[Sticky] Lost Reviews - Franklin Mint & Danbury Mint

Danbury Mint 1970 Oldsmobile Rallye 350 Coupe - DM1609

This bright and historic replica celebrates the Rallye 350 Olds. It was sold to only 3,547 customers and only in Sebring Yellow. Essentially a W-45 option package, it came with blackwall tires, a custom sport steering wheel, a 350 cube engine, a W-25 twin striped and scooped hood, made of fiberglass, dual sport mirrors, Rallye suspension, dual exhaust and a rear spoiler. The current DM Boyz inherited the somewhat dated tooling of these Olds models.  Some folks have found fault with the shape of the nose and tail. There are five existing 1970 Oldsmobile images made by Danbury. Most are convertibles. Without undue scrutiny, the drop tops appeared accurate enough due to their lack of roofline. But the first coupe version, the gold 442, took it in the shorts for incorrect nose and tail lines.

Sooo, what you see here is a depiction of a specialty muscle car with a wrap-around black stripe on its rear end that may intensify the perception of inaccurate styling. I’m not enough of an Olds expert to comment positively or otherwise. But what I can comment on is all that the model does entail. The diecast carries DM’s famous hidden door hinges; it also comes with the new-tech scissors springs hood hinges, chrome metal-foiled badgings and emblems, a wonderfully detailed engine and interior cabin and faultless paint with intricate striping. Accuracy to Rallye 350 options garners high marks as well.

The black interior features terrific esthetics, such as embossed metal seat belt buckles, tiny scaled wood accents to the console and dash and door paneling. The steering wheel and door trim has splashes of exotic detailing in miniature and recreated dome light and static sunvisors that yield great replication to the 1:1. The trunk and chassis are the usual DM-attention-to-detail; literally. But the engine will blow you away. There’s a fine mesh under-hood lining, color-based battery cables, simulated air seal from hood to air cleaner, metal lines fabricating the brake fluid line system and perfectly scaled plug wires and dip stick! The trans looks terrific from a bottom view and don’t miss the working front suspension with its anti-sway bar and functional A-frame cradle componentry and steering rod.

In this color combo the diecast will light up any corner of your collection. If an Olds collector, this plays an important role in the muscle car category and a blast to look at; it’ll just make you smile.  TP 12/31/2009

Danbury Mint 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 440 6 Bbl Coupe – DM1615

How green is my valley? Green means GO! Green with envy. Green around the gills. Ok, laugh if you will at these notions but don’t laugh at the model. It is a historically-based automotive one-of-a-kind. I shouldn’t even have to mention how it will stand out in any collection. Not many 1970 ‘Cudas were made in the overall scheme of production standards; only 18,880 coupes were built. An awful lot less of them were manufactured in Sassy Grass Green. Add the 440 six-pack engine option and it gets rarer by the minute. But only one was factory produced with the Chartreuse Strobe Stripe. Very well documented, the Barrett-Jackson folks sold it off in 2007 with its ‘Cuda auction mate, a Panther Pink 340 cube version complete with a rare Pink Strobe Stripe.

Like Barrett-Jackson, DM did their due diligence in building this one-off creation. They drew from their previously issued 1971 Hemi ‘Cuda convertible’s high level of model technology and offered this sassy little coupe iteration with internal door hinges, awesome hood scissors hinges and the incredible hood pin and tether feature that makes it so realistic. The tether, clip and hood pin are all one unit. The owner has merely to pull them out to open the hood. They are magnetized to stay in place. Getting them back in the tiny holes is another thing altogether, but suffice to say a magnifying glass and soft plastic tweezers are a huge help. But the outside rearview mirrors, front and rear valance, grille, taillights and antenna are all changed from the drop top car. This green machine even has the proper factory overspray on the belly end of the unitized chassis!

