GMP 1:18 Dragster Swamp Rat VI- Don Garlits- Ltd Ed of 2500

When it comes to models of cars driven by racing legend/force of nature Big Daddy Don Garlits, 2005 been a good year. Not only has it seen the release of his rail that went over 300 mph (4.72 sec ¼ mile) by Milestone, the first one to go over 200 mph, the Swamp Rat VI has been launched by GMP.

The Swamp Rat VI is one gorgeous piece of precision model making. Dragsters are deceptively simple models, but if you have an eye for detail, your experience is richly rewarded. One warning – taking this model out of the box, the set screw removes easily enough, however it leaves a long mounting post under the chassis which is T-anchored in the frame rails. My suggestion: take the protective wrapping off of the model and lay it flat out on the table. Take out the set screw, remove the model from the box…be very careful of the linkage mechanisms. Remove the cowl from the front portion of the dragster, place on the soft cloth. Gently work the mounting post free of the frame rails, working from above. Then breathe a huge sigh of relief. And smile, because before you is a marvel of engineering that is uniquely American. That would apply to the model and the 1:1.

Since you’ve taken the cowling off removing the model from the packaging, it’s an excellent time to look at the micro-anatomy of this model. There’s no better place to start then at the front of the model, where the intricately crafted front suspension is rendered with mind blowing delicacy. Look at the photographs of the wheels and you’ll realize like I did that we are talking CMC level detail here. Rich spoke to hub detail, polished rims and scuffed tires. Go ahead and whistle like you would if one of the Jimmy Flintstone figurines came alive.

The chassis rail and internal systems are scrupulously replicated. Stance is perfect from those tender front wheels to the massive slicks. Re-attaching the cowling, visitors to your collection might never know they exist as separate pieces because the shutlines are so tight. The trademark Garlits black paint is a rich gloss with tampo graphics spot-on accurate.

GMP is known for putting drop-dead amazing features on some of their models (I love rolling the windows of my Fairlane up and down) and here the marvels du jour are the working linkages, both steering and throttle. The Dodge power plant is armed and dangerous – fully plumbed. The headers look ready to shriek. The working blower is whipped topping on an already sweet model. In the cockpit you'll find every accoutrement you can imagine, from detailed steering to the axle assembly Garlits would straddle just to sit down. It’s all here, working pedals, photo etched seat belts seamlessly attached roll cage, all of this capped off by a cloth chute pack.

There seem to be two types of race car collectors: those that collect most everything in a given category and those that collect icons. This model is a true icon. Of all the Swamp Rat chassis models, one could argue this is the one to own. The Swamp Rat VI enabled Garlits to win his first ever National Championship in the chassis in 1965. Limited to 1,000 pieces, this model is a great addition to any collection. From Rusty Hurley's September 3, 2005 First Peek.

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