[Sticky] Lost Reviews - Franklin Mint & Danbury Mint

Tony, you must be a mind reader. I have owned an example of each of the three years of the baby bird and the 55 is by far the best handling and agile of the three. The Thunderbird Blue was a natural for DM to do as it was the feature color from Ford when the Thunderbird was first introduced. Good stuff as always sir.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

Tony, you must be a mind reader. I have owned an example of each of the three years of the baby bird and the 55 is by far the best handling and agile of the three. The Thunderbird Blue was a natural for DM to do as it was the feature color from Ford when the Thunderbird was first introduced. Good stuff as always sir.

Thank you my friend!!

how good is it to see and read about this! My only missing Thunderbird. I have at least one hardtop and convertible from each of the body styles DM (56FM) released.....except this! I call the Goldenrod Yellow a 'hardtop' so this one is needed as the convertible. One day! Love the pics, thanks Tony

Posted by: @geoff-jowett

how good is it to see and read about this! My only missing Thunderbird. I have at least one hardtop and convertible from each of the body styles DM (56FM) released.....except this! I call the Goldenrod Yellow a 'hardtop' so this one is needed as the convertible. One day! Love the pics, thanks Tony

Thank you Geoff!!

Franklin Mint 1967 Corvette Roadster- Independent Retailer- Nbr Ltd Ed of 435  -  E816

Frankly, I’m somewhat surprised that Franklin Mint hadn’t reissued their ’67 Corvette in this color combo before now. It took Michelle Peters of Mint Models to realize just how lovely a repaint of this model would be with a Silver Pearl top coat, black leather interior and a black stinger stripe accent with Good Year Speedway Blue Streak tires. So, thanks to her and Franklin Mint for creating this great combo. It is the L-88 version of Corvette’s iconic heartthrob that routinely sends 1:1 collectors to the poor house to buy one. Rare as hen’s teeth, they command the price that few Holy Grail cars ever approach.

Obviously this is not a new tooling; it is based on the previous FM Sting Ray roadster released in 1994. Shape and stance are faithful and the model comes equipped with the quintessential bells and whistles; side-mounted exhaust, finned aluminum wheels and the aforementioned Blue Streaks. The engine compartment is the highlight of the diecast, much as it is in the genuine article. The headlight pods flip up and the wipers are delicately photo-etched metal pieces. The paint is rich and smooth and nicely scaled metallic. Lined up next to any other FM ’67 you’ll find this little number shines like a new dime. Speaking of numbers, in a limited issue of 435 units, to match the HP rating, you may eventually find this replica approach hen’s teeth status real quickly.  TP 05/08/2008

The Danbury Mint 1932 Cadillac V-16 Roadster -1521 is a work of art...so is Tonys' review.

Posted by: @sizedoesmatter

The Danbury Mint 1932 Cadillac V-16 Roadster -1521 is a work of art...so is Tonys' review.

Thank you John!!

Danbury Mint 1:24 1957 Corvette Roadster- Chip Miller – 1379

The anticipation of a particular new release can sometimes act to enhance the review of the actual piece; if you let it. I try hard not to. But it has been difficult waiting for this DM ’57 Vette. I like to do reviews at the very time of their initial examination to try to capture the excitement that a replica inspires. I have also been known to play some background music of the era of the issue and enjoy a glass of wine while I thoroughly look over the model. With this, Danbury’s latest Corvette, no outside stimuli needed to apply. The model speaks for itself; in volumes. It’s a diecast model of Chip Miller’s personal 1957 Corvette. Chip made famous, as its co-founder, “Corvettes at Carlisle” and “Carlisle Events”, a collector car-rich environment in a series of top notch car shows held in central Pennsylvania. Chip lost his battle, last year, with Amyloidosis.

First, I think it appropriate to share an excerpted word from Danbury themselves. It comes from the reverse side of the Certificate of Title. “In honor of Chip’s life and legacy, the Danbury Mint has donated $25,000 to the Chip Miller Charitable Foundation, dedicated to fighting Amyloidosis (the rare plasma cell disorder that claimed Chip and affects 2,000 victims annually). If you’d like to make a personal donation, please visit www.chipmiller.org for more information.” Prior to his death, Chip set this car aside for a benefit auction at last year’s Corvettes at Carlisle but never got to see it sell. Dana Mecum, of Mecum Auctions got caught up in the emotion-filled sale of the car and bought it for $134,000.

