Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 I have the early issue of the Copper 55 Vette with the beige interior which I find attractive. While the details don't match up to those of the DM, the model holds its own in the display cases.

Absolutely Bob! The paintwork is flawless (even to today) and it really stands out!

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 The 54 Cadillac CDV is one of my favorite mint models. Everything about this model says what luxury cars were in 1954 and the color sets it off perfectly.

Could not agree more!! Thanks Bob!

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 I had forgotten that the 55 Sunliner in Black/ Goldenrod yellow was modelled as a overdrive unit. It looks fabulous parked next to the Goldenrod Yellow Thunderbird.

They were destined to travel the roads - together!! 

Danbury Mint 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria- 55^th Anniversary Edition  -  DM1626

Now THIS is how a repaint should be done! First though, a little history. Danbury’s first entrée into the Ford Fairlane was a model introduced in 1993. It was presented as a Crown Victoria Skyliner coupe. It was black and white; Raven Black and Snowshoe White, to be exact. Then nearly three years later, in ’96, they debuted a Sunliner convertible in red and white trim and as the ’56 model year. The Crown Vic wasn’t reprised again until it was released as a custom in ’98 and then again as a two-tone green Fairlane without the kingly crown on top.

Of all of them I like this revised version the best; color is everything. The Buckskin tan is earthy, unpretentious and contrasts well with the Snowshoe White, which has an antique influence to the color. An interesting note, as my DM guest and close friend explained, the Buckskin two-tone was the only Crown Vic to have the matching outer seat color interior for 1955. The inner seat color pattern is a combo of copper and antique white. Plus, there are just enough differences to the original model to make this edition completely unique. The scripts are chrome metal-foiled and gorgeous! The engine is plumbed, wired and has a fantastic looking fuel line system. Another difference is that the windshield washer bag is now printed with the accurate, “See Clear” inscription and “Ford” logo. The see-through roof panel is now solid and body color.

The front suspension operates on coil springs and while the door hinges are based from the ’93 tooling, they are buckskin and unobtrusive. The chassis is nice for its time but upgraded to reflect the current engine work; a gas line connected fuel pump is seen from below and the aforementioned front suspension geometry looks realistic. On display, the presentation is beautiful; as I said earlier, color is everything! TP 07/05/2010

Danbury Mint 1955 Ford Thunderbird Dry Lakes Racer – 1401

Following up to their 1955 Corvette Dry Lakes Racer, DM’s 1955 T-Bird makes a grand entrance as their second land speed record contender. Based from the Goldenrod Yellow 50^th Anniversary ’55 Thunderbird, this Dry Lakes Racer has all of the best attributes of a custom, street machine and streamline straight-line flyer. This record attempt is being made in the A/GMS class.

In person, the model is nothing short of spectacular. The deep red paint, almost merlot in color, is breathtaking in its velvet smooth application and high gloss finish. It is suspiciously reminiscent of Rangoon Red. Remember the color made famous by the awesome 427 Cobra S/C? In fact the car has several subtle reminders of the Cobra. The dual white center stripes, hood scoop, seats, roll bar, unmistakable wheels and nerf bars all hint at the 427 Cobra. But if any doubts linger, even after you spot the photo-etched emblems on the side fenders beneath the metal-foiled louvers, open the hood. There, race fans, beats the heart of the once and future king; the venerable 427 Cobra V8. Before we get back to that let’s take an overall look at this great little model.

Graceful through all of these years, the ’55 Thunderbird was always blessed with a timeless and classic body. The two-seater simply flowed from its arched headlight shrouds to the sedate and understated fins. Devoid of all eccentricities, save for the aforementioned louvers and 427 emblems, the body sides are clean and elegant in their simplicity. No outside mirrors or even door handles will slow this rocket sled down. There’s no need for any bling-bling, not even chrome bumpers. But the purposeful Halibrand wheels lend a touch of sparkle in the chromed rim section of its wheels and the lowered stance of the car is just plain righteous. Talk about streamlined, unlike the ’55 Vette Dry Lakes iteration that makes due with an open chassis, the serious grunt of this car dictated aerodynamic underpanning. Three large panels achieve the assignment with only one cut-out for the engine’s oil pan and the transmission. DM didn’t miss a trick; they secured the panels with photo-etched Dzus clips and even had the courtesy to finish them with the same dual center striping as topside.

Facing the front of the car, you will see a beautifully fashioned photo-etched grille. Hold it at the right distance and angle and you can see the twin electric cooling fans; these 427’s ran hot. Bringing back any memories? The Cobras flaunted their twin fans too. A photo-etched Thunderbird emblem, wings stretched and ready to take off, is nicely perched on the front leading edge of the bodywork. It matches one on the trunk lid. Peering under the hood, you will have no doubt believing the records are going to fall when this bird takes to the salt. But it is also a thing of beauty. DM fabricated tiny metal wire looms, braided radiator hoses with simulated anodized fittings, rubber belts and an electronic ignition box. Metal wire, perfectly scaled, simulates brake lines and throttle linkage connecting the twin 4-barrels. Photo-etched radiator braces and simulated shocks, with genuine springs, finish the flawless dry lakes engine bay look.

