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For some time now, The Franklin Mint has maintained a presence at the annual Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance. Made especially for the 1996 show, this Sultana White 1961 Lincoln became the first ever, so-called, FM Pebble Beach car. It quickly sold out. Subsequent Pebble Beach issues were the 1948 MG TC Roadster in British Racing Green for 1997, the 1949 Ford Custom Convertible in Seamist Green for 1998 and the 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible in Jade White, Emerald & Jade Green for 1999. Each was issued as a limited edition of 3000. The upcoming 2000 issue, as I write this, will be the 1930 Ford Model A Tudor in blue and black. It will be produced in a run of 4500 pieces. Initially offered at the Concours D'Elegance, this series is also sold each year at the annual Franklin Mint Automobile Festival in Media, Pennsylvania. *Editor's note: The 2001 edition of the Annual Auto Festival car is the 1939 Maybach Zeppelin (Revised and Reissued 8/01)- Nbr Ltd Ed of 3500 in Burgundy and black. The 2002 edition is the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante- Nbr LE of 3000 in yellow and black. Reference as 'Pebble Beach car' has been dropped. The 2003 edition is a red repaint of the 1936 Ford Deluxe Cabriolet in a limit of 3000 units. For 2004, the AAF car is a black repaint of the 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster.
George Dill first wrote of this diecast, "While this model is primarily a simple color variation of the black version, it has been noted that the hood ornaments are significantly different. The limited edition's emblem is chromed plastic and significantly larger than correct scale would dictate. The black regular issue has a smaller photoetched ornament." For models issued in July of 1996, they were relatively state of the art. Even if the hood ornament is clumsy, the balance of the diecast is elegant. From the front, the upper and lower halves of the grill are photoetched metal. So are the delicate wipers. Beneath them, the air intake area has been 'black-washed' and looks realistic. The driver's side dash controls are well done and the steering is smooth and precise. In black and white, the seats are noble and roomy. The front armrest actually works. All four doors open easily and show off the power seat controls. Plug wiring, battery cables and water hoses accent the engine bay while working suspension rounds out the magnificent package. This model has an almost cult following and one that is richly deserved.
The issue price was $120. (07/23/2000)
(07/23/2000)
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