[Sticky] Lost Reviews - Franklin Mint & Danbury Mint

@perrone1 The Panama Yellow must be a favorite of mine as I have both the DM model and FM Corvette model in this color.

@perrone1 The best custom DM produced IMO and, as you point out, the paint work is spectacular which is what made the 1/1 so famous.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 The Panama Yellow must be a favorite of mine as I have both the DM model and FM Corvette model in this color.

As do I. The shape of the side coves and color shade of the charcoal interior seem to favor the FM over DM's model.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 The best custom DM produced IMO and, as you point out, the paint work is spectacular which is what made the 1/1 so famous.

As usual, you are spot on sir; and I totally agree.

@perrone1 You are right on as usual.

Danbury Mint 1958 Plymouth Belvedere Hardtop – DM1588

This is Danbury’s first fifty-eight Belvedere. We were treated to a ’58 Fury back in 1999, in Buckskin Beige and it was followed by a couple race-liveried versions and the evil-minded “Christine” movie car. Possibly, more folks can relate to a Belvedere. For fifty-eight, Plymouth offered the Belvedere in no less than five body styles. The Club Sedan was a two door post; the Sports Sedan was a four door hard top, the Four Door Sedan, a four door post, the Convertible and this Sport Coupe.

The “Sportone” side trim could be had with silver anodized aluminum or in a second color accent paint. DM opted here to do the Sport Coupe with the two-tone paint and side trim and stainless steel wheel covers with white wall tires. Of course they gave us the V-8 version. The color pick code is UUU with XXX. No, nothing untoward, that stands for Sunflower Yellow with contrasting Iceberg White. It’s a great choice, especially with the white and grey interior.  

Based primarily on earlier tooling, DM upgraded the image with today’s standard for metal-foiled scripts and lettering and operational features such as opening fuel door, removable spare, scaled antenna, ‘true feel’ insulation under the hood and fantastic detail work throughout. The trunk includes the spare and jacking equipment, separately molded pieces representing the door and trunk locks, not merely painted silver lumps that usually do not carry the proper allusion; and a fully detailed engine bay. The interior sports the push-button transmission shift; in this case the optional “Torque-Flite” 3-speed model. Plymouth also offered a standard manual 3-speed, “Synchro-Silent” and the optional 2-speed “Power-Flite”.

The Mo-Par collectors will like this model and the rest of us can easily enjoy the faultless build, detail and color choice of one of the nicer fifties cars done by either mint.  TP 06/03/2009

Danbury Mint 1958 Plymouth Fury- “Christine”   1375

Stephen King’s fictional novel, “Christine”, was completed in 1982. John Carpenter’s movie, based on King’s book, followed in 1983. True car aficionados will find inconsistencies in both book and movie. Of course we all know that the ’58 Fury only came in Buckskin Beige, not red and white like the Belvedere. The book refers to Christine as a four door. The book is centered in Pennsylvania while the movie plot unfolds in good old California. Further, in the movie, Christine’s California plate is a yellow 1956 issue. But shown in a scene, wrecking a Camaro, it’s caught with a 1978 sticker on it. Of course it was supposed to be a 1958 sticker. The movie car’s plate, CQB 241 is wrong for that state in 1958 as the letters should have started with N, P or Q. But despite the minor flubs in the writing or filming of this iconic teenage-boy-meets-car and falls-in-love story, DM got it all right. The model is strictly a movie car fabrication, right down to the lack of Fury scripts and its bright red paint. It’s not really a ’58 Fury, it’s Christine; and she’s hot!

