[Sticky] Lost Reviews - Franklin Mint & Danbury Mint

Posted by: @geoff-jowett

just missed one a couple of days ago. I'll get the next one!!

Fingers crossed for you - good luck!

Danbury Mint 1967 Corvette Convertible - 1513

As the younger generation says, or maybe now, used to say, I am stoked! This model pushes every ‘Corvette’ button I was born with. Yeah, I know it’s a genetic predisposition; I was hatched with the plastic Chevrolet gene. But before I get into the multitude of attributes of DM’s latest heartthrob, let me get all of its negativity out of the way; what infinitesimal amount of it there is. It has the older door hinges; there, I said it, don’t fret over it, it certainly is no diversion. What you have, however, is Danbury’s recreation of Corvette-lovers favorite mid-year model, the ’67 big block roadster.

The last year of the so-called “Sting Ray body style”, ranging from inception in 1963 through this model year 1967, it typified what sports cars purists of the era wanted and expected of Chevy’s plastic fantastic. The ’68 Coke-bottle shaped “Shark-bodied” replacement, so named from the Mako concept’s body styling, was radical enough to put off car enthusiasts back then, much the same way as a new styling effort today does. Keeping with this particular marque, Corvette tifosi shunned the C5 when it supplanted the C4. And never so more did the current C6 raise vitriolic howls of bitterness when the critics dumped on its lack of pop-up headlights, Viper-esque front end and the shortness of its rear haunches. But with age and familiarity comes acceptance; yet the ’67 remains more popular now than ever before.

Danbury opted for a rare color combo. Just how rare is it? Hard to say. Records weren’t kept as thoroughly and accurately, back then, as they are today. Rally Red, RPO order code #974, accounted for 2341 cars so painted out of the total unit count that year of 27,720 Corvettes, coupe and convertible. But no accurate records indicate just how many #974 cars had white interiors. Far less, it is commonly accepted, had the white convertible top and the white stinger hood. And how many 427/435 horse tri-power-motored Rally Red cars were made? Actually, I guess, it does not matter; DM has plenty, buy however many you desire.

Here’s just a part of the good stuff offered on this gorgeous little number. DM optioned it out with the side mount exhaust. Love it. They outfitted it with Rally Wheels and chrome trim rings, Redline 7.75 x 15 tires and four-speed manual tranny. The wheels, especially, look terrific as you ‘park’ this roadster next to DM’s 1967 Corvette coupe, in yellow. The aluminum wheels look great on that version but the rally wheels look better on the drop top. Underneath you still find actuating suspension, great detailing on the transmission tunnel heat shielding, terrific little spring assembly-laden emergency brake cabling and an opening spare carrier with removable spare.

The topside details include an operational gas tank filler lid, scaled antenna, chrome metal foiled scripts and metal badgings and the ever-present Danbury-perfect paint and paint finish. You may open the tonneau cover to view the simulated down top, flip the white seats forward to see the good fabrication of the seatbelt ends and take in the great detail of dash, gauges, console and shifter and delicate door handles and window cranks. The corresponding white sunvisors lift up. Fold them down slightly to attach the up top. That pleasant little surprise comes with internal detailing and correct outside tag that NCRS judges gig the owner for if missing. Love the little welt line on the top rear too.

Danbury’s engine compartments continue to amaze. The oil filler cap on the passenger’s side valve cover and the motor’s wire looms really sell the concept of accurate miniaturization. The fuel lines and throttle linkage are exceptional. So is the new idea of wiring the alternator and adding brake line detail and the metal hold-downs for the brake master cylinder reservoir cover.  DM has been labeling hoses accurately and continues to use excellent stickers that can actually be read. And I still love the telescoping prop rod for holding the hood open. DM has made a monumental effort on a milestone car and as either a muscle car fan, Corvette-a-phile or just a collector who admires great craftsmanship in modeling, this is truly an absolute must-have!!!  TP 04/30/2007

Danbury Mint 1969 Corvette 40^th Ann Ed –DM1599

In the finest tradition of replicating Corvettes, the Danbury boys, in my opinion, have just upped the ante substantially with the release of this sixty-nine masterpiece. I have always held their 1968 Corvette convertible in high esteem since its high-tech debut in 2000. The fine features and DM-endowed option appointments made it one of my all time favorites, even to today. Then came their 1965 Corvette, also in roadster configuration, and it, too, rocked my diecast automobile world. It was released in 2003 and achieved a portion of its success due to the color choice, Milano Maroon, as well as the great option package it replicated. So what a grand pick for this sixty-nine 40^th anniversary model, a color on the same order, Burgundy Metallic.

