[Sticky] Lost Reviews - Franklin Mint & Danbury Mint

Posted by: @perrone1

@georgeschire Thanks George. The Olds Coupe is one where I found the review but no pics! Un happily, I no longer have the model. (Long story)

OUCH Tony!  I'm feeling your pain for not still having the '49 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe.  I like it for so many reasons.  I hope you will be able to replace it someday, as it's worth being on a Bucket List. 

love the silver Rolls, I keep on getting just knocked off trying to get one. Wonderful photo essay and review, thanks Tony

Posted by: @geoff-jowett

love the silver Rolls, I keep on getting just knocked off trying to get one. Wonderful photo essay and review, thanks Tony

Thank you sir! Keep hunting Geoff, it's worth it!

Posted by: @georgeschire

Posted by: @perrone1

@georgeschire Thanks George. The Olds Coupe is one where I found the review but no pics! Un happily, I no longer have the model. (Long story)

OUCH Tony!  I'm feeling your pain for not still having the '49 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe.  I like it for so many reasons.  I hope you will be able to replace it someday, as it's worth being on a Bucket List. 

My dear friend, Jerry Mercier, you may recall that name; he was a long time regular here, wanted that model for a friend of his who was in very bad health. So off it went to him. I will replace it at some point if the right one, at the right price, comes along. 

Meanwhile, just for you sir, here's the old review, pictureless:

Danbury Mint 1949 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe - DM1580

Surprise! All right; a show of hands please. Who was anticipating a Danbury Mint 1949 Oldsmobile? Really? Ok, then, who among you expected it to be a coupe in Rocket 88 representation? The Ivy Green coupe is an all-new tooling with all the high-tech goodies and crafted only the way that Danbury seems capable of producing a new release. 1949 is a great Olds model year; representing the first production run in which Olds offered the eight cylinder motor in an overhead valve V-8, replacing their flathead straight-eight mill. And if we buy the living stuffing’s out of this initial tool will they offer a rag top? A woody wagon or Holiday Coupe? How about a four-door sedan? Oh, and dare I say it; an Indy 500 Pace Car?

You’re right; I’m getting ahead of myself. This original release is a beauty. Danbury rendered the shape, form and sophistication of the scale replica in a mirror image to the 1:1. After I saw a photo of their tooling buck in grand scale I searched the net for color samples in hope of learning more about the genuine article and its variations. But when I saw this little forties Olds in one-twenty-fourth dimension, I knew DM got the color choice right. The deep natural woods green is slightly metallic and shows off the lines and curves of the big GM car in wonderful fashion. Those DM boys worked their usual magic in creating a smorgasbord of detailing in every nook and cranny of the vehicle.

Take, for instance, the interior. The front seats exhibit a ‘feel’ that you definitely want to touch when examining the car. They fold forward allowing a better view of the rear compartment. The visors, static, are crafted well against the roof liner. The dash, steering wheel with levers and the floorboard pieces all look great. The window cranks and door handles are finely done as well. The door lock buttons are scaled faultlessly. The trunk, too, has many detail touches. There’s a jacking instruction sticker on the upper level of the lid. The insulation is replicated well and the spare tire is removable. You can see the finely detailed jack, stand and tire iron replicated on the floor mat. The chassis and engine bay are phenomenal. Sneak a peek at the oil filter. With a little help you can read it in all its authentic glory.

Don’t miss the emergency brake cabling and genuine spring assemblies. The V-8 is another DM masterpiece. The carb linkage and fuel lines are breathtaking as are the hood scissors springs. (They match the high-tech door hinges) The battery is cabled too and the belts wiring and hoses are crafted amazingly well. The antenna, static, is finely scaled and thin and the door jambs, window chrome molding and delicate photo-etched scripts and logos are masterfully presented in miniature.

If you love the Oldsmobile or just exquisitely formed diecast models, this one is a big MUST have! This is an open issue. It will be the latest Preview Society model. PS members will be the first to get theirs shipped to them automatically. Order number is 195-204.  TP 03/26/2009

*Edit to add photos:

Tony, with your review of this model I can't believe you aren't searching every possible outlet to replace the one that got away. Your every word describes the model to a t.

Actually just come back to me, this is one I recall ordering straight after reading and viewing your review Tony. I already had the 50 Chev and really like the, well sort of generic GM smooth balanced design of their sedans over that 1949-51 period. Your review highlighting the detail made it a no brainer. 

