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This is an all new tooling and far too long overdue. Thank you Franklin Mint for not only doing it but doing it right! TFM has previously given us the 1970 Plymouth variant of this car, the Cuda, in various forms. But the Challenger-faithful among us have been missing the issuance of Dodge’s version. And what a version it is; the R/T 426 Hemi-powered coupe, as reviewed here, and the upcoming drop top iteration in yellow and black. The coupe is quintessential-period in Plum Crazy with white side stripes and silver shaker hood scoop. And just in case the color combo doesn’t completely bring back the seventies for you, TFM tossed in the pure white interior just to be sure you’d recall your bell bottom and disco days.
As an all new tool, we see a lot to like here. The doors are mounted on the internal hinge plates that eliminate the dog legs. The doors also snap shut and align like the 1:1. Chrome metal foil badgings are really nice and have no need to be covered in floor sealant. The suspension is full-function and even the driveline rotates. The air scoop is removable and TFM took a compromising route on the hood pin/tether replication. But before you turn your nose up at that, let me elaborate. While a considerable detailing effort goes into making hood pins that function, they are laborious to remove and reinsert. TFM has fashioned the hood pins with tethers attached so that you can open and close the hood without the actual tedious job of putting the model in display mode once again. I like that. AND, the hood is on new-tech scissors springs hinges! Oh yeah babe!
The interior has great detail. The seat belts, dash, door and floor detailing is really good and the sills and window moldings all lend great detail touches to the reality of miniature here. The trunk features a good level of detail as well. The space-saving spare is lettered correctly, jacking stickers in place and the jack and floor mat are fabricated well. The engine bay carries the day in the detailing department. Wiring, fuel and emergency lines are all thoughtfully crafted and the overall ‘look’ of the model is faithful to the real McCoy. The paint finish is absolutely excellent and is glossy and smooth.
I guess you could say that I was plum crazy over this issue but then I would be pandering to a cheap laugh – so I won’t go there. But if you want a great little muscle car and a period ‘70’s icon, check it out at Legacy Motors – DO go there!
(10/17/2007)
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