[Sticky] Lost Reviews - Franklin Mint & Danbury Mint

@perrone1 MoSport Green is a color that fits so well with a Corvette. Tony, you mention Butternut Yellow and it would have been a perfect fit as well. These shrunken 1/1 scale miniatures from DM are once again being enjoyed by me through your vivid word pictures.

@perrone1 The 67 Camaros from DM in both coupe and convertible form are, IMO, the absolute best models of the brand ever. The Butternut Yellow, also IMO, is the best shade of yellow to ever grace the body of an automobile.

@bob-jackman 

Thank you Bob. It's been fun resurrecting them and sad as well - to reflect back on their cancelation. 

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 The 67 Camaros from DM in both coupe and convertible form are, IMO, the absolute best models of the brand ever. The Butternut Yellow, also IMO, is the best shade of yellow to ever grace the body of an automobile.

Won't argue with that - I have always loved the color.

Danbury Mint 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28- Preview Society Ed - 1486

Surprisingly, this is the first foray into modeling a 1:24^th 1967 Chevy Camaro for either ‘Mint”. Before now, the 1969 Camaro has been the ‘darling’ mint precision pony car diecast. Back to its initially conceived roots, this car was developed by Chevrolet to answer Ford’s gigantic success with their Mustang a couple years prior. The Camaro came pretty well ‘beefy’ even for its debut year. Good looks and power came hand in hand. They sold in pretty fair numbers too. Two packages sold real well; the RS which accounted for 64,842 units built and the SS package with 34,411 sales. The little known Z/28, a base model order code z-28, came with a special 302 cubic inch engine, no air conditioning, no SS package, no auto trans or convertible options but it did come with power front discs and a Muncie 4-speed shifter. No wonder the hush-hush model only accounted for 609 units made. The little small block produced 290 ponies and could gallop the diminutive two-door to 60 from a dead stop in less than 7 seconds with a quarter mile coming in 14.85 seconds at a closing rate of 101 mph. Not bad considering the lack of traction that its skinny tires provided.

Once again DM assembles a perfectly scaled and shaped Chevy muscle car. Like the Yenko, COPO and Pro Street Camaro versions that precede it, this little guy is a feast for your eyes and display cases. The subtle metallic Marina Blue is accented with classic twin broad black stripes lined on either side by black pinstripes. Don’t look for a rear spoiler to spoil the clean look or a gaudy Z/28 emblem bragging to the crew-cut kid in the next lane driving daddy’s car, that all came later. What DM did was faithfully recreate the, “Camaro” and “Chevrolet” scripts and insignias in chrome metal foil in perfect miniature. Even the accurate center cap on the rally wheels proclaims, “Chevrolet Motor Division Disc Brakes”. Oh yeah, and the Chevy bowtie is there too. Redline tires surround them. The trunk is Spartan but totally realistic down to the speckle paint finish, jacking tools and instructional stickers, taillight wiring and scaled trunk hinges. Speaking of hinges, of course DM did the doors right – internal spring goodies snap them closed tightly and correctly gapped. The interior is so real looking it appears that a dash of water and some fertilizer could ‘grow’ it into a 1:1. The chassis is that way too but please resist the temptation, save it for your lawn.

The suspension has the right amount of ‘give’ to it and once more the engine bay holds all the cards for a winning hand of “Texas Hold the Diecast”. In the palm of your hand, open the hood carefully with a small model tool and enjoy the view; it’s aces all the way. The scissors springs have never been better, realism is alive and well in the master cylinder and air filter assemblies. Wiring is accurate and exact, the alternator bracket and brake fluid lines are astonishing in their detail and all cabling and hoses are true to life.