The shape and stance of this model has been scaled exquisitely. You would never guess that it can be destroyed and bounce right back. The entire car had a crumple zone. But in 1:24^th scale, Christine is pristine. DM did its normal magic on the paint application. All surfaces are bright and glossy. The fit of hood, trunk and doors are excellent and all the trim, which is considerable on this model, line up straight and true. The emblems and ‘Plymouth’ script on the trunk, the door and trunk lock buttons and front fender ‘gun sights’ all lend proper authentication. So, too, does the photo-etch air vent under the wipers and the silver anodized side insert panels. Fury’s, of course sported gold anodized inserts. Inside the trunk, we find a removable spare and a jack and tie tool. The upper inside trunk lid is painted in the correct contrasting darker red tone. The fuel filler door opens. In the interior, we see that same type of contrast. The seats are red with darker patterned insets. The door panels receive the same touch. The dash and floor pedals, including the dimmer switch, were given a healthy dose of detailing. The suspension is operational. The chassis detailing includes torsion bar suspension, transmission lines and you’ll even find an electrical wire running to the backup lights in the rear bumper. Under the hood is every teen boy’s dream. Arnie Cunningham was no exception. Christine’s motor sports twin quad carbs and enough plumbing and wiring to bring her back to life time after time.

I suppose you could consider this release as a little whimsical, especially if you enjoyed the book, movie or both. But even if you just like Mopars or the fabrication excellence that DM brings to the table, this 50’s muscle car is definitely hot stuff.

The issue price is $129.  TP 11/03/2004

Danbury Mint 1958 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible – 1409

I get goose bumps when the Danbury Mint flexes its muscles. They spar periodically with some interval pieces, repainted and/or improved, but when they land the big blows that maintain their heavyweight championship status, we all win. We’ve benefited from some large bouts, as when they introduced their far out 1957 Turnpike Cruiser, the 1950 Studebaker Champion and, more recently, the 1948 Buick Roadmaster, just to name a few. Well, are you ready for the next big thing? Ladies and gentlemen, in this corner, weighing in at a svelte 4,300 pounds, dressed in Mallard Turquoise accented in Marlin Turquoise, we have the 1958 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible. Please join with me as we take pity on its challengers.

The ’59 model year of the Bonneville has been a long time in coming. It is one that a good many of us have clamored for. Danbury’s big Bonnie appears in ‘full dress’ with skirts and a continental kit. It is optioned out in its very best boulevard finery with everything you might expect to see on it in 1958. The skirts are removable but due to the inherently large nature and working order of the connie kit, the latter is static and not made to come off. And while I am not a devotee of the continental kit the car somehow just does not seem appropriate without it. If the Barrett-Jackson Auction® is any indicator, cars optioned with as many factory and dealer accessories as possible seem to fetch far more than the standard versions usually do.

Danbury spared no quarter in putting this model together. We expect a fine fit and finish and this early production sample proves to provide guaranteed satisfaction. The deep Mallard Turquoise, the darker of the two colors, is a foot thick and as glossy as a mirrored country lake. More green, actually, than blue, it is brilliant in person and close up. The fit is laser straight; and there was ample opportunity for there to be mistakes. As the twin chrome spears widen from front fender to door to rear fender, there is never a waiver or faltering line. These chrome trim pieces are inset within the body lines to boot, making the fit even more crucial and DM nailed it. More chrome trim is visible on the top of the doors, simulating the window tops and on the rear fenders as they outline the window exits for the back seat passengers. Perfection. Take time to study the chrome-foiled metal badgings and emblems on this piece, perhaps the best I have yet to see. “Bonneville”, in gold script, adorns the lower front fenders while, “Bonneville” in chrome lettering, makes a bold statement on the trunk and hood edges.  Additionally, tri-colored, “Tri-Power” badges add sparkle to the upper front fenders. As I mentioned, the fender skirts are a display option you can take off. By doing so you expose more of the wheel and tire visibility. That’s a good thing; DM took their time getting them right. The wheel itself is body color. The insert of the wheel cover is delicately detailed with tiny fins. The center cap is lettered with white paint exclaiming, “Pontiac”, right side up and upside down. Oh yeah, valve stems too. The chassis beneath the behemoth is Danbury-excellent; lots of detailing to put the model over the top. Aside from the metal brake lines we now see a fuel line, in black, running from the gas tank to the front portion of the car. There are engine cradle and transmission studding, in silver, to delineate more detail and of course the suspension is workable and still provides the perfect stance. The front of the car rides on coil spring suspension and the entire ‘A’ frame articulates as with the real car. In back we see a modern miniature marvel where the wheel travel is modulated via coil spring suspension, working shocks and moving suspension arms.