The interior is not exactly plush and cushy but it isn’t exactly Spartan either. It is purpose driven and ready to rock. The seats are dead ringers for what you saw in the 427 Cobras. The belts are fabric with magnificent photo-etched buckles. Between the seats is a chromed nitrous bottle just waiting to unload its happy juice to the big motor. Note that the feeding tube doesn’t just disappear into the floor. It goes all the way to its intended target and feeds the thirsty quads. The gauges and tach are killer and check out the photo-etched race wheel center. It enhances the drilled and lightened foot pedals. Oh yeah, the doors open on internal hinges and close like a bank vault, tight and secure. To the right of the driver’s shoulder is a, “D” ring. It runs back to the trunk and engages the twin chutes. You will also find a cabled battery box, fuel cell with proper strapping, fuel lines and a high capacity fuel pump. The gas filler lid opens and the dual exhaust tubes are relocated to the center of the car. A speedster-like windscreen, cut down and frameless, provides just the right amount of wind break and heightens the overall look of this lake top schooner.

A lot of thought and research went into the crafting of this model and it shows everywhere you look. If you like precision at its best, look no further than this car. I hope DM comes up with more of these little cuties, I love ‘em. DM, you earned a 9.8 on my Thrillometer.

TP 03/18/2005

Franklin Mint 1956 Chevrolet Nomad Fire Chief’s Wagon- Nbr Ltd Ed of 2500 – E657

A very nice bit of whimsy here; thank you Franklin Mint! I can now just imagine a day back in 1956. Franklin Fire Company’s fire chief might have thoroughly enjoyed this day. A fashionable fifty-six Nomad Wagon, small block Chevy V-8 just a-hummin’, man’s best friend by his side while fighting fires. All in a day’s work helping to keep the populace safe.

FM crafted up a fire-engine red and black Nomad complete with whitewalls, a roof-mounted siren and flashing light unit, a fire extinguisher, emergency first aid kit and the prerequisite Dalmatian. Franklin has issued a few Nomads and there is a lot to like about each of them. The suspension articulates, the tailgate and rear window both open, the seats tilt forward and the antenna is scaled metal. Up front features a photo-etched grille and fully wired and plumbed engine. The paint is fabulous; shiny and even, and the gold graphics are impeccable. The front emblem and side, “Bel Air” scripts are metal-foiled and give the model a great look.

This is a happy little diecast and along with the accessories, makes a nice addition to any collection. TP 09/27/2007

@perrone1 I'm with you Tony regarding the Buckskin. While I can't say that I ever saw one on the street, I remember seeing the color in ads. Great review as always.

@perrone1 Another model I missed. Thinking back I'm thinking my interest was so focused on models of stock cars, I'm guessing those were the models i just had to have. Too bad as it would have fit right in with my other Thunderbirds. Oh well you can't always have it all.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 I'm with you Tony regarding the Buckskin. While I can't say that I ever saw one on the street, I remember seeing the color in ads. Great review as always.

Thank you Bob!

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 Another model I missed. Thinking back I'm thinking my interest was so focused on models of stock cars, I'm guessing those were the models i just had to have. Too bad as it would have fit right in with my other Thunderbirds. Oh well you can't always have it all.

It's a cool little T-Bird, for sure, with the Cobra custom touches. The weatherized '55 T-Bird version that DM did as a 'restoration-to-be' diorama, the "Winter Project" is also a conversation piece.

Franklin Mint 1956 Corvette Ltd Ed/5000 – E419

The Franklin Mint really has this Corvette fiberglass thing down to a science. They have made several models from the actual materials that the replicated cars were manufactured in. Aluminum was used for their BMW Z8, Shelby’s Cobra 427 S/C, and copper for the ’21 Rolls Silver Ghost. But back in 1998 the 1963 Sebring Silver split window Corvette Coupe took center stage made from the Corvette’s medium, fiberglass. We saw a follow up in limited edition form with the blue ’63 and then the ’57, a ’56 from Mint Models, a ’70 and ’71 came hot on their heels and in more than one color variation. Currently reincarnated as a 1956 model, this black beauty offers plenty to like.

