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This is the 2003 Franklin Mint Die-Cast Collector Club car, from a brand-new tool with more than 150 parts, which will be retired on 12/31/03. Membership includes a subscription to the Collector Club Newsletter, exclusive discounts and advance notice on Limited Editions. 2003 membership is limited to 9900.
You’ve read the press on how the 1934 Chrysler Airflow was the first car designed using a wind tunnel, about its forward looking design features, and its Art Deco styling features – but, any way you look at it, the Airflow was an odd-looking duck. And the automobile-buying public showed their dislike for its swooping, integrated lines by not buying it. Even though Thirties’ stylists seemed enamored of the “streamlined look” in everything from truck to toasters, I suppose the Airflow violated too many styling cues for the Depression-weary public to want to plop down their hard-earned cash for it. Nevertheless, the car hung on for three years, when Chrysler gave it up as a lost cause. Perhaps, to our eyes – eyes accustomed to the rounded, futuristic shapes of contemporary cars – the Airflow might not look so weird. It certainly broke new ground in its day and deserves a place in automotive history. Had it caught on, who knows where cars today would be in terms of styling? Chalk it up to a good idea at the wrong time. Too bad.
This is the second (third if you count the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am) of the official FM Die Cast Club images. According to the literature, it was created in response to collector demand, from a new tool. In my opinion, it’s a good choice to kick off the second year of the club. However, here again we have FM taking a firm step – backward. This image is reminiscent of something we’d have seen in the mid-nineties. Dogleg door hinges, no suspension, older styling cues (like the molded-in windshield wipers) – this definitely bespeaks older technology. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t a shabby image by any stretch. The overall proportions and fit are fine. The chrome accents and body-seam details are sharply rendered. There’s plenty of detail under the hood and the interior is well put together, though some of the details seem a tad large. And, though the dashboard gauges have bezels, lenses would have been a nice, extra touch. See what I mean? Overall, I’m happy to see the Airflow done – and not badly at that. The image definitely looks sharp in gloss black, with its Art Deco chrome accents. I’m happy to have it in my collection. But, on the other hand, I can’t help but long for what could have been had FM chosen to go that extra mile. FM says in its club literature that they’re listening to what its members want. I sure hope that’s true. The issue price is $120.
(02/24/2003)
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