DM has created a grand scale illusion in fine fashion with a missing link to the Camaro legend. I hope they continue to amaze and proliferate. Note: Not a limited edition, this model will be available to all, but first access offered to Preview Society patrons.  TP 08/05/2006

Danbury Mint 1967 Dodge Charger – DM1597

Here we have the product of the Danbury Boyz impersonating the Dodge Boys. And I’m here to tell you that they’ll convince you of the charade.  It was as if they scaled down the 1967 Dodge factory to 1:24^th and used every blueprint, tool and material needed to build the genuine 1:1.  An all-new diecast work up, this is the first totally precision scale sixty seven Charger today. Danbury has given us a plethora of Mopars, but none any better than this latest effort. In fact, our forum’s resident Mopar maven extraordinaire, Christopher Novak, posted after viewing photos of the new car in September ’09 to let us have his initial thoughts. “Hey, those exhaust headers for the Hemi are new; they have more detail, and exit into exhaust system more realistically, and the trans mounts are more detailed than even the '67 GTX.”

He went on to say, “It's more refined, with more detail of the brackets and screws and the engine compartment has the ballast resistor painted correctly, and, and, etc. This is much more detail-updated than the last Mopar.” He also caught the reproduced factory door jamb sticker, but more on that as we look the new tooling over from top to bottom. I first confirmed that all the delicious DM details and operational features were present in the new Charger. Let’s add ‘em up; scissors springs hood hinges, check. Internal door hinges, check. Revolving headlights, check. Extending antenna, check. Spring-loaded door pins to hold doors tightly closed, check. Opening fuel filler door, opening front console, opening rear console and folding rear seat backs, check, check, check and check!  

Detailing is sumptuous throughout; stickers adorn the engine compartment in terrific scaled miniature and they’re where they belong. The big 426 is plumbed and wired to perfection and carries its detailing down with those headers Chris referred to into a wonderfully crafted chassis. Torsion bars, steering arms, the starter and the transmission are all represented in perfect precision. The metal-foiled scripts and letters are everywhere; sealed and dimensional. The color choice is grand and I like the complimentary redline tires to the red interior. Don’t overlook the abundance of chrome trim on the car. These are separately fashioned pieces and the fit of each one just blends into the entire model imitating a genuine Charger.

DM keeps upping the game with these Mopars. But until they have to give back the factory, I’m hoping the Boyz keep ‘em coming!  TP 09/23/2009

Franklin Mint 1965 Lambandi Mk II  Ltd Ed of 1965-  F073

I was privy to seeing this model as a working design drawing long before it materialized as a 1:24^th scale Franklin Mint model. It was blue and the dimensional drawing of it revolved before me in a 360˚view scan. It was a vision, an automotive design concept, which sprung from the fertile mind of my dear friend Raffi Minasian. I vividly recall, back in 2000, the 50^th Anniversary Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. I was walking the manicured putting greens with Raffi and listened intently to his comments about each stunningly beautiful automobile we encountered. It was obvious; his love of cars and his knowledge of each of them. It did not matter if we were gazing at a Delahaye, Delage, Talbot Lago or a Chevy, Ford or vintage race car. He knew their history, pedigree, lineage and the development that went into them.

So when he sent me the artist’s rendering of what he now called the Lambandi, I recognized his love of automobiles in the concept. It had the best lines of an early Ferrari, the brute power and torque of the Cobra, and a ton of his own imagination. In June of this year, 2009, he wrote this on our Bulletin Board forum: “The reason for this model was two fold: 1. Develop a model that uses technology that will allow for new model cars to be made without the high cost of tooling and traditional die cast methods. 2. Develop something that no one else can sell or promote. I designed the car because I like this kind of sports car look and feel, and I enjoy seeing ideas come to life through the support of craftsmen and fellow designers. “

He went on to write, “This is no different from the process that yielded an original ‘57 Chevy or the Mustang. They all started out as Lambandi models in the studio - some got lucky and made it to production. Who knows...maybe this one will have a shot at production some day. Then it will have served a third purpose. But for me, it is just a cool car concept that I thought would be fun to build and share with fellow collectors. Same thing motivated the making of Simone. (His reference was to TFM’s 1939 Duesenberg Coupe Simone - Raffi and Roger Hardnock’s mythical creation.) It won't be for everyone, but then a ‘57 Chevy isn't for everyone either :)”

Like it or hate it, it is what it is and that, to me, is indicative of a fine automobile essence; form following function, graced with an elegant shape and masterful model construction. Yes, some pieces are purposefully fashioned from Cobra elements to help bring ‘life’, in scale form, to the fanciful story of fictional “Vic Lambandi”. The sleek little roadster captures the story to its fullest and incorporates the Lamba Engineering’s 4-phase Hyper-Jection on the aluminum 427 mill along with a version of the, “Vic-Fire” exhaust system.