Following on from Bobs suggestion, they have come down in price recently on the secondary market.

Posted by: @perrone1

Posted by: @georgeschire

Posted by: @perrone1

@georgeschire Thanks George. The Olds Coupe is one where I found the review but no pics! Un happily, I no longer have the model. (Long story)

OUCH Tony!  I'm feeling your pain for not still having the '49 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe.  I like it for so many reasons.  I hope you will be able to replace it someday, as it's worth being on a Bucket List. 

My dear friend, Jerry Mercier, you may recall that name; he was a long time regular here, wanted that model for a friend of his who was in very bad health. So off it went to him. I will replace it at some point if the right one, at the right price, comes along. 

Meanwhile, just for you sir, here's the old review, pictureless:

 

Danbury Mint 1949 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe - DM1580

Surprise! All right; a show of hands please. Who was anticipating a Danbury Mint 1949 Oldsmobile? Really? Ok, then, who among you expected it to be a coupe in Rocket 88 representation? The Ivy Green coupe is an all-new tooling with all the high-tech goodies and crafted only the way that Danbury seems capable of producing a new release. 1949 is a great Olds model year; representing the first production run in which Olds offered the eight cylinder motor in an overhead valve V-8, replacing their flathead straight-eight mill. And if we buy the living stuffing’s out of this initial tool will they offer a rag top? A woody wagon or Holiday Coupe? How about a four-door sedan? Oh, and dare I say it; an Indy 500 Pace Car?

You’re right; I’m getting ahead of myself. This original release is a beauty. Danbury rendered the shape, form and sophistication of the scale replica in a mirror image to the 1:1. After I saw a photo of their tooling buck in grand scale I searched the net for color samples in hope of learning more about the genuine article and its variations. But when I saw this little forties Olds in one-twenty-fourth dimension, I knew DM got the color choice right. The deep natural woods green is slightly metallic and shows off the lines and curves of the big GM car in wonderful fashion. Those DM boys worked their usual magic in creating a smorgasbord of detailing in every nook and cranny of the vehicle.

Take, for instance, the interior. The front seats exhibit a ‘feel’ that you definitely want to touch when examining the car. They fold forward allowing a better view of the rear compartment. The visors, static, are crafted well against the roof liner. The dash, steering wheel with levers and the floorboard pieces all look great. The window cranks and door handles are finely done as well. The door lock buttons are scaled faultlessly. The trunk, too, has many detail touches. There’s a jacking instruction sticker on the upper level of the lid. The insulation is replicated well and the spare tire is removable. You can see the finely detailed jack, stand and tire iron replicated on the floor mat. The chassis and engine bay are phenomenal. Sneak a peek at the oil filter. With a little help you can read it in all its authentic glory.

Don’t miss the emergency brake cabling and genuine spring assemblies. The V-8 is another DM masterpiece. The carb linkage and fuel lines are breathtaking as are the hood scissors springs. (They match the high-tech door hinges) The battery is cabled too and the belts wiring and hoses are crafted amazingly well. The antenna, static, is finely scaled and thin and the door jambs, window chrome molding and delicate photo-etched scripts and logos are masterfully presented in miniature.

If you love the Oldsmobile or just exquisitely formed diecast models, this one is a big MUST have! This is an open issue. It will be the latest Preview Society model. PS members will be the first to get theirs shipped to them automatically. Order number is 195-204.  TP 03/26/2009

WOW Tony!  This review of the '49 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe describes the end product of it, to a tee.  I really hope you are able to find one to replace the one your so graciously passed on to a friend in need.  That act of kindness alone says you are destined to replace it someday.  Thank you so much for sharing the review.

Thank you Bob and Geoff! I have been looking and I spotted one that I will be trying to obtain! Appreciate you fellas!

@georgeschire Thanks George!!  Jerry was a dear fellow and looked out for so many folks. He, sadly, lost his battle, recently, to cancer.

Danbury Mint 1961 Corvette 50^th Anniversary Edition - DM1645

Next up, in consideration of the 50^th anniversary edition Corvette, is this brilliant little ’61 gem. Appropriately clothed in Jewell Blue, DM chose the black interior option, white coves and matching white top for the 2011 fifty year celebration of the ’61 Vette. By the way, the material on that white ‘up top’ is micro-fiber soft. The only previously issued 1961 Corvette from the Danbury Boyz is the Ermine White roadster with red interior. This model revamps that one with all its technology. Prior to its issue in 2008, Danbury actually released a ’61 late in 2003 as a ‘gasser’ in drag race attire.

