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Danbury created somewhat of a sensation in 2000 with the release of their 1960 Impala convertible. In Ermine White with red and white interior, it was initially hailed as just one more 1:24th 1960 Impala in the ‘Mint’ stable. That was until the diecast actually hit the market and buying public and the Bulletin Board forum started discussing its ample attributes. Many milestones were set on this replica where tech innovations were advanced and the future of mint model art was promised. It has taken a while but the Danbury design and engineering crew have created a whole new way to enjoy the ’60 Impala; as a Sport Coupe. It would have saved a lot of time and research to just slap on a hard top and repaint the existing convertible in another shade but we all know DM is up for a challenge. Every inch of the rag top was examined and tasty changes were made so that the coupe takes on a wholly different presentation.
Now drenched in a beautifully wet-look Suntan Copper metallic with a nicely contrasting Fawn Beige top, the Sport Coupe’s overall design shows a marked delineation from the convertible’s shape and silhouette. If you seek out other differences by lining the two DM vehicle’s up together you will find a myriad of changes. The previous model was at the leading edge of bar-raising technology so don’t expect improvements in already great detailing, save for the upgrade to chrome foil lettering on the hood. Where tampo prints proclaimed, “Chevrolet” on the white model, the metal foiled letters look far better on the copper replica ostensibly due to the darker shade. And perhaps a correction more so than an improvement, is the now accurate ride height. DM lowered the car’s stance, especially up front. A change of spring rate apparently achieved the result but did not compromise the awesome suspension detail that includes modulating cradle arms and a functioning shock dampened steering system. Another change, while we view the car’s chassis, is the switch to a four speed tranny. New linkage is in place and you will note that the driveshaft and differential housing are now a metal-grey color. The exhaust tips now exit closer to the sides of the body instead of directly beneath the car’s trunk floor. I still appreciate the flip down rear license plate that shows off the fuel filler neck and cap and I continue to enjoy the removable jack stand base and spare tire. Spare removal reveals the tire iron and jacking tools. Two instructional labels are now seen affixed to the under side of the trunk lid. I would have preferred the crossed flag Chevy emblem on the trunk be treated to chrome foil but it is so well done it may not have been much of an improvement.
The doors open wide on their originally innovative internal hinges to showcase a gorgeous interior in copper. The accelerator pedal even has a heel mat. The four speed shifter is so cool in this car and is printed with the shift gate pattern on the ‘pool ball’ knob. The gauges continue to impress and the sunvisors fold down from the ceiling, complete with passenger’s mirror. This is a non-A/C car where the white car sported the dealer installed cooling unit on the transmission tunnel hump. The extended antenna is now located on the top right fender. Windshield wipers are still formed from delicate photo-etch metal but the ‘gunsights’ on the front fender edges are cleaned from the body on the coupe iteration. Before exploring under the hood, take a little time to examine the hood itself. One of those early milestones, it set an outstanding precedent for DM’s models. The scissor springs hinges and metal insulation holders added a new dimension to realism. The engine, again a 348 cubic incher, now uses a four barrel carb to feed it rather than trips. You will see the appropriate change to the air cleaner. This car was not optioned with the windshield washer system that the open air car has so the washer bottle and its feeding system on the firewall has been removed. The radiator now has an overflow hose, the master cylinder has the prerequisite brake line and heater hoses have been properly rerouted. All cabling and wiring and plumbing are still done to perfection. Oh, and no more air conditioner compressor. I dislike fender skirts on most cars and really hate door edge guards even more. The DM Impalas do not have the former but do I fault them for not removing the latter? Not at all. In fact, they are such an era-nostalgic symbol, that they provide an interesting and conversation starting appeal to the piece.
Take an already wonderful model, give it a uniquely different look, shoot it with a killer color and you have a fantastic new image of the 1960 Impala. DM earns a good deal of respect for model follow up on previous models to reach more auto fans and potentially new diecast converts and this issue highlights that aspect of the hobby. The model gleans a well deserved 9.75 rating on the Thrillometer.
The issue price is $135.
(07/16/2005)
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