|
Entering the arena for vintage Chevy muscle cars, this ’69 SS 396 makes its presence known quickly. Franklin blended up some beautiful paint to drench this little beauty in. Glacial Blue Poly was a gorgeous silver-blue metallic that was highly popular in the late sixties and early seventies and used on numerous GM-built products in different blends and known by various other names. TFM did the shade proud on this Chevelle and it makes the latest issue really stand out. There were three 1970 models replicated but this is the fourth 1969 Chevelle release. There was a convertible version among them so this becomes the third hard top. To my eye, it is the loveliest. The independent dealer version is suitably bad in black and the orange iteration is just plain hot. But for sheer good looks, blue is beautiful.
Franklin did a remarkably good job in crafting this model in new technology. The engine is detailed to the hilt. Every wire, hose and label is in place and the delicate scaling and painting procedures exact a true appearance when comparing it to the 1:1. The trunk hinges are detailed and scaled back from the older ‘mint-sized’ utilitarian versions. There are instructional stickers put to good use there and a detailed spare as well. The suspension works nicely and still allows a perfect stance when displayed. Opening the doors on the new-tech hinges reveals good detail inside too. Past the P-E sills is a great set of dash gauges, seatbelts and nice seats. They look better in person than in the photos. Flash lighting was the culprit here. The antenna is short and slim and the paint was applied perfectly.
TFM added a gorgeous triple pinstripe in white. A broader center strip flanked by thinner ones, they run the length of the beltline. Then added were terrific little chrome metal-foiled badgings on the side, “SS396” and “Chevelle by Chevrolet” on the trunk edge. Styled wheels, shod with Good Year® Polyglas® white raised letter tires, were applied. The overall look of the model is grand. A perfect addition to the Chevy, Chevelle or muscle car collector among us. Issue price is $120.
(10/05/2007)
|