For me, the highlight of this jaunty little roadster is its engine. When FM initially tooled up their C1 as a fiberglass ’57 model, they chose the highly prized first-year fuel injection engine for the power plant. But when they were commissioned by Mint Models to do a ’56 version, based from the fuelie model, they installed the dual quad motor. They did themselves proud by adding great little detail touches in the way of fuel lines and throttle linkage. Their engine bay is resplendent in authenticism. The paint is grand; rich, smooth and glossy. Contrast that with red interior, black ‘up top’ in the form of a hard top and the additional soft top display option, also in black, and you’re good to go. Of the 3,467 Corvettes made in 1956, 2,797 of them had the “two-tone paint combination” option (contrasting side cove color). Chevrolet’s making only 670 solid color cars from 810 cars painted in black allowed FM to create an unusually rare Corvette with this specific issue.

The ‘feel’ of the model, in fiberglass, is nice. TFM opted to reproduce this replica from an existing tool which made it more cost effective than tooling up internal hinges for the doors. It also avoided any misalignment problems, for which I rejoice. This is a good choice in color, build material and product quality. Issue price is $120. TP 03/05/2007

Franklin Mint 1956 Ford Goldenglow Yellow Thunderbird FM Preferred Partner Nbr Ltd Ed of 1000   E010

The early two-seat T-Birds have always enjoyed iconoclastic status as classic cars. Quite a few of us would like to see the 1955 and 1957 small birds added to the list of our collectibles in precision 1:24^th scale and up to today’s ever improving standards. Let’s get one thing out of the way first on this model. It is based on Franklin Mint’s initial tooling technology of about a decade ago. Their ’56 Bird was initially offered in Aqua in 1992 and followed up with a Fiesta Red version in 1995. But despite the lack of working gizmos and newer upgrades the image itself is highly refreshing. What makes that possible is little more than the color, a cheery, sunny shade called Goldenglow Yellow. It makes you wonder why this model wasn’t treated to this choice long ago.

Aside from the low limited numbers of the diecast, the appeal of the replica is the beautiful application of the paint, smooth and bright. The chrome-trimmed continental kit spare adds a dimension of sparkle also. With black and white interior, the car takes on a rich contrast and with the hard top in place, its bright white paint makes this issue a stand out. The fit lines are all close and the doors are suitably tight. There’s a prop rod for the hood while the trunk lid stays open on its own. Mounted to its floor is the limited edition plate. To access it simply pull the conny kit rearward and open the trunk lid. Once closed, push forward to snap it closed.

The grill insert is made from photo-etch metal. Under the hood FM added the chrome dress-up kit, popular for the day and it adds a modicum of spice to the engine bay. The engine detail is well defined albeit devoid of wiring and complete plumbing. It is amazing what a different color can do to liven up a diecast that we have been used to looking at for a period of time. This is a great example of what the right color on the right car can do. A definite thumbs up to The Russian Island for commissioning such a charming and beautiful model!

The issue price is $135. TP 11/12/2004

Franklin Mint 1957 Chrysler 300C Convertible- Independent Retailer Ltd Ed of 500 – E129

Do we REALLY need another FM 1957 Chrysler? If it is done in Regimental Red, then absolutely, YES!

A word about the color. The Chrysler Corporation had some issues with paint back in the mid fifties. There were some inconsistencies with choices from year to year and they would often carry over and/or discontinue previously chosen hues or modify existing shades from one sales arena to another at the drop of a hat. An example of this would be the three carry-over colors from 1956 to 1957. Not as readily seen on 1:1’s they were Cloud White, Sovereign Blue and this little dandy, Regimental Red. Also for 1957, Chrysler utilized two forms of Regatta Blue Poly. On the west coast the color became Velvet Blue Poly, but you get the idea. A popular red for the 1957 Chrysler was Gauguin Red. I’ve always liked that shade on that particular car and was given a FM color sample of it by then Design Manager, George Bojaciuk. It had subtle overtones, offensive to few. But looking at the same car in Regimental Red you come to the realization that there is no compromise in the color; it is a masculine statement of “I refuse to blend in” red with a touch of “get out of my way, I’m coming through” tossed in to the mix. Wave this color in front of a bull and watch the sparks fly!

As with their previous issue of this car in Forest Green, also a very limited production run of 500 pieces, this little red hot number is stunning in detail and build quality. All body parts exhibit excellent fit, finish and workmanship. The driveshaft rotates when the rear wheels turn, the interior, engine bay and trunk are expertly crafted and even the up-top interior is well defined. With the boot off and the up-top in place, FM even thought to simulate a ‘wrinkle pattern’ of the down-top as seen through the rear convertible top’s window. Very realistic. Once again Main Street Products USA had FM press the new wire wheels into service here and they look as grand as ever; maybe even better on this flashy paint scheme. They seem to go very well with red, sort of a bling, bling thing! Talk about standing out in a crowd. With over-the-top styling; just feast your peepers on those massive tail fins, in arrest-me-red attire and with the top down, you may as well make the same statement as a fire in a dynamite factory!

