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Like an open field runner Danbury Mint is eating up massive chunks of yardage on the precision diecast playing field. It seems like every week we are hearing of or seeing another new issue debut from the huddle of the boys from Connecticut. On our collective collector’s wish lists for some time now, the Lincoln Premiere has floated at or near the top of everyone’s dream-come-true desire for this diecast model. Well gang, wake up and smell the fresh paint, the Lincoln Premiere in Island Coral and White is now reality. Lincoln took a handoff from the styling cues of the 1955 Lincoln Capri and stretched them into a long, lean and flowing mass of sheet metal and luxury. The taillights are the most obvious carry over but a whole new look was achieved in the Premiere models; two-door hard tops, Premiere sedans and the drop top convertible. Power rose in 1956 to 285 horse power from the 368 cubic inch V-8.
DM captured all of the elegance that the Premiere was known for and in an end run added some extra glitz. For instance, the model is depicted with the cool (pun intended) A/C feature. The smallish air scoops on each rear fender hints to the option. Out of the rear shelf and as seen through the rear window, there are twin clear tubes that run into the rear of the headliner. The air then escapes through four vents, two in back and two up front. Also detailed in the headliner are travel hooks and side entry lights. The sun visors are mounted on slim realistically scaled metal pivot points. The rear seat has a fold down arm rest and the front seats have grab straps behind them. DM scores a field goal with the extensive steering wheel and dash board detailing. Even the tiny miniature door locks are true to scale and very realistic. The fender skirts are removable but they look much better in place. The doors ride on internal hinges. The metal foil scripts are magnificent on the replica. The rear fenders sport gold “Premiere” emblems and the front fenders come to life with “Lincoln” spelled out in script, also gold. Across the front of the hood, DM duplicated the chrome “Lincoln” emblems in separate block letters, perfectly scaled.
In the trunk DM fashioned the prerequisite FoMoCo plaid mat and made the spare tire removable. There is a swiveling locating pin to help in the mount. Behind it is a jack. The trunk lid features an instructional jacking label and simulated weather stripping and insulation. The license plate flips down to reveal the gas filler. Underneath we have a wealth of chassis detail. Fuel lines, in metal, leave the tank to run forward to the engine. Brake lines and emergency brake cabling are all replicated and even the fuel pump is plumbed. Once back upright treat yourself to a first and goal to go by checking in on the engine bay. The now famous DM scissors hinges are used to perfection here. Holding up the hood, they offer a gorgeous view of the V-8 in all its glory. Metal fuel lines are readily seen, the windshield washer system is evident and so is its fluid lines and pump mechanism. The master cylinder is plumbed and ready for action and the radiator sports an overflow tube while the heater hoses, plug wires and vacuum lines are pressed into duty. Check out the scaled dipstick with photo-etch metal ring.
The suspension functions and the stance of the car is low and straight. The model scores a well earned TD on my score card and DM deserves to spike the ball in the end zone with this offering. For subject matter and execution I rate this a 9.9 on the Thrillometer.
(08/24/2005)
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