Like the convertible’s, the engine bay on this diecast will leave you breathless. All the correct bells and whistles are in place, paint shades are accurate in depicting the real thing and the aforementioned chassis assembly is detailed to the hilt. And, again, the painting of the suspension parts, drive line, transmission and exhaust lends an air of realization to the model. The trunk detail includes a pygmy spare with proper markings, a jacking sticker and floor mat. Always a forte of detail excellence is the DM interior and once again it’s flawless. The wood on the dash and console is cool and the seat belts and buckles are perfectly done to scale. There are tiny multi-dimensional emblems on the car that look magnificent. “‘Cuda” is spelled out on the rear taillight panel, “Plymouth” adorns the grille insert and “‘Cuda 440-6” on the shaker scoop proclaims what’s underneath the hood.

Those last two renderings are so infinitesimal that a magnifier is really useful and appreciated. DM also got the wheels right and proper licensing allows Good Year™ to be applied to the white lettered tires. The car model is an instant standout no matter where you put it. I have this one next to the convertible Hemi and it beckons anyone entering the room like a beacon of light. About the only place it would be inconspicuous would be on the front lawn and I’m not even sure about that. What I am sure of is that it is another DM knock out!

Engine option info for the 1970 ‘Cuda:

The standard 340 V8 produced 275 bhp @ 5000 rpm with 340 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
The AAR’s 340 6 Pack pumped out 290 bhp @ 5000 rpm with 345 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm.
The 383 V8 made 335 bhp.
The standard 440 V8 was rated at 375 bhp @ 4600 rpm serving up 480 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
And the 440 with trips brought 390 bhp @ 4600 rpm and 480 lb-ft @ 2300 rpm to the street.

TP 03/11/2010

Danbury Mint 1970 Chevrolet Nova Deuce 350 Coupe- Yenko  -  1452

This is the third iteration of Chevrolet’s Nova from the Danbury Mint. Two of them, including this diecast, are 1970 model year cars while the other is of 1969 vintage. The release also marks the third “Yenko” to be offered from Connecticut and the second such Nova version. The third DM Yenko wears a Camaro uniform. The Novas, to date, were equipped with and powered by the venerable 396 and killer 427 big block bullets. But this little small block street bully comes with a grudge in its engine pocket the size of a 350 and has an attitude like a northbound wolverine with a burr in his south end.

I’ll never tire of these DM Yenko scale diecast offerings. Pretty rare in 1:1 form, they’re as close as I’ll ever get to owning one. The “Deuce” adaptation is scarce by anyone’s measure. Getting it’s moniker from the days when the car was titled, “Chevy II” or in the top of the line model trim, “Chevy II Nova”, the Deuce harkens back to the good old days when a ’32 Ford hot rod was termed “deuce”. And make no mistake; the Nova Deuce was a modern day hot rod in its own right. Yenko made but 175 1970 Nova Deuce package cars. They had options of a Dixco Yenko hood tachometer and Magnum 500 wheels. AM radios came with them from the factory as part of the Special Interior Grouping, a four-speed Muncie tranny or the Turbo 400 auto was added and so were power brakes; discs in front, a 4:10 posi rear, dual exhausts and rubber floor mats with a church-righteous front bench seat completing the option. This baby dons a Fathom Blue metallic exterior with black interior and the Yenko Deuce name emblazoned on the inside door panels. Being designated as a LT/1, it carried some radical, especially for its time, white striping. Very intricate, DM nailed every nuance of it. From the front of the car the stripes start off small and get progressively more aggressive as they become emboldened and flair up and over the trunk lid. They are flanked on the lower end by two pin stripes that run the entire length of the pattern with their big brother. In pure white, they form a bright contrast to the dark blue paint. DM keeps the stripes laser straight and where the three stripes merge into the, “LT/1” brand on the hood and out of the, “Yenko Deuce” proclamation on the rear fender area, the alignment is flawless. “Deuce” is spelled out in small block letters on the hood edge and finishing the badging treatment are metal photo-etch emblems scattered over the car. Chevy’s, “350”, “Nova” and Yenko’s own branding, along with that of Hurst, of shifter fame, are represented in photo-etched miniature in perfect scale.