In the interim, DM gave us four Corvettes in 1969 vintage. The first, in 2004, came to us as a convertible wearing a Monza Red coat and draped with outside exhaust pipes. Then came two coupe versions dressed in highly rare ZL-1 configuration. Lastly, we were treated to a famous race-liveried drop top, the Owens-Corning Corvette. This time around we are blessed with a four-speed, L71, 427/435 big block with trips! The same level of high-tech art, as the ’68 and ’65 machines and the previous ’69, is found here. In fact, it was the red ’69 that premiered chrome metal-foiled scripts and block lettering. It also sprouted the thinly scaled antenna and chrome side vent moldings. Also replicated on the 40^th anniversary model are those to-die-for aluminum wheels but this time shod in period whitewalls but sans outside exhausts. Even the rear-exiting pipes are correctly surrounded in chrome trim.

The interior is masterful. It features genuine leather seating with headrests, folding visors and perfect detailing on dash, console and floor. Fold either seat forward and elevate the hard deck and you will see the simulated down top and three opening bins. One was for the battery, one for storage and one for tire tools. Speaking of which, turn the model over and you have access to the removable spare tire. The gas filler door opens and the headlights pop up with the help of a button in the lower air vent on the driver’s side.

The hood is propped up with the aid of a telescoping rod and you may just want to leave it that way. It affords a marvelous view of the beast within. The 427 is outfitted with scaled stickers, wiring, plumbing and realistic paint in accurate shades. Even the air vents between the hood and windshield and repeated again on the rear deck have been ‘black washed’ to simulate reality. The suspension has the right amount of ‘give’ and the stance of the Vette is on a perfect par with the 1:1.

It seems that in each case of issuing anniversary models DM steps up their game. Well, this is one great example to prove my case; color, options choice and dedication to perfection are all contained here in one lovable little package.  TP 09/09/2009

Danbury Mint 1968 Corvette 40^th Anniversary Edition – 1556

Corvette styling took a dramatic turn in 1968 when it gave up the glory that was 1963 through 1967. Those five short years garnered more love and devotion to the Sting Ray body style than anyone could then imagine. But the sixty eight departure, based on the concept Mako Shark, received new followers and old converts alike, in short order. The so-called shark-year’s took over the glory from the mid-year Corvettes. DM captured the ’68 styling and burst onto the Corvette diecast ranks like a bull in a china shop. Prior 1:24^th precision ’68 Vette models were lacking in the sophistication of detailing that their British Green replica sprouted for the world to behold. With black genuine leather interior and a tan top, the rendering was awesome; still is!

So if, for the car’s 40^th anniversary in 2008, you would pick a replacement color combo, what would it be? With 4779 full scale units made for sixty eight, British Green was the most popular car color for the Corvette. It barely beat out Lemans Blue at 4722 units. So what was the color least made? At only 708, Tuxedo Black accounted for the rarest of all colors that year. Seven interior colors were available for the black exterior car. How many were red, no one knows, records were not kept for that. But with a black top and matching Redline tires, oh Bubba, gimme dat car!!

To me, this is a perfect choice for a repaint, reissue, whatever you want to call it. I treasure the original model but LOVE the re-color choice. Keep in mind; this is a first-line tech model. Inner-hinge doors, working suspension, operating headlamp pods, opening tonneau deck and removable spare tire diecast. Additionally, DM built into the model a working fuel filler door and working hood prop rod. And, oh my, the detail on that magnanimous engine – all four hundred twenty seven cubic inches worth of it. DM snaked plug wires, emission hoses and lines all through this beastie!

The overall look of this model is spectacular. The paint finish on my example, hand delivered to me by one of the DM boys hisself, is to cry over. I could shave in it but why would I? I’d much rather take the time to look at it, love it and write about it. Corvette at it’s finest; DM at their best – can it get any better than this? Stay tuned and see…………….

TP 07/06/2008

@perrone1 Me three.

