[Sticky] Lost Reviews - Franklin Mint & Danbury Mint

Franklin Mint 2000 Corvette Coupe Independent Dealer ‘Platinum Power’ Ltd Ed/500 – E356

Once again, Tony Cerra of Diecast Reproductions, Inc., has struck gold. Well, better than that actually; platinum. Unearthing a piece of little known Corvette trivia, Tony has wisely commissioned TFM to make a special replica based from a true one-off 1:1 Corvette. Outside of those who read certain Corvette periodicals, or the National Corvette Museum’s Newsletter or their magazine, “America’s Sports Car”, not many folks knew about the 2000 “Platinum Power Corvette”. Thanks to Tony for his research and TFM for bringing the model to fruition. We Corvette-a-philes appreciate you.

The 2000 Corvette, serial number 1G1YY22G8Y5113591, was born as a Platinum Purple Metallic coupe coded as EXP (GM generally uses this code to signify an export) and awarded to a Bowling Green employee who won the car in a raffle drawing. This marked the first time that a plant worker ever won a Corvette.

By now the C5 form, as TFM has replicated it, has gone through about as many enhancements and refinements as the original tooling would allow. But then, again, enter Tony Cerra to one-up the gamesmanship! Tony had TFM craft a delicious little window sticker that all new Vettes come with. The collector can affix it to the window if so chosen or it may be displayed in the rear area behind the seats, as I have mine. But wait; as the dreaded infomercials seen on TV are fond of saying, there’s more! Tony realized that the Platinum Power Corvette came with the, now-familiar C5 option, RPO UV6, Head-Up Display, taken from the F-16 Fighter Jet.

There is a small projection unit that sits atop the driver’s side dash. It displays a lighted visual onto the windshield seen only by the driver. It is blue and contains many features normally seen on the dashboard. The purpose, as when piloting the F-16, is to keep your head up while paying total attention to the forward vision ahead of the jet, or in this case, the land jet, Corvette. Tony had a mock-up of the start-up display put on the windshield. Appropriately, it is backwards as seen from the collector’s viewpoint when looking into the car. Excellent added enhancement!

The paint on this Platinum Power Purple Metallic model is flawless. The twin, broad silver stripes add a magnificent touch. The car has the chromed five-spoke wheels and Light Gray interior. The engine bay has the apropos stickers, as does the driver’s inside door edge, correct engine detail and perfect sitting stance. The painted roof panel removes, the rear window hatch opens and the flip-up headlight pods revolve. At only 500 available units, this model is gorgeous enough to sell out quickly. TP 03/11/2007

Franklin Mint 2000 Corvette Callaway C-12 Roadster - #LECC-VIII

Quite a few folks really liked FM’s Callaway Corvette but were unable to afford it. The diecast was not only much different than the standard, stock Corvette but came with wonderful little accessories and was hand signed by Reeves Callaway necessitating a $500 premium. The unsigned versions, without all the accouterments, sometimes sold on the secondary market for more than the Mint-issued versions. Additionally some even liked that a signature was not present on the model itself. Another thing that put people off was the accurate but over-the-top interior color.

The usual suspects on the board of directors of the Diecast Zone, Jay Olins, George Dill and I, gathered to nominate eligible candidates for this year’s Limited Edition Club Car (LECC), the eighth one to date. We wanted something fresh. The Callaway was our top candidate. With Raffi Minasian overseeing the process and lending his valuable expertise to the working method necessary to accomplish another LECC home run, he consulted often with Lewis Checchia, Joe Sellari and their design team at The Franklin Mint. We wanted correct Callaway Corvette colors and a color combo in two-tone that was not been seen on every corner. We also added the proper two-toned matching interior, highly detailed raised chrome hood emblem to replace the tampo on the previous model. And we also added polished wheels to fully accent the silver body.

That it could be sold for less than $150 but still have Reeve’s signature on the certificate of authenticity meant that those left out could now own one. Franklin had not done a repaint on this model before. As an image, it is outstanding; especially in terms of stance and faithful body shape and contour. The model has full suspension, great engine detail including simulated carbon fiber fuel injection rail covers, lifting boot deck and trunk. Two small sections mount between these two pieces when the top is off. Their continuity assures good aerodynamics on the headrest pods. They remove for the insertion of the ‘up-top’.

