@perrone1 Tony, you had me going back to check some of the many details this beach buggy has. You are the man when it comes to capturing the smallest details on every model. Your writeups and pictures are affording a thrill of these models just as it did when they were first issued. Thank you, thank you!
This is Danbury’s second annual 50th Anniversary (1954-2004) Corvette Limited Edition. Of course, it follows their first 50th Anniversary, 1953 Corvette Limited Edition issue. The edition size will be limited to production ending 12/31/04.
For 1954, Chevrolet built 3640 Corvettes in their new facility in St. Louis, Missouri. The first 300 1953 Corvettes were produced in GM’s plant in Flint, Michigan. Aside from the original Polo White, Sportsman Red, Black and Pennant Blue were now offered for the second year of build. An all new beige interior was also added to the original red cabin. The straight-line six engine, dubbed, “Blueflame Special”, carried forward from ’53 but in the mid-term was given a change in camshaft hopping the motor up from 150 horse power to 155. Chevy’s Powerglide auto trans remained but to thwart the smoky exhaust build-up on the car’s rear flank, the exhaust tips were extended.
As with DM’s ’53 Vette replica, expect top accuracy, phenomenal detail and impeccable fit and finish with the ’54. In Pennant Blue, a deep Azure and Ocean mix with a slight metallic thrown in, the model is striking, especially with the beige seats and dash, highlighted by light tan carpeting and cream-colored steering wheel, dash and door trim. Corvette painted the top of the dash body color but it was not buffed to a gloss to prevent glare. DM followed precisely. They went a step farther and fashioned a couple of air vents, just behind the windshield, with separately formed chrome pieces. The gauges are readable, the insignias on the steering wheel center and passenger’s side dash are legible and even the shift pattern of the transmission is printed on the shift knob in tiny lettering. The top boot opens to display a replicated ‘down’ top and the material used is the same as on the additional ‘up top’. The gas filler door opens and for those that found slight shade differences than body color on the door, this is a perfect match. In the trunk you will find a leather side curtain pouch for storage when the windows are not used. The jack tool hangs on the passenger’s bulkhead and the floor mat is removable along with the spare tire. The trunk lock button is fashioned as a separate piece.
Don’t miss the genuinely accurate detail work beneath the model. From the rear; the over-travel rear-end straps are in place and you will find correct factory markings on the drive shaft in yellow. Real metal springs and metal lines replicate the emergency cabling and up front you can see the awesome detailing of the fuel pump and gas lines running upward. Carb linkage, brake lines, plug wiring, heater hoses and battery cables all combine to add realism to the engine bay. A telescoping prop rod allows you to see all the wonders of DM’s build. The engine received a shot of chrome to the valve cover with a “Corvette” script imbedded accordingly and the carburetion dons a couple of chromed air cleaners. The stance is flawless on working suspension and the doors feature the terrific internal hinges.
With the side curtains in place and the top on, we have a wonderful glimpse into what this icon looked like half a century ago. The little model is nostalgic and elegant at the same time. Do give this one a close look, it does not disappoint in the slightest. It ranks a solid 9.8 on the old Thrillometer.
@perrone1 Tony, you had me going back to check some of the many details this beach buggy has. You are the man when it comes to capturing the smallest details on every model. Your writeups and pictures are affording a thrill of these models just as it did when they were first issued. Thank you, thank you!
Thank you so much Bob. I forgot half of the details as well, but looking at them brings back great memories of the good old days.
@perrone1 Tony, this yellow 55 T-Bird model is right up there with the best model ever made as your review attest to. Having owned an identical 1/1 down to the hardtop and wire wheel covers i couldn't believe it when this model came out. I used to display this model with the 1/1 at local car shows and a friend displayed her Thunderbird Blue model with her 1/1. While all of my models are on display, your reviews have me taking another look at all of them.
Danbury, as usual, did an outstanding job on these 55 Corvettes. Besides all of the details as you point out Tony, the up top option and the push in side windows take these models from the toy status to the extreme miniature status.
Danbury Mint 1949 Oldsmobile 88 Station Wagon – DM1590
Usually, when Danbury releases such a tasty blockbuster as the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Coupe, we do not see an associated follow-up tooling so soon. But here, within the same year, we have the station wagon woody to satisfy our sweet tooth. And while the gorgeous green coupe is still ‘wowing’ the masses, DM reconfigures the Oldsmobile body into a stretch-your-legs-in-comfort family conveyance. They delight many of us with their great color choices and Ivy Green was perfect for the coupe. But on the woody, Danbury’s selection of black adds a dimension of elegance that wonderfully fits the Olds’ style, the grace of the automobile and the age in which it represents.