Much attention was paid to the trunk area too. Swing the connie kit to the left side and you may open the trunk lid. As with the doors there is an inset chrome button simulating the lock cylinder. Inside, under the trunk lid, you will find realistic hinges, scale-wise, proper color co-ordination and all you need to change a flat; jack, jack stand, jack base and tire iron. To the right you will note the mechanism for operating the power antenna, perfectly wired. Yes, the antenna on the model extends. The trunk matting is flawless.  On the driver’s side you will see the fuel filler extension as it rises from the floor to just behind the back-up lamp. Go ahead, open it, it works. Behind the back-up light, you see the gas cap.  Don’t expect to see the spare inside, as in real life, the continental kit replaces it. Under its chrome surround, DM placed the extra wheel and tire. The rear body colored portion of the kit is labeled with chrome-foil lettering, “Pontiac”. Before we get too far from it, let me address a question that may arise. You will note twin exhaust ports on the rear-facing connie kit bumper. You may also notice that the dual exhaust pipes exit underneath the car and not out of these ports. The ports are dummies. GM realized by ’59 that exhaust condensation caused rusted out bumpers so this option did not include actual exhaust porting.

Let’s examine the interior; I can’t wait to spring a surprise on you. First, suffice it to say that realism has a new name, and it be Bonneville. Swing the doors open on their internal hinges and spot the nice photo-etched door sill. We can readily see that power seats are optioned here and as you fold the seat backs forward, you’ll note the amble room in which to enter the car. If the top is off and the boot is too, enjoy the simulated top-down look. DM fabricated black fabric to line the convertible top storage well, it feels soft and real. The visors work and the passenger side sports a mirror. The steering wheel is a joy to the eye, delicate and scaled with a white insert with printing too small to see by the naked eye. It reads, “Pontiac” in gold. DM uses great material to fashion the seats. They are in two-toned turquoise and feel just like vinyl. The carpet feel is awesome too. The dash is a wealth of detail. Gauges are readable and the radio simulates the Pontiac, “Sportable” radio. If you do not recall, some GM products featured this radio so that you could pull it out of the dashboard via a metal handle and take it with you; to the beach or on a picnic away from the car. Ready for the surprise? It pulls out of the model too! Use a pair of tweezers, it slides in and out.

What, more new detail innovation under the hood too? Why, yes Virginia, this IS a DM model. Can scissors hinges get any more realistic? I doubt it. They open and close the hood without the need for readjustment when closed, the fit is superb. Hood insulation is finely wired up on the inside of the hood. The air cleaner comes off of its tri-stud mounting to show off the Tri-Power Poncho engine. Three deuces with immaculate linkage, plug wiring from your dreams and all the right lines, hoses and engine bracketing you could ask for. The grille is photo-etched metal and finely cut with an addition of the Pontiac symbol.

Ok, now for the rating. As I said, I do not much care for fender skirts and continental kits but I’m basing my judgment of the model not as much on subject matter in this case as I am on execution of excellence, fine detailing and operational features. To that end I rate this a 9.9 on the old Thrillometer!

With an order number of 443-09, the issue price is $115. TP 04/26/2005

Danbury Mint 1958 Pontiac Bonneville  Sport Coupe – DM 1559

I am so impressed with this model every time I see and hold it. First came the convertible version and now this sport coupe iteration. It has all the bells and whistles but it’s the little things that DM built into it that so amaze me. Case in point; it would be easy to overlook and justifiably so, the intricately detailed and tiny internal trunk latch. It sits on the rearward portion of the interior of the cavernous trunk. There’s a realistic floor mat, tire tools and spare to distract us and the upper inside lid itself is adorned in insulation and jacking instruction sheet. But attention to detail is the selling feature of this magnificent replication.

