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Mattel’s first 1:24 precision die cast is a chopped and
lowered ’49 Merc. Pop open the hood and you find that it is fully mirrored to show off the engine details which include a three-barrel carb, ignition wiring and fuel lines, and even a mirrored fire wall. On the exterior, the paint is a
metallic blue shade with hand-painted red, orange and yellow
flames dominating the front end. The interior details include tuck ‘n’ roll upholstery, window cranks and door handles, the obligatory fuzzy dice and a right-on instrument panel.
Under the chassis, chrome is lavishly used in the exhaust system, oil pan and shocks. Wrapping up the package are the trunk appointments, including gas, water and oil cans, jack, fire extinguisher, tools and the spare. It is impossible not to compare this model with the Danbury Mint’s excellent ’50 Merc Custom. It stacks up well, with the advantage to Mattel for the better mirroring and engine detail and the chromework on the chassis.
And Mattel has thrown in a bonus -an extraordinarily (30
parts!) detailed 1/64 "baby brother" version. Since Mattel’s
new line of 1/64 cars go for $30, this brings the relative cost of the 1/24 down to $90. And the only way you can get the 1/64 is to buy the package. Last but not least, each car is individually numbered. Let the competition begin! To order, call 800-852-1075. Shipments commence at the end of March.
(07/31/1998)
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