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For our second Limited Edition Zone Car (LEZC II), GMP pulled out all the stops. The first thing you notice in this 1:18th scale model is the abundance of fine detail work. That is, once you get past the awesome appearance of the in-your-face triple black treatment of the diecast itself. The exterior, Starlight Black, with jet-black interior and top boot, immediately establishes that perfect "bad boy" Pontiac attitude in this replica. The model's options and color combination were a choice made by a select committee of Diecast Zone administrators and Mr. George Bojaciuk, former Design Manager for The Franklin Mint, current consultant to GMP and a well known model car author. Working on the model with these gentlemen and the immensely accurate and expert GMP guys, Tom Long and Aaron Arndt, was a real treat.
Very much like the manufacture of the genuine article, it is apparent that GMP paid great attention to fitting the pieces together, achieving a precise meeting of doors to body and hood and trunk lid to fenders showing no excess gaps whatsoever. Before getting to the crucial details, you will note the stance of the diecast and the overall 'look' of the GTO itself. Reassure yourself that it is a model. The amount of detail work will make that difficult to remember. Speaking of stance, the replica rides on working coil springs and includes operational shock absorbers in the rear. The tires, Firestone Wide Ovals, are beyond realistic. They are suitably spongy and feel like they could have air in them. The tread is accurate. The trunk has the full spare. Of course, the well-made jack and jack stand are present. So too, is the jacking instruction sticker on the upper inside trunk lid. In fact, proper stickers are located on the leading edge of the open doors. By the way, the doors are held in place by those marvelous miniature hinges, so much more acceptable than dog-leg hinges. You can even see the door glass sandwiched in between the door and the inside panel. Although not functional, they are a nice added touch.
The seats are soft and pliable. The down top boot is soft as well and exceptionally well done in its surface texture. The front bucket seat backs tilt forward as they should. The belts and fasteners are "GMP-terrific", and the dash is well done. Note that the visors rotate up and down, and if you peer through the windshield, you can easily make out the tachometer face on the hood. Real wire mesh is used for the black grille; and under the hood, more materials well replicate the heart of the GTO beast. Foam rubber seals the hood so that the scoops can force-feed the carburetor. The radiator and heater hoses have a rubber-like feel and the entire engine bay is awash in plug wires, battery cables and even a flexible fan belt. Brake lines can be seen running from the master cylinder to the front brakes, and fuel lines can be traced to the fuel pump. Whether you are a Pontiac, GTO, or muscle car fan, this model will accelerate your heartbeat and smoke your tires! Even if you just admire automotive excellence in a 1:18th scale replica, this diecast is a must have. Speaking as a collector and not as a member of the selection committee, let me say that you will be pleased to own this Diecast Zone GMP Limited Edition Zone Car. In its black dress suit, it is drop-dead gorgeous.
Pre-production sample.
(05/13/2002)
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