[Sticky] Lost Reviews - Franklin Mint & Danbury Mint

@perrone1 I love this model...

Posted by: @diecast1-24cars

@perrone1 I love this model...

Thanks Greg!

Franklin Mint 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe Ltd Ed-2500  E415

Franklin’s replication of the classic Mercedes-Benz Gullwing dates back to 1987. Issued in period-perfect Mercedes Silver it was a grand image of the 1954 car, if not the most compelling feature-rich precision model we’ve grown to expect from them today. It did set the tone for future classic Benz beauties and we subsequently saw race versions, an awesome 1960 roadster iteration and some repaints thereof. But this is no mere repaint; I’d term it an upgrade. If you did not find a pristine FM ’54 Gullwing in its prime, do not blow your chance now. The model is positively knock-out!

In a high gloss black, the ‘Great Gullwing’ drips with class. FM did a magnificent job with the paint. Retaining the Tartan Plaid interior, the flip-up winged coupe has never looked more elegant. The factory luggage, behind the seats, is done in beige. The passenger’s compartment is nicely done, even for today. The wheel cover centers are matching body color and the tire problems of the older issue are evidently fixed. Some had a tendency, over time, to develop flat spots. The hood, trunk lid and doors all stay opened well. The hinge assemblies on the gullwings work flawlessly and hold their alignment with no gapping discrepancies at all.

The engine does not need to be overly bogged down in frills, the real one wasn’t; but the replication is well carried out. The best news with this re-issue comes in the way of exquisitely done scripts. Chrome metal-foiled, the front emblem, rear, “300 SL” and side, “Mercedes Benz” badging's are scaled to perfection and look miles better than the previous tampo-print decals. The side scripts are new.

I have always been fond of the FM Benz issues and the silver paint is inextricably linked to the marque, but, WOW does this black paint dramatically flaunt the classic shape and styling of the ahead-of-its-time car. Issue price is $120. TP 02/13/2007

@perrone1

Tony your persuasive pen has gotten to me yet again. After reading your re-discovered "lost review" of the 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe Station Wagon, I had to break my piggy bank and finally add this treasure to my collection, and it cost me pretty penny. Today's secondary market has gotten brutally expensive, I really miss the D4C auction site of yester year were bidding was more sane. Anyway keep those lost reviews coming, your masterful touch in reviewing tweaks my imagination and has more than once lead me to be bitten by the "buy it" bug.   

Posted by: @machouse1

@perrone1

Tony your persuasive pen has gotten to me yet again. After reading your re-discovered "lost review" of the 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe Station Wagon, I had to break my piggy bank and finally add this treasure to my collection, and it cost me pretty penny. Today's secondary market has gotten brutally expensive, I really miss the D4C auction site of yester year were bidding was more sane. Anyway keep those lost reviews coming, your masterful touch in reviewing tweaks my imagination and has more than once lead me to be bitten by the "buy it" bug.   

LOL!  Sorry - I guess!?!  Thanks for the kind words; really appreciated.

Danbury Mint 1934 Ford 3 Window Coupe- "California Kid" – 1512

This is another one of Danbury Mint’s ‘movie car’ models in precision diecast. I was enthralled to see the “Christine” Plymouth Fury debut but loving hot rods the way I do, I could not wait to see “The California Kid”. The Kid gets its stardom from a 1974 made-for-TV movie starring Martin Sheen. In the story line, Michael McCord’s (Martin Sheen) brother is killed at the hands of a small town law enforcement officer, Sheriff Roy Childress (Vic Morrow). Set in 1958 in the town of Clarksburg, speeders get forced off mountain roads in his jurisdiction. A cool car was needed for the part so that McCord had what it took to avenge his brother’s death. The producers saw Pete Chapouris’s ’34 three-window coupe, made in the mid 70’s, and fell instantly in love with it. Much the same way I did when unboxing this little lovely 1:24th.

