(Pics) 1954 Lincoln Capri (Premier Yellow) from Mini GT and TSM Models

@jack-dodds 

I will answer your second question now. The 1954 Lincoln is the only car of that era, which I have seen from mini GT. I sure hope they do more. Regarding other model companies, I want to look at my models before answering. Talk to you later.

@jack-dodds 

Now for your first question.  For my answer I will consider affordable models of American cars and pickup trucks, which can be purchased today.  I will define affordable as less than $20 each, though many can be purchased for less than $10.  Obviously, these will be my opinions, and other forum members may add their comments.

You asked about models from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Though many models in 1/64 scale are made for the 50s and 60s, very few are made for the 40s.  Another trend is the increasing number made for the 70s.  Looking at the most popular manufacturers, we have Greenlight, Autoworld, M2, Johnny Lightning, and Mini GT.  I will not include Mattel/Matchbox in this list, since I do not think their current products are in the same class as the others.

I have several models from Greenlight and M2, a small number from Autoworld and Mini GT, and none from Johnny Lightning.  Based upon models I have or seen, I will give a few observations/opinions on each.

Greenlight: Wide selection, accurate profile/shape, nice finish, lack of plated parts for bumpers and grill. They also offer many accessories, such as trailers and people.

M2/Autothentics: Wide selection, accurate profile/shape, nice finish, plated parts for bumpers and grill.  For those with opening doors, shut lines/ gaps can be too big.  In this scale, and for this price range, opening doors is not a great idea.  For these five manufacturers I think they have the largest selection of models from the 50s.

Autoworld: They seem to have many from the 60s and later.  I have a 1979 Chevrolet "Gulf" pickup truck and 1993 Dodge Stealth. I have seen many more of their models in Hobby Lobby and Target.  They look accurate with nice finish.  For those with bumpers and grills, which would be chrome on the real car, they are painted aluminum.  Otherwise, they look quite nice.  I probably should buy a few more of these.  If you have not noticed, I like shiny chrome bumpers and grills on my 50s and 60s models.

Johnny Lightning: I have not purchased any, since I did not think earlier versions were as accurate as the others.  However, I was looking at some on the Diecast Direct web site before writing this response, and newer ones looked much better.  Maybe I should buy one of them to check.

Mini GT: The only American car from this era is the 1954 Lincoln, which we all seem to like.  I have a 2020 Corvette from them, which I also like.

Conclusion, so what do I recommend in addition to Mini GT?  Greenlight, M2/Autothentics, and Autoworld all produce nice models and will compare well with Mini GT.  However, if lack of plated parts is an issue, your choices from Greenlight and Autoworld will be limited.  I would also be careful of M2 models with opening doors, since the gaps might be too large for you.  Opening hoods are generally OK.  For Johnny Lightning take a good look at model and/or pictures.  Pictures of newer ones look nice to me, but I have not seen them in person.

Jack, I hope my reply answers your question.

Everyone else, I hope I did not bore you.

Ed:I agree totally with all of your comments. Very well said. Your cut-off of $20. for these brands is spot on.I have a couple of each of the brands that you mentioned but more recently I have been interested in brands over $20.and up to $50.There are probably many 1/64 collectors that think paying over $20 for these is to much.Here are some of my observations on this price range:Presentation is superior to the under $20 group and very similar to 1/43 scale (models are mounted in a plastic case), suggesting the models are probably resin and not diecast like the models offered under $20.Some presentations are over the top with engraved plaques and leather covered bases.This probably accounts for some of the higher price point. The detail on some of these models takes it to the next level, especially the chrome quality. Some (Dream Brand for example) even has photo etched parts. Their Ferrari 250 SWB is perhaps the best example of the use of photo etched parts that I have seen so far. The problem with this price range if your interest is American cars, is that most of them are NOT commissioned by US based companies such as Autoworld and Greenlight but rather I understand that they are made and distributed by Chinese companies.As a result,  the majority of the models available are fashioned after high end European cars such as Rolls Royce,Bentley,Mercedes and BMW. I have only found a couple of American cars, one being a 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood by a company called GOC. I have also noticed the same model being sold under different company names.Accordingly, there are dozens of brand names across the spectrum. I have been using Ebay to research these models.Brand names that have models that appeal to me are GFCC,DCM,Master, and Liberty. Again all European luxury cars.Some have opening doors, hood and trunk.I have so far stuck with the models with no opening parts but pictures suggest very clean door gaps/shut lines on those that do open.One last point:if buying on Ebay, always search for the best price.Some offer free shipping.I have seen the same model sell with a $30 price difference between 2 different sellers.Models shown below from left to right are GFCC,LIBERTY,GOC,MASTER,DCM and DREAM BRAND.

@jack-dodds Jack, besides the Lincoln I also have a Toyota Celica from Mini GT. Speaking to the 1/64 scale models from various manufacturers, there are some spectacular items that are out from AW, Greenlight, M2, etc. Never did I expect to see such detail at this size but it just keeps getting better and better. I am completely out of space for additional 1/18and 1/24 scale models but still can find space for these little gems.

@ed-davis Thank you very much Ed for taking the time to provide this informative response, I really appreciate it.  Thanks to Ken as well for his comments.

Here is an example of (a) when you maybe have too many models for your own good ....and (b) when you are perhaps getting older than you acknowledge.  After posting my initial inquiry of Ed, it dawned on me (hello !!) that some time ago I had in fact, out of simple curiosity, bought several 1:64 models.  I then rummaged in my stored items bins and found the following:

Greenlight GL Muscle series; 1970 Roadrunner; 1968 Hemi Charger; 1969 Yenko Chevelle: 1969 Mach I Mustang and  also a 1968 Chevrolet C-10 pickup.

AW Auto world:  1964 Ford Galaxie convertible

Johnny Lightening:  1962 Plymouth Belvedere (one yellow, one white).

Based on these models only, I would say that the Greenlight GL Muscle series examples are the best quality.  The AW Ford is quite well done and Johnny Lightening not as good (I bought them only because it was an unusual early 60s Chryco).

Lastly, as a result of Ed's original post I became curious enough to buy the Mini GT yellow '54 Lincoln and the Carrera Panamericana version.

I've done several Short Take videos on higher-end 1/64 models. There are some incredible models out there!

@jkuvakas 

I remember some of the videos and will check the others.  I have one NEO 1/64 scale truck, which I really like.

I have a couple more comments.

First, back in the late 1990s and early 2000s you could also buy some really nice 1/64 scale cars and pickup trucks from the 50s and 60s from Racing Champions, Ertl, and Mattel.  Mine have often appeared in the backgrounds in some of my pictures.  I will show a few of them in more detail in some coming posts.  The detail on some of them are so good, you may think they have been recently manufactured.

Second, I did not mention large trucks in 1/64 scale.  In my opinion, this segment of the 1/64 market was one of its early drivers. By the late 1990s and early 2000s. well detailed tractor-trailer trucks from Diecast Promotions (DCP, later merged with First Gear) and fire trucks from Code 3 became available.  I have a few of these; something else for future posts.

@kenspear 

Recently I ordered a DCM Mercedes-Benz 300 SL convertible. From the pictures the top can be removed to see the interior, and the hood and trunk open. I look forward to receiving the model. 

@ed-davis. Please post some pictures and give us your thoughts when you receive it.