I've recently been bitten by the Minimarque bug. I've been able to snag a few deals on these little jewels, but not without a few concessions at times. For example, I just picked up this Auburn 851/2 Phaeton (#002/250) for under $100. Not bad considering it originally sold for $275. But it came without its hood ornament and maybe a bent window.
So here are my questions...
Any idea where I could locate a suitable hood ornament replacement? It doesn't have to be a MM one but something that comes close.
Is the window supposed to be folded forward? It sure looks like it was cast that way and it's not an uncommon feature for cars of that era, but the seller listed it as having a bent window.
That windscreen is correct. You can see the fold down hinges at each side. Here is another image of your car showing the lowered windshield.
Sorry that I can't help with the hood ornament. Most of the cheaper models (Matchbox etc.) don't seem to have one. Have you thought about casting one with solder.
If it were mine I would make a close representation of one using 22 gauge galvanized steel wire which is reasonably stiff and shiny silver in color. Two pieces inserted into a wide, or double hole, and flared out at the top like wings.  Not absolutely perfect but a reasonable replacement.
Randy, that's a good look MM Auburn. Congratulations on your find. And that missing hood ornament is something practically all of us who photograph and otherwise handle our models have to expect. I like John's advice up above about inserting a couple of bits of wire. I have used little bits of chromed metal from the wastes left after constructing one of my models.
But I just took down another MM phaeton and see another possibility. Check out this Ford:
Sorry for my poor photography, but I'm trying to show that MM sometimes avoided the insertion of a hood ornament the same way Ford did on their standard models, by leaving a plain front. But I'm guessing that would be verboten in an Auburn. I think I still agree with John. Use wire or other bits of chrome and fashion your own hood ornament; I'll bet no one will notice unless you tell them.
One more hint. You might look at 1/43 model kits of that era. But buying a whole kit for just one small part could get kind of expensive. If you have an old model's door handle around, it might look decent?  Good luck, and when you find an answer, post a picture! Good luck.
I've recently been bitten by the Minimarque bug. I've been able to snag a few deals on these little jewels, but not without a few concessions at times. For example, I just picked up this Auburn 851/2 Phaeton (#002/250) for under $100. Not bad considering it originally sold for $275. But it came without its hood ornament and maybe a bent window.
So here are my questions...
Any idea where I could locate a suitable hood ornament replacement? It doesn't have to be a MM one but something that comes close.
Is the window supposed to be folded forward? It sure looks like it was cast that way and it's not an uncommon feature for cars of that era, but the seller listed it as having a bent window.
Thanks,
Randy
The easiest way to go is using copper wire to make the shape and add successive modeler's chrome paint coats to build up. You don't look for something shiny for a so old model.
Have you tried contacting Illustra? They sold me a replacement hood ornament for Minimarque's Packard Darrin and the antennae for Minimarque's 1954 Eldorado when I lost them. This was quite a few years ago, but worth a shot.
Here is a 1/43 Auburn hood ornament, but the seller is in the Russian Federation. Not sure if postal deliveries from there have been restricted.
ebay item number 133936428307
Good luck, and please post here is you are able to get it. I would suggest getting the two units he shows available as one never knows when a good deal on another Auburn will happen.
