GMP 1:18 1967 Ford Fairlane GTA- Ltd Ed of 1000

1967 was the last year for this body shell from Ford and there was little difference from the '66 models save trim. The 390 cid powered Fairlane GT and GTA were the main muscle car offerings. Underpowered compared to their GM and Mopar rivals, Ford did offer the monster 427 in the 500 and XL models, although only 200 of these cars were ordered. The GT and GTA were the cleanest of the models with no side trim or engine badging. It was identified solely by the side stripe above the rocker panel, twin power bulges on the hood and the GT badge centered in the grill.

GMP has just done a terrific job modeling the '66-'67 Fairlane line and this '67 GTA (the 'A' denoting automatic transmission) is no exception. Choosing Dark Metallic Blue was a gutsy decision. This is not an easy color to shoot on a 1:1 and on a 1/18 scale model, it could easily be an esthetic disaster. I'm delighted to say that the finish on this model is stunning. It's like looking into a dark deep pool. The metallizer has been ground to scale and is delightfully subtle. Under various lighting strengths and angles, the color shifts from a Cobalt Blue to near black. Accenting this extraordinary finish are GMP's great chrome trim and delicate redline bias tires on 5-spoked GT wheels. It's an elegant and formal look that makes this car look at home on the strip or at a posh country club. Those redine tires appear to be two piece with the outer skin loosely fitting over slightly undersized blank. The result is a tire that realistically flattens on the shelf just as a pneumatic tire would.

GMP has given you all you can ask for in a precision model. It's a true miniature. If you haven't seen the prior releases, then you'll find much to delight you. The passenger windows operate with a crank handle, the driveshaft rotates with the rear wheels, the suspension functions a bit more stiffly than prior releases and all the panels are operational on perfectly aligned and scaled hinges.

The interior is complete from dome light to carpeting. The upholstery and trim are done in medium and light blue. The seats are accurately textured, but are done in a hard plastic that looks just as rigid. The dash and side panels fare much better and are beautifully trimmed. All the hardware and trim are chromed and the selt belts are cloth with metal hardware. The trunk has the proper patterned liner, signage, jack and another redline tire, properly mounted on a steel wheel.

The engine compartment is a showstopper. Brake and fuel lines, electrical wiring and all the decals and signage you'd want. Even the oil filter is an Autolite. The belts are separate rubber pieces. The model lacks air conditioning and I don't see heater hoses.

All in all, this is a stunning model that exhibits both elegance and attitude. If this rhapsody in blue whets your color palate as it does mine, grab one while they're still available, as this is a limited edition of only 1000.

New News  ·  List & Reviews  ·  Legacy Motors  ·  Auctions  ·  Forums  ·  Polls  ·  Features  ·  Register  ·  FAQs  ·  Clubs

Copyright © 2008 Gennera Knab and Diecast Zone