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This is The Franklin Mint’s third session with the 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe DeVille. The second limited edition, this one is of a much lesser unit count, 2500. It may also be my favorite color pick of the trio. In French Gray over Lucerne Green Poly, the Caddy has more vibrant color usage than the previous limited edition in Madeira Maroon (Burgundy) which, to me, looked more like Tootsie Roll brown and the initially tooled ’49 in its Horizon Blue over Triumph Blue Poly. This latter image was issued way back in 1996. It may have taken a decade but this color combo choice is sweet.
Comparing this model to the previous two, I see no discernable differences and would class this as a repainted release. The term, “repaint” has taken on a negative connotation with some of us collectors. That may be unfortunate since we would miss some really great images by intentionally avoiding them. Sure, a newer version or model-year issue would be more palatable but as we are aware, cost much more in tooling expenditures. So when an existing diecast is issued in a fresh new coat of colors that improves on the prior release, it can be a good thing. I feel that way about this one.
The model still looks good after all this time. Suspension functions are good; the front cradle arms are fully sprung and movable, not just the wheel assemblies within them. The rear leaf springs hold the axle in place and allows for the coil springs to work as real. The wipers are delicately fashioned in scale of photo-etch metal and the interior looks good in green and cream with faint green piping. Engine detail is that of period build with plug wiring and tampo printed engine and oil canister. Likewise for the jacking instructions on the inside trunk lid.
The overall shape of the car is as pleasing as it was back in the late forties, signaling things to come for the fifties. FM picked the right shades for this particular car and though it may not have all the fancy bells and whistles of a new tooling release, it is a pleasant addition to the Caddy stable. Issue price is $135.
(01/26/2007)
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