DM’s continuation of hi-tech features and parts are readily evident in such essentials as the internal door hinges, hood scissors spring assemblies, complete chassis, engine bay, interior and trunk detailing. The trunk has the prerequisite speckled trunk; DM learned a while ago to get that exact. Spare, jacking accessories and instructional labeling is all present. The interior is up to and beyond precision detailing. Dash, steering wheel, door panels, seats, belts and my gosh, even radio speaker simulation, is all superbly defined. Engine bays, a DM detailing forte, is alive and very well in this little fella. Go ahead, pop that hood why doncha. Gaze in there for a few minutes; bet you it becomes a half hour before you stop. Why shouldn’t it? You have the unbelievably incredible power brake and master cylinder detail with flex tubing to simulate the genuine article, albeit three decades after the fact. The color-code hood tach wiring is present and accounted for. The plumbing, cabling and wiring are true DM-inspired wonders of model-art. Labeling adds that special extra something to the mix and, wow, it all comes together under this scissors-sprung hood from detail-Nirvana.

Of course the antenna extends, the license plate folds down to expose the fuel filler cap and the suspension articulates while keeping the stance accurate and true. DM’s blown the door off that detail expectation. What you have after all the chits are counted, is a remarkably rare and effectively accurate simulation of ‘muscle car’ above and beyond the ordinary. DM, thank you, this blue bomb brightens my whole day!

The issue price is $115.  TP 04/15/2006

Franklin Mint 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda Weathered – E506 Custom

My biggest problem with reviewing this model is coming up with a specific label for its genre. We’ve been treated to whimsical car models before, cartoon character models and dioramas to house our precious treasures. But this one is wholly different from them all and yet maybe more precision in detail than most. For some time now Manny Solano has been wowing the forum readers with his prowess in customizing scale diecast cars to look like junk yard and barn finds and posting photos that have us all drooling over. But it took the marketing expertise of Tony Cerra to grant us our wishes of owning these basically one-off pieces.

Tony heads up Diecast Reproduction, Inc. at http://www.diecastreproductions.com. He has brought us such jewels as the Apollo 12 1969 Corvette, the 2000 Platinum Power Corvette, the 2002 Indy League Corvette and the original stock version of this model and others. Tony teamed up with Manny to tap into those unbelievable modeling skills to yield a diorama in itself. Talk about imagination; just looking at this highly customized ‘Cuda AAR, conjures up images of running across a minor tragedy in the form of a derelict, discarded and unwanted previously valuable car. Oh the humanity! What a waste of a previously gorgeous automobile. Or is it?

Keep in mind folks; this is just a model, not a modeled version of a real, genuine 1:1 legend but just a model-crafting exercise and what a phenomenal exercise it is! Manny laid on years of rust, neglect, and deterioration then literally punched holes in time through the metal and finish while weathering up a storm of detail for our viewing pleasure. Unless you actually hold one of these beauties in your hands it is easy to miss the nuance and perfection that is the tiny detailing artistry. Photos cannot capture it all. The rust is real – how did he do that?

There’s no shine to the paint and the stress marks, cracks and scratches look like they took a decade or two to materialize. The chassis, in all its rusted glory, is enhanced by the corroded suspension and the sight of the incredible flat tires. The engine is fantastic in its abused state but at least someone had the forethought of ragging the manifold intakes; little good it did. And I am amazed at the perfection of the windshield hole, subsequent cracking and the rust-through of the vinyl roof. The interior may be the best part of the illusion. The way the leather seats have transformed through the years, cracking, gathering dirt and debris, is more realistic than I can imagine. Spare parts adorn the seats and floor. The spare tire adds another touch of realism too; it’s pretty much disgusting!

I’m telling you, no, I’m warning you, be careful displaying this piece, it may bring unwanted results. Diecast visitors may see this and pay more attention to it than your most prized collection pieces. Yeah, it’s THAT good!    TP 09/09/2009

@perrone1 The Twister was unknown by most in the US because it was a regional model as Tony points out. In the late seventies my job entailed travel to the Kansas City area. On two occasions I came across two Twisters on the street one of which was in mint condition while the other was in poor condition looking like it had been run hard and put up wet too many times. Having seen these 1/1s the model was a must have for me.