Danbury’s project engineer knew what they wanted in the model yet knew the existing car was modified over the years. An electric antenna was placed between the trunk and rear roof line and A/C was added. These weren’t on the screen car so DM kept it true to the plotline for a mid-fifties hot rod. Immediately grabbing your attention, when viewing the replica in real life, is the paintjob. Jet black, it is as shiny as a wet pearl. Sculpted by a four-alarm blaze, the flames run three quarters of the Ford’s length. They are gorgeous, classic and old-school; yellow edged with orange but outlined in white pinstriping. In fact, the pinstripes start off engulfing and highlighting the forward louvers amply covering the hood sides and top. They also outline the Ford’s mid section and wrap around the tail end. “The California Kid” is announced on either door.

Danbury was faithful to this build and portrays the low-slung rod with grace and muscle. They rendered the period-correct wheels in just the right color. They used those super-cool blue dot tail lights, nerf bar bumpers and chrome goodies throughout the chassis assembly. You simply have to check out the exhaust pipe treatment; it is as radical now as it was back then. The suspension bars and coil springs are totally realistic. The grille is photo-etched metal and the trunk lid (open from the rear) exhibits photo-etched latch mechanism and a genuine leather trunk liner. The interior is fantastic. DM supplies a new tool to aid in opening the doors to take a close look. The windows, like the real ‘34’s, do not go all the way down. Nice touch DM. Take your time in looking around, the views are rewarding. Oh, and the doors snap shut.

The engine bay is beyond belief. You’ve got to see the throttle return spring live and in person. The headers are period-cool and the wiring, hoses and air cleaner help sell the miniature illusion of reality. The car takes the movie license plate, California JDV 607. The stance is, “in-the-weeds” and thoroughly ‘bad’ looking, for then or now, and the quality of build has never been better. After the “Ala Kart”, “Christine” and others, what could possibly next in the movie car line-up? I’m thinking of one in particular, a hot rod too, but dare I say it and jinx it? Not on your life. For now, there’s a new kid in town and I’m loving it!

This is a limited numbered edition model ending production on 12/31/07 so make arrangements now to get yours.          TP 03/29/2007

Note: This following review may, effectively, cover two models. Both Danbury Mint, both 1948 Chrysler New Yorkers. The first, our car list # 1413, in Champion Blue and the second #DM1643 in Sumac Red.  The blue car was first issued 09/23/2005. The follow-up diecast came out 10/20/2010. Aside from the color change, the review is the same for both replicas.

Danbury Mint 1948 Chrysler New Yorker

Do you remember where you were when Danbury debuted their 1948 Chrysler Town & Country in 1994? It was such a monumental effort, especially for its time, that I can still think of it in terms of where I was and what I was doing when I first saw the replica in DM’s brochure. This is such a model. Remember the day as you view the car for the first time. It is extraordinary. In the same echelon as the 1948 Buick Roadmaster, this car has a commanding presence to it, both in real life and in the scale form of the modeler’s master craftsmanship.

Set off elegantly in Champion Blue, the New Yorker features an exquisite Highlander Plaid interior. Topping the model off is your choice of either a matching down-top boot in deep red, a maroon based shade rich in burgundy and regal brown tones, that offsets the red plaid vinyl seat patterning. The up-top is done in a tan Stayfast® fabric material as realistic as the one made by the original’s Haartz® Fabric Manufacturers. There are far too many and diverse differences between DM’s New Yorker and their ’48 Town & Country to chronicle. Suffice it to say that they not only did their homework on this diecast, as they usually do, but they did it in spades! Everywhere you look, there is a nuance or two change to justify me calling this a new tooling. I’m sorry, I just can’t bring myself to proclaim this a retool, it is deserving of so much more.

