Weekly Classic 143

Keep it going, I guess?

Here's a 1951 Hudson Hornet in 1/43 made by Franklin Mint some 30 years ago:




I seem to remember these being offered on a subscription basis or as one-offs. I acquired a few of them back when the layout had scale tendencies. Once we reverted to tinplate, these were banished to the display case. My impression of the models was that they were generally first-rate in terms of fit/finish, comparing well with other top-end manufacturers.

My specific interest in the Hornet goes back to the early days of NASCAR when a number of drivers flogged them on the circuit, making a decent showing of themselves. Those early days, the run-what-ya-brung era, were harrowing, to say the least. I followed it up until the early 1970s when it started to change in the name of parity. The NASCAR format today, three-wide restrictor-plate demolition derbies, holds no interest to me.

BMW 507 from the late 1950's (1956-1959) by Paul's Model Art/Minichamps:






Precursor/inspiration for BMW's current Z-series roadsters.

In the spirit of the season, here's something a bit different, Hallmark diecast. They've been producing their diecast Classic American Cars series since 1990 (still in production, I believe), and I've come into possession of a few over the years. The scale tends to vary a bit, sort of like box-scale (think the old Revell and Lindberg model kits from the 1960's, where the scale of the model was tailored to fit the packaging, not the other way around). Anyway, here's one I found while going through a box of old Christmas stuff; it measures out to about 1/50-scale, so not too far off and decent for American O-gauge. From Hallmark's 2004 range, the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado:







I recall the front-wheel drive Toronado as a truly ground-breaking car for GM and the auto industry as a whole, followed a year later by the Cadillac Eldorado. The '66 Toronado was a beast, packing the 425 cubic-inch Rocket V-8, torsion-bar suspension, and various other performance-enhancing features. Best of all, it was a coupe (one of those doors probably weighs as much as my Austin Healey, lol). I look at this "model" and I recall a buddy of mine that owns a body shop complaining about matching metallic paint back in the day, relatively new and all the rage in the mid-1960's. This, "Champagne Mist", good luck matching that in 1966.

Trying to keep Brian's weekly thread going...let see some diecast.

Another from Franklin Mint, this a 1950 Ford "shooting brake" in 1/43:





I've hung onto these well-made FM models as they are of interest, but they no longer see service on the layout. They seem a bit too detailed and precise for the tinplate theme.

A 1952 Porsche 356, by Brumm:










I believe this was a factory entry in the Targa Florio of 1952. Run in a rally format, the car's number would equate to it's scheduled start time, 01:02PM.

I had a crack at a 356 when I was a kid, but I passed on it for its ungainly appearance. I could have had it for a song. They say life is often defined by regrets...the 356 stands as a big one.

Here's another Ferrari from the old collection, this a 250 California driven by Tavano/Grossman at Le Mans in 1959:













Packing Ferrari's 3.0-liter V-12, this California finished fifth of 54 entries. Nice to see a Ferrari in a color other than red.

The model's by Art Model of Italy.