FM crafted minute detail into the engine bay with use of scaled wiring, plumbing and super sweet working suspension. The use of metal to fabricate the side air vents, all scripts and safety belt ends is great. The interior detailing is really nice, albeit reminiscent of the Shelby Cobra. The flowing lines of the graceful open-bodied car are much more prominent in person and the rich color of burgundy-red highlights its sexy shape.

This is a new departure for TFM; a resin replica with no opening trunk or doors but the spirit and character of the car, its design and designer are ever present and heartily accounted for. Like it or hate it?  I LOVE it!    TP 06/24/2009

@perrone1 The 67 Charger is one of those cars that you either love or hate. While I wasn't in love with it when it was in the showrooms in 1967, it took me a while to warm to the car. What changed my mind? The totally uniqueness of the car especially the interior. A console that ran full length from the dashboard to between the front seats all the way back between the rear seats. From outward appearances the car seemed to have very little trunk space but with the rear seats folded down it almost became a station wagon. Do I love it? Well love might be an exaggeration but I now like it a lot and love the model.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 The 67 Charger is one of those cars that you either love or hate. While I wasn't in love with it when it was in the showrooms in 1967, it took me a while to warm to the car. What changed my mind? The totally uniqueness of the car especially the interior. A console that ran full length from the dashboard to between the front seats all the way back between the rear seats. From outward appearances the car seemed to have very little trunk space but with the rear seats folded down it almost became a station wagon. Do I love it? Well love might be an exaggeration but I now like it a lot and love the model.

Excellent commentary Bob - thank you!!

I was skeptical when I first learned of the Lambandi MK II and the Duesenberg Coupe Simone since both were models of 1/1 cars that never existed. As always happened back in the day, suddenly a guy named Tony is talking about these two cars as if my collection would be missing a bet if they were not included. I believe I have said this before, but the Coupe Simone garners more questions and interest than any other model in my collection. The Lambandi not so much which I blame on its location in my displays. The observation from my view is that non car people are attracted to the Coupe Simone and the car people are more attracted to the Lambandi.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

I was skeptical when I first learned of the Lambandi MK II and the Duesenberg Coupe Simone since both were models of 1/1 cars that never existed. As always happened back in the day, suddenly a guy named Tony is talking about these two cars as if my collection would be missing a bet if they were not included. I believe I have said this before, but the Coupe Simone garners more questions and interest than any other model in my collection. The Lambandi not so much which I blame on its location in my displays. The observation from my view is that non car people are attracted to the Coupe Simone and the car people are more attracted to the Lambandi.

LOL! Makes perfect sense to me! The Simone is a mythical Duesenberg through and through and the Lambandi is a mythical composite of more than one car in a styling exercise. Appreciate your learned & lucid thoughts my friend!

Franklin Mint 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Elvis Presley Version LE 1500 – F677

If I ever decided that The Franklin Mint had made enough variations of the beautiful 1:24^th scale 427 Cobra, I would have missed out on one of their very best variants. I almost completely forgot that Elvis Presley drove Shelby’s masterpiece little hot rod in the movie, “Spinout”. Filmed in period conceptuality, in 1966, Elvis plays Mike McCoy, a race driver, slash, singer. Elvis’s performance may have stolen the hearts of many young girls in the film but it was the car that I recall fondly.

Franklin did great justice to the little number eleven. They recreated it in all white, save for the red number bullseye with 11 painted in black. The race wheels are white, the side pipes match and the race ‘bumperettes, side fender vents and rollbar are black. TFM did a brilliant job of plugging up windshield holes with separately fashioned pieces as they relocated the rearview mirror to the center and replaced the windshield with a driver’s race screen.