Where the styling of the long flowing front fenders was lost on the T&C due to its attractive genuine woodwork adorning the sides of the car, it appears as if in an Oscar award winning screen play on the New Yorker. Then, as if not enough, the rear fenders are mounted to the body over a photo-etched metal shim assembly only DM would have thought to duplicate. Check it out in the photos, it’s apparent. Photo-etch metal is also seen in delicately fashioned wipers. There are three up-top locating studs on the windshield top frame that are tiny metal pins too. DM added chrome foil hood scripts, in this case, “Chrysler New Yorker” in miniature. The doors remain on fantastic hinging pieces that allow them to operate as the real ones do, pivoting inward at the front. While we’re at it, let’s look more closely at the interior. The radio reads, “Chrysler” and “Highlander” and you can see the radio dial in the middle of the band scale as well as being able to read the clock; it’s 2:00 in diecast world. Yes, the same on the T&C. You will see the dual heating units under the dash, those gold Comfort Master™ units that Chrysler used in real life. Check out the column mounted shifter end knob; it’s crystal clear. The sun visors now flip up and down. The New Yorker has twin spotlights and twin outside rearview mirrors.

Wait until you lift the trunk lid and examine the hinges. Oh boy, this is new and exciting! Small, dual inboard hinge arms open and function with two genuine steel springs and they are located just above the spare tire and jacking tools. By the way, I like the way that DM has fabricated the rear license plate. Instead of the standard black letters on white and vice versa, the tag field is interior-matching maroon with white letters. Cool. Take the down-top boot off, you’ll think it was part of the model, it fits so well, and replace it with the fabric up-top. It fits equally as precise.  It lends a totally different ‘look’ to the piece. There are separate metal buttons, a rear welt line and inside detailing. The engine has been revised and fully updated over the T&C model and is on par with any of today’s tech engine bays. I note one infinitesimal addition in particular that goes above and beyond the call of detail duty and trust me on this, it is not readily apparent to the naked eye, but under a 5x loupe, the fog lamps, at the tops of their chrome housings, exhibit a fine print. They say, “MoPar”! What a treat. Classic cars never looked as good in scale form as this blue beauty. This can make a post war car collection come alive in the blink of an eye. Don’t you owe it to yourself to let this model bring a smile to your face? I think you do.

If DM gave this model working suspension and lights and a horn that toots, I’d rate the effort an 11 on the Thrillometer scale of 10. Without that, I can only justify a 9.95, my highest ranking to date!

TP 07/02/2005

Champion Blue:

Sumac Red:

Danbury Mint 1948 Chrysler New Yorker-

Great review...I prefer these over the T&C.

@perrone1 This is one of my favorites DM Customs.  I have them all, but this one just stands out.

Nice comments guys; thanks John B and John N!!

Danbury Mint 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible – 1493

Elegant car, elegant choice for a diecast. I am once again amazed at the eclectic offerings coming from Connecticut lately. The Cadillac crowd has to be cheering for this selection. The fifties-Cadillac crowd must be positively ecstatic! Gee, I am and I am not a big 50’s Caddy fan. You know, come to think of it, as I look this model over, I suppose I am dead wrong; I am a fan, I really am. The big Biarritz boat translates large into 1:24^th scale replica form. With a 1:1 wheelbase of 129.5 inches and stretched out a leisurely 221.2 inches in overall length, the car weighed a hefty 4800 plus pounds. Guess you could call that a yacht! The car changed its appearance in 1957 over the previous year’s slightly less radical styling endeavor. The rear quarter haunches sloped downward into the now commonly-coined terminology, “chipmunk cheek” fenders and the poke-your-eye-out shark fins were moved inboard for a jet-propelled look. This was Cadillac, out-of-the-box styling for the day, at its finest.

And once more, Danbury stuck the shape contours, overall style and stance and the faithful look of the classic automobile in perfect scale commitment. They sprayed it, equally as elegant as the car itself, in a Dusty Rose metallic that helps define and delineate the exquisite lines, curves and slopes of the body. Let’s face it; if you were to be seen driving this, “Hey, look at me” behemoth, you might as well be clothed in the appropriate color selection. Opt out the interior in black and white, roll on the fat whitewalls on Sabre Spoke wheels, drop the sails of the rag top and hoist the three-piece hard boot and you were stylin’ and smilin’ up a sea-storm. DM applied the paint as if it was liquid glass. It shines through a nautical mile of gloss. The pieces all fit gaplessly and tight. The doors open, inward in front, mimicking the real doors, on internal hinging. There is a working striker plate on the door jamb and a sprung steel pin in the door to align and hold the doors fast. The trunk is mounted to the body shell on realistically scaled and formed hinges and once again we find those incredibly crafted scissors springs under the hood that work like the miniature marvels they really are. Within the confines of each of these panels is yet more marvelous stuff.

