[Sticky] Lost Reviews - Franklin Mint & Danbury Mint

Placing the seat cushions in this convertible was fairly easy but it was a bear on the hardtop.

another great thing about these postings Tony is at least 3 of the models you've featured so far are pretty much unattainable now for me. The D4C Hudson Hornet, the Owens/Corning and Penske racers are rarely sighted and prohibitively priced so your review/pics are now excellent 'compensation' for the real thing.  thanks again. 

Posted by: @bob-jackman

Placing the seat cushions in this convertible was fairly easy but it was a bear on the hardtop.

ah yes Bob, I remember that well!!

Posted by: @perrone1

Posted by: @georgeschire

This has always been one of my favorites.  I thought DM did their Packard's better than FM did, as the latter seemed to be "bigger" than 1:24 scale.  The only thing on the DM's I personally am not a fan of is the "reversible seats".  Having extra parts to cars is not my cup of tea.  But aside from that, this Packard is drop-dead gorgeous.  

Yes, positioning the seats can be a pain. Once in place, they stay pretty well though.

It's not just the "positioning" that's a pain.  For me it's just having to have to play with them and have the extra sets.  I don't like having "spare parts" for any of my models.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 Tony after that extensive description of the Penske car, catch your breath and an adult refresher. Again I find myself looking over the model through your eyes and I need a rest.

LOL Bob! Got some more in the waiting wings. Stay tuned my friend!

Franklin Mint 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C- Independent Retailer Ltd Ed of 427 – E362

This marks the seventh and best, by far, FM ’66 Shelby Cobra 427 built by The Franklin Mint. Commissioned by Main Street Products U.S.A., some corrections were made and the model shows total attention to detail that yields an incredible image of the iconic machine. In a recent post on our Bulletin Board by former Franklin Mint Design Manager, Raffi Minasian, we learned of his involvement in this project. He said, “I saw some of the nice words (In Bulletin Board postings) on the new FM Cobra and wanted to drop a note to let the D4C’ers know what I did that is new on the model. Some of you know I am working on select models with FM and have been enjoying those projects recently. Brian Then, of Main Street and Joe Sellari of FM asked me to work on the project with them. The 427 is one of my favorite FM models as I had started it and completed it to prototype just before I left. I assigned George Bojaciuk the program and he took it through to the silver finish completion.

With this new blue and white stripe version we have the icon color combo, correct nose badging, correct roll bar and exhaust finish, correct wheel color, no "post dots" inside the headlights, correct undercarriage finish, and a handful of other touches here and there just to add some more fun. We also
added the rubber windshield gasket in order to make the lower windshield frame not so out of scale. This was originally intended to be on all versions but costing for the additional masking prevented it. Credit goes to Joe Sellari at FM for stepping up and adding this and other details to the Main Street
model to make it the nicest version FM has done to date.

Sure $145 is a premium above the standard issue, and some will not want to pay. But it is a top quality model with super low issue numbers and in a color combination that is considered THE Shelby look. Look for more FM models in the future...it is getting exciting again!”

The little aluminum model has never looked better. The small 1:24^th scale made it more difficult for FM to build in good detail but they did. That is why it is so revered today. Main Street Products U.S.A. elevated that level of detail. I particularly thank them for the accurate wheel color; that is what my mind’s eye sees when I think back on the Cobras I loved to love in the late sixties. Raffi got it right too when he talked about the color combo being the outstanding icon color we think about as original to the 427 S/C roadster. I wouldn’t mind seeing a version with the chrome street bumpers/bumper guards either. I mean, really, can we have too many Cobra iterations? And while I’m at it, who would like to see a version of the “Super Snake” that recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson Auction for $5,500,000?

Many thanks, on behalf of we Cobra fans and collectors, to Main Street Products U.S.A., FM and the great folks behind bringing this little darling to fruition. Issue price is $145 but sell-out will be assured quickly!  TP 01/30/2007

Franklin Mint 1966 Shelby Red Cobra 427 S/C- Independent Retailer Signed Nbr Ltd Ed of 80  -  C592A

Could this possibly be diecast collectible Utopia? I mean, imagine; a limited edition of 80; just 80! An image of the iconic legend that put Carroll Shelby on the automotive manufacturers map. An aluminum 1:24^th replica in superb precision diecast. Oh, and did I forget; a model actually handled and autographed by the great man himself. A little slice of scale model heaven, thanks to Tony Cerra and Diecast Reproductions. You may recall his first foray into the realm of FM-commissioned beauties for limited edition distribution; a gorgeous 1982 Corvette Sport Coupe in 1000 units of silver over dark claret loveliness.

