1957 Chevrolet Corvette by Franklin Mint

Corvette is undoubtedly the most famous sports car. This is the 1957 model of First generation Corvette (1953-1962) . This model has new body  featuring a new "face" and side coves; the taillamp fins were also gone. The introduction of the 1956 /57 brought a significant styling element known as the "coves". They first appeared on Cadillac's 1955 Motorama LaSalle II dream car. The horizontal scallop would continue in all the straight axle Corvettes (until 1962) and then reappear in later models. According to me the 1956 Corvette styling is regarded as one of the best looking cars ever.
Surprisingly, it is difficult to find a good model of this vehicle. This Franklin Mint has charisma, but little bloated proportions. The color combination is beautiful - Venetian Red/White. Well made removable hard-top and quality chrome trim. Simply - lovely piece!
The Corvette's interior is handsome in red with silver trim on the doors and dash. The three-spoked steering wheel and gauges look realistic, and there's a cue-ball shift knob. All the badging is appropriate, the features wide white sidewall tires.

1957 Chevrolet Corvette by Franklin Mint

Manufacturer:	Franklin Mint
Scale:	1/43
Production Year:	1987
Part Number	KC38
Color:	Red / White
Material:	Die Cast
Rating:	4/10

1956 Ford Thunderbird by Franklin Mint

1956 Ford Thuderbird by Franklin Mint

The Ford Motor Company begins making plans for its own sports model as early as 1950. However it was not until the introduction of GM´s Corvette that Ford responded by making available to the public the now-legendary Thunderbird. The strategy was that while Americans had taken so enthusiastically to European sports car, there was still a preference for such refinements as more powerful engine, greater comfort and more luxurious appointments.

The first generation of the Ford Thunderbird is a two-seat convertible that was produced by Ford for the 1955 to 1957 model years. The Thunderbird was low-slug and of all-metal construction, powered by V-8 engine with roll-up windows, and a removable fiberglass hardtop. The 1956 Thunderbird remained mostly unchanged, though the  hard top received 'porthole' quarter-windows, the spare became a 'Continental' kit to gain trunk space, and a 312 cubic-inch 'Thunderbird Special' V8 engine as optional equipment.  It was a smaller two-seat "personal luxury car", compared to many other much larger cars that were on the road in the 1950s. It was designed to be a brisk luxury tourer, and not a sports car. Its original sales triumphed over the Chevy Corvette was the result of clean styling, creature comforts, and V8 refinement. The total number of these automobiles produced in 1956 was 15,600!

It is difficult to decide which model of this iconic car to have in my collection. I decide between Brooklin, Franklin Mint and Minichamps. Finally, the decision was made in favor of Franklin. Brooklin is proportionally too large; it seems a bit like a tank. Minichamps compared with cars 1/43 from other companies seems smaller and has an ugly antenna.

Franklin´s T-bird has nice detailed removable Hard-Top with so-called opera window and  „Continental“ type spare tire mounts carries the rear. Painted in the car´s original factory color of Peacock Blue/White. There are many beautiful chrome parts.

With only few scale models 1/43, you can also enjoy the pleasure of exploring the V-8 engine, chassis and open the door.

And important info - it is still easy to buy this classic model on e-bay for a relatively affordable price.

Manufacturer:	Franklin Mint
Scale:	1/43
Year of Production:	1987
Part Number:	KC32
Material:	DieCast
Rating:	8/10

1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan California Highway Police by Brooklin

Among the prettiest of General Motors bodies of the 1940s are the fastback coupes. Chevrolet’s version, the Fleetline Aerosedan introduced, offered until 1948, full-size / executive car with  2-door fastback sedan body style with six-cylinder inline overhead valve engine,  three-speed manual transmission and massive front grill.
The most expensive of Chevrolet’s sedans, the Fleetlines were also very popular, particularly the Aerosedan. It soon became the best selling single body style.

This Brooklin model is particularly attractive in version California Highway Police. The model is typically heavyweight Brooklin from the year 2001, today hard to find.  There are many chrome plated details including horn, spotlight and roof police flash light. Door handles are only relief-cast.  Side body panels provide excellent color separation of black and white. Decals are perfect, sharp and very impressive. Dimensions  of the model are correct.
Not very models of police cars from the 40's years, and this is one of those rare exceptions. This Fleetline Aerosedan is guaranteed improvements to any collection of police cars.

1948 Chevrolt Fleetline Aerosedan California Highway Police by Brooklin

Manufacturer:	Brooklin Models
Scale:	1/43
Year of Production:	1996 - 2001
Part Number:	050A
Material:	White Metal
Rating:	7/10

1963 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible by Franklin Mint

The Cadillac Eldorado was the longest running American personal luxury car. Although cars bearing the name varied considerably in body style and mechanical layout during this long period, the Eldorado models were always neat the top of the Cadillac line.
A more distinguished-looking Biarritz arrived for 1963. The lower body „skeg“ lines of 1961-62 were erased on all Cadillacs, and wide brushed-finish rocker panel moldings gave the Biarritz closer kinship with the svelte Sixty Special.
Model Series 6400, the Eldorado Biarritz convertible, had special styling with untrimmed body sides, full-length stainless steel underscores and a rectangular grid pattern rear decorative grille. Fins were lower than ever, the grille was bulkier, and the rear was more massive, with elongated vertical tail/backup-light housings. Power vent windows, white sidewall tires and six-way power seats (in bench seat mode) were standard in Eldorados.
This 1:43 model Edorado Biarritz is probably the best model of  serie Franklin Mint  Classic Cars of the Sixties! Perfectly mastered proportions model, excellent interior details, perfect finish paint. The light metallic "Benton Blue" paint is truly excellent and tampos are sharp and readable.
Interior detail features accurate upholstery with a realistic sheen, wood-grain trim everywhere it should be, and detailed gauges, radio face, and an A/C panel. Even the relief-cast pedals have been picked out.  Nice work, all around.
This model of large american cruiser finally led me to the decision to collect Franklin Mint 1:43 models.

Manufacturer:	Franklin Mint
Scale:	1/43
Year of Production:	1990
Part Number:	RI92
Material:	DieCast
Rating:	9/10

1963 Buick Riviera by Franklin Mint

1963 Buick Riviera - Burgundy Red

This is a model one of the most beautiful mass-produced car in the USA. 1963. Its razor sharp lines , highlighted by an edge that streamed along the length of the body were reminiscent of fine European coachwork. Buick Riviera was the well thought-out masterpiece of some of the best designers and engineers of its time.

I have a personal relationship with this model - it was one of the first three Franklin Mints models in my collection, thanks to him I discovered the magic of these fantastic models. This model was made in 1988. Original color is Burgundy Red. Good details made by tampo, many chrome parts. Standart Franklin Mint quality.

Manufacturer:	Franklin Mint
Scale:	1/43
Production Year:	1987
Part Number	RH39
Color:	Burgundy Red
Material:	DieCast
Rating:	8/10