The legacy of the LECC survives well in this eighth offering and so does the partnership between the club, Franklin Mint and the ultimate owners of these cherished little replicas. I look forward to seeing many more.

TP 09/02/2007

Franklin Mint 2002 Corvette Indy League- Independent Retailer Nbr Ltd Ed of 500 - E684

Tony Cerra of Diecast Reproductions, Inc. has once again brought us an outstanding example of Corvette history in Mint replication form. You will recall Tony as the force behind the amazing Apollo 12 1969 Corvette, the very limited and highly coveted Carroll Shelby-autographed Cobras and Mustangs, the incredible 2000 Corvette Platinum Power and Corvette Festival cars, among others. He’s now commissioned the Franklin Mint to perform another graphics miracle on a 2002 Millennium Yellow beauty transforming an already nice car into a gorgeous Indy League Pace Car.

Just wait until you see this meticulous transformation in person. Keep in mind though; there are only 500 of them to be sold! The car looks as if it traversed the course, setting the hot lap and ran into a white and black checkered flag. Forming a “V” for victory, it engulfs the front end of the Corvette and wraps, delicately, around the front sides and bottom doors of the automobile. TFM made the paint seamless, bright and glossy. The C5 logo is emblazoned on the front edge of the nose and hood of the car and it flows swiftly rearward in a draping effect. The graphics continue as we read, Pace Car, Indy Racing League” on the doors, the windshield header exclaims this to be a “Corvette” and the Indy Racing League logo is proudly displayed on the rear fenders.

Tony didn’t miss a trick. He had TFM add the correct Pace Car license plate and chromed C5 wheels and had the prerequisite fire bottle extinguisher mounted to the passenger-side floor. The roof panel is removable and has a notched rear fitting preventing it from overly shifting around each time the car is moved. The engine bay is perfectly replicated to 1:1 Corvette standards and the suspension is active.

I am not certain if it is the sunny disposition of the color, the handsome graphics or the overall look of the car itself or a combination of all of the factors that went into this car, but I love it. If you can handle this model without breaking into a smile, you may want to rethink collecting diecast autos. Once more Tony has brilliantly conceived a great issue and TFM has delivered a gem!

TP 12/17/2007

2002 Corvette Z06- Independent Retailer Nbr Ltd Ed of 750 - E153

This was a very pleasant surprise in more ways than one. 2002 was the first year for this Corvette color, Electron Blue. It carried over into 2003 but was replaced by LeMans Blue in 2004 to commemorate the C-5R race car’s successes. LeMans Blue was the color they raced in for a short period of time; their victories were more numerous in yellow clothing so they reverted back to that. I’m glad Dean of Dad’s C.A.T.S. commissioned FM to do this model. It’s a more electrifying shade of blue than the somewhat darker LeMans Blue. I’m also very pleased that he had other changes made as well.

FM has enjoyed a long lifeline of C5 images and has been making them in various iterations since the first year of the generation, 1997. They ceased, of course, with the last of the breed, the 2004 and FM has made at least one of each model year except for the 2000 and 2001 Corvettes. The Callaway C12 is a 2000 but shouldn’t count as a stock-issue car. They have made precious few improvements to the C5 image and really did not need to. But Dean has asked FM to make a couple of modifications and they have done so splendidly. The addition here of the red/black interior, dubbed ‘mod red’ by Vette aficionados, was never more appreciated than in the Electron Blue Corvette. It really sets off the model. FM got the emblems right too, black with the red, black and white crossed flags. I was pleased to see that the bright, shiny Z06 wheels were not merely carried over from the 2004 Commemorative model. These are polished aluminum, not the grey wheels that we are used to seeing as standard issue on the Z06 cars and that is actually a good thing since they are not at all good looking. These are. Dean also made sure that the passenger’s side key lock on the door was removed; the 1:1’s do not have them. I mentioned this in prior C5 reviews.

The engine has the correct red fuel injection rail covers and the proper engine bay labeling. There is now one less missing link to the complete C5 line-up and this one is an absolute gem. Of course this is a critical addition to the Corvette collector’s trophy room, a must have if there ever was one.