You’ll find a leather helmet headband attached to the rollbar with its equivalent used as seat belts. Racing buckle-ends of photo-etch metal attach to the racing harness. The engine features a single carb surrounded by the “turkey pan” air box, black valve covers and plug wires. Even the fuel pump, in the trunk, is finely wired. The suspension is realistically functional and the chassis exhibits grand detailing.

The front and rear emblems are metal foiled and Elvis’s replicated signature and the license plate reading, “Spinout” helps make the piece very appealing. Oh, and if that isn’t quite enough, how about a gorgeous little black and yellow guitar with leather strap? Very nice; and dare I say, the little model is fit for a King!  Thank you, thank you very much.  TP 10/13/2009

Franklin Mint 1966 Ford Shelby GT-350 – F681

I know we have a bunch of Shelby GT-350 models in precision diecast form and I realize there are no less than four other FM models in the 1966 model year. I also fully understand that as older toolings they still do not have window vent glass or internal door springs. And while I have always loved the original 1965 signature version of 1998 issue vintage, this one is now my overall favorite GT-350.

I cannot keep my eyes off the ’66 Shelby’s in red, white and blue – each with gold stripes, whenever I pass by them. And my favorite of them happened to be whichever one I found in my hands at the time. But issued in Sapphire Blue w/White Stripes, this model positively looks outstanding. Enhancing the sixty-five model, Shelby’s GT-350 for sixty-six featured actual rear quarter windows to cut down on the blind spots caused by the louvered vents, a working side air scoop to cool the brakes and rear exiting exhaust pipes cutting down on cabin noise. It’s a better looking and functioning improvement in many ways and the color choice just helps to augment that.

TFM still carries the great detailing over to this new car – working suspension; coil springs front and leaf springs with working shocks, rear. The bottom side of the engine is detail-rich and the exhaust routes are accurately depicted. The model still has the nice photo-etched wipers from the original issue and the thinly scaled, almost lethal, antenna. The hood is still fiberglass and the interior detail is amazing to this day. I continue to enjoy the delicate photo-etched belt buckles.

The engine bay is crafted to showcase all of Shelby’s genius and TFM’s use of materials to yield realistic accuracy is faultless. The recreation of the metal grill insert, dash mounted tach, remarkably outstanding paint work and the overall look and ride height of the model leaves little to disparage. For me, this is the best ’66 GT-350 out there, period.  TP 06/24/2009

Franklin Mint 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350H 'Hertz Rent A Car' LE of 2500 – E834

You may consider this a retooling. It is FM’s first foray into the 1966 Mustang. A revamp and revision of the 1965 model, FM made all the appropriate changes. Historically, this is like a tall tale told to kids that may be a little unbelievable to some. …“Oh sure, I was a racer in my day. Why, I had this Shelby GT350 that blew the socks off the other guys in ’66.” Yeah, pretty cool until you fess up with, “Yep, I just walked into Hertz and rented that sucker.” HUH? We all know the history, pretty much, on these so-called ‘Rent-A-Racers’ so let’s spend a little time in exploring the model itself.

FM made a grand little ’65 GT350; both unsigned and in a grandiose package autographed by Carroll Shelby. The model was faithful to the stance and shape of the real car and this model follows suit extremely well. Get past the dog leg door hinges and the glassless vent wings. Focus, instead, on the positive points; there are quite a few. Realistic paint colors render an authentic look to the chassis. The exhaust pipes, tranny, blue engine bottom, differential and rear shocks, they all look superb. The interior is right out of a Shelby-history picture essay; true to life and detailed very well. Love those fabric belts. That big ol’ tach sure looks good too. The trunk is pretty small but well defined, just like the real one. It’s a rental. A racin’ rental; who’s getting groceries in this bomb anyway? The suspension works and the paint is to die for. And talk about gorgeous paint; the red with gold stripe is to die for! The photo-etch wipers are welcome and the hood is just like Shelby’s original – fiberglass. That’s a carry-over detail from FM’s two ’65 350GT models. I like it. Easy when opening it, it’s light.

