Monday, December 23, 2013

1953 Studebaker Commander Starllight Coupe by Franklin Mint

The 1/43 model of iconic car. 1953 was the introduction of Studebakers first entirely new body style since 1947. The sedans did not turn out very attractive, but the coupes and hardtops were stunning. Surprisingly, the demand for the Loewy coupes, as they were called (after designer Raymond Loewy), outweighed the demand for the sedans 4 to 1! The 1953 Studebaker Loewy coupe was acclaimed numerous times as the most beautiful cars ever produced. The style was called New European Look.

Because the coupe was so attractive, orders were more numerous than predicted. However, the sheet metal work for the coupe was difficult to fit together, which slowed the production process to the point where people who wanted the coupe could not readily get one. This cost Studebaker a lot of potential sales. In fact, production problems were a major problem for Studebaker and were a key reason why the company failed in the 1960s.

This model Franklin Mint is more than 20 years old, but still delivers highly detailed features. It shape is perfect. Franklin's Studebaker captures Commander's glamor, its shape and exotic nature in detail.
The finish is exquisite from the glossy Rust Red paint scheme to the opening doors and hood. The model has great details the actual car: V8 logo, chrome fin rear fenders and chrome conical shape wheel covers.
It is not difficult to get this nice and interesting model for a reasonable price on ebay auction. This cost £16,00 plus post, which is fantastic value for money!

Franklin MInt 1953 Studebaker Commander Starligt Coupe





 Manufacturer: Franklin Mint
 Scale: 1/43
 Year of Production: 1987
 Part Number: KE15
 Material: DieCast
 Rating: 8/10 

Monday, December 9, 2013

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham by Brooklin Models

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

The 1957 Eldorado Brougham, Conceived as a Motorama concept vehicle and built to be the compact ultimate luxury car, it encompassed the latest styling trends and technology of the day. At a price of $13,074 it was more expensive than Lincoln's Mark ll and the standard Rolls Royce. In fact rumor has it GM's cost was far more as one employee found when he inquired as to the possibility of purchasing one at cost, with the response being positively as it would mean and additional $10,000 over the sticker price. With production limited to only 400 in 1957, and another 304 in 1958, the clientele for this car ranked among the most elite in the world, firmly positioning Cadillac as the standard by which others were measured.

Styling of the Brougham: Up front bumpers, patterned to look like the fuselage and wings of an aircraft, were designed to be the focal point, with the grille and hood falling away from them. The stainless steel roof along with suicide style doors, are perhaps the most distinguishing features of the Brougham. Pillarless four-door hardtop compound curved panoramic windshield, GM's Florentine roofline and swept-back fins contributed to the Brougham's design reflecting the contemporary styling idioms of the day. The introduction of new technology such as quad headlights, Autronic Eye and aluminum wheels were enhanced with added luxury features like swivel seats and air conditioning.

The individually numbered 704 cars were hand built on a special line at the Clark Street plant in Detroit and had a unique shorter X-frame, body and interior. Even the shared Eldorado driveline, 365ci V8 with dual quad carburetors (three 2-barrel carbs were used in '58) and 4 speed Hydramatic transmission, were specially built and tested with only the quietest going into the Brougham. Each Brougham was test driven prior to delivery.

This Brooklin Model is the second edition with extra details i.e. chrome door handles, bonet trim, headlights, driving lights, grille, bumpers, side trim. Color is Lake Placid Blue. Comparing this release to an older example is kinda cool; the added details like the simulated brushed steel roof and the advanced details show how far Brooklin has come – and the mold set shows just how good they always were. Classics never get old, on the road or on the shelf.








 Manufacturer: Brooklin Models
 Scale: 1/43
 Year of Production: 2001-2007
 Part Number: BRK 027A
 Material: White Metal
 Rating: 8/10 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

1929 Duesenberg Model J by Franklin Mint












The Duesenberg Model J was introduced at the New York Auto Salon on December 1, 1928. It made headlines. The combination of the Duesenberg reputation with the Model J’s grandeur and elegance made it the star of the show. The first delivery came in May 1929, barely five months before Black Tuesday. Duesenberg advertising the Model J as "The World's Finest Motor Car". In their print ads, an elegant man or woman were seen together with a concise but meaningful sentence: "He/She drives a Duesenberg". The campaign was a success.
Duesenberg customers could order their own bodies from coachbuilders of their choice, but Duesenberg, Inc., as it became known, also purchased directly from coachbuilders, although in very small quantities. Among the suppliers were Willoughby, Derham, LeBaron, Judkins, American Weymann, Walker, Brunn, Holbrook and Locke, a veritable who’s who of American craftsmanship. Quantities from these constructors ranged from 50 to one. By far the most bodies, however, came from the Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, California.
This lovely model is 1929 Duesenberg Model J Clear Vision Sedan by Walter M. Murphy Co.
Both front and rear doors were hanging on the “B” pillar, allowing the glass drops to be very close together. Roof pillars were made of cast bronze, as thin as practicable, which provided the driver unparalleled visibility and gave the whole car a light, airy character. This basic architecture, which Murphy called “Clear Vision,” was used for touring sedans, hardtop sedans and town cars on chassis from Packard to Cord to Duesenberg.  Despite being the principal supplier of coachbuilt bodies to Duesenberg, Inc., Murphy built very few Clear Vision sedans. By far the most popular Murphy styles were the familiar convertible coupes, with convertible sedans running a not too distant second. Only about five of the distinctive Clear Vision cars were built. The car offered here is, as a result, one of a select few.
This diecast model is 1:43 scale with intricate detail and meticulous workmanship. It is part of the World's Great Classic.  Model is in high quality red painting with black roof. 4 opening doors and bonnet.
Similar model was made by Solido, but with poor details.

 Manufacturer: Franklin Mint
 Scale: 1/43
 Year of Production: 1991
 Part Number: RC15
 Material: DieCast
 Rating: 9/10