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This has been a very successful diecast for Danbury. One would get the impression that after a half dozen images have flowed from their tooling, including this first limited edition version, that the replica would be stale by now. Surely you jest. Fact is this may be the finest effort of the six-pack, the Woody Wagon and all of its glorious innovation notwithstanding. For me, it’s the look of the car sans roof; ready for a memorable drive down the nostalgic streets and dusty back roads of our imagination. The original Club Coupe was issued in 1992. It was well received by collectors and occasional buyers. Fire and Police cars followed and then the car was dipped in gold for its 50th anniversary in 1999. The Woody Wagon got us all shook up again last year so who would have expected another variation of the car, much less one done so incredibly well? This is Danbury at their finest, yesterday’s image with today’s technology. Let’s take a look at it.
Not until you see it in person can you realize the paint is subtly metallic. The dark, warm hue of the Royal Bronze Maroon is perfectly suited to the lines of this auto. The earth tones of the interior, up top and boot lend a rich contrast. I talked about today’s tech. The roadster has been updated in several areas. It has working suspension. The front springs, for looks, are still there but operational springs handle the function of the wheel travel. They do it without toeing in or out. The rear shocks and leaf springs now work. Even though the original model featured door hinges that allowed the correct opening within the door jam, the doors now have a positive close feature. Added were tension pieces on the rear jam and rear door edge. They snap shut and firm up the alignment. Gone is the windshield frame with integral wipers. The cowl in front of the windshield is now flat, as it should be, and the wipers are separate and delicately scaled pieces. The engine is now plumbed and wired and wait till you see the fuel lines and gas see-through bowl filter. The battery didn’t receive cables but it’s not noticeable. The engine bay detailing breathes life to the old, stale and flat looking flathead. There are more goodies to get into but I’m saving a dissertation on the trunk until last.
The heavy radio mast is now a working antenna. In its down position you hardly know it’s there. The gas filler door is much more defined and receives a chrome surround, brightening up the tail section. The “Mercury” script on the edge of the hood is now polished metal. The interior shows a lot of work on DM’s part. My goodness, power windows! The seats, too, are a welcome surprise. They have a rich texture and feel to them. The front seatbacks tilt forward and the rear of the seat was given hold straps. Remember those? The dash is beautifully crafted and detail-rich. The visors flip up and down and there are three imbedded top positioning pins on the windshield frame top. They help align the up-top flawlessly. Put the tabs in the back portion of the top in the body first then slide it back and place the front part on the pins. There is also a boot but the fabric covering of the up-top is so well crafted that it appeals to me to display it that way in case of rain.
Oh yeah, the trunk. I could fuss that DM didn’t take off the fender skirts but when you poke a finger into the trunk, you’ll like what you see so much you will forget all about the skirts. Just past the removable wheel and left of the jack, you’ll find a jacking instructional tag hanging on a string just like when the car was new. But wait, that’s not all. Further back, see it? Folded canvas to replicate the storage bag for the boot! You can also feel the fabric separator that divides the trunk from the top storage area, it is flexible just like the real item. This is the way to do a revision boys and girls. For everything DM has accomplished on this image based on a model of a dozen years old, I am happily compelled to rate this a solid 5 out of 5 on the drool meter index!
Issue price of this limited edition is $135 and well worth it.
(06/04/2004)
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