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"Disappointing news..." is how Danbury Mint spokesperson, Karen Ferraro, put it in a terse postcard received by customers this week. The news that disappoints is Danbury Mint's cancellation of their 1964 1/2 Mustang in 1:12 scale. This model was to come with an autograph by the father of the Mustang, Lee Iacocca.
Explanation: Continuing problems at their primary factory. These must be some vexing problems to cause cancellation of such a stellar project, and thwart any new releases for this year.
Given Danbury Mint's extraordinary realism in 1:24, one could only swoon at the possibilities of this monumental scale!
News of factories buckling in China has become common in the past year. Pressure comes from both declining US demand and China's own rapidly contracting economy. Our inventories of models from Franklin Mint - who has formally exited the hobby - and Danbury Mint have dwindled steadily.
All makers have been impacted, although the more stalwart brands are promising big deliveries this summer. Expect Sun Star and Minichamps to start delivering on their promising pipeline of new subjects. The reborn Ertl (AutoWorld) seems to be resilient. Keep your eyes peeled for New Arrivals from Legacy Motors. Summer blockbusters are on their way!
Advice: makers are increasingly issuing only as many models as they have orders for, and importers are importing exactly as many models as they have orders for. Reservations (pre-orders) can prove more important than ever! All retailers admit to us preference is being given collectors with record of honoring their reservations.
Cancelled: Danbury 1:12 Mustang 1964 1/2
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Coming! 1960 Plymouth Fury Convertible
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