The most striking aspect of this blue beauty is the color. Jewell Blue is a rich, deep color you wouldn’t normally associate with Corvettes; at least a “C-1” generation car. It is close to aC-3 Le Mans Blue offered in ’68 and ’69. The body style of the ’61 is certainly stylish in this color combo and the DM Boyz captured it brilliantly. The ’61 and ’62 model years hinted at things to come. Specifically, the tail end treatment held a styling cue destined for the ’63 Stingray. It was also the last year, for a long while, that the car sported a full scale trunk.

The diecast comes with all its ‘61 Ermine White brethren’s accoutrements:  Internally-hinged doors, fantastically detailed engine bay, interior and chassis authenticity and the realistic trunk functionalities. Lift the trunk lid and you will see a removable rubber floor mat. Just like the real car. Under it is the removable flooring that reveals the spare tire. That, too, comes out for inspection. The interior’s elegance is evident at once; photo-etch metal buckles, incredible dash and center stack console details and working visors. Also carried forward are the working antenna and photo-etched metal wipers.

Where the DMB’s raised the bar is under the hood and its advertising. What I mean is, the white model was naturally aspirated; this gemstone sports a fuelie under the bonnet and the, “Corvette” script across the front and now the fenders, proclaim, “Fuel Injection” in new chrome metal foiling.  So, too, is the “Chevrolet” red, white and blue insignia on the front portion of the white cove. The car carries the correct body color-matching blue wheel rims and the wheel covers are deeply detailed. The previously mentioned soft fabric up top boasts great detailing inside and out and replaces the auxiliary hard top that came with the white version.

The Boyz did a wonderful job on this 50^th anniversary issue. So much more than a repaint, it is a revised and upgraded beauty. Dare I say it? It is definitely, a ‘must have’!  TP 12/17/2010

Danbury Mint 1969 Dodge Super Bee 440-6 Pack – 1509

As I reviewed Danbury’s first 1969 Super Bee, in Copper Poly, I wondered what next might come from its magnificent tooling. Shoulda known it would have been the Super Bee Six Pack! DM makes a transition from model to model like no one else’s business. Although it’s on the same general platform, this model is wholly different than the previous Super Bee. And does it ever look fantastic grouped with that copper replica and DM’s 1968 Plymouth Road Runner in blue. The Six Pack is painted in “Orange”, not to be confused with, “Hemi Orange”, also used in 1969. Plymouth had a citrus-flavored orange in ’69 as well, called, “Vitamin C”, but make no mistake; this little ray of sunshine will ward off any common cold just as effectively.

The model shares the same innovative door hinges, has working high tech suspension componentry, fabulous detailing throughout and has the added features of a removable fiberglass hood, complete with functional hood pins, a removable air cleaner to show off what makes the diecast a, “Six Pack”, and it also comes with hood stilts to replicate the way a 1:1 would display the hood during a car show. This car was all about performance; purposeful capless wheels, lightweight scooped hood, testosterone-inspired motor and a bare-bones, no frills build. Danbury captured every nuance of that perfectly. As usual, the paint has been flawlessly applied. Rich, shiny and smooth as silk, the glossy exterior highlights the black interior work.

I really like the realistic way they render the body panel seams. There is a black paint-wash that runs from the cowl air intake area just fore of the windshield and between it and the front fenders and the rear shelf and trunk lid, it discerns the gap authentically. Within the trunk we find a miniature jacking instruction sticker, jack and removable spare on a plaid floor cover. Interior-wise, DM performed their usual magic. The visors fold down, the seat belts are fabric with photo-etch ends and the dash and gauges are realistically styled and fabricated.

And as par for the course, Danbury put their best modeling art to work in the engine bay. The 440 lump is fashioned intricately with connecting pieces that range from a removable air cleaner, surrounded by a hood-sealed turkey pan that also plays host to the breather cap that plugs into the driver’s side valve cover and an assortment of wires, cables and hoses. All are proportionate to the scale. The chassis detail is extraordinary and the aforementioned hood pin assembly is phenomenal.