DM has previously released some new technology replicas of Corvette C-1’s. Their 1958, 1959 and 1960 roadsters are good examples. Following in that tradition, the ’57 Vette carries the updated tech and adds a dash of authenticity from the historic car itself. Witness; the tags and rear suspension. Vintage Pennsylvania personalized plates are seen front and back. The front reads; “Chip”, while the back reads “1957”. The front has the markings, “1957 Penna”, the date issue of the plate, and both have a perfectly scaled, “Exp 3-31-58” riding on the top edge of the tags. Also authentically replicated are the non-stock issue rear traction bars that Chip’s actual car had mounted on it. DM identified that nuance and nailed it. The car sits perfectly level at exactly the precise ride height and all body pieces line up and fit tightly. The paint, a hard color to match to 1:1, looks spot on to my eyes. Cars painted in Aztec Copper and seen online are varied and not necessarily representative of the color in real life or even, for that matter, the same in different lighting situations. I think DM captured the dramatic color faultlessly. And you know me; I’m a sucker for copper Corvettes. The beige interior and cove insets are a complimentary contrast to the main shade. The up-top, supplied with the model, is a tan, many shades darker than the interior. Speaking of which, DM did a wonderful job of portraying the interior as close to flawless as possible. The dash has astonishing detail with gauge and radio readability, the shift pattern seen on the console, fine detail for the window cranks and door-open slide knobs and the seat and steering wheel spoke patterning. The top tonneau deck opens to reveal a realistic looking and feeling down-top simulation. The doors are on new-tech internal hinges, the fuel filler door opens, antenna extends and the suspension articulates.

In the trunk you will find a removable rubber mat, a simulated wood grained spare tire cover with a “Jack instructions” label and a “Caution” label for the limited slip differential. The cover comes out and so does the spare beneath it. It has a correctly painted copper wheel and a miniature jack mounted on the inside of the wheel. On the rear portion of the trunk is a nicely fashioned Corvette emblem imbedded in the body to match the one on the front of the car between the grille and hood. The taillights are red plastic and the trunk and door locks are separately fabricated pieces, not painted-on simulations. Another nice touch is that the front edges of the twin fender-top mounted scoops, non-functional on the 1:1 car, are separately formed chrome trim pieces. The wipers are photo-etched metal and multidimensional. DM worked their usual magic under the hood. There we find the right complement of new-tech treatment of dated technology. The wiring and fuel lines are evident but a nice surprise is the fabrication of the fuel line coming up from the fuel pump and going into a plastic fuel filter bowl. The DM guys got it the right color to simulate the color of gasoline within the bowl. And of course the hood has a realistic extending prop rod.  

There were reports that some of the early production models had problems with finish work but DM has obviously corrected that. This model was not a review piece but a standard off-the-shelf item and is as perfect as I could possibly want it to be. The Thrillometer was thrilled to report a 9.975 and Chip himself would probably have given it the same score. 

The issue price is $115.  TP 12/02/2005

Nice to recall the history behind this beautiful model, thanks Tony. My favorite of the 1953-57s. The Aztec Copper and beige interior are a brilliant match. I am now getting it out of the showcase and putting it in my desk display, hasn't been there for a long time!

@perrone1 Have it, love it.

Thanks fellas!   

Danbury Mint 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe Coupe Ltd Ed 1467

Some American pre-WWII autos were splendid examples of automotive style, originality and, in certain cases, grace. They carried the hopes and dreams of many of the era’s working class in an elegant and timeless manner. This image could legitimately be proclaimed as such a car. Color choice, once again, plays a major role in the statement that this diecast makes when we first see it and again with each subsequent glance. Even the names of the color shades themselves, Squadron Grey and Mariner Blue, hint at what this country was later to glimpse in the so-called, “Big War”. Squadron Grey seems to conjure up images of Grumman Hellcats and North American Mustangs flying in formation in the grey clouds over Europe. And wouldn’t Mariner Blue turn your mind’s eye toward the waves of open blue ocean that was the Pacific Theater of Operations? Squadron Grey is a slightly metallic color. It had a somewhat defiant attitude in the 40’s. The coupe’s roof, painted in that rebellious shade, over the more conservative dark blue, surely gave rise to many an eyebrow, I can just imagine.

DM has continually amazed me with their color and car choice picks and what they do with existing tooling to maximize their collector coverage range and affect ultimate customer appeal. To take, as a base, an already popular convertible ’41 Cabriolet, albeit an older image issued in 1997, and offer yet one more facet of the gorgeous model in the form of a hard top, floats my boat but good. And there are enough substantive changes to keep the replica fresh, updated and new. Wheel covers/hubcaps have been changed. The convertible sports full wheel covers while the hard top, if you look close enough, reveals hub caps on body-colored wheels with chrome trim rings. DM got the additional gold-stripe ring outside the hub cap perimeter correct. There is now an integral antenna that went with the coupe while an external antenna was part of the convertible package. DM did the research correctly. Outside rearview mirrors are on metal wire bases, extended outward from the body slightly more than the drop top version. The Deluxe Coupe does not feature chrome front fender rakes as the convertible did, and again, DM scores a bullseye. Engine bay and interior differences were involved in getting the coupe release right. Did Danbury get that right as well? Let’s look.

