Nicely stated and sentiments that I agree with. I have come to realize that I can't buy everything I want from all the new models being introduced. I will need to limit my choices in order to add what I really want.
These new Brooklin models have left me speechless and quite possibly the overall weekend experience contributed to the excitement of their introduction and of course, my need to add all of them to my collection. That certainly wasn't my intention beforehand. With them now in hand and as I open each one and study the enhancements and detail that has been added. I can say, I am not at all disappointed and I am very pleased with my investment. More on this later.
Thank-you Jack for your thoughts and comments.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
My suggestion, gents, is to wait to see the models in person before deciding whether they are more or less detailed than Motor Citys. The folks who have them in hand and saw them in Allentown are duly impressed. This new line of models takes Brooklin's most recent offerings, which have been amazing, and brings them to an all-new level with delicate chrome trim details that are scraped and polished, no foil. There's an incredible amount of hand-tooling and assembly and the price reflects that. Still, as they did for those at NABCC 1, they may just change your opinion about what Brooklin can do.
The NB Center Collection models are all based on the full-sized cars in the NB Center collection. All of the first six models have been previously released by Brooklin. As such and since they are replicas of real cars, the colors have not changed. As you view them, keep in mind that they are miniatures of the cars that sit in the NB collection in Rome and Allentown.
Brooklin will continue to make its standard line of models. So, for those who balk at the price or are looking for something different than the NB collection, standard-issue Brooklins will continue to be available.
As for the future, the folks who attended NABCC 1 got to see the full-size versions of the next six NB Center Collection models and vote for what they would like to see next. The '63 Riviera is due early next year. If the production schedule holds, we'll see a spectacular 1946 Pontiac Torpedo 8 Sedan Coupe.
We'll also see some new Brooklins next year.
As for excessively high taxes and customs fees, we can hardly hold Brooklin responsible for those.
John: I would love to see the results of the voting for what those collectors in attendance would like to see done in the future. I'm sure I would be surprised! Lol.
I have a quick question about the NB Collection models. Are the outside mirrors and antenna attached to the model at the factory or are they included in a little bag for the purchaser to attach to the model?
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
@ed-davis everything is attached. The model is ready for display and comes with an acrylic cover.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
@mick, your comments are interesting. Here's something to consider in order to be fair about our comparisons. What Motor City did you buy for $79 in 1999? Was it from MOC or on the secondary market? There are a few MOC's you can buy today for not much more than that price. I'm thinking of the 55 Chevys and a handful of others. Did you buy a MOC Town & Country or was it a USA Models or Design Studio? If we're going to compare prices, shouldn't they be for similar models?
As far as making the new models available to the long-time loyal customers, that's exactly what they're doing. Both ranges will remain in production. You'll still be able to buy a standard Brooklin or you can opt for the higher content, more detailed version.
I don't think it's unreasonable to hold off on commenting on pricing or detail until you have a chance to see the models. Brooklin has put a lot of work into them. Yes, they're expensive. No, not everyone will buy one. I guess we'll each have to decide whether or not they have value. I remember folks complaining about the high price of MOC's back in the day. Most of us now regret we didn't buy more of them at those "high prices". These Brooklins have all the hallmarks of those vaunted models from California. They are very limited production, elegantly packaged, highly detailed works of art. In a market that doesn't blink an eye on spending over $1,000 for a MOC T&C, I think these Brooklins are a steal.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
I wonder, where the MCUSA 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer HT in three tone colors has been made? Is it possible that it was BRK that make it at his factory or i did not understand something? I think it was the last full MCUSA to be made before Alan Novak sold his company is it possible?
@michel-lemieux, yes, the MOC Dodge Royal was made by Brooklin.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
Hi Guys
I have never owned a Brooklin model, but wish them the best. The new models look great and are probably a little nicer than the old models made by Motor City and Marque Products. With that said, my first car (1941 Ford) bought in 1955 cost $100. I realize the world has moved on, (actually passed me by) but a $400 model is not in my future. Probably a little biased since I knew Gene, Lloyd and later Alan. Also printed the yellow license plate decals for Alan, so I get a smile on my face when I see one of the Motor City models with the yellow license decal. Again good luck to Brooklin and to all the old guys who bought one of the new models.
JD
@michel-lemieux The last MOC was actually the '55 Dodge convertible made, I think, in Germany after Jeff Thomas took over the masters. Nothing since. I regret not buying one of those.
@jack-daniels thanks for the tidbit of history, Jack. Your note reminded me that I paid $25 for the first car I bought!
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
@mg-harv You're right. I forgot the convertible. This is just one of two models that i have in tri-tone colors.
Last Motor City I bought in 1999 was $79.00 adjusted for today - $126.40
When Motor City was producing models in the 80's and 90's, there were no brand new models right from MOC for $79.
Did you buy that model second hand?
I always payed around 275usd for each of my full MCUSA models. I Even think that a few models of the line USA models cost was more expensive than $79?
In reference to Ben Lampson & J. Kuvakas - I bought over 2 dozen models from Motor City ranging from the T&C to the Ford Wagon, also bought another dozen Design Studio, including the 55 chevs referenced, 32 Ford, 37 Fords etc. All were purchased from Motor City in California directly and not one of them was over $100.00 Can. + shipping I have about 17-18 of them left and regret selling/trading any. Also recently tried to buy some of the Oldsmobiles (MC 67 -68 ) from a gentleman referred by Mr. Olsen no luck . While on the subject I have been looking for yrs for one of the Dodge pickups I believe MC 58 in any colour if anyone wants to trade for some Motor City or Design studio + cash I apologize if I upset anyone with my comments about Brooklin I do not know everybody's actual connection (if there is one ) to Brooklin on the site so if I hit a sore spot Sorry. I used to live just down the road from Brooklin Ont. and was elated when they first came out they were my favorite for yrs but I stand by my comment of most of them not holding their value . I look forward to actually seeing/touching the new ones and I am sure by the comments of those who have handled them they will be great even if a little pricy respects to the moderator comments about after market Motor City prices. Thank You

