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For just once, allow me to put the cart before the horse. I fully understand that this is a personally subjective call but the Thrillometer, a figment of my sometimes fertile imagination, has just rated this little buggy as a perfect ten! For me, a first! I’m glad it came to fruition with this model, because to my eye, it certainly deserves it. Ok, I realize that there may be an issue concerning whether or not there should be a window crank or power window button up front. I’m not a Buick historian but I know enough to know that if the model is in need of an accuracy adjustment DM will make it. That aside, let me tell you how very pleased I am with this Regency Blue follow up to the ’48 Buick Roadmaster Coupe.
Depending on whether you value the long flowing lines of the fastback coupe or the elegance and open air ambiance of the convertible, both versions of this model are hot! The convertible configuration here really pushes my buttons. It seems to appeal to my notion of what a classic concours image looks like, just a bit more than the Sedanette does. Granted, either would be equally at home on a finely manicured concours putting green but to me the drop top would slightly edge out the Nickel Gray/Cumulus Gray model for its flash status and star power. You also have the display option of top down with beige boot in place or with the fabulous fabric covered top up. Danbury is using the most realistic top fabrics these days. And the rear welt line is fabricated with tiny chrome end tips and enormously detailed roof interior. This particular top showcases a lot of chrome on the top’s supports, as was the case for the day. The cross-bows are painted black to add the proper contrasting look. The latch mechanism is chromed and there is even a tiny light adorning the rear-most cross-bow. Beneath it is a classically exquisite interior. It is fashioned in an oxblood leather replication. Photo-etched door sills, “Buick” emblazoned on them, welcome the driver or passenger. Although the front seat is a single bench affair, the seat backs fold forward separately. Behind each are rear passenger pull straps. The floors are done in a matching plush carpet with black floor mats up front. The internal door latches look more realistic all the time and the visors flip up on little silver mounting points. “Buick” may be seen with the naked eye on the radio and, “Roadmaster” with Buick’s crest may be seen on the steering wheel hub, but with slight magnification. As with the Sedanette, the wipers function and the antenna either swivels up or may be fixed between the wipers on its windshield post holder. Three locating studs on the windshield frame hold the up top in place faultlessly. In fact, the fit of all the parts, doors and trunk lid are especially excellent on this model.
And once again, like the 1:1 that the Coupe and now this version mimic, the hood opens from either side and yet the closed fit is spectacular. Go slowly when opening up the hood; allow the fender mounting brackets to fully extend. If the hood comes free from either one simply close the hood and start over. The hood will stay open all the way up, on either side. That affords a grand view of the massive inline eight cylinder, “Fireball Dyna Flash Eight” engine. If you have the availability of a loupe or small magnifying glass check out the oil filter canister. DM has gotten remarkably good at scaling back their printing to 1:24th miniature. You can readily see that the Buick uses a “Type 5-6 AC Oil Filter”. Unless you are Superman, this cannot be seen by the naked eye. It also has the yellow and black “AC” logo on the side of the canister. The passenger’s side firewall has the VIN plate with minute numeric printing. Every conceivable line, hose and wire are in perfect placement and you just have to see the incredible throttle linkage and fuel lines with fuel filter beneath the air cleaner housing assembly, up close and in person. What a miniature marvel.
The gas filler door opens on the model and the trunk lid, as was the case on the Coupe, opens with the help of a telescoping metal prop support. Take out the fabric spare cover and the tire itself and you have access to the jack and stand and an excellent view of the jacking instruction sheet. The spare cover is coated in the same fabric material as the trunk floor. The trunk is much bigger than the one on the Coupe model. Oh, and I especially like the way DM is coloring their license plates. This, in the period era, black and yellow-orange. Another facet of the model that really strikes a genuine note is the suspension. It feels ‘scale’, if that makes any sense. It is soft and pliable and has the right amount of ‘give’ to it without sacrificing proper ride height. The entire underbelly of the large car is detailed beautifully; transmission lines and spring suspension pieces help make an authentic presentation as it did on the Sedanette. Yes, we have yet another breathtaking classic image with this drop top. And since I have now given the perfect ten score to the replica, I may have to develop a Thrillometer on steroids; with a 100 scale! I better put the research into it quickly because DM may just bring out the car that will earn it and faster than I might think possible.
(07/07/2005)
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