The engine is my favorite part of the diecast. Right up to date and modern as can be for a more than four decade-old automotive subject. Caution stickers, wires, hoses, metal fuel lines, cabling; it is all very well handled. If you have a Mustang collection, you need this one. If you don’t, this would make a good starting point. Issue price is $135.  TP 06/06/2008

Franklin Mint 1:12^th 1967 Corvette Convertible- Nbr Ltd Ed of 427  -  E301

Chances are good that if you are reading this as a new review you follow our fresh information releases on ‘mint’ models. You, therefore, do not need a lesson in why the 1967 Corvette is the quintessential “Mid Year” model of the marque. And you have, no doubt, read about the essence of the breed in our “Car List & Reviews” section of the website for the plethora of ’67 Vettes that have been and still are available. Just plug in, “1967 Corvette” to our search engine and have at it. Likewise, I presume you do not need a tutorial on the collectability and value of the model’s 1:1 image; just watch the spirited action on Barrett-Jackson’s auction; televised or online.

What I desire to chronicle here is the wonder of The Franklin Mint’s version of the car in slightly smaller scale. To be sure, in 1:12th, the vehicle is small enough to be more affordable than its full size cousin, yet big enough in scale form to allow participation in all that the original car had to offer. Now 40 years old, our memories may not be as clear as when the car first turned heads and jump-started our hearts. So FM has gathered it together in an endearing piece, limited to the number of cubic inches that propelled this beauty to fame, 427.

The model comes in full fiberglass regalia, in Marina Blue with black “Stinger” hood. It revamps the previous Tuxedo Black with white Stinger hood Vette, issued originally in 2004 that extended the Rally Red version initially offered in 2001. Somewhat less sinister and more attractive in its blue-on-blue treatment of exterior/interior while carrying over the red-line tires; the car is somewhat brighter and more colorful. The interior is leather-covered and done expertly well. The working features are the same and the quality of build is remarkably good even if offered in larger size. And once again, FM is true to the correct fidelity of form and shape and stance. Let’s start our perusal below.

Except for the spare tire carrier the detail is wonderful. The transmission and clutch linkage are readily apparent and easy to appreciate. The oil filter has proper markings and the suspension is workable. Ok, the exhaust ends face inward but no big deal they can be corrected by any amateur. And the only problem with the spare carrier is that it provides the cool sounds that come with the model. No “mea culpas” need be uttered by FM for that. The batteries, supplied, are inserted under the carrier’s façade. You’ll note the speaker wires as you install the three AAA batteries. Beside the carrier is a small master switch. Activating it grants access to the pleasure of sight and sound. Once it is switched to “on” push in on the ignition switch. The car belts out a 427 tune of the big block starting and revving up its V8. It’s slightly harder to find but on the left side of the dash you will see a black tiny button that activates the lights. Press it in and the lights come on. Press once more and the high beams illuminate. Press the brake for brake lights and press the horn button to move slower vehicles out of your path. When the lights are turned on, the dash lights work as well. Pretty cool display in a darkened room!

The interior has nicely finished genuine leather seats, windows that roll up and down, though not all the way down; do not force them. The visors raise and lower and the model comes with an auxiliary hard top. The top boot cover opens to show off the down top but even though it is fabric and highly realistic, do not try to pry it up, it is static. Under the hood you will find a grand and spectacular motor, wiring and fuel line exhibit. You can remove the air filter for a better look at the carb, linkage and fuel lines. The fan spins too.

The emblems are photo-etched and lovely and the gas filler door opens. The windshield wipers are well crafted but do not expect an outside antenna, this is a radio-delete car. The paint is extraordinary and the pieces all fit well. The doors, hood and down top tonneau all close precisely. Bigger is sometimes better and this big FM Vette is a testament to that. Issue price is $495.  TP 01/21/2007