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Topic starter
12/09/2022 11:46 pm
I have recently received several Goldvarg Collection models. I found them at a dealer in Germany I have dealt with a couple of times. I was searching for something else I've been unable to find. He didn't have it, but I was quite surprised to find these available...
Now for the bit different. I only finished up one shot of each model (the full shoot coming later) I wanted to share a few thoughts of each of these along with a photo.
Thanks for looking and I hope you enjoy my photos and thoughts.
FIRST UP - THE TOTALLY AMAZING
The next couple of models are, to my eyes, miniature works of art.
Sergio announced these two models several years ago, to be honest, it has been so long ago I don't recall when it was exactly. Regardless of the when, these two gems are finally here, and they are wonderful. This particular car has always fascinated me, and as a kid, a friend's mom had one, although I don't recall if it was a '63 or '64. It was a cute little car and way better than the Opel Kadett Wagon my dad bought as a 2nd car, and the Opel was newer.
1963 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova Hardtop Coupe - in Saddle Tan & Laurel Green
This next one was a complete surprise; I must not have been keeping up with current announcements I wasn't aware this was even being offered. A Rose Mist Poly is also available (still thinking about that one)
The Buick Riviera is such an influential model and it launched GM into the "Personal Luxury" car market. A very distinctive style made it an immediate success. The Goldvarg Collection had already issued this model in two colors previously, so this is a break from the norm with two more colors, they have never done that before (stay tuned 'cause they did it again with another model)
This is my favorite color for the '63 Riviera which makes this totally gorgeous gem a must have...
1963 Buick Riviera Hardtop Coupe - in Marlin Blue
OK, as mentioned previously, the following is the 2nd model the Goldvarg Collection has reissued in other colors. This model was also a surprise, and a really great one. If you are a visitor to the Forum 24 page, you have seen some of my Impala models. I have a lot of them, and I love them all. One of the regrets I had in the 1:24 scale was not getting the '62 in Anniversary Gold that was issued by WCPD. It is very rare, hard to find and really pricey. So now, I have one in that perfect color, and it is pretty awesome as is the other color issued.
1962 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 Hardtop Sport Coupe in Anniversary Gold & Twilight Blue
Now this next model is an excellent one too, although a curiosity for sure. It comes labeled as a Mercury Park Lane. Even Sergio has referred to it as such in several posts. In hand, it is definitely not. The name plate indicates it as a Montclair, which it is. The body side trim is also outfitted as a Montclair, the Park Lane has a completely different appearance in the chrome trim. What makes it even better, is that it is a Breezeway model, which is incredibly unique and not often seen these days. These are both very nice.
1964 Mercury Montclair Breezeway Sedan - in Peacock Blue & Bittersweet
The next model is very nice but is misses the mark just slightly. It was mentioned in another post that the model had an incorrect roof line and windshield. With the model in hand, it does. Now not as noticeable as it shows in a couple of photos, it is still obvious. While it doesn't detract from the model too much, because they are incredible in every other way, the model is what it is. I am pleased with it, but you judge.
1962 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Club Victoria Hardtop in Skymist Blue/Corinthian White & Chestnut Poly
The next model is a bit disappointing, at least to my eyes. I was really looking forward to it as it is a station wagon, and you can never have too many of those. The model has a slight "banana shape" which is more obvious in the yellow/green version than the blue. Maybe it is the chrome trim. I am not sure what happened, or how this kind of thing occurs, but it did all the same. Now, in the model's defense, it is otherwise well done, perfect colors.
1960 Pontiac Catalina Safari Station Wagon in Skymist Blue & Stardust Yellow/Fairway Green
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
13/09/2022 7:31 am
Nice variety there.
The roof/windshield on the production version of the '62 Galaxie doesn't seem to have been changed or improved from the prototype as much as Sergio suggested. Front lip of roof is still too heavy, screen too shallow and P/E surround too heavy. You say it doesn't detract too much from the model but it is way off the mark for me.
