Friday, October 25, 2013

1964 Ford Mustang Convertible by Franklin Mint

Here it is. The sporty curves of the first generation 1964½ Ford Mustang. That innovative , youthful  "mean machine" that caused a frenzy among new car buyers in 1964. Those some clean lines that defined the term "ponycar"- and still causing a sensation today - are all recaptured in this 1:43 replica by Franklin Mint.
The legendary Ford Mustang combined good looks with four-seater capability and the retail price of an economy car. Although  Ford called the first Mustang the 1965 model, and it was referred to all advertising as the 1965, it actually came out inApril of 1964 - and it is always referred to as the 1964½ Mustang by people who know.
This Franklin Mint  is just like the original painted in the car´s original factory color - Rangoon Red.  From the signature "Pony" grille emblem and th unmistakable Mustang tailights to the ferocious V-8 engine and complete  undercarriage, every feature is state-of-the-art in die-cast engineering of 90´s. Details are not so razor-sharp like on todays models (Mininichamps, Ixo...) but quality of paint and chrome is unbeatable! The model will look great even for another twenty years!










 Manufacturer: Franklin Mint
 Scale: 1/43
 Year of Production: 1991
 Part Number: TC18
 Material: DieCast
 Rating: 8/10

Thursday, October 17, 2013

1964 Ford Country Squire Wagon by Premium X

The Ford Country Squire is a full-size station wagon which was built by the Ford Motor Company in the United States from 1950 until 1991, encompassing seven model generations. It was the premium station wagon model in Ford's full-size car range throughout this period. The Country Squire was initially built as a full "woodie". After the mid-1950s the rear body was composed of fiberglass covered by a vinyl appliqué printed to simulate wood. Later versions featured an all-steel body and are best remembered for featuring body sides and a tailgate covered by simulated wood trim and panels.
When one pictures the classic American station wagon, thoughts drift to the Ford Country Squire.
The fourth generation of this luxury the above 5.5 meter long American giant station wagons  were built from 1960 to 1964.
A total of nine seats made ​​the Ford to a real space saver , almost as large as today's popular SUV 's from the same home. His technical highlights of course was the electrically operated , fully retractable panoramic slice of the two-part tailgate. The space cruiser was powered by a 5 liter V8 engine with an output of 195 hp,  enough for a maximum speed of approximately 170 km/h.

Premium X presents us now a nice metal model of this American luxury liner, with fine details, a perfect grille, of course, the "Woody" - side trim, a huge chrome roof rack and the interior clearly the three rows of seats with room for 9 people. It's amazing how today's technology makes amazing details for a low price -  wipers, door handles, body labels and type descriptions on the body.
Apparent negative of the model is cheap chassis made ​​of  black plastic with very little detail. This is a big minus of all models Premium X.









 Manufacturer: Premium X
 Scale: 1/43
 Year of Production: 2013
 Part Number: PRD203
 Material: DieCast
 Rating: * * * * 

Monday, October 7, 2013

1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow by Franklin Mint

In 1933, Pierce-Arrow unveiled the radically streamlined Silver Arrow in a final attempt to appeal to the wealthy at the New York Auto Show.. The car caused an absolute sensation, with a futuristic design, spare wheels hidden behind the front wheels ,no running boards , a wide-degree angle V-12 and a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h). Pierce sold five examples but, since it was priced at $10,000 during the worst of the Depression, the rich were hesitant to spend so much.
The streamlining seen on the original Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrows would ultimately become a hallmark of the late Art Deco movement, impacting everything from architecture through industrial design in the 1930s-1950s.
This absolutely stunning 1/43 scale Franklin Mint is very impressive and reflects its actual size.
Two tone Colour: Light/Dark Metallic Gray. Ligth Blue interior. Opening all four door and highly detailed engine.
Model Franklin Mint is  very difficult to obtain, but I recommend it! Stuns dignity. The new model made ​​by Ixo the other hand, looks like one from pilgrimage.










1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow

 Manufacturer: Franklin Mint
 Scale: 1/43
 Year of Production: 1991
 Part Number: PW44
 Material: DieCast
 Rating: * * * * * 

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

1930 Cadillac Series 452-A V16 Convertible Coupe by Franklin Mint



One car which propelled the Cadillac name more than any other was the V16. Built to each customer's individual taste, it became an American icon of prestige and helped the company out-perform Packard and their V12. Cadillac initially prepared the V16 to prodigiously power its flagship model with more cylinders than anything else available.
This was the first V16 powered car to reach production status in the United States. Engine: 452 cu in (7.4 litre).
The Cadillac V-16 is today recognized as one of the finest automobiles of the prewar era! At a time when a custom coach-built body was a symbol of status and wealth, the V16 became the one of the most revered chassis. Cadillac wanted the engine to be as vibration-free as possible, and eight combustion cycles per crankshaft revolution combined with balanced internals meant that a V16 was one of the best available packages.
This 4235 Convertible Coupe was built in the Fleetwood, Pennsylvania factory and was the most expensive at $6900 (average annual income $1388).
The car sports 13-inch diameter main headlights that are in scale with this massive but elegant beauty. It also has eight-inch lower Pilot-Ray driving lights that turn with the front wheels, chrome fender-mounted lights and dual side mounted 19-inch wire wheels.
On a scale of 1/43 this model manufactured by several companies (Rio, Solido), but the absolute best of them is the Franklin Mint from set of The World's Great Classic Cars. Model from the year 1991 is difficult to find in good condition -  there is a lot of details and extremely delicate hood ornament!
There is a golf bag compartment, running board storage areas, rumble seat with rear mounted trunk, and dual side mounts. Two-tone painting  and chrome-plated parts complete the feeling of uniqueness. This Franklin Mint is unique and has no weak point. Opening suicide-style doors, hood and rumble seat are nice details.


Rumble seat and golf bag compartment



Suicide-styled doors

V16 engine was considered as aesthetic triumph