The same engine bay and interior detailing is here but never so more lovely than the original offering in rag top fashion released in ’05. Didn’t like the connie kit? Fender skirts not your particular cup of tea? Rejoice Pilgrim, your ship has landed. DM left them off this version and it looks period correct in two-tone, Burma and Calypso Green, sans accoutrement. The colors are a wonderful throw-back to the era that spawned pastel and vivid color combos. The interior is formulated in every shade of Spring. The dash and floor are awash in scaled detailing and the door hinges are today’s tech all the way. So are the scissors-sprung hood hinges. And now the DM scripts, still in gorgeous metal-foil, are coated and meant to last.

The chassis is magnificent in its all-inclusive fabrication and the engine includes the same removable air cleaner as the first Bonnie iteration. The tire valve stems and tiny door lock buttons add to the detailing and the stance and complete fidelity to the genuine article has never looked better. DM has the bells and whistles down perfectly but still manages to pay attention to the small things that add up and make such a brilliant presentation. Way to go DM!    Limited to production during 2008. After 12/31/08, production ceases. TP 10/04/2008

Danbury Mint 1959 Cadillac Red Hat Society – 1557

If you want a little folly and fun in your collectible auto hobby, add this smile-evoking little gem to your more serious diecast collection. Did I say ‘little’? This is a BIG gem; one of Caddy’s finest ever. A tail-finned monster of the highway that always commands attention. So how outrageous would this be in your neighborhood? If you check out redhatsociety dot com, you will read about the origin of this ever-increasingly popular woman’s club. And guys, this would be a great gift for the female in your life but be cautious how you approach this. The society was originally intended for the sisterhood of ladies nearing or exceeding fifty. So if the woman in your life is age-sensitive, then give it for what it is worth – a happy and colorful conversation starter on wheels.

Their website will explain the significance of the red and purple colors that the Red Hat Society honors and all of the group’s most wondrous amenities. But I’ll chronicle the finer points of the DM model itself. You know, it really is smile-evoking. I doubt any viewer of your diecast collection would be silent when they spot this sweet automotive treasure trove within it. The note from my buddy at the DM accompanying the model said, “Just for fun”. It is just that simple. The ‘characters’ in the front seat will literally cause you to grin. They’re decked out to the hilt. These are removable, but before you drive yourself crazy adding them to the car, a wise word. The driver needs to go onto the seat via the passenger’s side. Her left hand fits well on the steering wheel and her tiny tootsies touch the pedals.

Her right hand dutifully holds that monumental red hat in place as they go speeding towards the next shopping stop. The dainty passenger motors by in fine fettle with her hand propped up on the door and her elegant pink scarf flying in the breeze. These are two ‘forever friends’ gliding down the highway forgetting all the cares that the world can be, if you let it, and trust me, these girls aren’t! All you have to do to prove it is take in what DM provides with the big Caddymobile. Of course there are the Society sisters who glamorize the front seat, a red and purple beach umbrella with a contributory pink, red and purple beach ball, to go along with it.

There is a shopping bag full of shopping treasures, three balloons on sticks with “RHS” letters, a hat box, no doubt laden with a big red noggin cover, and two tennis rackets. Danbury dutifully painted the exacting Society logos and graphics on the car in as gorgeous a purple and red as anyone could possibly imagine and finished the interior to match. ‘Gaudy’, you say? ‘Elegantly fun’, I say!

While still based in an older technologic ’59 Cad tooling, the model DOES have those fantastic internal door hinges, the perfection of fidelity to the awesome 1:1 and a fit and finish beyond reproach. If and when I find a society for guys that has as wonderfully crazy a theme as this, I want DM to do a replica for it. I’m initially thinking in terms of a Corvette, but hey, I can be persuaded elsewhere! TP 07/19/2008

Danbury Mint 1959 Cadillac Convertible – DM1585

You may properly consider this to be a direct descendent of Danbury’s first fifty-nine Series 62 convertible Caddy issued way back in 1992 in Seminole Red. It is still most viable today so why not take advantage of the 50^th anniversary year, 2009, to release it in the quintessentially classic Dover White? Adding to the elegance is the fabric-covered black up top and an interior matching turquoise boot; both fit amazingly well.

