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Before you say, “Not another Impala”, bite your tongue. I acquiesce that, to date, West Coast Precision Die Cast has offered this Chevrolet icon to exclusivity but I need to make my case for why this is simply the very best precision diecast 1962 Impala on the face of the planet. It is easy to also make the case that, with each release, WCPD is upping their own technology bar. Just examine their beautifully-done first release, the 1959 Impala. Although it was exceptionally well presented, their next issue, the 1961 Impala model, turned out to be even better than the fifty-niner. Their detailing and quality levels are raising the roof from where they were in the past to where they now seem destined to continue the trend into the foreseeable future. And this little ’62 beauty has gone that extra step farther.
Examining my ‘sample’ prototype model, I’m struck, right off the bat, by the gorgeous paint finish and the precise fit of all the parts as a whole. You cannot get better than perfect and that is what the paint on this model is, perfection. The finish is smooth and glossy, even and scaled, from a metallic standpoint, to where it mirrors the full scale car. And yes, mirror is the correct word here. The Honduras Maroon color is rich and deep, not a red and not exactly a standard maroon. It is regal and stately. The black interior and finely textured white up-top makes a dramatic and elegant contrasting match. The boot is black and both appliances fit flawlessly. WCPD has added the welt line in the back portion of the white top. A nice touch. The shut lines of all opening doors, trunk, hood and gas filler door are impeccable. The doors, on their hidden, internal hinges operate like the real car. And they have the spring-loaded latch lock to keep them closed properly. Even the door jambs look real.
WCPD has continued the practice of giving us the removable wheel covers and other operating features like the opening glove box and floor console. Are those really three cup holders in the console lid? Cool. The interior is filled with details like that and the dash and gauges continue to impress. The shift pattern is readable on the shift knob. The seat patterning is deep and textured wonderfully. The door handles, passenger’s dashboard grab bar and working visors all add a touch of realism. The trunk and chassis continue to offer great detail. As do the tires with their terrific tread patterns. The driveshaft turns and the suspension system works. Transmission and brake lines are formed with bright metal pieces and look like the genuine articles. But it is the engine bay and hood that gets the glory, once again. This is the Impala SS model and it is powered by the venerable 409. I know because the SS and 409 scripts are displayed on the fender corners and trunk lid. Opening the hood reveals those gorgeous scissors springs, but more impressively, the hood aligns perfectly and true when you close it. Just trust me on this for a minute. Let’s explore under the hood before we test out my statement about closing it. WCPD built in grand detailing in the form of metal fluid, fuel and brake lines, wiring, battery cabling, heater hoses and even plug wire looms. Miniature labeling is in place and the hood bottom is textured. And yes, the hood closes without any need for finger pressure adjustment afterward.
Overall the car sits beautifully and looks like the dutifully perfect replica of the real car. WCPD is getting better and better with each outing. And when it comes to a ’62 Impala, you cannot find better than this little guy. Thrillometer readings yield a strong 9.9 rating.
(01/15/2006)
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