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This is an all new tooling from the Danbury Mint. A previous DM ’32 deuce issue was, and still most certainly is, as gorgeous today as the first time I ever set eyes on it. It was DM’s ’32 Deluxe V-8 Roadster in Washington Blue and black. This fast-forward iteration is wholly different; presented as a 3 window coupe with suicide doors, with more finely-scaled wired wheels and refinements suitable for a museum-quality replica display. In a gorgeous and understated Tunis Gray, with black fenders, pale pastel yellow wheels and matching stripes, the car is exquisitely striking. That striping runs the body length and doubles on the belt line sandwiching a black center. Lower striping is singular. Opulence had its place even in 1932 and DM brings it back for us in the most wonderfully detailed 1932 Ford, I believe, has ever been produced. Heady claim? I think not.
We’re not accustomed to seeing Model A’s and pre-War cars, prior to 1941, modeled with working suspension. Forget fold-down sunvisors. Oh yes, the Deluxe could be had with that luxury – on both sides! Details that this little deuce model comes with were just not necessary before; they sold if they had the right ‘look’, proportions and stance. Not so in today’s marketplace my friend; DM built the bells and whistles into this little guy. Take some time to read this as I take some time to describe what I’m looking at. As an overview, the ’32 Ford ‘look’ that us older fellas and gals came to love is there. It’s there for the younger, more appreciative, folks to take in too. As mentioned, the color is understated; rich, making the statement that the owner had stepped up, in 1932, to a more expensively apportioned automobile.
Okay, it wasn’t a Duesey, but back then, it was pretty special; goodness it was deluxe! DM finished the car in a flawless paint application; the striping is immaculate. The doors snap closed with authority, firm and decisive. The fit of the trunk, doors and hood are perfect. The wire wheels are finely fabricated and add a special dimension to the detail and color contrast of the vehicle. Chassis-wise, the diecast is period-accurate; less-is-more, but correct to the 1:1. As previously mentioned, the suspension works, both fore and aft. Brake and gas tank lines are attached and the steering controls and exhaust system looks superbly authentic. The car has the pre-requisite rumble seat but it pales in comparison to the occupant’s cabin. The interior is awash in detail, thank yoouu DM!
Again, the visors fold down, the seats and flooring exhibit realistic ‘feel’, material-wise, and the interior door hardware is scaled faultlessly. The dash, gauges, steering wheel and floor paraphernalia are superbly crafted. There is even a dome light on the inner roofliner. Under the hood, DM continues to apply their patented science to miniature craftsmanship. 1932 comes alive in this rendition of Ford’s first V-8. Don’t look past the marvelously crafted hood sealant stripping. They replicated it at the front, on the radiator surround and at rear, on the firewall. A fabric ‘media’ to connect metal-to-metal, they did not miss this recreation. Hoses, fuel lines, spark wiring, belts and exhaust plumbing are fantastic – usual DM stuff. Yeah, you can disagree if you choose and I’m glad to debate you; but I, personally, fully believe this is to be the finest ’32 Ford Deluxe model I have ever seen.
(08/25/2007)
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