Ride height is flawless, even with the fully operational suspension. Top and boot fit is spot on and the overall proportional view of the car is perfect. The engine detailing remains a highlight of the diecast and displays all the top facets of today’s tech.

Commissioned by Main Street Products USA. The issue price is $135.  TP 07/26/2006

Franklin Mint 1957 Chrysler 300C Convertible- Independent Retailer- Ltd Ed of 500 E158

This is the second release from Main Street Products USA, exclusive Franklin Mint retailers and distributors. Following on the heels of the 1941 Lincoln, in white, this 300C looks dynamite in green. Specifically, Forest Green metallic. A special order color for the 300C in 1957, it was very rare. Of the 484 convertibles built that year, Chrysler history tells us that only one precious car was factory painted in that color. Well, not quite so rare as that, this model is nonetheless rare with only 500 pieces being made of the classy car.

FM’s previous ’57 300C was released in 1998 in black. The green metallic, ever so minutely scaled, really sets off the classic lines of the big car. The tan up top, boot and interior help contrast the diecast really well. Aside from the color change, Main Street Products USA had FM craft some marvelous wire wheels, period correct, for the model. It helps cast a totally different look on the piece from the prior issue.

Panel fit is excellent, all doors, trunk lid and hood squaring up nicely and displaying no undue gapping at all. There is impressive detail for a model initially crafted so long ago. The right drive wheel turns the drive shaft while the non-drive wheel just goes along for the ride like the 1:1 original. The suspension functions flawlessly and the interior still exhibits great attention to authenticity in seats, door panels and dash accoutrements. There’s an awful lot to like under the hood too. Wiring, battery cabling, hoses and tiny labels all give the allusion of reality.

If you like Chrysler products or just have to have the small edition issues, this one has your name all over it. Up close and personal, it’s a sharp looking replica of a very rare car indeed. ETA is scheduled for 12/05. Issue Price is $135.   TP 10/24/2005

Danbury Mint 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Coupe Ltd Ed/5000 -  1394

In high school (Class of ’65) a number of us teens drove fifties cars. We ‘hung out’ at a specific corner where we, car guys, loved to display our ‘wheels’. Gas money was in short supply so driving them was a separate and special event. Mostly an eclectic blend of bits and pieces fashioned into rolling junk, our hot rods were many and varied. At 16, in 1963, I drove a “souped up” black and white ’57 Ford Fairlane 500. I felt like royalty, owning that nice of a car, until the evening a young man drove up to the corner in this exact ’55 Olds. It was what I would term today as a 100 point car; it was an eight year old vehicle but absolutely perfect! None of us knew the driver. He parked and went into the store for a pack of smokes. It gave us time to reconnoiter his ride up close and especially, those colors the car was painted. Our remarks to each other were cynical but deep inside we all lusted after the car that called more attention to it than our rat rods, held together with baling wire and bubblegum, ever could. By class time next day we all somehow managed to know the names of that car’s colors; Shell Beige and Coral. I doubt that any of us ever forgot the car that insulted our heaps but stole our hearts that night.

So once again, it’s all about color choices. And once again it is Danbury Mint that hits the bullseye in picking the perfect period colors for the right selection of car. A revision and update of their crowd pleasing ’55 Super 88 convertible, DM’s Holiday Coupe was long overdue. Even though the image is based in somewhat older technology, the model is a breath of fresh air. Add the updates and everything old is new again. There is additional wiring in the already nice engine bay, complete with dense rubber padding to simulate the under-hood insulation. More battery detailing has been added and other features are carried over to bring the Olds to today’s standards. The suspension is a mix of working coil springs up front and flexible leaf springs and working shocks in the rear. All of the Oldsmobile emblems are highly defined and distinct and the photo-etched “Oldsmobile” script in the grille continues to be state of the art. The antenna raises and lowers.

The trunk is replicated with realistic floor matting material and the tire is formed with the jack stand located behind it. The interior is purely outstanding. Like the Fiesta spinner wheel cover clad wheels, the interior is correctly done in Coral. The contrasting interior color is charcoal and it works beautifully. The charcoal carpets are finely textured and the seating surfaces are charcoal as well. But look closely at them to see the white dot pattern within. The dash is resplendent in detail with readable gauges and the wheel and pedals are fashioned grandly. The seatbacks flip forward and the headliner’s chrome ribbing built onto the new coupe roof was not overlooked. The door panels have scaled window cranks and levers and tiny lock buttons. The overall stance, build quality and paint finish of the car is second to none.

If you desire a lovely car model that will stand out in your collection, do not overlook this offering. And if you’re that Lucky Strike-smoking guy, from that night back in 1963, I finally got your car. Subject-wise and color choice-wise, DM scores a 9.86 on my Thrillometer for this rendition of the Holiday Coupe.  TP 01/14/2005