| |
Here they go again. Danbury is breaking out another BIG gun from their armory of classic car models. One-twelve the size of the real car that Cadillac built in 1930, it is every bit as gorgeous and darn near as functional. This time around, however, there is a bit of a twist and it is worthy of considerable consideration. I know it is hard to fathom springing the big bucks for one of these detail-laden monsters but be cognizant of what came before it and what might NOT follow if this heavyweight does not sell well. DM has given us one 1:12th scale car made by Kyosho, the BMW Z8 in 2001. It did well so we saw a couple ’57 Chevy Bel Air’s followed by three fifties Corvettes and a Mustang. Are you catching my drift here? Danbury modeled Fords and Chevies in twice their normal ‘precision’ size.
Some may now consider this big Cadillac as the very first true ‘classic’ automotive icon in DM-large scale. The elegant and timeless design of this roadster has won acclaim all over the world. Now only seen in concours events, museums and on TV, in books and internet vignettes, the sight of this lovely car is diminishing. But thanks to DM’s immortalization of replication, we can own and enjoy the big Caddy for countless years. The color pick is actually classic in its own right. The paint is perfection. Metallic is scaled and the top coat is glossy, rich and smooth as glass. The model is spectacular in its presence no matter where it is displayed. It commands the same attention in scale that it does on the 1:1 concours field. Not just another pretty face, the imposing diecast packs more features and operational pageantry than any model I have handled.
First, pick it up by its running boards and realize its heft. Take in the chassis view while you have the chance. Phenomenal detail. The wheels are removable and offer an alternate look at the undercarriage. The steering activates the pivoting lights that helped the driver see into a turn. You may rotate a rear tire to see the operation of the driveshaft and cooling fan. The wind wings fold forward and back, the windshield glass opens and the windshield folds down. The cowl vent opens and the luggage rack raises and lowers. The rearview mirror is posable and you may operate the windshield wipers, adjustable seat, open the rumble seat and work the footrest back and forth. Of course the hood vents open and the hood raises to show off the behemoth V-16 in all its detailed glory. But the top may steal the show along with your heart.
DM fashioned the cloth boot to be easily removed and the top to be totally functional. It looks so realistic down, up or anywhere in between. Center stage of the car’s operational system belongs to the electrical lighting. Hang on, here we go; the headlights, taillights, high beams, courtesy lights, storage compartment light, brake lights and instrument panel lights all work. And hidden underneath the dash is a switch that activates the “Pilot-Ray” auxiliary lighting. Inside the storage compartment is ample room for a gold bag, just like the real car had. But DM supplies us with a bag and clubs to go with the car.
I’m hoping that the model does fantastically well and paves the way for more classic images of automotive’s finer, elegant collectibles. And while many of us may not have room for a number of these large-scale masterpieces, I welcome the diversity from which to be able to choose. Is the model worth the price of admission? Oh my YES!
Editor's note: Regarding the seat material; it is a soft vinyl and looks amazing. Proof-reading did not catch the referrence to, "leather" in the sales brochure before going out. TFP
(02/15/2008)
|
|