Franklin Mint 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda - E506

As if they were filling orders for 1:1 specimens of this fabulously popular little car, The Franklin Mint has built no fewer than seven versions of the 1970 Cuda, including this one, and one 1971 model year Cuda. Tony Cerra of Diecast Reproductions, Inc. recognized this popularity and worked with the Mint to grant us the quintessential seventies Cuda, Dan Gurney’s All American Racers, (AAR) Cuda. Tony guided the build to substantially change the original FM tooling and included: AAR-specific hood, spoiler, bumperettes, 340 engine, air cleaner, foot pedals, side exhaust, door panels, louvers, rear seats, decals and more! The result is spectacular in the flesh.

The Rallye Red paint is flawlessly applied and contrasted nicely by the matte black hood, black vinyl roof, rear window louvers and deck spoiler. The front air dam winglets and side panel graphics are also in black and magnify the contrast. The “Cuda AAR” logos are seen to add the authentic touch to the side rear fenders and on the rear license plate. The hood has been treated to accurate opening in the frontal scoop area and four air slots in the rear top of the hood. Wonderfully simulated hood pins carry off an added and accurate touch. The chassis view is astonishingly well crafted with metal lines and turning drive shaft and chrome metal foil work on the twin muffler assembly. The chrome exhaust ends are cool, they look like megaphones. You know they sounded BAD!

The accuracy of the wheels, interior, trunk and engine bay is especially nice. There are a plethora of details available for the viewing and lend an air of realism to the legendary Trans Am racer. Add a scaled antenna, made of metal, and brand-name white outline tires and give the model the correct ride height and you have an awesome little AAR replica worthy of the best position in any scale collection. I give the highest props to Tony for always producing a pleasing, well thought out and attractive scale model for us. KUDOS, good sir!

Commissioned By Diecast Reproductions, Inc. in this Rallye Red and limited to 500 pieces. Issue price is $145 + shipping. For $10 more you may check with Tony Cerra to see if the edition of 150 is still available with an issue amount of only 150 pieces at $155.  The Diecast Reproductions, Inc. website is: http://www.diecastreproductions.com.  TP 08/06/2008

@perrone1 The details on this 1970 Olds Rallye 350 are second to none in the model car world. While I agree there is an argument to be made on the shape of the front end, the model still displays well and fills a spot in Oldsmobile's place during the height of the muscle car mania.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 The details on this 1970 Olds Rallye 350 are second to none in the model car world. While I agree there is an argument to be made on the shape of the front end, the model still displays well and fills a spot in Oldsmobile's place during the height of the muscle car mania.

I remember the debate from back in the day. Stated very well my friend - thanks for your always welcome comments!! 

Danbury Mint 1971 Corvette Coupe-Nbr Ltd Ed – 1386

Four years into the “Shark” body styling, starting with the third generation (C3) 1968 Corvette, Chevrolet was deep into naming their Corvette colors after race related subjects; like famous race tracks. Eight of the eleven available colors for Corvette in1970 had names such as this one, Mulsanne Blue, named for the famous Mulsanne Straight at the track in LeMans, France. Of the 10 Corvette color choices available for ’71, half had race related names. Carried over from 1970, this was perhaps the most attractive shade of blue that any Corvette had been painted to date; it was rich and deep with just the right hint of metallic. It is the kind of blue that you can only envision if you’ve spent time in a tropical paradise surrounded by deep crystal blue water. Did you have any doubt that Danbury would capture it so exquisitely?