Commissioned by Dad's C.A.T.S., the model may be ordered by emailing dadscats@aol.com or calling (828) 698-7525. The issue price is $135.  TP 11/25/2005

Franklin Mint 2003 Corvette Indy 500 Festival Convertible- Independent Retailer Nbr LE of 500 – E364

This model is available through Tony Cerra of Diecast Reproductions. If you are a Corvette collector, you MUST have this diecast. If you are a fan of muscle cars, American Iron (or fiberglass in this case) or a precision diecast fan in general; you MUST have this model!

FM previously issued a C5 in this Millennium Yellow; a Z06 rendition of the 50^th Anniversary Corvette. But in convertible fashion with exquisite graphics depicting the Indy 500 Festival car used during the week of the 5/25/2003 race, this model takes on a brighter and more colorful appearance. And once again, Tony has stepped up to the plate and delivered an extra dosage of detail for the collector’s appreciation.  

Since all 2003 Corvettes were deemed part of the 50^th Anniversary edition, this Festival car has its proper adornments. The correct insignia is tampoed on the hood; a silver number “50” under the Corvette “Crossed Flag”. Additionally, a “Corvette” windshield header is emblazoned in yellow and the accurate graphic package is pressed into use on the sides of the car. The model carries the proper Indiana plate and “Chevrolet” logos and thanks to Tony we now have chrome metal-foiled insignias fore and aft instead of the previously fashioned tampos. Where the previously mentioned Z06 did not have the side cove vents painted to simulate openings, this model has the blackened effect added beautifully. Tony also had the Head Up Display (HUD) graphics added to replicate this blue lighted feature onto the inside windshield.

Overall, the model is a standout in any collection and it replicates the cars that only VIP’s traveled in during the special event. Since they are made in a limited edition of only 500, they should sell quickly. Tony, as always, magnificent job!

Issue price is $145.  TP 06/10/2007

Franklin Mint 1:32 1912 Christie Front Drive Steamer (Fire Engine) - 2005 Christmas Ltd Ed of 2500 – E034

In keeping with the time honored tradition of issuing Christmas images, Franklin Mint has released its 2005 version in the form of a fire engine. This one is a beauty! Based on the 1912 Christie Front wheel drive steamer truck, Santa never had it so good. In fact, he may just give up on those cold high-flying nights in that old beater sleigh of his and ride in style on this elegantly detailed buggy.

First evident as you look this little treasure over is the paint scheme. So very festive in a holiday mood is the red and green paint job with curly-cues pinstriped into the main theme. Santa, of course, is in all his warm white fur-lined refinement. Two of the three removable hose sections are adorned with red bows and green garland. Highlighting the 1912 Brass-Era fire engine are abundant brass fittings and equipment. The headlamps, boiler segments and hose attachments and wheel sections are treated to the gold-like plating and make the Christie shine like a newly minted gold watch. The twin hoods open from either side to display the engine drive assembly, the steering wheel delicately turns the front wheels and the wheels and tires themselves roll. Careful when turning the steering wheel, you just need an eight turn to either side to effect maximum steering. The crank on the side of the casing also works. The model comes with a rich wooden base with a brass plate exclaiming a “Merry Christmas 2005”.

Even though the fire truck was meant to display during the holidays it is guaranteed to put a smile on your face any time you look at it. If it doesn’t, you better look for coal in your stocking next year. Santa told me to say that!

Gorgeous little Christmas piece FM, nice job. TP 10/19/2005

Franklin Mint 2005 Corvette Coupe C590

Corvette ended the 8 year run of C5’s in the latter part of 2004 and began producing the much ballyhooed C6. The coupe was first released, followed shortly thereafter, by the convertible. Love it or hate it, Corvette purists and automotive styling experts all agreed to disagree on whether the new ‘Vette was a positive or negative departure from the previous iteration. Part of the argument stems from the front end and the fixed headlights. They no longer flip up for the first time since 1963. My initial thought, upon seeing the C6 for the first time, was that the front end looked like the resultant offspring of a Viper and Miata tryst. The edgy styling is much more sharp and defined than the previous C5 and some say more aggressive. Engineering on the car was extensive and the new handling platform and running gear have been well received by enthusiasts and auto journalists alike even if they do not agree on the styling.

