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Just when you thought you’d seen the last of the GTO images, Vinny DiMezza, founder of The Philly Mint, has commissioned a hardtop version of the ’70 GTO Judge. You’ll recall that GMP did a convertible version in April of 2004. GMP was just getting into the 1:24-scale arena and Vinny was cheering on the sidelines, offering the images through his mail-order website. His enthusiasm was contagious and I, even though I had DM’s 1969 Judge, was persuaded to order one of GMP’s ’70 images. I wasn’t disappointed (see my review on this site).
Now, Vinny has added a fifth edition by way of a hardtop version of the ’70 Judge for 500 lucky collectors. He says: “The model is beautiful, very sharp lines. It really [stands] out in the case. It looks like the real thing, a GMP hallmark. There weren't any proportion issues like [some of the other independent retailer LEs]. My GTO mold blows [them all] away.” Hyperbole? Let’s find out.
First off, the paint job. Vinny says: “…the Orbit Orange paint [is] flawless, I couldn't find a speck of dust anywhere.” I agree—it’s as beautifully applied as any image I've seen. Second, quality and fit. Vinny’s comment, “…body fit excellent…” is a bit of an understatement. All hood, trunk, and door seams are razor sharp and watertight. Third, features and details. As expected, GMP provides detailing par excellence. Under the hood, you’ll find full plumbing and wiring, factory decals—even the rubber seal around the air cleaner. The interior’s crisply done as well, with a beautifully rendered dash, soft plastic seats, and full carpeting. The undercarriage detailing is authentically real looking. No working suspensions—though all the components are replicated—which, according to GMP, makes for a correct stance with no variance from image to image. Wheel details are nice, with magnum-style mags and white-lettered, wide oval tires. Open the trunk and you’ll find a removable spare tire and a full set of floor mats (another GMP hallmark). Look below the rear bumper and you’ll see a license plate with “PHL-MNT” on it—a tip of the hat to Vinny.
Vinny’s justifiably proud of his first LE, with an added rarity bonus of only 500 pieces. “With it's wide-track stance it looks like it wants to jump right out of the display case. GMP [has] put to rest any questions about their 1:24 commitment with this offering.” Depending on the success of this image, Vinny plans to do more in the future. “We are considering '59-'60 GM flat-tops, '64-'66 T-Birds among others. I need your support! If a variety of new 1:24s is important to you then this model is our first step.”
One last comment from Vinny: “Just a thought…if you can buy a…repaint made from dated molds…and not add this Judge to your collection, can you call yourself a serious 1:24 collector?” Again, I agree. If you’re an admirer of muscle cars—or just a collector who admires quality when he or she sees it—ordering this LE is a no-brainer. Man—that GTO section of the display case is starting to get busy!
(11/24/2005)
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