First, though, let’s peer under the big beast itself. Be sure to catch the working suspension. Up front the entire cradle arm moves; not just the individual wheel on a spring. In the back, the suspension moves on operational leaf springs and working shocks. Don’t miss the DM’s handling of metal transmission lines, emergency brake cabling and tiny genuine springs to assimilate the real deal. The on your way up and back to the trunk check out the small opening gas filler door. Push in at the top of it to gain access. Within is the flawlessly defined gas cap. Be careful not to touch the delicate gold “Eldorado” block letters on the trunk lid as you open the cavernous storage area. You will note the replication of the trunk lid latching mechanism inside and just above the license plate. Even that little sucker, the plate frame, is detailed to the hilt, but I digress. It is easy to with this model; there are details everywhere! Where was I? Oh, yeah, the trunk, the trunk, the trunk. Sorry, there’s a big time echo in this massive compartment. The spare is removable and shows the same attention to detail as the other mounted wheels. Held up to a light source, you can see through the spokes. You may also see the perfectly drilled five mounting holes. The jack and tire iron are mounted on the ledge next to the spare. Looking beyond to the passenger’s compartment you will see the simulated fabric of the top well. Without the top or hard boot in place, Danbury replicated a fabric-lined piece of material to yield a realistic ‘feel’ to the top storage compartment. Both the three-piece boot and fabric-covered ‘up top’ fit faultlessly in place. Inside the ‘up top’ is yet more detailing. Chrome trim pieces help in the realism and with the connection detailing when the top is erected in place.

The interior contains a plethora of refinement for the passengers. Six-way power seats, a perfect little fold-out arm rest between the front seats. Folding visors, with mirror on the passenger’s side, perfectly formed button controls, gauges, door handles and cranks and delicately etched “Cadillac” scripts on the door sills. For me though, the icing on each of my Danbury Mint cup cakes lies in the engine bay. I suspect the same for a lot of ‘car guys and ladies’. Here, DM goes to town with detail in a big way. No disappointments with this big Biarritz, fellas and gals. The motor bay rocks! Start off by feeling the simulated under-hood insulation. Cool. Then stare at the big 325 horse Clydesdale V-8. Pretty as a picture, it’s painted, wired, plumbed and battery-cabled to reality. And did I mention those exquisite scissors springs? Oh, yeah, sorry. I just cannot praise DM’s detail excellence enough. I like the car displayed with the top up but can see where a large number of folks might like the boot to be in place. After all, there’s more to see and be seen in that way.

Given this model maker’s proclivity for releasing diecasts that lend themselves to variants of the original issue, can we foresee a Seville hardtop in our future? If history repeats itself and this model sells well enough, it could be possible; and this model WILL sell well, it is that good. TP 10/07/2006

Note; This model is one of those I wrote the brochure ad copy for:

Danbury Mint 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible – Brochure Advertisement 

The 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible.

1957 Opulence, Sophistication and Beauty - Rolled into One Fantastic Package.

In the fifties, Cadillac styled their automobiles to resemble, in some ways, advanced aircraft of the day. Case in point, the fins seen on the early to mid-fifties Cadillac Eldorados looked like the tail sections of certain WW-II airplanes. But that changed for the Eldorado of 1955. Sparked, perhaps, by the warm reception given to the radically restyled “shark” fins first seen on the tail section of the Cadillac “La Espada” show car of 1954 vintage, GM stylists added the astonishing design element to the Eldorado, exclusively, while the balance of Cadillac’s lineup kept the aforementioned aircraft-inspired fins. In 1956 Cadillac added another aircraft styling cue to the lineup, a so-called, “jet tube” bulge running down the length of the rear fender panel. But the Eldorado kept its distinctive shark fin treatment. Cadillac added the name “Biarritz” to the 1956 Eldorado convertible to distinguish it separately from the Seville, which was offered in coupe form. Somewhat apropos, the shark-finned styling also shares the sea connection with the town of the same name. Biarritz is in Labourd, a French Basque province near Spain. Originally a whaling community, Biarritz made its preliminary living from the sea before becoming the elite stopping-off point for the rich, wealthy and affluent jet-set of eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