3 beautiful Corvettes, thanks Tony. The red/white color combo works so well on the 67.

@perrone1 Love the Black 68 Corvette.  Do not remember seeing this one.

Thanks for the comments fellas! John the listing shows:

Have all three Corvettes. The wheel covers on the 69 are rare as hens teeth. I think of George Schire and his dislike of Corvettes and his lament of there being no more FM or DM models. Clearly some of the best models offered by the two mints were Corvettes as your writeups and pictures attest

Posted by: @bob-jackman

Have all three Corvettes. The wheel covers on the 69 are rare as hens teeth. I think of George Schire and his dislike of Corvettes and his lament of there being no more FM or DM models. Clearly some of the best models offered by the two mints were Corvettes as your writeups and pictures attest

Totally agree Bob. I love those wheel covers too!

Danbury Mint 1969 Corvette ZL-1…1376

Talk about rare Corvettes. In 1969 Chevrolet Engineering built an all aluminum big block 427 utilizing the aluminum heads from their L89 427 introduced in 1967. Advertised at 430 horsepower, the ZL-1 coded option added over $4,ooo to the cost of the car. These engines were underrated purposely to keep them off the streets and out of the hands of unskilled drivers. They produced over 525 horsepower in reality but with open exhaust systems and in racing trim, as intended, Chevy now says they produced more in the way of 560 to 585 stout, stomping ponies! No wonder at the cost of the option and supposedly producing less power than the cheaper L71, Chevrolet only sold two such cars. Both are coupes. A white with black center stripe version is currently in the Kevin Suydam Collection. The car modeled here by Danbury is owned by Roger Judski of Roger’s Corvettes in Maitland, Florida.

This ZL-1 is the third C3 from Danbury’s growing stable of Corvettes. They first introduced the British Green 1968 convertible in 2000 and followed up with the Cortez Silver 1970 coupe in August of this year. We currently await the limited edition red 1969 convertible that will make four third generation Vettes.

Once again, the Danbury boys have paid attention to accurate detailing on this little yellow monster. Since this is a verifiably historical automobile, accuracy was a must. The paint is gorgeous; richly applied, even and smooth. The black striping constitutes a broad band reaching across the nose of the car, then tapering to a point as it turns and dramatically races rearward. It is outlined by a thin pinstripe that intersects the front photo-etched crossed flags insignia and DM nailed it. The Stingray emblems and ‘Corvette’ script on the rear valance are chrome-foiled. The crossed flag emblem on the working gas filler lid on the rear deck is also photo-etched metal matching the front emblem. Underneath, below the driver’s side grill intake is a small button that DM designed to ease the opening of the headlamps. A pen is ideal for this purpose. Push it slightly and you will open the hidden lights. They are highly realistic. While there, be sure to take in all that the chassis has to offer. The suspension, not unlike their 1970 coupe, works remarkably well. In front, the upper and lower cradle arms move together and the springs compress and steering linkage and tie rods move in harmony. The rear independent suspension moves just like the real car. The leaf springs, coil springs and even the shocks work in unison. Take note of the exhaust system. The pipes turn and curve as they leave the headers and exit on the side shrouded by the separately fabricated chromed anti-burn shielding. The spare tire holder opens to release the spare. The parking lights, tail lights and side markers are all plastic rather than ‘paint-ons’ and yield a realistic look. Air vents, fore of the windshield and aft of the rear snap-out backlight, are treated to a black wash that adds depth and dimension.

The interior is a grand place to spend some time. Made available via doors that open sans dog legs, the fine detail of the window cranks, door pulls and dash details will amaze the most critical collector among us. The dash gauges and console highlights are wonderfully done, as is the leather seats and fabric belts. Flip a seat forward and you can see the three opening storage compartments. The battery may be seen residing in the compartment behind the driver, the jack in the bin behind the passenger’s seat and the center for gas money and speeding tickets. The T-top panels fit precisely thanks to two locating pins on each. Of course the show stopper is below the domed hood, marked so conspicuously with, “427” on either side. Notice the air intake seal on the underneath side of the hood and the working suspension rod that holds the hood open. Every conceivable wire, tube, label and hose is authentically reproduced in perfect detail. The fan even turns. That’s one big block beauty!

