What a Difference a Tonneau Makes.... [PIC]

That is a gorgeous model Rich, beautiful shots too. My cousin Linda had one just like this when I was a kid. Same color combo, just not a sports roadster. I loved that car, I thought it was so cool looking.💯

I agree on your sharp photography skills Rich. I’m a bit surprised that the model was done in white but the color combo is eye-catching and i’m glad a black interior wasn’t chosen.

Great pictures Rich. My 1/1 is a 63 of which only 455 were produced. The Roadster package consisted of the Tonneau cover, Five Kelsey Hayes wire wheels, three Roadster insignias and a grab bar on the passenger side dashboard. My car is Champaign with a black interior and top. When restoring the car, I had a difficult time finding the correct paint as my dealer said there was no such color for 1963. Turns out in 1962 the exact same color was called Cotstilion Gold. A few years ago Pete Romero took this DM model and painted it every color the 62 Roadster was available in. When I mentioned that I would love to have the model in that color Pete offered to sell it to me while he did a second. When I received the model I was stunned by the workmanship and the quality of the paint job. It took me 5 1/2 years to restore my car and I painted it in my driveway. I'm proud to say that it has won best paint five times. Being a unibody car I bought a rotisserie  and turned the car over to do the undercarriage in my garage.

@bob-jackman Thanx for the narrative, Bob. I wondered if they were real Kelsey-Hayes wires of just wheel covers. I guess all that DM missed was the grab bar.

@bob-jackman 

Bob,

I think that your dedication to detail and authenticity is outstanding. I wish I lived near you so I could meet you for coffee or lunch. Your Thunderbird and Chrysler are both favorites of mine and I would be honored and privilged to see them. 
Steve 

p.s. i haven’t forgot your Corvette.

Posted by: @100ford2003

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@bob-jackman 

Bob,

I think that your dedication to detail and authenticity is outstanding. I wish I lived near you so I could meet you for coffee or lunch. Your Thunderbird and Chrysler are both favorites of mine and I would be honored and privilged to see them. 
Steve 

p.s. i haven’t forgot your Corvette.

i remember making a kit of this car in my early teens, and absolutely loved it. Such a unique and eye catching design. Was one of the first DMs I bought when I discovered ebay in the early 2000s. Stunning pics Rich, thanks.

@geoff-jowett 

Geoff, we’re so many miles / kilometers apart and yet we love the same cars which I find what makes we Forum Members special.  BTW, I’m in SoCal about 30 miles South of Los Angeles, 

Steve

@bob-jackman 

Right you are, Bob.  Here's a few pics of all eight colors available in 1962

@rich-sufficool Rich, the grab bar is there.

@100ford2003 Steve I would be honored to have you and all of the forum members see my 1/1 scale cars and even drive them. Equally important would be for everyone tour my model collection and Lori's miniature dioramas. I always say that it doesn't do any good just to collect these things if you can't share them with others. Forget coffee or lunch, I'm buying dinner. Thanks for the kind words.

@pete-rovero Pete, the Thunderbird you did for me is a high light of my collection and I share it's story with every one who tours my collection,

@bob-jackman 

Thanks for the kind words, Bob! 

Bob, you’re most welcome snd thank-you.

Pete, you’re Thunderbird models are beautiful. 

Steve

What a fantastic model. augmented  only by Rich's superb photographs.

The interior, especially the intricate instrument cluster and the "swing Away Wheel" are truly Danbury Mint at their finest. Rick Hanmore , we miss you.