The coupe now features an “Overflow Return Tank” just above the firewall-mounted battery that was not present on the ragtop. There’s a fuel bowl in the fuel line now as it enters the carb and even that line is more scaled. In fact all the plug wires, battery cables and fuel and fluid tubes are scaled so realistically that you have to squint hard to perfectly see them; model miniaturization at its finest. The trunks are the same internally. Both feature removable spares, have jack and jacking tools displayed and the pre-requisite tool pouch. They even have the photo-etched metal twin sliding prop rods to hold up the lid. But the bumpers vary, the hard top has slightly better license plates and the trunk hinges, externally mounted, are different are far more realistic. Oh, and the coupe has a front mounted plate as well. I mentioned the bumpers. The coupe has an additional center bumper rider and the popular-for-the-day chrome wide mouth exhaust tip. Up front, the coupe sports dual, cool fog lamps. Racy, DM!

The interiors differ as much as the rest of the car and quite honestly, I think I like the coupe more than the ‘vert. Here’s why. The convertible had vinyl covered flooring. I guess Chevy felt that an open car might be subject to rain and the clean-up would be easier. But the coupe has some nice carpet. And while the previous model came with genuine leather seating up front, the coupe has fantastically detailed cloth that looks and feels terrific. Both cars showcase the internal door hinges and t-tiny little lock buttons but the coupe’s are metal and scaled in better.

Ok, there are a couple of elements that do not appear on the coupe as carry-overs from the flop top. No more moving windshield wipers and no more removable fender skirts. Most may say big deal and you know what? Me too. This image is a throw-back, in my mind’s eye, to what was so splendid about the early forties cars and what I remember from my parents days of automotive bliss. This car was on their list of ‘desires’ if not ‘must haves’. At DM’s cost of admission, move it from your desire list to your must have, it’s absolutely special! TP 03/21/2006

DM 1941 Chevy Woody Station Wagon - 1562

This could easily be all about DBR’s, plain and simple. The boys at The Danbury Mint have built an awful lot of DBR’s into this very exceptional model. What are DBR’s? Simply put, Diecast Bragging Rights. For the folks who have purchased new cars, the bragging rights come as part of ownership, if not straight from the option list. A new model anything usually had it all over the neighbor’s six year old Whatevermobile. Design and feature implementation generally spelled, ‘mine’s-better-than-yours’ in an upgraded sort of car world. Well the same holds true in the diecast world. This little issuance has a ton of DBR-appeal.

DM has made exemplary use of the forty-one Chevy tooling. It’s rendered the “Belle of the Ball” in 1997 with the initial precision ’41 Chevy DeLuxe Cabriolet and wormed its way into our hearts and wallets in the Custom Hot Rod, LE in Maroon and DeLuxe Coupe variants. But in this latest version, fully outfitted as a woody station wagon, expect your heart, if not your wallet, to open up to twice its normal capacity. Painted in Circassian Brown, this was an inspired color choice. The genuine wood panels along the sides and tail of the model contrast warm and well with the deep chestnut color and the matching fabric-feel top and interior lend a masterfully elegant touch to the exterior.

DM built opening rear windows into the model which features, not two, but four internally hinged doors, a folding tailgate tethered by realistically scaled chains and an upward opening rear window sliding out and back on miniature metal guides. The rear passenger’s third seat is removable and held in place, once again, by magnets. A special tweezers tool is included with the diecast but not really needed. The chassis detail and working rear suspension is beautifully crafted and the taillight assembly pivots down when the tailgate is laid flat.

The antenna is scaled thin and the interior is a treasure in its own right. It is like the real thing in perfectly executed miniature. And the engi9ne bay is strictly DM-magic. All the right elements are in place from the detailed wiring and plumbing to the fuel lines and hoses. You’ll not want to place this next to an inferior, ‘old-school’ model; the bragging rights might just be too much for the older offering. No, I’d set it somewhere special for all to see and hear all about what it does. It’s nice to have rights, but so much better to have DBR’s!  TP 10/04/2008

