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This model commemorates the 50th anniversary of Ford’s Thunderbird. Danbury will limit this edition to the number of units sold during the year of 2005 only. This mimics the concept of the limited edition 1953 Corvette and 1969 Pontiac GTO convertible.
In 1:24th precision miniature we have not been treated to the first year of the ‘Little Birds’ until now. I have to tell you straight up, if this model does not bring joy to your face, especially when handling it, you have a serious diecast deficiency disorder. But as cheerful and joyous as it may be it also does not lack in tech and detail quality. This is an all-new tool from the guys who seemingly open our emails and read what we want. The ’56 baby birds are nice and goodness knows we’ve had our fair share of them but some guys do not care for the continental kit, standard on that year’s build, and some also yearn for a 1957 version too. Even the current DM guys wondered why a ‘first year’ iconic image wasn’t fashioned before a mid-year car was. Well, thanks for rectifying that fellas, you did a terrific job.
Goldenrod Yellow was a masterful choice for this particular Thunderbird. It is somewhat deeper and richer in tonal value than the Thunderbird Goldenglow Yellow of 1956. There is the softest hint of primary red blended into the yellow adding a nice touch of warmth to the hue. We have come to expect perfection in our little car's paint jobs and once again DM does not disappoint. The coverage is spectacular. But the model is about so much more than the happy color. DM went all out to detail the bird. The model comes laden with magnetic plastic covering the chrome metal foiled emblems and insignias. Take your time removing them; the wait is well worth it. Fore and aft, you will see the one-year-only crossed flags and Ford crest. The red panels in the crest and black checkerboard squares are readily seen within each. The roof sports the crest on either side as well. On the sides of the car DM separately fashioned the hash marks, V8 emblem and “Thunderbird” script in chrome foil metalwork. But not to be outdone, check out the wheels. There is photo-etched wire in the wheel covers. While we are on the subject, you will notice photo-etch metal in the grille, in the functional hood scoop opening, the exquisitely fashioned door sills and on the rear deck as removable top holding brackets. The realism they lend is amazing.
Metal is used well all over the car and adds a nice dimension to the scaled precision of the piece. The short exhaust tips, as they exit the rear bumper surrounds, are tubular metal fabrications. The doors on perfect little hidden hinges close tightly due to the metal striker plate that mates up with the tensioned metal pin in each door. Metal wire perfectly simulates fuel lines and hose clamps in the engine and DM gives us a retractable metal antenna. DM didn’t take the easy road in detailing this gorgeous diecast. Where silver-painted bumps could replicate door and trunk key lock points, we see separately molded and chromed pieces. Even the door handles show the thumb button. The rear deck lid has an opening fuel filler door and when the trunk is closed, opening the filler door reveals the gas cap. The spare is removable. Jacking instruction and tools are seen hiding inside.
The interior was fabricated wonderfully. In black and yellow with matching door panels, it is a striking sight when you remove the top. The seats show off the stitching on the black sides and top portion. The yellow seat inserts are deeply patterned. The dash is full of nicely detailed gauges and the steering wheel, floor and pedals are well defined. Little door locks protrude over the doors. To affix the top, simply match up the two clamps with the windshield header and then let the two metal pins in the back of the top mate up with the holding brackets. Before you do that, however, take time to examine the inside of the top. DM simulated the perforated headliner to perfection. Under the hood, you will see the optional chrome ‘Dress Up Kit’ and proper plug wires, battery cables and the aforementioned fuel lines and hose clamps. We’ve even been treated to separately molded windshield washer nozzles just beneath the wipers. Of course the “See Clear” fluid bag is in place in the engine bay. The suspension works but does not over-flex and the ride height is perfecto! Oh yeah, one last point. If you do not care for the fender skirts, take them off.
Really, if this little image doesn’t push your buttons, better check your pulse. Gracious, could a ’57 be far off? One can only hope. I look forward to the ’58 ‘Square Bird’ and any other T-Birds DM can manufacture. This one gets a 9.75 on the Thrillometer.
The issue price is $135.
(01/17/2005)
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