I was going to say I couldn't see any trace of banana in your pics of the Pontiac wagon, but on a second viewing, yes, there seems to be a slight downward curvature of the upper wings (fenders) at both ends, whereas pictures of the real thing show all those upper body lines to be absolutely horizontal.Strangely enough, the top of the roof and the lower body sill both look perfectly straight, so it's kind of hard to see how there could be warping in between. Even stranger is that if I put my nose right close up to your pics, the "banana effect" disappears completely, and if I pull back, it re-appears. Some kind of optical illusion? Maybe due to the shadows below the body creases?
Graeme.M. Ogg
London U.K.
John Merritt reacted
Topic starter
13/09/2022 8:57 am
I agree, the windshield is all wrong, and I can see it, but only if I compare it to photos of the 1:1. On its own, I can get passed it. The rest of the model is very well done. I suppose that is my gift or curse, depending on how you look at it, is to accept the overall model for what it brings to the table. Since no model is perfect, I am pleased to have "the package"
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
Skip Johnson reacted
13/09/2022 9:03 am
@jcarnutz John, I'm with you. I have a question...how do you get your models from Goldvarg so quickly? I have committed to these models as soon as Sergio announces them which was months ago yet I hear nothing. What's your secret?
John Merritt and Skip Johnson reacted
13/09/2022 9:51 am
I just double checked on Goldvarg Models web site and the Nova, 62 Ford and 60 Pontiac wagon and the others are not yet available for sale there. In addition I noted there was no discernable quality issues (as discussed in this post) in the Goldvarg stock pictures. For what it may be worth the Nova has been for sale for many weeks on ebay, but strangely not from Goldvarg Models. Is it possible these are factory "seconds" that went quietly out the back door? I know this has happened before with several brands. Just makes me wonder.....not sure.
John Merritt and John Kuvakas reacted
Topic starter
13/09/2022 10:06 am
I didn't buy these from Goldvarg directly, which I usually do. For whatever reason, the models always seem to appear overseas before they make their way to the US. I was visiting a model site in Germany, CorpTree-Autopioneer & Brausi. I have purchased from them in the past, Thorsten is a good guy to deal with. Very attentive to his customers.
Anyway, as I said, I was searching for something else and found these. The price was right and even with shipping, they were a good deal.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
John Kuvakas reacted
13/09/2022 10:58 am
Thanks for the model review. The banana shape on the Pontiac is surprising. I am also curious why some of these are first available outside US.
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
John Merritt and John Kuvakas reacted
13/09/2022 2:52 pm
Did my drivers license test in a neighbors new 63 ChevyII …they were a sweet little ride in the day.☺️👍🏻
John Merritt and John Kuvakas reacted
13/09/2022 4:29 pm
@larry-kemling Yes the '63-'64 Nova was a sweet and dependable little car; especially in SS form with the upgraded hubcaps and rear deck trim inlay and other features. My favorite colors for it were white with red interior or metallic light blue with blue interior.
John Kuvakas and John Merritt reacted
13/09/2022 10:02 pm
@bob-jackman These Goldvargs became available on carmodel.com (Italy) last week, however, it takes 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. Except for my last order, the models have come well-packaged in bubble wrap. They offer 10% off on just about every Friday and Saturday.
Roger Kerr
John Kuvakas reacted
14/09/2022 4:44 am
@jcarnutz Dear John,
Thanks so much for your comments. I am a bit surprised about the banana shaped Pontiac, as the models were passed throw QC. Of course, you know that I personally take care of my customers, so as soon as they arrive to Miami, around September 24, I will immediately send the replacement models for the 1960 Pontiacs. Warmest regards,
Sergio
Jack Dodds and John Kuvakas reacted
14/09/2022 4:46 am
@ed-davis ,yes, I am also surprised about this issue as it never happened before. I will replace the banana shaped models to John, as I always want Goldvarg Collectors to be happy. Best regards,
Sergio
Topic starter
14/09/2022 7:55 am
Thank-you Sergio for this incredibly kind offer. All-in-all these are really beautiful models.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
John Kuvakas reacted
14/09/2022 8:04 am
@rogerkerr Thanks Roger. I received an email from Sergio who said that these models should be available for shipment on the 24th of this month.
Roger Kerr and John Kuvakas reacted
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