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Topic starter
12/05/2009 9:04 pm
(Pics) A 1952 DeSoto from Franklin Mint
This is a very neat '52 DeSoto that I picked up a few weeks back from Buz Kirkel at his display area at the Chicago 1/43 and diecast show at Countryside, near Chicago, IL.
It a great-looking 4 door sedan that features the powerful Firedome hemi V8 engine. There's a number of operating features on this well-done replica and I was delighted to pick this one up. It displays beautifully and shows off that solid, good-looking DeSoto style that Groucho urged everyone to check out at their local dealer. 
13/05/2009 12:28 am
Mike - That was you? I think I was standing there when Buz packed it up for you.
13/05/2009 2:16 am
Nice DeSoto, Mike, and especially from Franklin Mint.
Despite its wide shut lines, it is really nicely proportioned and quite accurate, unlike many of the FM 1/43rds that were way off. I have the black '58 Corvette by FM and its very good too, but I had not been aware of this nicely done DeSoto from FM. What a great find. Thanks for the pics. A nice piece of road candy from the age of the Five Cent Life Savers
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
13/05/2009 2:32 am
Mike, as always, your photography makes me look at my cars, including this
DeSoto, with new appreciation. I like the FM 1:43 cars, especially the '59 Ford with all its working parts.
Topic starter
13/05/2009 11:41 am
Hi again, Harvey ! Yep, that was me, the happy little kid, who was thrilled to score that '52 DeSoto.
The entire show was a very neat experience and, especially so when I was able to obtain some interesting cars for my collection.
Next time, I'll make sure I more thoroughly raid my piggy bank so I can increase the haul !
Topic starter
13/05/2009 11:43 am
Thank you, David. Yes, it was a really nice find and
I am quite happy with this one. Too bad DeSoto cars (and five-cent LS'ers and FM 1/43rds) are all no more !
Topic starter
13/05/2009 11:44 am
Thanks, David. I'd love to eventually have one of those '59 Fords from Franklin Mint !
13/05/2009 11:55 am
One of my favorites
13/05/2009 12:15 pm
Mike, FM Ford
I've really had fun with that one! I have it displayed with a bunch of Arttista figures...the owner demonstrating the top gowing up (or down) to a group of people. The top is postioned "at half mast".
13/05/2009 12:29 pm
Mike, are you aware that the FM 1:43's were $55 & $65 at issue?
For that kind of money there are better models out there today. After they quit producing, they closed them out at Tuesday Morning stores for $14.99!
Topic starter
13/05/2009 1:09 pm
Hi Dick. Yeah, Buz had this one on sale at the show for about $ 25 or $ 30 bucks, I recall, so I was A-OK with that to get this interesting DeSoto sedan. At $ 65 dollars, that would be a bit too high for me.
As you mentioned to me at the show, these FM's were remaindered out at the TM stores a while back. Darn, $ 14.99 would have made for some fine bargain additions to the collection if I had only seen them !
Topic starter
13/05/2009 1:11 pm
Joe, your comment and in checking out
David's pictures above show what a ball this one must be to arrange and display, especially with your figures. A great diorama star in 1/43 if there ever was one !
Topic starter
13/05/2009 1:17 pm
Thanks John, and I can imagine displaying this one, (or any Fifties or Sixties DeSoto) with a 1/43rd Groucho or George Fenneman, if someone only made them !
13/05/2009 1:44 pm
I did manage to pick up a few that I didn't have when they were sold.
You had to be careful as many were missing parts or were otherwise broken. The De Soto is one of my favorites from FM.
Topic starter
13/05/2009 1:59 pm
You're right, Dick, you do sometimes have to be a bit careful at Tuesday Mornings to be sure and get their best intact merchandise, but the payoff can be a very nice find. I missed the FM's but recently picked up at TM's a nice 1960 XK-150 Jaguar drop-head coupe in the 1/43 Dinky range.
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