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GMP 1:18 1966 Ford Fairlane Convertible

Reviewed by: GMP

Ford's Fairlane was named after Henry Ford's Fair Lane Mansion in Michigan. Introduced in 1955, it wasn't until 1966 that it reached Muscle Car status for many. In 1966, the Fairlane was completely re-designed in order to stuff the power-pounding 390 V8 engine in and also heralded the arrival of the Fairlane GT and GTA options. New convertibles were also available after being dropped from the line-up for years. With the GT and GTA package, you got the big 390 V8, a four speed on the floor or an automatic (with the GTA), special striping, suspension modifications, disc brakes, special hood and unique steering wheel.

GMP has released the first convertible in their Ford Fairlane mold. In my opinion, GMP has three successful 1/18 mold lines: The Pontiac GTO, The Plymouth Road Runner/GTX and the Ford Fairlane/Mustang. After having screaming success with an impressive array of Fairlane hardtops, issuing a convertible was inevitable. And their fist offering does not disappoint. Yes, it's heavy and at a whopping five pounds it is a precision diecast marvel. The Wimbledon White paint bounces in the sunlight and the contrasting Red interior adds some punch to overall impression. This car will demand attention on your shelf. Please don't place it next to a shrinking violet model!

As if producing a top notch, high end model wasn't enough, GMP didn't stop there. They've thrown in some little toys to add to the enjoyment of the Fairlane. In individual plastic baggies, you not only get the perfectly replicated up top, but two rear quarter windows with silver trim to use with the top up option, Red plastic inserts that fit into the rear seat side panels for when you display your Fairlane top down, PLUS, a set of two vinyl fender covers with the Ford Blue oval emblem!

The interior is another fine effort with carpeting, fabric seat belts, moveable sun visors and the always treat of roll-up windows! GMP has stuffed incredible detail into all their Fairlane editions this Wimbledon White Fairlane wasn't spared.

The Ford powerplant 390 V8 is fully wired and plumbed with eye-popping accuracy. When you prop open the hood (with realistic, scissor hinges) of this diecast beauty, the engine looks real enough to imagine it turning over with the twist of the key. The trunk has the same level of attention GMP lavishes on all their 1/18 releases.

There is no disappointment for Ford and convertible lovers with GMP's latest release. If the White 1966 Fairlane ragtop doesn't make your blood pump and heart race, there was a Black edition produced for Tom's Garage members only that you might want to try and grab in the secondary market if you aren't a Tom's Garage member. Scoop up a piece of White Lightning with this first GMP 1966 Ford Fairlane Convertible release. It's sure to create excitement in any Muscle Car or Ford collection.

(01/28/2008)