As with all DM reoccurring variants of a common theme, they take great pains in making color and option choices differ from one another. No more is this especially true than with their Corvette releases. They get changed up, preventing boredom or predictability. This offering is a coupe. The aforementioned beautiful color choice of RPO 976, Mulsanne Blue, with black interior was inspirationally chosen. The model opts for Corvette’s M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic tranny. It comes with the Turbo Fire 350 mill and Rally Wheels. And pardon the pun, but how cool is the optional air conditioning? And since DM’s new practice of giving us accurate tire lettering, the Good-Year white letter tires are more than welcome enhancements to this visual feast. Power steering and brakes are optioned out and the Custom Shoulder Belts are correct since they were standard for the coupe that year. I’ll let you discover any and all other potential option choices.

This diecast is an off-shoot of up-to-date model technology and does not elongate any older product tooling. Based from their ’68 and ’69 convertibles and ‘69 ZL-1 coupes, the door hinges are internally mounted and the model has all the good stuff that modern day replicas afford us collectors. The hood opens with extending piston-type prop rod. It affords a look at the star attraction, DM’s magical scale detailing. They’ve really got this miniature labeling thing down pat! They have excelled at recreating the manufacturer’s stickers. Caution and spec information, air cleaner decals, A/C compressor labels and even the GM hose markings are scaled flawlessly. And once again I applaud DM’s use of the modeler’s technique of utilizing proper paint base in replicating the finish of certain engine parts. Some need to be more on a flat basis than glossy and DM hits that aspect of modeling out of the park. Take a look at the silver-gray of the alternator, the header and exhaust shade nuances, the brake cylinder cap and the vacuum compression canister. All, so real. The proper use of model art materials is also readily seen in simulating 1:1 objects like brake cylinder cap hold-downs, rubber fan belt, fuel lines, hoses and plug wires. It builds a viable reality into the model.

The suspension is just as realistic. It does not over-modulate and the wheels do not just go up and down within a suspension member, the entire front and rear independent componentry moves like the ’71 Vette it portrays. The spare tire carrier opens to allow the removal of the fifth wheel, a perfect replication of the wheel, without its chrome trim ring and white lettered tire. The gas filler lid opens and I already filled you in on the door hinges. Chrome metal foil affords gorgeous exterior emblems. Two, “Stingray” scripts on either front fender and “Corvette” block letters on the rear facing tail light valance, help sell the detail and believability of the miniaturization process. Seeing the best view of the interior is handled by removal of the T-tops. They are fitted with two tiny pegs, fore and aft, that hold the roof panels in place even if you turn the model over to examine the underbelly. No undue movement or falling off here; I love it. The sunvisors flip up and down. The seats are genuine leather with the shoulder belts going through the seat tops. From the operational storage bin covers to the seat belt retractability to the incredible dash, gauge and controls detail, the interior is one of the best out there, bar none.

A completely lovely image and of a needed Corvette year, the model’s stance, shape, color and options make this a more than welcome addition to any collection. Available only to previous subscribers to the limited edition Corvette series, the issue price is $135. TP 06/02/2006

Franklin Mint 1971 Corvette Coupe- Fiberglass Edition E272

Following hot on the heels of FM’s newest Corvette tooling, the 1970 Corvette convertible, this model is fiberglass as well! Though this time our slick little number is in coupe form, (read that T-Top) and in War Bonnet Yellow; gold metallic, to those of you from non-Corvette origins. This model presents itself as a great little stable mate to the ’70 roadster in Monza Red with a 454 cu in/390 hp motor. There were three “Firemist” colors for 1971. Highly metallic and reflective in nature, they were Ontario Orange, Steel Cities Gray and the over-the-top color FM chose for this 24 karat number, War Bonnet Yellow. All three Firemist shades carried over to 1972 and then disappeared from whence they came.

As you know, DM is releasing a Corvette in this same color, but it is in the form of a 1972 convertible model and will be wholly different in option, interior trim and engine choice so, like me, you’re going to need both in the old Corvette Collector Corral. FM’s choice, here, was to go with the saddle interior and big block power plant. The hot option that year was the RPO LS6, a 454 cubic inch mill pumping out 425 tire-shredding ponies on steroids. Can we say Clydesdales? There weren’t many units equipped with the LS6 motor; only 188 of them with a $1,221 bonus tab. And only the RPO ZR2 option, the “Special Purpose LS6 Engine Package” was rarer with only 12 such units sold at an additional premium of $1,747. Aside from the LS6 motor there were other components that ‘specialized’ the car for racing. FM chose a dandy, more streetably-optioned car, color and configuration package. And did I say, it’s fiberglass?