Danbury Mint 1940 Ford Deluxe Tudor Sedan- Nbr Ltd Ed of 5000  -  1419

The older fellows among us will remember how we looked forward, each year, to the arrival of new cars. We tried to anticipate the changes that we knew would eventually spring forth from one model year to the next. The makers realized how costly it was to keep changing over assembly lines and toolings and the need for engineering new parts. So as history points out, certain models were carried over with little or sheet metal changes while others received a measured dose of improvements and enhancements. That kept spiraling costs in check and warded off extra cost having to be passed on to prospective buyers. Over the years some cars reached a full maturity before a new model took its place. Danbury has done this to perfection with certain diecast model subjects. Case in point, the 1940 Ford image. Taken almost as far as could be expected, and keeping in mind the still pending 1940 Ford Woody Wagon, DM has offered us a plethora of 1940 Ford images over the years. Starting with their standard Deluxe Coupe issued in 1993, they released a flamed hot rod version in 1997, a nostalgic Coca-Cola salesmen’s iteration in ’99, a Cloud Mist Gray reissue in 2000 and a black convertible model issued in 2003. Finally, we have this Tudor version. Buyers of this replica are also entitled to buy the upcoming Blue Deluxe convertible model as well. It, too, will be a numbered limited edition.

Although this presentation is not of a regal and opulent multimillionaire’s classic that was used in the forties to usher him to and from his polo pony stables, it is lovely nonetheless. It is a representation of everyman’s car. One in which you would have seen many a working man or woman use in daily transportation. In this color, Folkestone Gray and with the turtle back Tudor appearance, DM tooled up a completely diverse image. The gray is almost like a putty color. Not at all drab, it has a rich and warm toning effect to it and a glossy shine to top it. The only contrast to the paint are the black running boards, whitewalls and the chrome trimming sectioning the body from front to rear. A wonderful choice of interior color, carried out in cloth fabric, adds a nice, warm, old timey feel to the diecast. The sun visors fold down and the dash exhibits great detail.  

There is no operating suspension to the limited edition and we do not see all of the added details that DM now puts on the chassis assemblies of their newer releases. What we do see of improved technology on this car is unseen at first. But open the trunk and hood and they are apparent; hinges, wonderful hinges. In the trunk, the hinges are scaled proportionately well and the driver’s side sports a sliding prop support. Under the hood you will note twin dual-scissors hinges, one on either side, with delicate metal springs attached. Great use of material is pressed into service under the hood. Metal copper wiring simulates fuel lines, grey-clad spark plug wires lend realism and water hoses and battery cables are fashioned to delight the visual senses. The doors snap shut and the trunk lid fits precisely. But my example has a slight gap at the rear of the hood when closed. This can be remedied somewhat by pushing the hood down and back with a little finger pressure.

Yes, DM has carried the ’40 Ford as far as it may go and they are getting great mileage from a popular image, but don’t pass it up because of that alone; you’d miss out on a beautiful little diecast.

TP 07/19/2005

Danbury Mint 1940 Ford Deluxe Station Wagon- Ltd Ed of 5000

Eleven adaptations of the forty Ford may seem excessive to the casual collector. But after more than a passing glance at DM’s line-up of 1940 Ford models casts a different eye on the subject. The first Ford of 1940 vintage, by the quintessential model maker, was an image released in 1993. It was solid red. Over the years the highly popular forty was remade into hot rod and convertible configurations, a Coke salesman’s car and it was extended to include a Tudor Sedan and a station wagon version.  That first wagon iteration was issued in 2005 in dark blue. After three years we see that replication revisited in limited edition form and it comes in a wonderfully warm Garnet Maroon. For whatever reason, woody wagons look terrific in maroon. This was a Ford “Spring Color” in 1940.

In ’05 this precision diecast could be considered ahead of its time technologically. It has all the bells and whistles we kiddies like to play with. The side windows slide open and shut, the sunvisors work, and that DM-detail found in abundance is everywhere. Open the rear window panel and we see the upper metal guide rails work. The lower tailgate is tethered by scaled vinyl-covered chains. The middle and rear seats are removable and their internal seat springs are still incredibly formed today. The door hinges are impeccably fashioned and they ‘snap’ closed. The interior work has never been any nicer. All details are scaled to perfection. The antenna swivels up and down and you already know how precise the engine bay will look when you fold back that long pointed hood.

DM added those astonishingly realistic hood springs to the model and that, almost alone, will blow you away. But as always, the rendering of the engine is fraught with material-rich detailing. Metal lines as fuel interpretations, plug wiring and plumbing are typical DM works of art and the hood sides are adorned in detail-scaled “Ford Deluxe” scripting. The outside rearview mirrors, wipers and all external and internal hardware pieces are likewise delicate and finely crafted.

It has been said here many times and many ways but the amortization of a tooling’s cost can and does lead to new models and images. So, any negative connotation of “repaint” should be critiqued. They also give the model builders an opportunity to correct or address any problematic issues from past releases. But I am also a proponent of the fact that these new diecasts are often done better or in a more personally pleasing color choice. I think that may be the case for me on this one. For me, this is my forty Ford wagon, the way I would have rendered the model. In fact, were I to be in the market for a 1:1, this would definitely be the choice for me. TP 12/16/2008