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Here is another unique diecast from the Franklin Mint that comes with "accessories" (shades of the Cappone Caddy). It comes with a LARGE wicker balloon basket to display alongside the car, hence the name "Balloon" roadster. This one looks like a cross between the 1910 Cadillac Model-30 and the 1912 Packard Victoria, but it gets much better! The smooth red/orange paint is well highlighted by black edge trim, woven wicker panels, and finely scribed white pinstriping all around. FM has gone the extra mile in the use of many real leather straps and small metal buckles for the top, spare tire hold-downs and even a small leather strap to hold the engine crank up front! The use of finely
etched metal is abundant, from the front AA radiator ornament to the rear brass tail lamps right down to the metal etched wire wheels (an FM first)!! The fine woven silk convertible top on first glance looks too large, but upon closer inspection suits the period vehicle well. There is fine wiring as well as real rubber hoses which run to the straight-six engine. Also a pleasing surprise was the fold-up "mother-in-law" rumble seat and replicated leather rear fenders. The only *down-side* this reviewer could find was the standard use of large silver door hinges that don't seem to correspond well with the extensive use of polished brass throughout this model (a bit of red paint may help here). If you are a collector of diecasts from the dawn of motoring history, this is one you will want to add to the collection!
Price is $135.
Here are some comments from member Julian Yang: This one, like the Mercedes Woodbody, was constructed with a lot of
plastic parts. But, come on, plastic rear fender? It does not even match the front fender where black paint with dark brown pinstripping was applied. Here is a response from original reviewer Don Bellows: The rear fenders on the 1910 Rolls were originally made from very thick, cow-hide. They were made this way to be removable, (Maybe the first SUV??) Its tough to *replicate* leather in metal, hence we end up with plastic. The small real leather straps are well replicated, and the use of MORE etched metal are nice touches. (03/10/1999)
(09/10/1999)
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