FM has made great strides recently in forging ahead with new toolings. This Vette’s adaptation is an ideal representation of that when viewed alongside their previous Corvette models. The headlights are operational, the suspension articulates and even the steering dampening piston functions. All emblems and insignias are chrome metal foiled and more dimensional than past tampo usage. And, oh yeah, remember the dog leg hinges we all loved to hate? Fugetaboutit. They’re history, toast; at least here. These babies are realistic. Opening up to the interior, the saddle seating offers a conservative color contrast to the exterior. It’s rich. Black accents abound on the dash, console and steering wheel. The seats exhibit fabric belts with photo-etch belt ends and the seats fold forward to reveal the storage area well. The chassis looks great with fabricated brake lines in metal and the exhaust is authentically replicated.

The engine bay was the topic of most conversation on these cars and so it is on this issue. The graphics on the chrome air cleaner are sharp, well defined and scaled. The wiring was done well and the accurate color shading of components such as vacuum canister and master cylinder is spot on. Don’t look for wipers, they were covered by a vacuum-operated panel when not in use. The overall fit and finish of FM’s latest receives high marks. The T-Top roof panels are metal but the finish matches perfectly. The issue price is $105 and I call that a good bargain.  TP 09/15/2006

Franklin Mint 1971 Corvette Roadster ZR2- Independent Retailer- Ltd Ed of 425  -  E886

This is part of a threesome of Stingrays that Tony Cerra of Diecast Reproductions, Inc., commissioned The Franklin Mint to do. The other two were coupes; 1972 in vintage, and were ZR1-optioned orange and pewter fiberglass models. Also in fiberglass and also completely full of high tech, this model commemorates a very rare Corvette. Just exactly how rare; no one can know. First, what we do know. In 1970 Corvette replaced the venerable 427 engine with the newer LS5 454 big block. It produced 390 horsepower; only 20 more than the small block LT1’s 370. US automotive regulations were starting to have a profound effect on muscle cars. But for model year 1971, they offered the RPO code ZR2 option described as a, “Special Purpose LS6 Engine Package”. This LS6 454 pumped up the volume to the tune of 425 stomping ponies.

But Corvette only made 12 cars with this option package. This represents one of those 12. The question may be asked, how many of the dozen were made in Brands Hatch Green and as a drop top? Or with a four speed? There’s where that, “no one can know” thing comes into play. Corvette, in the early seventies, just didn’t keep records as accurately as they do today. What we most certainly do know is that whenever Tony C does his thing, we collectors are much better off for it. Take one FM Corvette; manufacture it in the preferred Corvette medium, fiberglass, add in high tech goodies like internal door hinges and extending hood prop rod, chrome metal-foiled badgings and blend in refinements that only a car maven and fellow collector can direct, and you get a truly amazing replica.

Tony orchestrated the build of an already excellent model by making certain subtle improvements to make this Vette the best it could be. He had TFM fabricate additional hoses in the engine compartment, add the correct vacuum advance, accurate gold fittings on the hoses, add Corvette’s pollution AIR pump, proper 454 distributor and spark plug wires. He further had them craft a new detailed radiator featuring the fan shroud delete as it appeared on the original ZR2 package and directed the improvement of the hood’s hold rod so it doesn't over-extend. And to further carry the enhancements into the future, he had the body stance lowered, and a new console shifter plate fabricated adding previously missing control knobs. The engine receives the proper 454 stickers and authentic coloration of miscellaneous motor parts.