For the model year of 1957, the Eldorado Biarritz never looked better. While Eldorado’s new and mostly hand built 400 Brougham hardtop sedans joined the lineup and sprouted similar shark fins, the Biarritz convertible model featured a brand new rear fender and trunk deck treatment commonly referred to as “chipmunk cheeks”. Cadillac forever and definitively defined its place in automotive styling history with the Biarritz convertible by creating such an elegant and smoothly designed lady with her alluring and angular shapes, curves and angles that few automotive styling exercises have come close to approaching it to this day. Its fins were moved from the body side perimeters to a more inboard position rendering an all-new and fast-forward look to the already classic car. The car’s styling elegance was not immune from mechanical improvement. Twin carburetion added another 25 horsepower to the big Eldorado V8 boosting the rating to 325 over the standard 300 horsepower for other Cadillac models. Propelling such a large and opulent vehicle (over 4800+ pounds) required this sort of motivational inspiration.

There were only 1800 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible models made in 1957. They rode on a wheelbase of 129.5 inches and stretched out a leisurely 221.2 inches in overall length. The Eldorado was identifiable by its block gold letters set just above the traditional gold V on the trunk lid, gold ID script, “Biarritz” on either front fender and further identified by the new twin sail fins perched high atop the front fenders. The highly popular “Sabre Spoke” wheels carried forward from 1956. The standard Hydra-Matic transmission and 3.07:1 rear axle ratio were suitably applied for a silky-smooth ride and a rather impressive, for its time, 115 mph top speed. Achieving a range of between 12 and 18 mpg with twin carburetion was likewise impressive. The elegant lifestyle afforded by the Biarritz was made even more pleasant by an array of optional equipment that included, “E-Z-Eye” tinted glass, a new air condition and heating system, 6-way power seats, Autronic-Eye and a remote controlled trunk lid latching system. More mundane touches could be added too, such as whitewall tires, rubber bumper tips, “Dor-Guards” seat belts and rear passenger radio controls.

You did not need to be wealthy to buy a Biarritz but it provided a wealth of enjoyment, opulence, sophistication and beauty.  TFP 10/06/2006

Danbury Mint 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Seville 1523

I was initially prepared to greet this follow up issue to Danbury’s spectacular 1957 Eldorado Biarritz as little more than a mainstream release. After all, the best representation of the ’57 Caddy was surely the one already done, right? I had also heard that the Seville was to be some mundane shade of blue with a blue vinyl roof. Oh well, I guess the mid-fifties Caddy with all the pizzazz, the sexy Dust Rose drop top, would never have an equal. So here comes Bobby Blue Boring on wheels. But then I opened the magic styrofoam box and experienced an epiphany. Hello Mr. Blue! First off, Bahama Blue Poly is specific to Eldorado, Biarritz and Seville only. DM handled the metallic scaling in a perfectly demure miniature process. The vinyl roof on a 1:1 car of this color was generally seen in white; rarely in blue.

The two-toned blue effect on this car model is clearly outstanding; the choice, a stroke of genius. It has every bit of exceptional build quality of the Biarritz but has been dignified with enough changes to keep the new addition to DM’s exquisite line of Caddies as fresh as a Nassau breeze. DM opted to go with the standard engine version, the single carb V-8, pushing out 300 horses instead of their Biarritz’s optional 325 horse multi-carb rendition. As a result the look of the engine bay is wholly different. But do not read that to be ho-hum; the standard DM-attention to detail is anything but standard. They revolutionized the use of genuinely sprung hood hinge pieces that work like the real McCoy’s. I still gasp in amazement at the Eldo’s working hinges. They move accurately up and back as you raise the hood, all the while keeping alignment true.