This is the first new FM tooling in quite some time. Was it worth the wait? Let’s take a look and try to answer that question. The Magnetic Red paint is beautiful. True to 1:1, it has just a hint of metallic base and you have to look hard to see it on the model. It is thoroughly glossy and evenly applied. As with their many C5 replicas, the stance and overall shape on the C6 is good. The removable roof panel is diecast, not plastic but there are no locating pins or subtle detents to hold it in place. A slight movement in any direction results in spilling the top. I would have liked to have seen the visors function too. The interior is a whole other thing, however. Once you get past the old dog leg door hinges, the interior is a delightful place to visit. The seats have deeply detailed impressions and fold forward. This will reveal fabric seat belts. The steering wheel, dash, center console and foot pedals are well portrayed. And although the gauge package is a stick-on, it blends in well. The stickers affixed to the driver’s door jamb add a nice touch and so do the door sills. The rear window hatch opens and provides a storage facility for that pesky fly-off roof panel. The carpet material is standard FM fare and looks good throughout.

Under the hood, you won’t see an abundance of plumbing and plug wires on the real car and FM replicates the engine bay appropriately. With miniature instructional stickers and battery cabling, the engine area is capably represented. The suspension works in a similar fashion to the C5 models and the exhaust with chrome tips was fashioned well. The chrome wheels were done correctly and the brake rotors and calipers show through. The tires are stamped with Goodyear Eagle. That was an unexpected bonus. It would have been nice to see the external crossed flag emblems done in photo-etch metal but the tampos are done to scale and look crisp.

I give FM good marks for bringing out a new image and for doing the C6 so quickly after its debut in 1:1. It backslides a little, tech-wise,  in the same areas, mentioned above, that were previously lacking in previous offerings but in overview the model is relatively well done. The issue price is $105.  TP 11/29/2004

Franklin Mint 2005 Ford Mustang GT   E258

After four decades as an American icon, it was time for a major change, a retro-style change. Other car makers have used the retro-styling card as a draw for selling their products and Ford has done so too. The redo of the Thunderbird was “iffy” but the Ford GT was so captivatingly “GT-40” in its sixties historical cloak that the world sat up and took notice. So did the sixties Mustang look render a similar result to a current car already popular with the car-buying public? Apparently so. Breaking a slight bit of tradition by modeling a currently produced automobile, Franklin Mint offers a new retro-styled Mustang in GT form and in fire engine red. Ok, it is really Torch Red but you get the idea. Before now FM modeled the modern C6 Corvette early on in its tenure but precious few other current cars.

FM’s use of internally hinged doors is now becoming almost commonplace in new toolings; bravo! Ditto, for the chrome metal foiled emblems and badgings. The GT’s paint is shiny, even and deep and the fit of each opening panel is excellent. The chassis detail is great. Heat shielding for the catalytic converters and exhaust pipes, ahead of the cross-over, are separately fashioned, working suspension and authentic paint coloration of part content is well carried out. Attention to minute detail, too, is really good on the ‘Stang. The tiny 1:24^th, “Ford” blue oval insignia on each wheel cap center is well defined and so is the, “Built with Pride” decal on the driver’s side rear quarter window. Likewise, the, “GT” rear valance moniker and chrome mustang on the finely crafted metal mesh grille are nicely done. FM added a scaled set of warning stickers to the engine bay. They can be seen on the radiator shroud, under part of the hood and perfectly scaled printed labels are scattered on various parts of the motor; like the oil filler, washer filler cap and hot water overflow tank, among others. FM carried this back to the door jamb too and also added a nice touch by using photo-etched metal to fabricate the door sill – “Mustang”, it exclaims. Nice little, easy to overlook, detailing like that is seen all throughout the model. The ‘third brake light’ just below the deck wing, is crafted in plastic, not merely painted-on, the rear shelf tray has nice detail as seen through the rear window and the exhaust tips are metallic and well formed. The interior is finely finished out and even attention was paid to the caution label affixed to the sunvisors.

