 4 door sedan shown here.
210: 2 door sedan, 4 door sedan
150: 2 door sedan and 4 door sedan.
All were available in multiple factory colors.
You will note there were no station wagons offered in 1954. There was a 1953 Handyman wagon in 1953, in 1/20 scale, but it did not continue into 1954. No 1955 wagon, but a Bel Air wagon was made in 1956.
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Also please note the darkening of the body around the wheel openings. This was caused by degassing of the tire material, and stained the body.
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My Chevrolet shown here is slightly modified as it sports white wall stickers that came with some early 60's AMT kits. If you take a close look at the white wall you will see its cut to allow two versions. Stick on as is, you will have a wide white. remover the inner cut, now you have narrow whites. White walls are a whole other subject, and maybe I'll cover this later. Joe Wheat even offered a set of "Wheat Walls" white wall stickers, now discontinued.
19/09/2015 9:08 am
Excellent pics and fascinating backstory. Thanks for sharing.
19/09/2015 9:49 am
Super cool Chevy. This is the kind of thing I was ACHING for the Mints to do. I love...
...SEDANS.....'2' door -OR- '4' door.
Maybe First Gear or M2 will pick up 'this' 1;24 ball.
I can only hope.
19/09/2015 10:01 am
Thanks Robert! I was raised on promo models! I thoroughly enjoyed your post!
19/09/2015 11:41 am
thanks so much for sharing i am enjoying these postings
20/09/2015 5:56 am
Thanks, Robert, great info. But I do so hate it when degassing stains the body.
Topic starter
20/09/2015 11:37 am
Model defects....
Yes, staining is frustrating, but less of an issue than warpage common in late 50's early 60's promos. Warpage was so common that a term JoHan smile was coined where the models had but a single screw in front, and each side would warp upward as if smiling. Owners were not smiling however! Early 50's proms also had something where the plastic was affected by what looks like mold but its in the plastic itself. Then there id diecast rash, and whatever diecast crumble is called. I have a Bugatti where the hood just turned to ruble.