Franklin Mint’s new marketing program places a display of 30 different diecast cars in selected collectible stores. While all other models are from current stock (nothing issued more recently than two years ago), the exception is the first of a planned series of limited edition color variations. In this case, it is a copper and cream version of the ’56 Chevy Bel Air Convertible. To our eye, no changes except for color have been made. This car is very basic, without many of the new detailing features we have come to expect from the Mints. But for collectibility, it is certainly worth considering. The issue price is $145. (07/18/1998)

Variation: Several replicas have appeared among the members which are not numbered. A blank space with the missing run number is followed by "of 3,500". Presently their origin and quantity are unknown.