And the engine detail, as always, is second to none. From the under-hood insulation package to the detailed wiring, fuel lines and hoses to the downward flow of detail in brake lines and sprung emergency cabling, they could not have added more. That is, unless you count the awe-inspiring working suspension. The articulation is subtle. It holds the model’s hefty stance right where it needs to be yet has the right amount of realistic ‘give’. And again, DM treats the front sub-suspension as the actual car; the wheels and cradle arms move in unison. The rear features functional leaf springs and shocks. Oh, and please don’t get me started on the gold metal scripts. Some folks denounce the fragile nature of the scripts and letters. To me, this added realism is essential to the miniaturization procedure. The models are our ‘toys’ but they are not toys! I love them!

The trunk is great. It utilizes the same under-lid insulation materials as the hood, has a removable spare and shows off the jacking tools and latching mechanism. The interior is, perhaps, the model’s best feature. Note, prior to inspection, the chrome trim-surrounds that Danbury built into the upper window/roofline. It also encompasses the rear window and separates the vinyl roof from the bodyline. The new-tech hinges allow the door to open wide and reveal the great inside. You see the same attention to detail in the photo-etched metal door sills, door lock buttons and seat sculpting. The visors work and the floor pedals are authentic. The front arm rest folds down but this time, so does the rear arm rest. The seats fold forward, at an inward manner just like the real car! The door paneling, hardware, opening fuel filler door and metal trim is like the Biarritz’s; superb.

DM took obvious pains in creating a running mate for the open air Eldo. The two are complimentary of each other and neither outshines nor diminishes its sibling. These were wonderful cars back in the fifties and I am grateful to have them once again, thanks to DM, if only in perfect scale form.

TP 06/20/2007

Danbury Mint 1931 Ford Model A Phaeton – 1455

What class acts; the car, this model of it and the DM design team that conspired to bring us multiple versions of some of our favorite automotive subjects. For many of us, the Model A has long been an admired automobile. It was strong and handsome and diverse in its various forms of model availability, especially for its day. DM has previously given us the ’31 Ford Model A Roadster, the awesome Deluxe Coupe, the Model A Woody Station Wagon and a myriad of Model A work trucks. But this Phaeton brought more than a modicum of class and, dare I say, opulence, to the Great Depression Era that was 1931. Certainly, it was not in the same upper strata of a Duesenberg or Auburn or even Packard of the time, but for a much more affordable price tag, it gave a nice measure of elegance to its proud owner.

The Danbury boys went out of their way to give a new and refreshing look to the Model A with grand detail, added extra touches and with a consummate, professional diecast replica build. Initially, as I examined the model for the first time, I could not look past the finish. A magnificent and stately color choice, the dark blue body paint over glossy black fenders is rich and deeply applied. The exquisitely scaled and detailed wire wheels in flat black are at once, purposeful and timeless. But the incredibly fine gold striping pulls the whole ‘look’ together with unexpected grace and style. The stripes start off simply on the leading side edge of the upper hood and run rearward to the body cowling. Once there, they split into dual stripes as they flow across the doors and once again merge into a single entity as they encircle the rear portion of the body. There are lots of textures here to savor and enjoy. You will find them on the down-top boot, the up-top, the seats, running boards and even the spare tire cover and luggage rack. I will get into these specifically as we look at the model.

Unlike the first DM Model A issues, the little four lung power-maker on this model comes complete with a full compliment of detailing. Opening the hood half of the passenger’s side shows off fuel lines and electrical wiring. Crack open the driver’s side, careful to avoid contact with the small cowl-mounted running lights or the ‘Flying Quail’ radiator mascot, and you will get a peek at the copper wiring atop the engine. Don’t miss the external wiring for the headlights and horn. The windshield folds forward and the wind wings are movable as well. For the very best view of the interior, and you are going to want to see this, have the top off, and all doors open. First, notice the amazing little leather tether straps used to prevent the doors from opening too wide. That would just be a shame because the external hinges are a minor masterpiece. They are small and scaled faultlessly and yet allow the doors to fit precisely and even snap into position when closed. The texture-feel of the seating is remarkably well engineered. The balance of the interior is austere but just as Ford made it to be. DM got the dash, flooring, pedals and shifter and emergency brake and the steering wheel right. When mounted, the down-top boot, in tan, offers a nice contrast in color. It seems to brighten up the day as would a convertible ride of the era. The texture of this piece, too, feels realistic.

