[Closed] AAR Cuda,

They (FM) could care less about maintaining value as long as they get their price from the initial sale.

Easy answer ....everybody here knows about Tony Cerra and/or Diecast Reproductions (I guarantee that) and already has their model. Not big news that only a few hundred people frequent the D4C auctions weekly and every single one that has definitely knew about this model and either pre-ordered it or didn't want it. You can speculate all you want as to why but every single collector is different.

The model is catching $145 and $150 final auctions on ebay....someone has an updated photo of the production version that shows the red in all of its glory much better than the dim and fuzzy pre-production shots and he is landing a little bit more than retail for those auctions.

Only a matter of time before this model approaches Astronaut Corvette value. The Astro Corvette will probably be worth more but this is a darn good model to own that is for sure bravo Tony Cerra.

This is not TFM marketing wise it is Diecast Reproductions different animal

P.S.

...every time you see a model go for measurably more than retail you could make the argument that that manufacturer simply did not make enough models and is missing out on volume.

For instance the buzz in 1/18 scale is that Mattel did not make enough Elite Batmobiles....because they sold all 16,000 in the first month! Probably could have easily sold over 20,000.

Now everyone is clamoring for the last of the Super Elites. Elites have topped $250+ at auction....Mattel is probably kicking themselves for not making it a larger edition.

FM Limited Editions

Mint Models' F.M. Black on Black 2006 Z06 ended up being SUPER popular, and sold out immediately. FM's C5 and C6 Corvettes are Excellent, to me.

There's just many cars done by Franklin that still look "toy like".

Good Ideas from Tony C.

Tony had a great idea by making the 2 colors of the AAR Cuda. (One was a L.E. of 150 one was 500, I believe)
He certainly has some great ideas, usually before some of us think about them too. He's on his game for all of us.

The car just has not really been upgraded though much by the FM. Not his fault. Danbury always seems to be evolving constantly. I can't tell many changes on FM's except the obvious color changes. I think if they would that would greatly help. (Ex: The door hinges for the 2006 Z06 Corvettes, for instance. All New)

Is the Elite an LE of 16K, Randy?

I thought it was an open edition.

Brad I always call a spade a spade, while i don't have the AAR Cuda .....

There are MANY upgrades/changes and it's far more then "just a repaint" as some may call it! Read Tony P's review and you will see what I mean. I didn't order it because I had the yellow LE outdoor event Cuda, and the Black LE Cuda so I felt I didn't need yet another Old tech FM model. After seeing the pictures and reading more about AAR Cudas I just may add one! I'd love to have the Purple one as I'm fond of odd colors, but I didn't order it so I won't cry now LOL. I might get the still available Red version. I would also trade my Black LE Coupe + cash for a purple AAR Cuda if someone wanted to do it.

Phil.....What's the answer then??

I've thought the same as Rich though, Phil.

Just trying to figure it out like Rich is....what's your take??

I have 5 or 6 of the FM 1969 Camaros, some won't pull the retail back out of them. I don't understand it either.

I have many Danbury's that will DOUBLE in price. It's not about the money, as I plan on keeping them forever.

I have both the Purple and Red AAR Cudas plus the new DM 71 Cuda. Obviously the new DM Cuda is new tech and IMO a work of art in every way in 1/24th scale. The AAR Cudas look very nice and are a very welcome addition to my collection. I have all 3 cars next to each other in the display case and I think the AAR's hold there own and look great when displayed with the 71 DM Cuda. With all the poor quality pictures on the internet the red car just did not look right to me. IMO, when you see the car, it is a really beautiful red and is a perfect color for the AAR.

My understanding is that it is limited to 16K however ...

...that very well might be a very flexible #. Perhaps that was the agreed upon # that would be made by the factory and future manufacturing would fall under a different "contract". I'll look into it.

Violet Purple LE AAR Cuda

Phill, I may be interested in trading the LE Purple AAR Cuda for the Black LE & Cash. I should be getting the Violet one in three days.Email me at jfh632@embarqmail.com

I gather you're saying that the production number was dictated by the licensing agreement?

If so, then a renegotiation of of the licensing contract would probably result in a higher MSRP for any second round of production if you rely on the greed factor.
How many entities are actually involved here? I'm guessing Barris, Warner Brothers and DC Comics. Do you know?

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