The antenna is finely scaled and black; correct for the application and the engine bay, as mentioned already, is wonderfully appointed in scale detail. Fuel lines, plug wiring and hose applications are authentic and lend a genuine miniature look to the model. Even the seats, on close inspection, show nice patterned definition. Modern day muscle; Franklin has done an admirable job on this little pony. The issue price is $120. TP 10/22/2006

Franklin Mint 2006 Corvette Coupe- FM Preferred Partner- Nbr Ltd Ed of 1000 – E150

Some of you may think that I am partial to yellow Corvettes just because I own one. So it may follow that you would suspect me of finding some special favor with this model. Please; I am a professional diecast model reviewer and can handle this one just like any other run of the mill metal replica. So, having said that, how does the model strike me? Oooooooh BABY! How sweeeeeet it is! LOL! Ok, that’s out of my system so down to the nitty gritty.

As a Franklin Mint “Preferred Partner”, Randy May, of Hightower Collectibles, commissioned the FM to do a special run, of only 1000 gorgeous pieces, of their new C6 tooling. Previous to this issue the FM produced a Magnetic Red 2005 coupe released in 2004. They followed up with a convertible C6, a 2005 limited edition of 9900 and issued late this year. In Velocity Yellow and in a rather smallish production run, Randy’s C6 takes on the 2006 model year in fantastic fashion. I noted in my review of the red coupe that the roof panel was not as secure as I would have liked. Fixed. In 2006 the steering wheel of the new Vette goes to a three spoke custom wheel configuration. Randy and FM nailed it. Since we have already established that I am partial to yellow Corvettes it may seem redundant to report that this iteration is easily my favorite FM C6 to date. But it is. The color, different from the C5 Millennium yellow, is a breath of fresh air cloaking the C6’s styling. It shows off the car’s shape and highlights the C6 styling exercise bringing out the edgy and sharp features that went into making the car a more aggressive looking Chevrolet icon. The hints of the previous mid-year Corvette design become more evident in this shade. The stance, although at first almost imperceptible, has been slightly modified. Randy had FM pay close attention to the front end and the model takes benefit of an improved ride height. Score a big one for Randy and FM.

High marks to Mr. May and the team at FM. It just goes to show that teamwork, attention to detail and improvements that matter make a big impact on the diecast collector. Not that the color or the marque had anything to do with my saying that. Yeah, right! The Thrillometer pegged it’ yellow needle at 9.985 on this gorgeous gal.

The issue price is $135. TP 10/27/2005

Franklin Mint 2006 Corvette Indy 500 Festival Convertible Independent Dealer Ltd Ed/500 – E363

Most folks are familiar with the Indy 500 and the race cars that compete there every Memorial Day weekend. But many may not be as cognizant of the number and array of support vehicles that also perform at the event each year. This is one of three recently commissioned Franklin Mint Corvettes by Tony Cerra of Diecast Reproductions, Inc. It is the 2006 Corvette C6 dressed out in Indy 500 Festival livery. We know about the pace cars, some may know about the safety cars. But there are many parade cars and festival cars that are pressed into varied duties. Almost as rare as pace cars, some are as beautiful and some even more so in their own right. This, to me, is such a case.

In LeMans Blue, conservatively painted with minimal graphics, yet making a bold statement, this model is striking. There’s a bold splash of red paint that sweeps the side of the car from front to rear in an elegant arch intercepting a white bullet surrounded by another broad red stripe that fades as it flows rearward. “Chevrolet” appears in that red stripe and as a banner, in white, across the windshield header. Small Chevy ‘bowties’ are seen in the white panel on the rear fender and a big white bowtie is emblazoned on the C6’s hood. Each door carries the Indy 500 logo crest, reading, “Indianapolis 500”, “90^th Running” and “May 28, 2006”. TFM did a beautiful job on that tampo. Each front fender and the rear valance have additional, “Indianapolis Motor Speedway” logos adorning them.

Tony made sure that accuracy was adhered to. Don’t think of this as a repaint of the FM 2005 Indy 500 Pace Car, it’s not. It utilizes the correct three-spoke steering wheel for 2006 and full-paneled headrest ‘hoops’, unlike the Pace Car’s which houses the safety lights in each pod. The seat belts are extremely attractive as they cross each other waiting for the occupants to take a fast lap. The prerequisite extinguisher is carried over, in front of the passenger’s seat, and the inside of the convertible top has the same delightful detailing and notches that help locate the top in proper alignment when displayed on the model. Tony even thought to have the Indiana plate, reading, “2006” with Indy logo, placed on the car.

