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by Robert Alescio

The limited edition 1951 Ford Victoria arrived today. I can tell you that, upon first lifting off the Styrofoam lid, I was struck by the appropriately subdued colors Danbury chose for this car. Alpine blue and Silvertone grey speak of the early tentative colors of the early fifties that gave way to the riot of two and three tone schemes that followed throughout the decade. The paint job is almost perfection were it not for a few spots on the roof that need a little buff and polish.

This is the last year for this body style, and Ford made a few, but significant changes to usher out the design. Foremost is the grill which Danbury captured very well. All the chrome trim is sharp and duplicates that of the 1:1 car. The accurate chromed hood ornament sports a clear plastic vertical section like the original. Nicely reproduced Ford emblems on the hood and truck lids are perfect. I appreciate the little things such as the clear lenses on the front turn indicators and backup lights. Although the fuel filler door opens, I could not get it to raise more than about 15 degrees.

Opening the doors, which are hung on realistic hinges, reveals a typical early-fifties car interior. The highlight is the instrument panel which compares quite well with the full size car. Door panels, seats, and inner roof mimic that of an actual Ford fairly well.

The chassis is quite basic; there is no working suspension, but this is not a detraction. The stance is good and the front wheels steer easily. We understand this car is 1) an upgrade from an older tool, and 2) these cars were pretty basic in the first place. So, upon opening the hood with old-style hinges, we are greeted by the venerable flathead V8, just enough plumbing and wires to get by, and a few do-dads on the firewall. The air cleaner is painted the same color as the motor, which I do not think is correct.

Now I am going to list some areas that do not meet my expectations and some that are an outright disappointment. I take no pleasure in this, frankly. The top is new to this car; it is the first 2-door hardtop DM has attempted for this style of Ford. Compared to photos I have seen it is too humped up, actually slanting down toward the windshield. The problem seems to be caused by its actual shape (too tall at the rear), and exacerbate by not being fully seated on the rear of the car. I think the rear windows appear too tall, as well. The two chrome trim pieces that split the rear window are applied unevenly.

In the interior I find a few miscues: the horn ring is on a different plane that the steering wheel, seats have a rather flat, right angle shape that make them cry out for a new, more rounded and realistic mold. Although there are no doglegs for the doors, the blue of the hood hinges can be seen under the dash quite easily. Battery cables would have improved the underhood look. I would have suggested something other than photo-etched wiper blades. These are so easily snagged and bent that I am afraid to get anywhere near them. The telescoping antenna is so loose that it only stays up when tilted off to the side. Both side mirrors are mounted too low, making them unusable to the scale driver. The passenger door on my car (#1331) will not close even when forced; it sticks out about 1/16 of an inch. The front bumper is loose and can be pulled right off.

Most disturbing to me is the profile of the car. I recall comments about the depiction in the mailer, that it looked humped in the middle. Apparently, it was real, helped by the top and further abetted by the side trim. The trim piece on the rear quarter curves over the skirts, the middle piece on the door slants down toward the front, and, on the left side, does not match with that on the front fender.

If you don’t look too closely, this is a very attractive diecast, but when you do a thorough review, all sorts of warts pop out at you. Overall, it is an effort not fully realized. Something went wrong here. I will have to think very hard about buying cars developed from old tools.

This car rates 3 ½ stars.