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Oh boy, here we go again, a 1940 Packard Darrin with a potential color shade controversy. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. A Packard in any color is still an awesome car. FM had an instant success on its hands with the announcement of the model in its burgundy/maroon flavor. No controversy there. Just the issue of the car itself in all its wondrous presence was news enough but the detailing, pull-up window feature and tight fit and finish made it the model ‘must-have’ of the late-nineties diecast group. But when we set out to design the second Limited Edition Club Car and chose the Darrin for the task, the color, Miami Sand, received love-it or hate-it input from its viewers and/or buyers. So, will Cubana Tan stir up the passionate juices that may boil to the controversial temperature level once again? Like a TV preview to some steamy soap opera, maybe the hobby needs a little stirring up now and then.
In this reviewer’s eye, the new Darrin is one sweet-smelling rose. Cubana tan, to me, seems like an intricate color blend of Cuban cigar tobacco leaf, rich Colombian coffee, hazelnut, a hint of milk chocolate with a dazzling sprig of metallic sparkle tossed in for good measure. Spoon in a tasteful contrast of beige seating and a rich butter cream-colored ‘up top’ and you have a striking color combo in an even more striking automobile. FM raised the detail level with this model, debuting in 1998, and it still amazes today. They kept the silver “Goddess of Speed” radiator mascot that we employed on the LECC-II instead of the initially tooled “Packard Cormorant”. The driveshaft revolves with each revolution of the rear wheels, the suspension is fully functional and the engine bay is faithful to the genuine 1:1. The doors open, suicide style, on three outside-mounted hinges and close tightly with a tiny friction block on the leading edge of each door. The trunk opens to reveal a full-sized spare. All five wheels are body color and surround full wheel covers with Packard logo centers. The trunk rack reclines. The fit of the boot and ‘up top’ is exacting and the inside of the top shows good rail detail. The air intake opens on the front cowling piece just ahead of the photo-etch wipers. And as with the seat cushion treatment on the new Ltd Ed MG TC, FM fill-washed the cushion grooves with contrast color. A darker shade separates the lighter upholstery pleats.
So either like the color and deploy the model to any place in your collection and watch the onlookers pick it out because of its unusual yet accurate color or hate it and send me your emails of dissatisfaction. My address is: Isthatpackardbrown?dotcom. (Sorry, just kidding about the emails)
FM took a bold step with this repaint. Let me be the first to applaud you! The issue price is $135.
(09/09/2006)
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