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When you think about it, Porsche has gotten decades of mileage from the air-cooled, horizontally opposed engine. From the first VW inspired models, to the sleek, high-performance cars of the '80s and '90s, Porsche has stood for speed and handling, with a racing pedigree to prove its prowess.
I view the 1:24 scale die cast model of the 1988 911 Carrera Cabriolet with mixed feelings. Though a relatively new release from FM, this model has nothing but the basics-the doors, hood and rear deck open and the front wheels steer. Considering the $120 price, FM should be ashamed of themselves. Fit is average, as is the level of engine detailing. It comes in the top-down mode only and the seatbacks don't tilt forward. The model looks sharp, with a nicely applied glossy red finish but you get more detailing on the $90 VW Cabriolet. In that department, the $75 Mini-Cooper blows the Porsche 911 out of the water. When I brought this model home and unpacked it, I was ready to repack it and take it back to the store. This kind of thing might have cut it in 1989 but not today.
Perhaps FM's licensing deal with Porsche is as overpriced as the 1:1 hardware. My recommendation is to get this car on auction, or from a secondary dealer for much less. I suppose it goes back to the basic reason we collect "little cars." All the goodies are secondary to what the model looks like when we plop it down in front of us. At least this one has that. DISCONTINUED 2001.{05/09/1999)
(05/02/1999)
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