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08/07/2026 1:57 am
Great little car with LOTS of working features!
Topic starter
08/07/2026 3:03 am
@pete-rovero thank you, but may I ask what features you are referring to please ?
08/07/2026 8:07 am
I have to agree. I have 5 of them. White, Red, one shown, Yellow and Lt. Blue.
Topic starter
08/07/2026 8:42 am
@carsman1958 what features if any do they have please ?
Geno and Tony Perrone reacted
08/07/2026 10:47 am
@modeldadeeee Here is the review on the FM Beetles that were done on the old site.
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At first glance, the striking Millennium Galaxy Blue color is a real eye-grabber. The only minor complaint I have is with the metal flake finish. It's a tad heavy on the flake, although I'm sure FM's intention was to accentuate that special tie-in with the millennium. Fit and finish is very good, although I can't get the rear deck lid on my model to close tightly. To make this car a little more special, it has been issued in a limited production run of 7,500 pieces. What stands out on this model are all the moving parts. In addition to the opening doors, trunk, hood, working suspension and steerable wheels, FM took great pains to add some neat features. The driver's and passenger side windows move up and down in the frame (albeit by hand). Look inside and notice that the front seats move back and forth. Look in the glove box and there is a pair of gloves inside. There is also a cellular phone sitting atop the dash. The deck lid opens to reveal the limited edition plaque on the floor. Included with the model were a pair of tweezers and a tool that looks somewhat like a dentist's probe. While probing around the interior, I found that I was able to move the parking brake handle up and down. An interesting touch. Volkswagen has caught our attention and our hearts with the introduction of the New Beetle. FM seems to have accomplished the same thing with the introduction of the Millennium Beetle. If you're into nostalgia, this is the model to have. (12/15/1999) (12/15/1999) |
08/07/2026 1:59 pm
Thanks for getting back to Benjamin. Here's a link to a review I did on this model a couple of years ago with pictures.
https://diecast.org/community/1_24/this-may-be-the-most-feature-rich-fm-diecast-ever/#post-155466
08/07/2026 5:12 pm
A cool little model. Congrats Ben. Enjoy that beauty. 😊💯
Tony Perrone and Benjamin S reacted
Topic starter
08/07/2026 5:13 pm
@geno thank you, it says should be here this Saturday.
Tony Perrone and Geno reacted
08/07/2026 6:59 pm
great post gents! Trip down memory lane added. Heavens Above 1999!! I could never understand the low prices on such detailed models. Weren't we spoiled for choice back then? I still have this blue and the red versions.
This post was modified 2 weeks ago by Geoff Jowett
Benjamin S and Tony Perrone reacted
08/07/2026 9:01 pm
I believe we have to thank George Bojaciuk for this model!
Geoff Jowett and Pete Rovero reacted
08/07/2026 9:09 pm
FM considered other colors for the millennium edition, they apparently wanted a celebratory flashy paint, here are several of them (color samples with paint over red car), I own the the goldish chameleon paint one (last picture).
I believe the metal flakes of the millennium version are so over scaled because of the occasion. You can see same idea in the color samples bellow.
PS: I found the auction description for the green model above, I believe by R.Hardnock ... here is some history:
"Up for auction is my VERY RARE Franklin Mint 1:24 scale VW New Beetle COLOR STUDY MODEL in Metallic Green. The model has been in my collection since new, and it has never been displayed.For those who don't already know, a Franklin Mint color study model is an authentic, factory built model, however, it was never actually produced in that color. We used these color study models for internal use only, to present color options for final color selection. In most cases, there were only one to maybe three samples made in any given color and, we did not have samples made in every available color, only the one's that we preferred to be used for production. This particular model was part of the study to determine the color for the 2000 Millennium Beetle. We were looking for a color with a heavy metallic. Eventually we decided on Blue. However, you will not parts of red on the interior. That shows that the factory used standard red parts where they could, since we typically did not spec different interior colors for a color study sample, unless the car was a convertible.For those who don't follow my auctions, I worked as designer for Franklin Mint Precision Models through the 1990's and into the 2000's. I designed and developed more than half of all TFM models ever produced, including the VW New Beetle.With this model, I will include a special certificate verifying that this is an authentic Franklin Mint color study model and that it comes from my personal collection.Please also note that I'm selling off many of my rare and unique TFM models. Please check my other auctions and keep an eye out in the coming weeks for many more.All of my models are over-boxed, and I do everything in my control to make sure the model is safely and securely packed. I highly recommend purchasing shipping insurance though, since I cannot control how the PO handles packages. It's only a few dollars more, and you will have peace of mind knowing your model is covered. If you're interested in insurance, you must let me know right after the auction so I can calculate the cost for that."
This post was modified 2 weeks ago 4 times by Chav
09/07/2026 12:19 am
@chav more memories, that was around the time I discovered ebay and this forum. What I also find interesting is the 'tone' of the ebay sales copy compared to todays. Mr Hardnock was clearly on there to sell his product, using professional sales and conditions language. Now most so called sellers just list 1/24 diecast at ridiculous starting price or buy it now prices and a lot seem to use AI descriptions.
Those 3 colors all look great, kinda like the light blue best. Thanks Chav.
Tony Perrone and Chav reacted