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It's the 1920s and you're a maharajah who wants to hunt tigers. What do you do? Well, you commission the Paris coachbuilder Kellner to create a drop-head coupe body for a Hispano-Suiza H6B chassis. Oh, and don't forget to throw in a pair of cowl-mounted spotlights for the odd night hunt.
This is another of FM's early 1:24 die cast releases, so the model-maker's art is not up to today's great expectations. That doesn't mean there aren't a number of nice features though. There's a rumble seat that opens (for the gun bearers?) as well as front-opening passenger doors (with a dogleg hinge, of course). One of the nice things about early cars is the amount of fine detailing and decorative doodads. This model doesn't let you down in that area, with plenty of chrome detailing all over. There's a nicely done photo-etched brush guard in front of the radiator and a striking set of six pure white tires (not white-walls, TIRES). The interior, convertible top and rumble seat are done in soft white plastic. The steering wheel's also in white. The finish is a rich, chocolate brown with a hint of metalflake.
With all the white appointments, it's hard to believe this car was intended for off-road use. And this was all before the advent of one-step cleaners. All in all, it's a sharp looking model that deserves a place in any vintage car buff's collection. The issue price is $135. This model was discontinued December 31, 2001.
(04/10/1999)
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