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This is my first diecast in Danbury’s Classic Car Preview Society program. What a way to start. Sure, we have lots of ’55 Chevies, but this little tootsie is the crème de la crème of the double nickel Bel Airs. Everywhere you cast your eyes this one has the rest of the field beaten and crying foul. Ok, yes it has the continental kit and yes, it has skirts that some have expressed a disdain for. But unlike the models before it, the skirts are only on at your option and the continental kit offers a more realistic ‘50’s look than what we’re used to seeing. First, the kit is hinged at the bottom and swings down smoothly displaying the inner tire and wheel. Plus, the trunk has the coupling detail adding a new dimension to the replica.
There are many more features and details than any other Bel Air has had before this one. Where shall we start? How about under the hood? Better yet, the hood itself. It raises on those realistic, fabulous DM hinges ala the DM ’60 Chevrolet Impala. They are complete with miniature springs. The engine bay boasts plug wires leading from the rear distributor and directed downward by proper little wire looms. There is a great little generator adjustment bracket on the front of the short block but alas, the generator is below it, unattached. Not to worry, you’ll be too busy gawking at the incredible carburetor linkage, master cylinder brake line, fuel lines and transmission lines and heater hoses. Yes, the suspension even works.
Separating this further from the previous Bel Air iterations are fantastic interior details. I like the green seats; hey it does say, “1955”. The dash and speedo are great, you can even see the heater housing near the floorboard. The gas pedal has metal linkage I have not before now seen replicated anywhere. There’s even the foot-operated dimmer switch. Remember those? The front seatbacks and sun visors move, the doors have perfect little lock buttons and the door handles and window cranks are delicately fashioned flawlessly. The doors have hidden hinges and shut with spring-loaded pins locking onto striker plates. Behind the rear seat is black, soft fabric replicating the ‘down’ top. The boot holds on magnetically and the ‘up’ top is provided with a beautifully done fabric covering. Other fabulous touches are the extending antenna, opening fuel filler door and gorgeous photoetched doorsills. Additionally, the front parking lights and rear brake lights are plastic, not painted-over chrome pieces. The trunk exhibits marvelous detail under the lid and with a detailed jack, tire iron and instruction sticker. DM once again raises the bar and garners a 5 star rating with this Harvest Gold beauty.
The issue price is $112 + S&H or $108 + S&H as a Preview Society member.
(02/13/2003)
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