Once again, as a 50^th anniversary rendition, we have a popular-selling image, transformed with a traditional color scheme. It completely differentiates it from the original, and grants a nice alternative to those who may not have liked the former issue. It also makes a fabulous addition to those who have the original but also want the contrasting version for display purposes.

The highlights of the model are its faithfulness to overall image, internally hinged doors, operating suspension and pleasant color combo. But do not overlook the excellent panel fit and alignment of each part to the next. The cavernous trunk or hood, when raised, makes a great way to display the big auto. It shows off the nice detailing still evident today from the DM crew.

For the Caddy fans or those just enamored by fifties iron or finned mastery, ya got to love it! TP 05/15/2009

Danbury Mint 1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible – 1445

This is Danbury’s first 1959 Impala. They gave us the 1960 Impala, in Ermine White, back in 2000 and it immediately set the new precision diecast mark with its cutting edge technology. They gave us a Suntan Copper hard top version five years later and a limited edition in Horizon Blue. But finally we have a ’59 from the boys in Connecticut. And what a color to lead off with, what I hope is, a series of fifty nines! Crown Sapphire Poly is a gorgeous blend of the most beautiful tropical ocean blue and shimmering aquamarine that one may envision. Applied shiny wet in appearance, it highlights what made this car’s styling so over-the-top. Briefly stated, the history of the car began in 1958. The Impala was the highest optioned Bel Air that year. But in 1959 it achieved star status in its own right. The rounded curves of the previous year gave way to swooping, larger than life tail fins rendering the distinctive look that made it famous. Those fins flattened somewhat in 1960, the side chrome trim that ran the length of the body in 1959 disappeared and the overall styling became a little toned down in comparison. So for many of the purists in love with the Impala, the ’59 is still today the radical styling benchmark of the breed.

DM’s reproduction of the fifty nine was well worth the rather long wait. As marvelous as it was, and still is today, I see a vast improvement over their 1960 Impala convertible model. While holding this new replica in hand, DM completely prevents any reviewer from coming down with writer’s block; it is just too substantive. Everywhere you look you become aware of DM’s thorough attention to detail. The model’s overall eye appeal is apparent with your first look. The car sits right. The shape and body panel match is extraordinary. Fit and finish, in a word, is outstanding. Add a rather large portion of detail and a good dose of functionality and you have a memorable diecast that should exceed even the DM’s 1960 Impala effort. I like the addition of the twin rear antennas; scaled well and angled nicely. Did both of these work or was one a dummy? Checking inside the trunk won’t help; the connection cannot be seen, in either the 1:1 or scaled version. Chevy covered the driver’s side of the trunk with floor matting. DM’s replication of it is soft to the touch. Cool. The other side plays host to the spare. It’s removable and highly detailed. Taking it out reveals the jack stand and tire iron behind it. DM also went the extra mile and fabricated the fabric ‘top storage well’ behind the rear seat and as with the real car, you can see this from the trunk. They gave us minute electrical wiring in the back of the trunk too. The jacking instructions are replicated and trunk insulation is seen along with it. I like the new scaled and detailed trunk hinges too, they overshadow those out-of-scale and featureless hinges of previous Impala models. While we’re back here, be sure to notice the opening license plate displaying the well defined gas filler cap. Just above it, DM fabricated a tiny separate trunk lock piece; not a painted simulation. Note too, DM did not take the easy way out by painting the tail light divider trim. These little babies are actual chrome trim pieces! Before we go forward to explore the rest of the car take a peek beneath. Good googlie mooglie, is this actually a 1:1 or a fraudulent perpetration? From front to rear there is the most incredible realism you can find built into a 1:24^th diecast today. From the working steering links and hydraulic piston, to the fuel lines and unbelievable shielded brake lines flowing rearward, to the trans lines, to the working suspension components, this chassis vies for the top honors ever for chassis detail and development. The rear suspension alone, with sway bars and coil springs and shocks and control arms, is a mini feast of detailing.

