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I picked up this image of the 1969 Camaro convertible just recently, eleven years after its initial release. It only serves to show how many advances in the modeler’s art have come down the proverbial pike since 1993. But, back then, collectors had a whole different set of priorities for collecting what are referred to as “museum quality” car models. And, at over a hundred buckaroos, they had better be “museum quality.” Today, such craftsmanship would never fly, unless the price is a budget one. Heck, even 1:18ths, once a safe harbor for budget collectors, are getting pricey. Check out the Legacy Motors image list right on this website if you don’t believe me. Then again, the features on those images are much improved as well.
Why collect this image today? One it’s an older, collector piece. Two, it looks sharp alongside the other ‘69s you have in your collection. Three, it’s a convertible. Just don’t go looking for things like working suspensions, unobtrusive doglegs, and mouth-watering detail. Let me simply quote from Mr. John Sharisky’s excellent appraisal of the discontinued blue and white image of the same car (see his complete review). “This model does show its 1993 vintage, with some heavy-handed engineering, such as large door and hood hinges, non-working suspension, and lack of an up-top. The engine has radiator and heater hoses but lacks plug wires. …Available for only a short period of time before being changed, in 1994, to white with orange stripes, and red line tires, this blue Camaro shows up regularly on the secondary market.”
Happily, DM has moved way past this image’s technology. One of FM’s problems is the fact they seem to be stepping back to where this image has come from. Now that FM has shed itself of those expensive gallery stores (mall rents have gone through the roof!), perhaps they’ll up the technology ante, now that they’re offering their images on the Web, and through the 800 number. This might be a pipe dream, I fear.
As great as the DM images are, FM seemed to have the edge with collectors (because of the gallery stores?). But GMP is moving quickly to fill the void, producing razor-sharp images of neglected cars (the ’87 Buick Grand National and the ’69 Mercury Cyclone). Let’s hope THAT trend continues. (Are you listening, GMP?) It’ll be interesting to see how the situation with the mints shapes up.
Should you get this image? Why not—if, like me, you lacked the convertible version. Just make sure you get a low, secondary-market price. Hmmm, it does look sharp though… The issue price is $109 + $5.80 S&H.
(02/12/2004)
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