The headlamp pods open and close and fit, like every other working panel on the car, flawlessly. The color choice was inspirational; the only Mint Corvette offered to us in this shade to date, and it is perfectly applied. Tony even thought to give us two up-tops, the canvas version in black and the body-colored auxiliary hard top. The edition limit is small, 425 to match the engine’s power output, so get yours quickly or you’ll regret owning such a beauty later.  TP 10/28/2009

Franklin Mint 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340 – F675 & F676

I actually like this new concept a lot; Franklin Mint has subjected the well-lived and variously presented ‘Cuda to a new adaptation. They have issued two closely related and similarly painted models in hard top and convertible form. They (F675 hard top and F676 convertible) are done in true ‘Cuda form, but this time as 340 cubic inch motor variants and in the plum crazy tradition of “In-Violet”, Plymouth’s 1971 version of their famous shade of grape. The drop-top is fashioned with white interior, a white side ‘billboard’ and matching up-top and down-boot. The coupe version is presented with a black vinyl-clad hard top with matching black interior and billboard. And aside from contrast colors, the front winglets and rear spoiler on the rag top, the cars are fraternal twins.

For somewhat older tech models, TFM has crafted a lovely and pleasing image in both of these cars. The infinitely small scaled chrome metal-foiled “Plymouth” script on the front leading edge of the hood and the “’Cuda” emblem on the rear vehicle valance enhance the model tremendously. So too, does the minute warning sticker on the engine compartment’s inner fender along with the scaled perfection of the plug wires, “Shaker” sticker below the rear hood opening and the delicate craftsmanship of the chassis componentry. The interior appointments are rich in detailing and the trunk exhibits proper attention to details in the form of jacking stickers, spare tire and jacking tool authenticity.

Helping the overall look is a finely scaled antenna, printed, “’Cuda 340” script on the air scoop and the brilliant paint job featuring, “340” boldly but thinly pinstriped within the billboard. Additional nice touches include two simulated hood fasteners, side front fenders slots, photo-etched wipers and wonderfully detailed wheels and white-lettered tires.

The models are limited production runs of only 340 each and that makes these models one of the smallest issues from the mint ever. Either stands on its own merits but together they look even more awesome as display items.  TP 08/26/2009

Franklin Mint 1971 Plymouth GTX- Nbr Ltd Ed of 2500 – E512

In keeping with FM’s great Mopar releases and specifically the Plymouth marque, this becomes the fourth full-sized 1971 car to be modeled. It marks the first GTX. In Burnished Red Poly, it is completely different than their previous issues. The white broad stripe across the nose of the long hood is the perfect accent color choice. FM added the accurate twin red pinstripes to the white field and emblazoned, “440+6” to the hood’s billboards. Their using those terrific little chrome metal foil scripts and badgings to lend a perfectly scaled authenticism to the replica.

There is an awful lot to like about this model. The suspension articulates fully while keeping the right ride height and stance. The lettered tires are authentic, the doors are sprung on internal hinges and the interior detail is as awesome as ever. They use photo-etch metal to replicate the seatbelt buckles and door sills. The pistol grip shifter is fabricated perfectly and the dash holds excellent detail work. The trunk has the prerequisite jacking instruction sheet affixed, a nicely fashioned jack with spare tire and jack stand. The wipers are photo-etched too and formed well. The engine detail is still king here.

The engine stickers lend lots of realism, the wires and plumbing are scaled wonderfully and the big 440 is perfectly at home in its bright orange attire. The antenna is sized right and the fit and finish is brilliant. The chrome work, too, is handled in today’s tech; separate pieces make up the wheel well openings, outside mirrors and door handles. The chrome trim on the wheels, windshield and rear window surrounds was fashioned flawlessly. Of the ’71 Plymouths, this has to be my favorite.

TP 03/07/2008

Franklin Mint 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 426- Independent Retailer Nbr Ltd Ed of 500

– E357

This is The Franklin Mint’s follow-up to their ’71 Hemi Road Runner in Curious Yellow and a direct descendent of the highly popular Road Runner 440 Six Pack in True Blue. A FM independent dealer had this little beauty redone in red but also as a Hemi-powered Mopar. Like the blue version, this has the broken field striping transversing the rear but this time in black.