Diecast Reproductions has arranged for Carroll Shelby to sign Franklin Mint’s ’68 Shelby GT500KR fastback in red, the ’66 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C in aluminum, both open-ended issues and this amazing Rangoon Red 427 S/C in a limited edition of 80 pieces. A title and certificate of authenticity is included along with a numbered hologram decal affixed to the hangtag to authenticate the signature. Note that the placement of the autograph may vary from model to model. The issue price is $225.

Diecast Reproductions can be reached via phone at (813) 882-8482 or via email at: diecastreproductions@msn.com            TP 03/20/2006

Another extraordinary issue and review. Good going Tony!

Posted by: @sizedoesmatter

Another extraordinary issue and review. Good going Tony!

Thank you John!

@perrone1 Have both this red one and the blue thanks to your salesmanship Tony.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 Have both this red one and the blue thanks to your salesmanship Tony.

👍👍   

Danbury Mint 1932 Ford Coupe- Nbr Ltd Ed – 1516

This is an all new tooling from the Danbury Mint. A previous DM ’32 deuce issue was, and still most certainly is, as gorgeous today as the first time I ever set eyes on it. It was DM’s ’32 Deluxe V-8 Roadster in Washington Blue and black. This fast-forward iteration is wholly different; presented as a 3 window coupe with suicide doors, with more finely-scaled wired wheels and refinements suitable for a museum-quality replica display. In a gorgeous and understated Tunis Gray, with black fenders, pale pastel yellow wheels and matching stripes, the car is exquisitely striking. That striping runs the body length and doubles on the belt line sandwiching a black center. Lower striping is singular. Opulence had its place even in 1932 and DM brings it back for us in the most wonderfully detailed 1932 Ford, I believe, has ever been produced. Heady claim? I think not.

We’re not accustomed to seeing Model A’s and pre-War cars, prior to 1941, modeled with working suspension. Forget fold-down sunvisors. Oh yes, the Deluxe could be had with that luxury – on both sides! Details that this little deuce model comes with were just not necessary before; they sold if they had the right ‘look’, proportions and stance. Not so in today’s marketplace my friend; DM built the bells and whistles into this little guy. Take some time to read this as I take some time to describe what I’m looking at. As an overview, the ’32 Ford ‘look’ that us older fellas and gals came to love is there. It’s there for the younger, more appreciative, folks to take in too. As mentioned, the color is understated; rich, making the statement that the owner had stepped up, in 1932, to a more expensively apportioned automobile.

Okay, it wasn’t a Duesey, but back then, it was pretty special; goodness it was deluxe!  DM finished the car in a flawless paint application; the striping is immaculate. The doors snap closed with authority, firm and decisive. The fit of the trunk, doors and hood are perfect. The wire wheels are finely fabricated and add a special dimension to the detail and color contrast of the vehicle. Chassis-wise, the diecast is period-accurate; less-is-more, but correct to the 1:1. As previously mentioned, the suspension works, both fore and aft. Emergency brake cabling and gas tank lines are attached and the steering controls and exhaust system looks superbly authentic. The car has the pre-requisite rumble seat but it pales in comparison to the occupant’s cabin. The interior is awash in detail, thank yoouu DM!  

Again, the visors fold down, the seats and flooring exhibit realistic ‘feel’, material-wise, and the interior door hardware is scaled faultlessly. The dash, gauges, steering wheel and floor paraphernalia are superbly crafted. There is even a dome light on the inner roofliner. Under the hood, DM continues to apply their patented science to miniature craftsmanship. 1932 comes alive in this rendition of Ford’s first V-8. Don’t look past the marvelously crafted hood sealant stripping. They replicated it at the front, on the radiator surround and at rear, on the firewall. A fabric ‘media’ to connect metal-to-metal, they did not miss this recreation. Hoses, fuel lines, spark wiring, belts and exhaust plumbing are fantastic – usual DM stuff. Yeah, you can disagree if you choose and I’m glad to debate you; but I, personally, fully believe this is to be the finest ’32 Ford Deluxe model, of this scale, I have ever seen. Few model years speak to the 30’s fan/aficionado like 1932. And not so more than the ’32 Ford.  TP 08/22/2007

@perrone1 The 65 Thunderbird was the one that started me collecting..... Love it..

Posted by: @diecast1-24cars

@perrone1 The 65 Thunderbird was the one that started me collecting..... Love it..

An ideal starting point!

Tony, the 32 is truly a work of art and worthy of your accolades. One nit, in your third paragraph you mention the brake lines. As I'm sure you know, Ford still had mechanical brakes in 1932. The colors on this model make it one of my favorite Iconic early Fords.