Full Car List & Reviews · New Releases · Upcoming Releases · Subscribe to Motormouth · Mr. Magneto

Purchase this model here

Read Review

Photography

GMP 1:18 1993 Ford Mustang LE Convertible- Nbr Ltd Ed of 1500

Reviewed by: Patty Henderson

The Ford Mustang has never been an exotic beauty. No, instead, from its unveiling in 1964, it’s been the everyday man’s dream car and through 1993, a favorite on the streets, rodded out and modified at the tracks, and the car of choice to lead the Indianapolis 500 more often than not. In 1993, the Mustang LX and GT were packing the 5.0L V8 powerhouse pushing 205 horsepower, 275 ft-lbs of torque and a dual exhaust system that put out such a rumble on the streets, it scared the other Muscle Car lurkers into a dark corner.

But the Canary Yellow 1993 Mustang LX Convertible was one of those Special Feature Cars. One of several unique cars Ford manufactured that year, this Mustang sported special options. Colored matching side view mirrors and rear spoiler and your choice of white or black leather interior with a “Running Pony” emblem embroidered on the headrests. But the flashiest items that made this Fox Bodied Pony truly special were the factory installed chrome plated five-spoke Pony wheels! Not to speak of all the power options available that came as part of the package.

GMP has achieved near perfection in their diecast image of the Rare Pony. When I got this car, the first thing I noticed was how nice this image felt in my hand. The chrome wheels are like rubbed mirrors. I think I actually caught my own reflection on them. The ride and height are spot on. It looks right and sits right on the shelf. No decals here, folks, every emblem and badge is photo etched, including the badging on the intake manifold, and are clear and crisp in detail. The Canary Yellow paint is smooth and striking. It literally screams “See me and hear me roar!” The fit of the door panels, hood and trunk is tight and perfectly aligned. There is an antenna packed in a plastic envelope tucked into the trunk. And another treat is that you get a Black convertible boot and a matching Black up top as well and both fit like a glove. GMP has captured the texture of the real vinyl very well in plastic.

One look inside and you're in danger of forgetting this is really only a miniature representation of the real thing. If it had a key in the ignition, you'd be tempted to try and fire it up. The seat belts are retractable! Yes, GMP is the only manufacturer to offer this revolutionary feature in this image. Pull and they will give. But no, you can't fit into the seats and buckle up, even though you'll be tempted. There is also a moveable armrest (hey, where are the sunglasses?), moving brake lever, carpeting and seats that look like real leather. And yes, GMP even captured the perfectly embossed Running Pony emblems on the head rests! The instrument panel has what looks like real glass and the sun visors flip up or down. Everything in this interior screams flawless reproduction and research by GMP.

The engine? I know that’s what you really want to hear about, right? The might Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 is faithfully reproduced right down to the ignition wires, AC hoses and photo etched manifold plate. There is even a true-blue, metal hood prop rod so you can pop up the hood and marvel at all the detail GMP has packed into this engine.

I won't pull any punches. I am in love with this image. When a 1/18 image is reproduced in such a spectacular way and with such faithful detail like GMP has done with this 1993 Mustang Convertible, you have to marvel at the beauty of this scale. It literally becomes a true miniature replica of the real 1:1 that brings a bit closer than maybe the smaller 1/24. Did I tell you I'm in love with this Mustang? If you already are in love with Mustangs, get this one for your collection. Don't even think twice about it. If you want to fall in love with Mustangs and or a stunning 1/18 reproduction of a rare automobile, you’ll want to start with this one.

(01/18/2006)