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.

This beautifully crafted 1:43 scale model of a 1953 Studebaker Starliner Hardtop is a must-have for any serious diecast car collector. The attention to detail is exceptional, with every aspect of the car accurately portrayed, from the sleek curves of the bodywork to the intricate design of the wheels.  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

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.

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham by Brooklin Models

Manufacturer:	Brooklin
Scale:	1/43
Production Year:	2001- 2007
Part Number	BRK 027A
Color:	Lake Placid Blue
Material:	White Metal
Rating:	8/10

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

1949 Ford Custom Convertible by Minichamps

As automobile production resumed after World War II, offerings were limited to existing prewar designs, but by 1949, the Big Three had fresh, innovative concepts on sale. Ford was first, showing all-new 1949 models on June 8, 1948. They were as un-Ford-like as anything the public had ever seen. Slab-sided and streamlined, the company proudly announced that the New York Fashion Academy had judged Ford the “Fashion Car of the Year!
From a styling standpoint, the new Ford’s adopted slab sides, wrap-around bumpers, minimal trim, and bullet-adorned grille set it apart from most other cars on the road.
Two trim levels were offered: Standard and Custom. Although Ford’s station wagon was the most expensive 1949 model, the convertible carried the most prestige.

This.10 years old model from Minichmps absolutely meets the current standards of treatment. Excellent details, proper scale and nice interior are plus. Color is black.
I am  only disappointed in the quality of the painting on the sides of the model - not quite smooth as usual for Minichamps.
I do not know what he was thinking Minichamps FL letters in the model name. Ford does not know anything like that....Maybe L-head V-8 engine? Rather, it is nonsense.
Nice pictures of this model are there.

Minichamps 1949 Ford Cabriolet

Manufacturer:	Minichamps
Scale:	1/43
Year of Production:	2003
Part Number:	400 082231
Material:	DieCast
Rating:	8/10

1954 Pontiac Chieftain by Premium X

1954 Pontiac Chieftain 4-door Sedan

The Pontiac Chieftain was an automobile produced by the Pontiac Motors Division of General Motors from 1949 to 1958. Pontiac was playing the role of a somewhat finer Chevrolet in the General Motors portfolio. Typically a long time were the so-called Silver Streaks, wide chrome strips on hood and trunk lid. 1953 led the way slowly to the pontoon, only the rear fenders were preserved in a stylized form . A year later, the tail fins were at first shy, just this car is a model of the Premium X model. The Chieftain was the standard product, it still existed longer the Star Chief. The customer had a choice of straight-six or straight-eight engines.

Premium X Models 1954 Pontiac Chieftain 4dr Sedan looks excellent with it's two tone paint scheme - Mayfair Blue with San Marino blue roof.
The voluminous , rounded shape is reproduced excellently , the lush chrome jewelry is modeled by chrome-plated parts and steaming, hood ornament, mirrors, a somewhat crude antenna, etched wipers and the  sun visor on the windshield round out the picture of a successful reproduction. The wheels with printed decorative caps and white wall tires, two-tone paint, everything makes a solid impression. You can even see the amber colored Chief Pontiac hood ornament that lights up on the real car when the parking or headlights are turned on. The interior has deposed two colors, the blue of the seats may be a bit too garish , this dashboard and steering wheel are well designed , if not so clearly visible through the relatively small window.

It's not everyday that you see a 1:43 scale model car that has everything going for it. Unusual subject matter, price, detail, accuracy of scale, and product integrity are what you get with Premium X Models 1954 Pontiac Chieftain 4dr Sedan. I highly recommend this superb model to any 1950s era Pontiac enthusiast.

Manufacturer:	Premium X
Scale:	1/43
Year of Production:	2012
Part Number:	PRD214
Material:	DieCast
Rating:	7/10

1955 Ford Crown Victoria Skyliner by Franklin Mint

1955 was a strong year for the American car industry and Ford in particular. There were 49,966 Fairlane Sunliners produced during that year and it easily outsold its closest competitor, the Chevy Bel Air convertible which saw only 41,292 examples produced.
 The 1955 Ford was advertised as a car with the feeling of motion built into the basic shape of the car itself....with imaginative styling, chrome and stainless trim, fresh new two tone colors, and modern interiors.

 1955 would be the first year of the Crown Victoria, part of the Ford Fairlane range of products and was produced at Fords plant in Dallas, Texas. Being the top trim level for 1955, the Fairlane included chrome moldings around the window and 'A' pillar, chrome side sweep moldings, and chrome headlight door eyebrows. The engine is a 272 cubic-inch V8 that develops 162 horsepower and has a top speed of 100 mph.

 The first Crown Victoria Skyliner is a two-door Fairlane with a pillared hardtop and transparent green plexi-glass in the forward half. It was part of the Ford Fairlane range, which differed from the regular Victoria model by a stainless steel band that 'crowned' the roofline, passing over the car as an extension of the B-pillar. Production of the 'Crown Victoria' lasted from 1955 to 1956. The Skyliner was the most expensive Fairlane model, costing $2,372 new from the factory.
 This beautifull 143 model is fantastic recaptured by Franklin Mint in Extension set Classic Cars of the 50's. Model is in original colours Tropical Rose / Snowshoe White in version Fairlane Crown Victoria Skyliner with continetal kit.. Wonderful details grille, acrylic glass top, continental kit and plenty of chrome accessories. Simply - sweetheart of collection!

Manufacturer:	Franklin Mint
Scale:	1/43
Year of Production:	1990
Part Number:	UK08
Material:	DieCast
Rating:	10/10

1964 Ford Mustang Convertible by Franklin Mint

 Franklin Mint TC19 - 1964 Ford Mustang in Rangoon Red

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!

1964 Ford Mustang by Franklin Mint  

Manufacturer:	Franklin Mint
Scale:	1/43
Production Year:	1991
Part Number	TC19
Color:	Rangoon Red
Material:	DieCast
Rating:	8/10

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:	* * * *