The up-top is a marvel in its own right. Again, the texture-feel of it is something special but it is formed with multiple layers of materials. The frame is a separate unit from the top itself and the internal view is as real as the external one. Once in place, it may not afford the same good look at the interior that the down-top boot does but you get a better view of the rear-mounted spare. That’s a good thing in this case since we find yet another texture piece due to the materials of build that DM uses. There is a very authentic looking spare cover, made from a rubber-like material that works so well. If feels like it was stretched over the tire by 1:24^th scale human hands. For a better angle of view, fold the luggage carrier down. Note, too, that the inner side makes use of photo-etch metal while the outer side, that the rest of the world sees, is wood grain-lined and chrome plated. Finishing up this texture thing are the running boards. Run your fingers down the ‘step-up’ tread section. Cool. Feels real to me.

There is a certain procedure that you must follow to erect and remove the up-top; be careful to do it in sequence. I, personally, like the way the model looks with the top up but either way is a sure winner. An A+ goes to the design team for coming up with the idea of this Phaeton and for pulling off its ultimate fabrication so thoroughly. The Thrillometer ranking of the little jewel is a well-earned 9.99!

My score does not reflect the honor the DM team bestowed upon me by presenting me with the #1 issue of this model. I was overwhelmed and could barely thank them all enough. My beloved ‘DM Boyz’!  TP 11/22/2005

Danbury Mint 1931 Ford Model A Woody Station Wagon 1407

Sta.tion wag.on (noun): An automobile with an extended area behind the rear seats that provides extra seating or carrying capacity, usually with a tailgate. Wood.y wag.on (noun): A wood-paneled station wagon. Encarta Dictionary: English (North America). Dan.bury Mint (Proper noun): Precision diecast maker par excellance.

Mix liberally and we have another diverse automotive model hit on our hot little 1:24^th hands. I like station wagons, I like woody wagons; but I am in love with this woody station wagon. DM’s Chrysler’s and Mercury wood-sided beauties are among my favorite models. But I also have and cherish their 1930’s Ford models. This is a perfect conglomeration for a nostalgic look back at early wood-sided vehicles. A precursor of other, later woody’s to follow, hopefully.

DM dazzles us with features and functionality with this entrée. The feature-rich detailing on the model includes new wire wheel manufacture. Much thinner wire wheel spokes approximate perfect scaling. This is even an improvement over their incredible 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Coupe that set a new standard in wire wheels for early ‘30’s cars. The genuine wood inlay is so finely detailed that it appears in perfect scale between the metal stanchions and crossbeams of the body sides. Engine detailing stays right up to today’s standards even though the little four-banger is eight decades into hauling people and possessions. The tan and black paint is DM-usual flawless, smooth, bright and shiny. The top is hard plastic simulating fabric without the anxiety of separation. 

Functionality-wise the front doors open normally and the rear doors open in suicide fashion showing off the cavernous space inside. The front seat bottom lifts out, large tweezers-tool provided, revealing the tool box beneath. You have the option of arranging two separate seats and a bench seat in the remaining space in back. The tailgate folds down and is held in place by vinyl-covered chains. Now for a really cool addition; this vehicle comes with 1931 Ford station wagon side curtains. There are three side curtains for either side and a seventh one for the rear opening. There are four tiny spuds that engage each of the vinyl curtains via small holes in the material, holding them snugly in place. The center of each is clear and provides the necessary visibility. Oh, the windshield opens forward like the original Model A too.

Placed with other woody vehicles, this model shines. Displayed with other ‘30’s pieces, it stands out. DM continues to build diversity in subject and excellence in manufacture. This one rates a 9.85 on my old Thrillometer. The issue price is $115 plus S&H.  TP 04/07/2005