DM has once again given us a terrific Mopar to love and cherish and you know it makes me wonder, yet again, what other little beauty may flow from this rich Chrysler Corporation tooling. Issue price is $120. TP 04/17/2007

Danbury Mint 1969 Dodge Super Bee - #1411

Mopar fans and fanatics please proceed to Pier # 383; your exalted ship has just arrived. Good Golly Miss Molly, what a car pick and what a perfect complimentary color choice for this rarely, if ever, seen 1:24^th precision model. Ok, I have been honored to review the lion’s share of DM Mopar’s of the sixties era. In my humble opinion, this is hands down, the quintessential Mopar stand-out diecast model, to date, among them. Roughly based on their 1968 Plymouth Road Runner ground work, the departure is full and complete and with its own merit and upscale, “Holy Cow” visual and visceral factor, times three! Can you surmise that I am in love with this image? Please don’t breathe a word of this to the Corvette diecasts.

Danbury scores big time with this replica in authenticity, originality, accuracy and total attention to research. The color choice, in code 2031, Copper Metallic, with tan interior, sets the instant mood and ambiance of the replica. The paint is rich, thick and as juicy as a three inch Porterhouse steak done to perfection, guaranteeing that this miniature muscle car will stand out, no; leap out, in any diecast collection. Let’s take a look at its phenomenal details.

Most ’69 copper Super Bees that I have seen come with a black bumble bee stripe traversing the trunk and side flanks. Rare, is the white stripe that accentuates this color choice so much better.  Danbury’s paint is the usual perfection. The graphics of the “Super Bee” on the stripe sides and also the fabulous, “Scat Pac” badgings front and rear in chrome metal foil are visually striking. Even more so is the, “383” chrome metal foil signatures on the twin hood scoops. These, by the way, are true to function. That is, they are modeled to put the, “Ram” in Ramcharger. The force fed air into the 383 cubic inch motor via scoops and air cleaner seals have been simulated wonderfully and DM has even modeled the graphic, “Ramcharger” script onto the inner hood scoop air-feed assembly. The heater hoses and plug wires and battery cables are replicated in usual DM perfection and once again we are treated to the best hood scissors springs components on the planet. Emissions controls and brake lines are replicated to the epitome of modeling detail and the masterful build continues down to the chassis and suspension with grace and style. Torsion bar suspension and rear working leaf springs and shocks make for a wonderful trip beneath the model. Don’t miss the brake lines and beautiful tire tread patterning either.

Internally, the passenger’s cabin is replete with folding seat backs, working sun visors, fabric belts with photo-etch metal buckles and completely detailed roof liner. Would you expect no less than hidden internal door hinges? You won’t be disappointed then, they’re there. The dash gauges are flawless as are the steering wheel and foot pedals. This is an auto-shifter car and the proper column levers are in place. The trunk is not left unattended. The correct floor matting is apparent, the jack and tire iron is replicated and even the taillights are wired. The spare is removable and is formed with the jack stand in place. A jacking instruction sheet is affixed to the roof of the trunk lid. 

One note of mention; after the initial announcement is made of a model and in which particular color it is being offered, we get a decent idea of what to expect. But often times when DM sends me a review piece I have no idea of what it is that they are sending or which variety or color choice it will be until I open the box. I must tell you all; this one instantly took my breath away as I was opening the package. After my considered review and assessment I have to rate this one as a 9.975 on the old Thrillometer!!

With an order number of 440-12, the issue price is $115.  TP 06/10/2005

@perrone1 Tony, as usual a home run on your part both in pictures and text. As the owner of a 1/1 for 52 years, I can attest to everything you said. One interesting tidbit, the tutoning of the coves was a $16.15 option and was the last year this could be gotten. Boy am I having a great time with your reviews...such great memories. Thank you sir.

The above comments were meant for the review of the 61 Corvette.

Now we have reviews of two masterpieces from MoPar. How much better can it get?

The best thing about these reviews is that Tony sold me on these cars years ago so I don't have to go out and try to buy them today.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

The above comments were meant for the review of the 61 Corvette.

Now we have reviews of two masterpieces from MoPar. How much better can it get?

The best thing about these reviews is that Tony sold me on these cars years ago so I don't have to go out and try to buy them today.

Good thing you mentioned this Bob, I kept looking for the white coves on the Super Bee - HA! All great comments my friend - Thank YOU!