Every body fit is functionally flawless and the paint is exquisitely applied, especially considering the graphic package that goes with it. The suspension works well while keeping a proper stance when the model is sitting. Every Corvette and pace car collector needs this handsome Festival Car in his or her collection but anyone who just likes down-to-earth good looks will benefit from this low numbered limited edition diecast. This model is available through Diecast Reproductions which may be contacted at 813-882-8482 or via email at diecastreproductions@msn.com. Issue price is $145.

TP 03/11/2007

Franklin Mint 2006 Corvette Z06 Indy Pace Car- Nbr Ltd Ed of 5000  -  E425

For the 90^th running of the Indianapolis, Indiana, “Indy 500”, on May 28, 2006, Corvette paced the field for an incredible eighth time! It was actually a record 17^th time for Chevrolet to pace this international race. Seven-time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong, garnered the driving duties. In keeping with offering us collectors famous pace cars and fabulous Corvette replicas, FM did us proud with their release of several Corvette Pace Cars and their continuity in releasing this awesome Z06 version! TFM stepped up their game by refurbishing the already incredible C6 image. Hey, to date, it’s the best C6 offering in precision miniature. It’s worthy of every praise that TFM has thus far earned.  As I wrote about their new Daytona Sunset Orange 2006 Corvette Z06 that is perfectly applicable here:

“This is not the previous FM C6 beefed up on steroids to grow those bulging fenders and sprout those rear brake ducts. The new Z06 wheels and exhaust system weren’t just add-ons either; this is an all-new tooling. They’re subtle but I can’t wait to tell you about all the differences. Let’s start up front and work to the back of the car. FM retooled the front fascia. It sports a wider bottom nose-piece and grille opening to allow for greater air flow. Front marker lights spread further to the side. You will now see a lower air dam lip and an air scoop on the top of the nose fascia. Don’t miss the all-new chrome metal foiled cross flag emblem. There’s its match on the rear valance and those side-mounted, “Z06” badgings, as well as the tiny, “GM” buttons are also metal foiled.”

The review goes on to say, “The wheels are bigger than the standard Vette’s and they are sculpted beautifully to scale.  Take a moment to examine the awesome brake calipers and rotors. The calipers, in red, are properly printed with, “Corvette” and the rotors are drilled and actually turn within the multi-piston brake calipers. Now go ahead and open the door to take a peek inside; but wait. Notice anything different or unusual? The doors have now been hung on super-realistic inner-sprung hinges! See what I mean about teched-out? Sorry you can’t take the roof panel off to fully inspect the gorgeous interior. A flaw on FM’s part? No sir; they got it right. The Z06 has a fixed roof. C5 Z06’s, as you recall, were made on the “Fixed Roof Coupe” platform and called hard tops.

The structural rigidity of the former cars lent themselves well to the first C5 Z cars but a third variant was not needed for the C6 Z. They simply cinched up the roof panel and this made the body structure just as strong. The cockpit is spectacular. The dash and seats, belts and console all look well detailed and authentic. And while the sunvisors do not fold down, they are plenty detailed. Looking in from behind, with the hatch up, reveals a better view of everything. The detail of the door sills and the door jamb of the driver’s side are rich and realistic. Moving further back we not only see the rear fender bulges but the addition of the correct black fender flaps. The detail of the door sills and the door jamb of the driver’s side are rich and realistic. Moving further back we not only see the rear fender bulges but the addition of the correct black fender flaps. They are flexible on the 1:1 but not so needed here, thanks FM. There’s a slight modification made on the Z’s little duck spoiler and FM nailed it. The nuance is only barely perceptible but done perfectly. Underneath, all was fabricated properly as well. The exhaust was changed correctly and the trans and engine bottom half are fashioned well. The suspension is operational but in need of an update at a later time. I cannot take off major points for it though and the stance, as a result, is spot on. Engine bay detail is back to a whole new level too. Wiring, sticker usage and plumbing all look great.”