Moving to the interior does not cause a let-down in excitement. All of DM’s detail finery has been pressed into service. The miniaturization of the window and vent wing cranks is superbly fashioned. The door handle itself and door pulls all exhibit great scaled detail. Of course the doors open on hidden hinges. The fabrication of the door sills, rubber floor mats, dash, gauges and steering wheel are awesome. The visors function and the 9 color seats fold forward and provide grand color contrast to the model. I hate tops that don’t fit right. They flop around, fall off or worse; look like Uncle Gus wearing a size 6 7/8 derby on top of his size 7 1/8 toupee-covered noggin. This white, fabric covered beauty, complete with welt line and trim ends, sits perfectly thanks to DM’s designers. There are two top locator tabs on the windshield header that lock the top in place up front. Then by gently positioning the rear, chrome trimmed, portion of the top, press down and into the body recess. The fit is flawless. Even the down top boot has the appropriate chrome trim sandwiched between the boot and base layer. See what I mean by attention to detail?

Ok, I saved the best for last, although it will be hard to top the chassis detail. Place a fingernail under the hood, just beneath and to the side of the chrome metal foil “Chevrolet” script and crossed flag and “V” emblem and lift up gently. Note the photo-etched metal air duct screens on either side of the hood latch and just above the grill. And yes, thank you DM for the utilization of those fabulous scissors hinges. I note that with each outing they become more realistic. They open fully and more closely replicate the genuine article with each model’s release. But, to me, it is the scaling of the bits and pieces found everywhere in the engine bay that sells the overall miniaturization of the Impala. Battery cabling, spark wiring and radiator overflow tubing are the right size and scale. Larger, in real life and here too, are heater and radiator hoses. The air cleaner housing, alternator and oil breather cap have perfectly tiny printed instructional stickers. But then you factor in the flexible rubber fan belt, the extraordinary throttle linkage return spring and metal brake lines and you have the master model maker’s art on fine display.

The cutting edge of diecast technology just got sharper with the release of this model. DM, I want more of these marvelous creations but first I want to savor this one and say, “thank you” for a job very well done. The issue price is $115.

TP 05/12/2006

Franklin Mint 1962 Volkswagen Bus- Nbr Limited Edition of 2500 – E289

For the sake of the stature of this new release, a seriously detailed precision diecast, I will forego the cliché references to songs of the period, current events, etc. Likewise, we mostly all know where the origins lie with the vehicle and its history is well documented and familiar to us by now. Instead I’d like to focus completely on the model at hand. I always wanted to get my mitts on this little number, but for whatever reason, have not been successful until now. FM reprises their very popular red and white original issue released in 1994. Discontinued, I am very glad it has been redone as a limited edition and in this charming shade of Brunswick Blue accented with Lotus White. In person it is a knock out.

Franklin built in a lot to enjoy here. The front doors fit really well and show no undue gapping at all. The external hinges are elegantly crafted. Each front door has windows that slide open. The passenger’s side doors also open wide, from the center, affording a large entry to the bus. The outside seatback folds forward to allow access to the third row seating are. In the back, you may open the engine cover to display the engine’s simplistic details. Above it is an opening rear tailgate, also on the nice external hinges, that permits a good view of the cargo area. FM includes the cargo restraint rails that act to keep the windows and rear passengers intact. That’s also where you’ll find the Ltd Ed plate.

For a more complete view of the interior, FM has fashioned a nicely scaled sliding fabric top. It functions really well. Slide it back without forcing it and you have a bird’s eye view of the goings-on in there. The chassis is pretty well plain Jane except for the working steering, back behind the wheel, since the driver sits directly above the front wheels. FM reproduced that nicely. The paint finish is exceptional and is smooth and highly glossy.

If you are like me and have wanted this issue but have been unable to get a good representative sample, now’s your chance. The issue price is $135.  TP 09/20/2006

@perrone1 

Danbury Mint 1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible – 1445

Great review T! Love this one from DM. The front end sits a tad too high, and the full wheel covers lack brightness, but otherwise a terrific example from DM.   

Posted by: @sizedoesmatter

@perrone1 

Danbury Mint 1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible – 1445

Great review T! Love this one from DM. The front end sits a tad too high, and the full wheel covers lack brightness, but otherwise a terrific example from DM.   

Thank you John!!