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15/04/2024 8:14 am
Danbury Mint 1954 Corvette Nomad Custom -1423
I'm not into diecast customs or concepts, but this one is exceptionally nice...great review.
John Bono
North Jersey
Topic starter
15/04/2024 8:25 am
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.
Yep; tastes change from time to time. Part of life's experience I suppose! 
John Napoli reacted
15/04/2024 9:16 am
@sizedoesmatter John, you are missing out on some great models by DM with their custom series. They did an outstanding job creating cars that as teenagers we only dreamed of having. Probably even as adults we wish we could have the real ones.
Tony Perrone reacted
Topic starter
15/04/2024 10:41 am
@sizedoesmatter John, you are missing out on some great models by DM with their custom series. They did an outstanding job creating cars that as teenagers we only dreamed of having. Probably even as adults we wish we could have the real ones.
John Napoli reacted
Topic starter
16/04/2024 5:25 am
Franklin Mint 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K- Nbr Limited Edition of 1500 – E353
A classic of a classic, the first of a first, grandfather of precision diecast, the Ayatollah of Rock-n-Rolla.
The Franklin Mint started a precision diecast culture in 1:24th scale miniature automobile collectibles back in 1983 with this very model. Well, a red version, anyway. And while this one is still nearly as low tech as its grandfather, it is still every bit as classic as the classic original 500K it depicted. It took the better part of fifteen years before FM repainted the car in blue and changed the wire wheels to photo-etched metal and amended certain other parts to bring it more up to date with the models of the specific era.
But what a difference a day can make and a repaint can offer. Creamy off-white exterior paint with burgundy seats, top boot and canvas convertible up-top extends a completely unique perspective to this legendary automobile of extreme historic importance. And while the model does not have all the intricate detail and functional workings of a model made in this period of diecast sensationalism, it affords a wholesome image of overall loveliness. I cannot go in depth into the model’s abundance of detail because, based on yesterday’s tech, there is precious little. But as a whole, the replica is an alluring representation of the famous car itself.
Of course the engine can be seen by lifting either hood side. The doors both open on reverse dog leg hinges. Staying closed has always been a matter of chance on each specific model but the fit of the doors when closed is excellent and never better. The rumble seat opens to nice interior matching the driver and passenger’s interior. The dash is rudimentary but faithfully representative of the real car. The photo-etch radiator symbol and wire wheels look good and the chassis isn’t bad either. The top and boot fit well and change the look of the model for either display option.
Don’t expect too much from this model and you won’t be at all disappointed. It is what it is and that is a very nice image of a truly classic beauty. FM’s choice of the white exterior with burgundy contrasts works exceptionally well for me. TP 10/02/2006
David Green and John Napoli reacted
16/04/2024 8:32 am
Have the red one and didn't love it then and don't love it now. Oh well they all can't be winners. You said it best "don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed" When I first opened the box, the plastic wheels struck me as being a toy. Perhaps I'm being too harsh but my opinion hasn't changed.
Tony Perrone reacted
Topic starter
16/04/2024 12:34 pm
Have the red one and didn't love it then and don't love it now. Oh well they all can't be winners. You said it best "don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed" When I first opened the box, the plastic wheels struck me as being a toy. Perhaps I'm being too harsh but my opinion hasn't changed.
No doubt; the best of this breed were the CMC versions Bob.
16/04/2024 4:27 pm
@sizedoesmatter John, you are missing out on some great models by DM with their custom series. They did an outstanding job creating cars that as teenagers we only dreamed of having. Probably even as adults we wish we could have the real ones.
John, I'm sure the Mints did an excellent job with the customs. I try to limit my collection by choosing cars that I can relate to...a car that is similar to one I owned or owned by family members, friends, people on my street, etc. or production cars that I lusted over but could never afford. A custom does not hit my nostalgic button.
John Bono
North Jersey
Tony Perrone and John Napoli reacted
16/04/2024 5:25 pm
@perrone1 Yes the CMCs which I don't have. When the CMC 500K came out the mints were issuing American models as fast as I could afford them and since I had the FM model I decided to pass on the CMC MB although I have other CMC models that are wonderful.
Tony Perrone reacted
Topic starter
17/04/2024 5:28 am
@perrone1 Yes the CMCs which I don't have. When the CMC 500K came out the mints were issuing American models as fast as I could afford them and since I had the FM model I decided to pass on the CMC MB although I have other CMC models that are wonderful.
Topic starter
17/04/2024 5:37 am
Danbury Mint 1933 Ford Deluxe Coupe- Preview Society – 1508
Only our second “Mint” 1933 Ford and Danbury’s first; this little three window coupe joins FM’s “Dillinger” sedan in rarified air. DM has a growing line-up of thirties automobiles that I would class in the new technology of model building that goes almost unnoticed. While Corvettes and high-end luxury cars of the classic era get lots of attention, the everyday Ford and Chevy soldier’s on with little fanfare. The mainstay of early motoring for the masses, this car made great strides to transition the daily-duty car to the slightly more upscale vehicle that you didn’t mind being seen in back then. It extends their impeccable ’31 and ’32 entries.
Check out our Car List & Reviews section and you will see that DM has a knock-out ’31 Ford Deluxe Coupe in green and black. New tech. Check out their awesome ’32; also a coupe and also a Deluxe model. New tech. The previously issued ’32 Roadster in Washington Blue ain’t half bad either folks. And their ’36 and ’40 models are also relevant, but the earlier ‘30’s era strikes me with greater impact. None so much as this one though. While I like the nostalgic look of the ’31 best, the ’33, here, is just plain darling. Great color choice, two-toned, the body this year started looking more aerodynamic, well, as much as it could all those years ago. But you could see the marked improvement from year to year.
DM did a fantastic job in paint, door hinging and interior fashion. All the texture work is grand and the little detail touches to the engine, dash, perfectly scaled wire wheels and chassis styling makes it another sure fire hit for the Boy of Connecticut. Keep ‘em coming gents; I’m faithfully watching. TP 09/14/2007
17/04/2024 5:51 pm
Another work of art from DM further brought to life by your pictures and prose Tony.
Tony Perrone and John Napoli reacted
17/04/2024 6:11 pm
Another work of art from DM further brought to life by your pictures and prose Tony.
hear hear Bob! The cabriolet is up there with the very best of DMs. The interior is incredible and a real feature is the 'luggage trunk'. Er Tony any chance....please...?
Tony Perrone and John Napoli reacted
Topic starter
18/04/2024 5:25 am
Another work of art from DM further brought to life by your pictures and prose Tony.
Thank you Bob!
Topic starter
18/04/2024 5:27 am
Another work of art from DM further brought to life by your pictures and prose Tony.
hear hear Bob! The cabriolet is up there with the very best of DMs. The interior is incredible and a real feature is the 'luggage trunk'. Er Tony any chance....please...?
I did find the review Geoff. The pics were lost. I'll do a reshoot - today, if I can, and post a little later!