For ’49, the Olds 76 wagon, with its “Big Six”, actually outsold the new 88’s Rocket V-8 station wagon; due, in part, to its increased cost. But those lucky few who bought the “Futuramic” styled 88 woody, had a lot to like. It came with a 4 speed Hydra-Matic automatic trans, gorgeous mahogany wood on the inner door panels and all the opulence that Olds had to offer post WW-II. The wagon could be driven with its tailgate down as the tail lamps pivoted to always face rearward. The cargo floor remained flat and offered lots of space since the spare tire was mounted below it.
Aside from the display elegance, the model holds many operational features. All four doors open on realistic internal hinges. The tailgate folds down on a piano hinge mounted across the bottom. It is held in check by dual metal arms that bend at the elbow. It allows a view of the real wood that lines the inside. The cargo floor is carpeted and the spare hatch opens. The spare is removable. The upper rear window opens outward on twin metal telescoping rails. Like the 1:1 the tail lamps pivot when the gate is lowered. It is a feature that DM first offered us on the Mercury Woody Wagon of like vintage.
The fuel filler door is functional while the rear windows are posed partially up. DM’s interior interpretation is faultless. Each door panel is lined in wood veneer; the window and door pull hardware are excellently scaled and the dash, steering wheel, floor pedals and seat attachments are perfectly detailed. The chassis is the typical Danbury masterfully crafted and don’t overlook the paint perfection. It shines as if professionally waxed ten minutes ago. Two detail standouts on the model come from the engine bay and the chrome metal-foiled scripts and emblems. I know, what a shock that the engine is so detailed. We’ve come to expect that in our precision models. But DM’s continued use of materials to simulate the real item is constantly evolving. The fuel line and throttle linkage, wiring and plumbing are masterful and lest we forget the scissors sprung hood.
The “Oldsmobile” and “88”scripts and the badgings are incredible. Get out a magnifying glass to fully appreciate it all. The stance is period-perfect and the overall fidelity to form is spot on in my eye. The Olds fans are going to love this but so, too, will the wagon crowd, oh, and so will the detail and operational model fans and, oh, you get the point – a must have! TP 06/03/2009
This Oldsmobile Wagon and the Green Oldsmobile Coupe put me over the edge. And I mean over the edge in a good way! Though I'm not really a Wagon fan, this Black Beauty knocked my socks off! And the Green Coupe had the same affect on me. I have them both and they are literally two of my favorite Forties models. Your photos Tony, really bring this baby to life and your review demands that any collector doesn't let it slip by. This really was Danbury Mint at their incredible best!
Franklin Mint 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Cabriolet- Nbr Ltd Ed of 1500 – E560
This has been a very pleasing image of the ’29 Phantom from the very minute Franklin Mint brought it out. An elegant automobile, TFM introduced it in 1988 in blue and black body color accented by black utilitarian wheels. Much more fitting to the classic design and elegance of the styling, Franklin reprised the model in red in 2000 but it was short-lived. It had matching red wheels and was revised a few months later wearing chrome wire wheels. The model now featured white wall tires and a trunk complete with picnic basket, bottle of wine and a blanket.
This is easily my favorite version of the lovely car. The pewter silver metallic paint sandwiched between gloss-black upper bodywork and flowing fender line is more apropos to the marque than either of the previous issues. This speaks to refinement and sophistication in eloquent language. The “Spirit of Ecstasy” radiator mascot would never have been more proud to precede this Rolls. TFM finished the interior in a likewise period color combo and never before has the wood grain finish of the paneling looked so rich and full of contrast. The interior appointments are carried over from prior issues and still look good today. Even the engine detail, older tech that it is, looks befitting of the grand and old gal that the Phantom has become.
The running boards open to reveal tools and jacking necessities and the aforementioned trunk is removable from its perch atop the rear bumper. It’s held in place with tiny magnets. It opens from the top and also allows the rear-facing side to open downward. Inside you find a basket with goodies. Can you think of a wealthier way to tour the countryside while looking for the right spot to set up a picnic? You bring the Grey Poupon™ , crackers and cheese and I’ll bring the bottle of wine. In a limited issue of only 1500 units this is an absolutely delightful diecast.
Wonderful color Tony which I don't have. I do have the red with red wheels and the navy with black wheels. I had forgotten the tools stored under the running boards. Plesant memories for sure.
Wonderful color Tony which I don't have. I do have the red with red wheels and the navy with black wheels. I had forgotten the tools stored under the running boards. Plesant memories for sure.
..............thank you for re-covering the Lemon Yellow Danbury Mint 1955 Corvette Roadster- Nbr Ltd Ed......and the Righteous Red Danbury Mint 1955 Corvette Roadster- Nbr Ltd Ed
..............I`m not a fan of the plastic rocket Vettes,but these two baby V`s are perfectly apportioned and are PERMANNENTLY assigned to my wishlist.