You probably cannot be one of two people to own the real ZL-1 beast but for a small fraction of the cost you can own the next best thing, the DM ZL-1. For subject content, replication and detailing, this earns a 9.75 on the Thrillometer.  TP 11/02/2004

Danbury Mint 1967 Corvette Coupe 427 – 1448

An important milestone has finally been reached in the Danbury Mint’s arsenal of 1:24^th Corvette models; a 1967 Sting Ray. This one, a very important 427 big block coupe. The last of the C2 generation and arguably the most commanding of the so-called “mid-year” Vettes, the venerable ’67 is still revered today as a highly sought after and obscenely expensive Corvette. Add the big 427 tri-power mill, slip on the aluminum wheels and bolt up the outside exhaust and you are looking down the barrel of a decent-size bank vault’s inventory as a price tag. But as the selling price of such cars are now demanding what amounts to a few years salary for the average man, this priceless classic from DM is so much easier to afford and the car has no miles on it!

I applaud DM’s color choice. In Sunfire Yellow with black interior and a black stinger hood the model is spectacular. And I adore the code QB1 redline tires on this car; a $46.65 option in ‘67. DM’s previously issued mid-year cars are gorgeous but this light yellow color, applied flawlessly, allows the car’s shape and body styling to be completely appreciated in any lighting condition. DM excels at getting the paint right and carries that on to the thinnest of paint striping as well. Bordering the stinger stripe are skinny black pinstripes. They are evenly spaced, straight and true. DM also paid attention to the windshield cowl vents and the side gill slots, up from three to five from the 1966 model year to 1967. They treated them to black-wash painting adding deeper dimension. The wipers are realistically scaled and delineated and the chrome trim around the windshield, vent windows and rear backlight are faultless. The antenna is slim, scaled and fixed in place. Of course the gas filler door opens. DM even thought to separately form a door lock under the door handle. The headlights roll open and present no undue gapping. As with previous mid-year Sting Rays the spare tire carrier opens and allows you to remove the spare. With the model belly up, check out the exquisite emergency brake lines and authentic spring assembly. Be sure to catch the reflective lining of the transmission tunnel as well. The rear suspension is active and works independently as the real deal did. Up front the suspension works fully on coil springs.  

The interior looks just as it did in ’67. DM’s treatment of the dash and console detail is awesome. It is like looking at the genuine article, only smaller. The chrome trim around the seats and the fabric belts, wood rimmed steering wheel all lend an air of realism. Keep in mind that the ’67 is based on previous DM Corvette models so do not expect internal hinging on this iteration. The engine bay has all the prerequisite detail goodies that go with the code L71 427ci/435hp triple carb big block. That bumped the price tag an extra $437.10 in ’67. With magnification you can read the chrome air cleaner. It says, “Turbo-Jet 427”, “3 X 2” referencing the three two barrel carbs, and “435 Horsepower”. Metal wire is used impeccably to replicate the throttle linkage, tied downs for the master cylinder and braking lines. Fuel lines are used to perfection and so are the spark plug wires. All the right hoses are used some of which are properly marked by “GM”. A telescoping prop rod holds the hood aloft as you gaze into 427 heaven. 

Like a 1:1 being scored in an NCRS judging, this model easily garners a Top Flight award. The only slight deductions I could make would be for the older door hinges and the tampo’ed, not chrome foiled, “427” script on the hood. While not indicative, in any way, of a flawed model it just barely keeps it from being rated a 10 on the Thrillometer. As it is I rank this delightful little piece a 9.975!

With an order number of #424-17, the issue price is $115.

TP 10/10/2005

Two more reviews and pictures of two more outstanding models. I have never owned a yellow car but it's my favorite color on a sporty car. I satisfied my lack of owning a yellow 1/1 car by having these beautiful models.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

Two more reviews and pictures of two more outstanding models. I have never owned a yellow car but it's my favorite color on a sporty car. I satisfied my lack of owning a yellow 1/1 car by having these beautiful models.

And as you mentioned earlier, although George isn't a Corvette guy, his favorite car color is yellow.

I have owned yellow cars; a yellow Chevy Vega and a yellow Mazda Protege, both assigned to my wife, and I drove a C5 Z06 in yellow.

I don't have either of the last 2 Corvette's.  I was not an van of Corvette's in my early collector years.  But I have come to enjoy them now and when I get a chance I try to pick up the ones I'm missing.