Yeah, FM has a winner here; the proportions are perfect, the graphics are phenomenal and the addition of safety lights and official markings and license tag continues the tradition of the pace car series.

TP 08/27/2007

Franklin Mint 2006 Corvette Z06 LE of 505 - E669

Without question, this is Franklin Mint’s finest C6 Corvette iteration. In fact it may be their best, highly teched-out Corvette to date, period! Worthy, in my estimation, to be on any learned collector’s top 5 Corvette list, this 1:24^th scale newbie is out and out astounding.  TFM has come about as far as today’s tech will allow in refitting this C6. And I’m here to applaud their awesome efforts. This is not the previous FM C6 beefed up on steroids to grow those bulging fenders and sprout those rear brake ducts. The new Z06 wheels and exhaust system weren’t just add-ons either; this is an all-new tooling. They’re subtle but I can’t wait to tell you about all the differences. Let’s start up front and work to the back of the car.

FM retooled the front fascia. It sports a wider bottom nose-piece and grille opening to allow for greater air flow. Front marker lights spread further to the side. You will now see a lower air dam lip and an air scoop on the top of the nose fascia. Don’t miss the all-new chrome metal foiled cross flag emblem. There’s its match on the rear valance and those side-mounted, “Z06” badgings, as well as the tiny, “GM” buttons are also metal foiled. The wheels are bigger than the standard Vette’s and they are sculpted beautifully to scale. Take a moment to examine the awesome brake calipers and rotors. The calipers, in red, are properly printed with, “Corvette” and the rotors are drilled and actually turn within the multi-piston brake calipers. Now go ahead and open the door to take a peek inside; but wait. Notice anything different or unusual?

The doors have now been hung on super-realistic inner-sprung hinges! See what I mean about teched-out? Sorry you can’t take the roof panel off to fully inspect the gorgeous interior. A flaw on FM’s part? No sir; they got it right. The Z06 has a fixed roof. C5 Z06’s, as you recall, were made on the “Fixed Roof Coupe” platform and called hard tops. The structural rigidity of the former cars lent themselves well to the first C5 Z cars but a third variant was not needed for the C6 Z. They simply cinched up the roof panel and this made the body structure just as strong. The cockpit is spectacular. The dash and seats, belts and console all look well detailed and authentic. And while the sunvisors do not fold down, they are plenty detailed. Looking in from behind, with the hatch up, reveals a better view of everything.

The detail of the door sills and the door jamb of the driver’s side is rich and realistic. Moving further back we not only see the rear fender bulges but the addition of the correct black fender flaps. They are flexible on the 1:1 but not so needed here, thanks FM. There’s a slight modification made on the Z’s little duck spoiler and FM nailed it. The nuance is only barely perceptible but done perfectly. Underneath, all was fabricated properly as well. The exhaust was changed correctly and the trans and engine bottom half are fashioned well. The suspension is operational but in need of an update at a later time. I cannot take off major points for it though and the stance, as a result, is spot on. Engine bay detail is back to a whole new level too. Wiring, sticker usage and plumbing all look great.

Yeah, FM has a winner here; the proportions are perfect, the car sits accurately and the color is gorgeous on the new Vette. It’s possible that so many Corvette fans and buyers have made FM rethink in terms of Al Pacino’s role in the Godfather Part III: “Just when we thought we were out; they PULL us back in!” HA! Good thing too, this is a very welcomed little machine indeed. Exclusively commissioned in gorgeous black with black and red interior from the Franklin Mint by Mint Models, Michelle has a fantastic color combo here. Orders may be emailed to: service@mintmodels.com or you may call Mint Models at: (800) 341-4699.  TP 10/07/2007

Franklin Mint 2006 Corvette Z06 Police Car LE of 5000 – E831

High marks to TFM for this little concept. Hate ‘em or love ‘em, Corvettes sell; seemingly, no matter how many variations you may see them in. In keeping with their lineup of police cars, TFM adds the Z06 to the Porsche 911, Lamborghini and ’99 Corvette police cars. There’s even a Mini Cooper upcoming in police attire.

What’s cool about this Vette is that it is a C6 Z06, a 2006 model year variation that Franklin enhanced and refitted from their initial C6 tooling. It has the new-tech door hinges and the subtle differences that the Z06 has in comparison to the standard C6 Corvette. Then for classic whimsy TFM added the law enforcement accoutrement and handsome paint scheme. No hiding behind billboards for this bad guy chaser, this is an in-your-face, coming-after-you-hard machine. It sports the blue and red roof lights, blue lights in the front half turn indicators, ram-bar front grille protector and not-so-subtle, “POLICE” emblazoned on the doors. There is a nicely done crest on the hood, “911” rear license plate and a tongue-cheek, “Gotcha” front license plate.

Franklin fashioned a gorgeous, working environment for the interior. The officer/operator has an up to date computer, police radio with coiled wire connection, a riot gun, looks like 12 gauge to me, a cordless two-way radio and flash light. These last three features are separate items and can be displayed as you wish. The engine detail is excellent as is the chassis and rear storage compartment. The suspension is functional and the chrome metal-foil badges are most welcomed.  The entire ensemble makes a nice conversation piece, a ‘what if’ discussion maker. Five hundred five police ponies can do that!  TP 05/31/2008

Franklin Mint 2006 Corvette Z06 – E423

Without question, this is Franklin Mint’s finest C6 Corvette iteration. In fact it may be their best, highly teched-out Corvette to date, period! Worthy, in my estimation, to be on any learned collector’s top 5 Corvette list, this 1:24^th scale newbie is out and out astounding.  TFM has come about as far as today’s tech will allow in refitting this C6. And I’m here to applaud their awesome efforts. This is not the previous FM C6 beefed up on steroids to grow those bulging fenders and sprout those rear brake ducts. The new Z06 wheels and exhaust system weren’t just add-ons either; this is an all-new tooling. They’re subtle but I can’t wait to tell you about all the differences. Let’s start up front and work to the back of the car.

FM retooled the front fascia. It sports a wider bottom nose-piece and grille opening to allow for greater air flow. Front marker lights spread further to the side. You will now see a lower air dam lip and an air scoop on the top of the nose fascia. Don’t miss the all-new chrome metal foiled cross flag emblem. There’s its match on the rear valance and those side-mounted, “Z06” badgings, as well as the tiny, “GM” buttons are also metal foiled. The wheels are bigger than the standard Vette’s and they are sculpted beautifully to scale. Take a moment to examine the awesome brake calipers and rotors. The calipers, in red, are properly printed with, “Corvette” and the rotors are drilled and actually turn within the multi-piston brake calipers. Now go ahead and open the door to take a peek inside; but wait. Notice anything different or unusual?

The doors have now been hung on super-realistic inner-sprung hinges! See what I mean about teched-out? Sorry you can’t take the roof panel off to fully inspect the gorgeous interior. A flaw on FM’s part? No sir; they got it right. The Z06 has a fixed roof. C5 Z06’s, as you recall, were made on the “Fixed Roof Coupe” platform and called hard tops. The structural rigidity of the former cars lent themselves well to the first C5 Z cars but a third variant was not needed for the C6 Z. They simply cinched up the roof panel and this made the body structure just as strong. The cockpit is spectacular. The dash and seats, belts and console all look well detailed and authentic. And while the sunvisors do not fold down, they are plenty detailed. Looking in from behind, with the hatch up, reveals a better view of everything.

The detail of the door sills and the door jamb of the driver’s side is rich and realistic. Moving further back we not only see the rear fender bulges but the addition of the correct black fender flaps. They are flexible on the 1:1 but not so needed here, thanks FM. There’s a slight modification made on the Z’s little duck spoiler and FM nailed it. The nuance is only barely perceptible but done perfectly. Underneath, all was fabricated properly as well. The exhaust was changed correctly and the trans and engine bottom half are fashioned well. The suspension is operational but in need of an update at a later time. I cannot take off major points for it though and the stance, as a result, is spot on. Engine bay detail is back to a whole new level too. Wiring, sticker usage and plumbing all look great.

Yeah, FM has a winner here; the proportions are perfect, the car sits accurately and the color, Daytona Sunset Orange,  is gorgeous on the new Vette. This is a very welcomed little machine indeed. TP 08/24/2007

just counted 'em. This is one of the 6 early 2000s FM Corvettes I have. Great models all. Thanks Tony