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Topic starter
10/03/2021 6:29 am
I liked getting any Flyer or Brochure from either FRANKLIN MINT or DANBURY MINT! I love old cars! But early on in my collecting, I was raising our family and like most in that situation, I only had a certain amount of our income that I could use for the "fun things" in life. After all, it was important that family, food, and bills came first. Not to mention the usual saving for college and the future.
So I set some personal self-imposed guidelines for my collecting of these little models that "drive" us all mad with excitement. I made my criteria to include only model years 1940 to 1970, no Corvette's and only American cars. The latter two guidelines were important because if I'd went with Corvette's, I recognized early on that there were a lot of Corvette models out there and the American cars stipulation allowed me to always get the old cars that I remember as a kid in the 50s and 60s seeing on the streets.
But having these guidelines didn't mean that I didn't like and appreciate older than 40s cars and those that weren't American, because I did like seeing them and the story they bring to automobile history. When I received this flyer, this was one of those that I chose to admire from afar. It appeared to be a beautiful replica, but of course I passed on it.
From FRANKLIN MINT: the 1930 BUGATTI!
And let me add, it wasn't just any BUGATTI. It was a replica of not just a BUGATTI. It was a replica of the actual car that Ettore Bugatti actually owned. How cool is that! I'm sure that for those of you that have this model in your collection, you can probably attest to it being a great one, and for those of you like me, that don't, it will either be on your own personal Bucket List or like me, you'll admire for the classic it is.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
10/03/2021 9:23 am
It is a beautiful model George. I set some limitations to my model buying in the early days, but never to the era I collected. If it was a car with 4-tires, I was interested.
I was fortunate that because of an inheritance, my house had been paid for by the time I started collecting 1:24 scale models. As well as my kids college fund (too bad only one of them ever went)
Anyway, this is one of those models that becomes truly more magnificent when you hold it in your hand. Here's a couple of photos of the beautiful beast.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
Tony Perrone and Tony Perrone reacted
10/03/2021 9:36 am
OUTRAGIOUS! Got to love it.
John Bono
North Jersey
Topic starter
10/03/2021 10:37 am
@jcarnutz, thank you for sharing the actual model in photos. I totally agree it looks like it certainly would get better when in your hands. 
And hey, I agree with you about "if it had 4 tires" you were interested.
That's exciting that you were able to have your house paid for a little earlier than some of us, as that was the biggest concern we all face when we're younger. One of my goals when thinking about eventually retiring back in the day, was that having my home paid for. I was able to do that and assure too, that we had enough money set aside for out two daughters to attend college. I retired at age 56 in 2008, with both of those goals met.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
John Merritt and John Merritt reacted
10/03/2021 11:04 am
Well congratulations on retirement. I contemplated it a couple of times, and for awhile, I considered myself semi-retired. But a 2yrs ago, I got bored with too much time at home and went back full-time. With my move a few years ago, the house is no longer paid for, but should be again in a couple of years. Things change and life is always interesting.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
Topic starter
10/03/2021 12:22 pm
Well congratulations on retirement. I contemplated it a couple of times, and for awhile, I considered myself semi-retired. But a 2yrs ago, I got bored with too much time at home and went back full-time. With my move a few years ago, the house is no longer paid for, but should be again in a couple of years. Things change and life is always interesting.
As long as we all do what best fits our individual situations, life is always good. Beyond my hobbies, it's my writing and research work that has kept me busy. So for me, retirement has been good. I also have had outside activities like serving on a couple of Credit Union boards of directors and involved in Toastmasters. It keeps my mind awake.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
10/03/2021 1:54 pm
It took me about 30 seconds to adapt to retirement. For me, the last few years of work was a preview of hell. Would I go back to work? Not me! Enjoying everyday of retirement, even during the pandemic.
John Bono
North Jersey
10/03/2021 5:28 pm
One of my goals before I retired was to have my house paid for, a new roof, a new heating cooling system installed and the eaves and overhangs of my brick house covered in vinyl/aluminum so I would never have to paint again. Well I accomplished all of those goals but the funny thing is things change. First of all I came to the realization that you are never out of debt between insurance, utilities, etc., etc. Then two days ago I find out that my 18 year old A/C furnace system needs a lot of work even though we have had it serviced every spring and fall. Yesterday a new system was installed and now I have a new financial obligation to handle. The model car budget has just been cut. Oh well I'm still very blessed.
10/03/2021 8:28 pm
I own and LOVE this model. Particularly the rear seat with its’ over the top opulent fabric covered seat! Just an odd and beautiful model.
Topic starter
10/03/2021 11:51 pm
As some here know, I worked in the banking business for 30 years and I enjoyed my work. I was in management in the lending department of the three institutions I was affiliated with. I also trained and employees and taught lending with the American Bankers Association for several years. I enjoyed all of this as well.
For me though, it was one life-changing incident that affected me when I was 30 years old. My Dad passed away at age 55. He worked hard at his job as a laborer for 32 years and often talked about the day he would retire. He never got to realize that dream. As I planned his funeral I made a personal vow...I was going to retire at age 55 and hopefully have many happy and healthy years after I left the work force.
Now I'm going to add that my Dad wouldn't have been able retire even if he'd wanted to had he lived, as he was deep in debt, was very irresponsible at paying his bills, had creditors always calling him and he'd filed personal Bankruptcy 3 times over the years. Ironically, I was in the business of seeing this happen to many people.
With my vow to retire, I set a plan to assure that my home would be paid for and I'd be debt free. Now there are still things that come up that are not planned for (things like Bob Jackman alluded to in his post above), but that's called life. Things happen.
As for my retirement, I've been blessed. I met goal to retire at age 56 (missed 55 by a few months) and I've never regretted the decision to leave my career. I have hobbies that keep my busy, a loving wife, and two great granddaughters. I'm glad I made the plans I did.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota