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Who?!?!? Why, Henry Pu-Yi, Emperor of Manchukuo and the Last Emporer of China... that's who. This poor guy had quite a history. Born in 1909, he began his life as the child Emperor of China under the control of the Empress Dowager. From there he graduated to a puppet of the Nationalist Chinese. Driven from the Forbidden City by the local warlord, he became a pawn of the Manchus seeking his/their reinstatement to power. Fearing for his life and angered by his treatment, he sought sanctuary with the Japanese, who ultimately installed him as Emperor of Manchukuo, an artifical state created from the captured Chinese Province of Manchuria. At the end of WWll, he was captured by the Soviet Army and spent 5 years under house arrest in the USSR until he was turned over to the Communist Chinese government in 1950. He was summarily imprisoned and released in 1959. Until the end, he was alternately used by Chairman Mao to represent the state then persecuted by the radical left in the various "Cultural Revolutions". He died, probably of cancer, in 1967.... a sad end to a sad life. So what kind of perks could you expect as Emperor of Manchukuo. Well, he got a pretty neat limo to cruise in... a 1934 Cadillac Deluxe Tudor, stripped of the Caddy's emblems and scripts, painted and trimmed in the Imperial colors of red and gold and emblazoned with the Imperial crests and signage.
Sun Star has put together an impressive little package. From the box art, which mimics an ornamental gift box bedecked with entwined dragons and the cartouche of Henry Pu-Yi, to the COA which attests that my diecast is #59 of 10000 and that it has been authenticated and authorized by the Manchurian Palace Museum, it's a classy presentation. There's a booklet that contain a biography of the Emperor, a description of the car and archival photos of each, some colorized. There's also a hardwood base composed of what might be rosewood, a brass plaque, and special screws with polished brass sleeves to mount the car.
The diecast itself is impressive in its weight and appearance. Its many fine features include beautiful paint, plating, fit and finsh. The Imperial crests are beautifully rendered on the wheel hubs and radiator ornament. The doors and hood open on real hinges and tolerances are tight. The interior is a bit disappointing however, including some nice features, but with an overall appearance that's a bit crude and plasticy. The dash instrument cluster is applique requiring some paint and a little detailing. The engine compartment is adequate, the V-8 wired and the overall look OK but not up to Sun Star's Horch standards. The undercarriage has a lot of molded in components, but is reasonably represented. This car looks right at home next to Ricko's Horch Pullman, and Sun Star should be commended for selecting this unusual, historic and storied car. It's an easy diecast to love for it's unique look and impressive presence.
(03/13/2004)
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