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26/06/2026 4:22 pm
"Does anyone know if they are switchable?"
I wish I knew the answer.... but it would be an elegant solution. However, I'm compelled to offer this information:
No question the '56 Merc. tires are "wrong" for 1956, but in 1962, despite MOST domestic OEMs switching over to "modern slim-band-whitewalls," Lincoln did offer "wide whites" as an option for the last time - although not as wide as seen on the GV Lincoln sedans. In 1963, Lincoln too went with the "slim-band" look.
26/06/2026 9:10 pm
@jmullinax This is not the first Goldvarg to have the wrong tires. The 1948 Pontiac Sedan had the same issue. I tried to install a set of Durham Classic whitewalls but they never fit. The inner diameter was too large.
27/06/2026 12:32 am
Very interesting to discuss about this model but what about my question about the books' names?
27/06/2026 12:37 am
@nickies Correct....and GV's '57 Oldsmobile also rides on "slim-bands." It's fair to assume Sergio is aware of these tire inaccuracies therefore I suspect the reason falls elsewhere - probably cost savings through commonization of parts, in this case, tires. 🤔 🤔
27/06/2026 12:43 am
@chris These models aren't cheap and using universal tyres for 50- 60s isn't good decision for collectors. Models by PCT also have problems with tyres but they are inexpensive.
27/06/2026 9:29 pm
If you want a reference book for the years you want covered, Crestline Publishing is the best and easy to find on Ebay.Very interesting to discuss about this model but what about my question about the books' names?
15/09/2026 3:12 am
1/43 1956 Mercury Montclair Phaeton, Lauderdale Blue / Niagara Blue, manufactured by Goldvarg Collection, partnumber GC-086B, LE 1/200, year of release — 2026.
1/18 1956 Mercury Montclair convertible, Lauderdale Blue / Niagara Blue, manufactured by Sun Star, partnumber 5131, year of release — 2009.
In my opinion, this is one of the finest models in Sun Star's Platinum series.
Few people know, but Sergio Goldvarg was directly involved in the development of this model.
Starting in 2004, Sergio Goldvarg officially became a permanent New Product Development Advisor for Sun Star, working primarily on their flagship 1:18 Platinum Collection lineup.
As a passionate expert on 1950s American cars, Sergio oversaw the creation of the body geometry, interior detailing, and the selection of authentic factory colors. The 1956 Mercury Montclair scale model (both the hardtop and convertible body styles) was his personal project at Sun Star. Thanks to his supervision, the Platinum series received its now-legendary level of detail — functional spring suspension, flocked carpeting, working sun visors, and a flip-down rear license plate hiding the fuel filler cap.
In addition to the 1956 Mercury, Sergio Goldvarg supervised the development of other iconic 1:18 models for Sun Star, such as:
• 1952 Nash Ambassador
• 1958 Ford Fairlane 500
• 1955 & 1959 Pontiac
• 1960 Plymouth Fury
• 1959 Mercury Park Lane
• 1951 Kaiser Henry J
• 1959 Oldsmobile
• 1952 Nash Ambassador
• 1958 Ford Fairlane 500
• 1955 & 1959 Pontiac
• 1960 Plymouth Fury
• 1959 Mercury Park Lane
• 1951 Kaiser Henry J
• 1959 Oldsmobile
It is also worth noting that Goldvarg had previously released the 1956 Mercury Montclair convertible in white metal as part of his Argentine series back in the 1990s.
Furthermore, Goldvarg's resin lineup includes the 1956 Montclair convertible (GC-002) and the 1956 Monterey Station Wagon.
15/09/2026 3:13 am
and the little one all by itself
15/09/2026 7:33 am
"In addition to the 1956 Mercury, Sergio Goldvarg supervised the development of many other iconic 1:18 models for Sun Star."
Wow, I never knew that! I have several Sun Star 1/18 '56 Mercs, including this blue convertible - they're ALL very nice.
But NOW, this makes GV's choice of the 1/43 '56 Merc. whitewall size even more curious - it's neither factory correct, nor historically accurate. Perhaps one could swap these tires with those from his '62 Lincoln. 😉 😉 😉
15/09/2026 8:38 am
I have the Goldvarg convertible and the Phaeton along with the Conquest hard top. All are beautiful models.
Christopher Moroni reacted
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