There’s a lot to like about the image and the model as well. First, you notice its heft.  It is put together well and all the pieces fit precisely, as they should. The door hinges are old-style but are not readily seen and do not distract from the nice interior view. Starting from the bottom and working up, we see good functionality in the build. The front suspension operates on individual coil springs and has a modicum of travel adjustment. A small screw provided less positive camber angle on my example giving the car a better sitting stance. The rear works on coil springs and working shocks. The body is sharp looking with excellent paint coverage. It is smooth and glossy. The graphics, tampo-ed in place, are scaled and delicious. The road runner cartoon figure is extremely small and delicately fashioned.

Again, the interior is very nice. Spartan by the standards of today and even in the early seventies but this was a purpose-built machine and FM did an admirable job in capturing that. The seats have a nice texture, flip forward and come with fabric belts and photo-etch buckles. The dash uses a wood grain accent that is carried over to the pistol grip that the Road Runners used. The door handles and lock buttons are formed well to scale. Flooring and pedals are well fabricated. The trunk employs a jacking sticker, space saving spare and jack and acts as a platform to display the limited edition plate. The engine compartment contains the Road Runner’s, “Beep, Beep!” The bright orange lump beneath the hood is the infamous 426 HEMI! FM did a great job with the wiring, engine stickers and plumbing.

Nice touches include bright-work surrounds of the windshield and rear window, if not the drip railing; the metal antenna is scaled well and the wipers are nicely done in photo-etch metal. Overall, the image is well done and looks really great in a muscle car collection or Mopar hobbyists gathering. Issue price is $120.  TP 04/28/2007

Franklin Mint 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440 Six Pack- Ltd Ed of 5000 – E246

This is The Franklin Mint’s follow-up to their ’71 Hemi Road Runner in Curious Yellow. A FM independent dealer had the car redone in red but also as a Hemi-powered Mopar. This is their first 440 6-Pack. Issued in True Blue with white broken-field striping running across the roof, the model is cool.

There’s a lot to like about the image and the model as well. First, you notice its heft.  It is put together well and all the pieces fit precisely, as they should. The door hinges are old-style but are not readily seen and do not distract from the nice interior view. Starting from the bottom and working up, we see good functionality in the build. The front suspension operates on individual coil springs and has a modicum of travel adjustment. A small screw provided less positive camber angle on my example giving the car a better sitting stance. The rear works on coil springs and working shocks. The body is sharp looking with excellent paint coverage. It is smooth and glossy. The graphics, tampo-ed in place, are scaled and delicious. The road runner cartoon figure is extremely small and delicately fashioned. He appears in a blurred action motion on ether rear fender within the ends of the broad white stripe and again, full face with helmet in hand surrounded by the infinitely tiny, “Plymouth Road Runner” script in a black circle. You may need a magnifying glass to fully enjoy this detail.

Again, the interior is very nice. Spartan by the standards of today and even in the early seventies but this was a purpose-built machine and FM did an admirable job in capturing that. The seats have a nice texture, flip forward and come with fabric belts and photo-etch buckles. The dash uses a wood grain accent that is carried over to the pistol grip that the Road Runners used. The door handles and lock buttons are formed well to scale. Flooring and pedals are well fabricated. The trunk employs a jacking sticker, space saving spare and jack and acts as a platform to display the limited edition plate. The engine compartment contains the Road Runner’s, “Beep, Beep!” The bright orange lump beneath the hood proudly says, “440 Six Barrel” on top of the huge air cleaner. It provides shade for the three two barrel carbs. FM did a great job with the wiring, engine stickers and plumbing.

Nice touches include bright-work surrounds of the windshield and rear window, if not the drip railing; the metal antenna is scaled well and the wipers are nicely done in photo-etch metal. Overall, the image is well done and looks really great in a muscle car collection or Mopar hobbyists gathering. Issue price is $120.  TP 01/26/2007