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Think of classic American cars and chances are, if your mind drifts back to the 50's, you'll dredge up the image of the 1956 Ford Thunderbird. To my mind, the 1973 film American Grafitti, a classic in its own right, immortalized this car. White and graceful, it carried driver Suzanne Sommers to a new career. After the Corvette placed America in a sports car mode in 1953 and '54, Ford's T-bird was built as a competitor for the 1955 model year. Ironically, it was this introduction that helped boost sales and the continuance of Chevy's Vette for further years. Until the 2000 T-bird arrived, the 1955 through 1957 models, were the only two-seater 'Birds made.
This diecast model, now discontinued and only available through secondary markets, was issued in May of 1992. Peacock Blue & Colonial White, the car looks elegant and beautifully styled. The engine has no wiring and yes, the porthole window has no 'glass'. Due to its 1992 vintage it lacks working suspension as well. These things you get over quickly as the flawlessly applied paint, fit of each part and the refined look of the car as it appears in our memories, is classic all the way. The clear plastic speedometer dash pod has been replicated as nicely as the operation of the continental kit. It snaps back enabling access to the cavernous trunk. Displayed in the general proximity of the FM '56 Corvette, one can easily overdose on classic nostalgia. The issue price was $120. DISCONTINUED 1997. (07/13/1999)
(07/17/1999)
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