Danbury Mint 1935 Ford

Where do I start? Do I begin my review by simply reviewing the '35 Ford Deluxe Coupe as delivered by Danbury Mint? Or do I emphasize it's the last 1:24th model ever to be produced by this once "Titan" of the Diecast Industry.

I can't ignore the fact that I had a lot of friends at the Danbury Mint that were part of the hey-day of die cast mania. Rick, James and Doug all good people and great friends, we will miss you guys, I should mention Doug is still doing photography for Danbury Mint. You knew these guys on JSS as Manny, Moe and Slappy. We had lots of fun when a ‘New release was scheduled with our infamous "Crystal Ball" it wasn't me staging the announcement but our own Manny orchestrating how the crystal ball would play out, and I would be a liar to say I didn't enjoy it; I did.

I am not saying the party has come to an end; it hasn't, but the banter that we all came to enjoy is gone for now. However, JSS does stay in touch with our friends and I assure you they are lurking in the shadows as they always have in the past. JSS and our family wishes all those involved with the success of Danbury Diecast Division continued success throughout their careers, and if any of them are heading down I-81 they know they have a place to stop and rest or to meet for that grilled blueberry muffin and coffee. Cheers!

The '35 Ford Deluxe Coupe was a through re-do on the popular V8-powered Ford. No longer available was the four-cylinder model A engine, the V8 was now powering every Ford car and truck coming off the assembly line; this was the engine to catch, if you can.

Sporting a more modern design than previous years; the grille was pushed forward, the front fenders were integrated into the lines/flow of the body. A truly integrated trunk on "trunkback" was most notable on the sedans making for an eye-popping, head-turning automobile. Outdated body styles were scrapped that year which made Ford buyers take notice of the fabulous line-up driving sales up.

Two trim lines were offered, standard and DeLuxe, across a number of body styles including a base roadster, five-window coupe, three-window coupe, Tudor and Fordor sedans in flatback or trunkback versions, a convertible sedan, a woody station wagon, and new Model 51 truck. Rumble seats were optional on coupe model. An oil pressure gauge ($4) and two windshield wipers were optional. If one got the optional radio, it replaced the ash tray.

Danbury Mint took this outstanding automobile and scaled it to 1:24 to near perfection. Tight shut lines, flawless paint and attention to detail are what we came to expect from the Danbury Mint and they delivered again.

Being a kid at heart I like to fondle my models, I like working features; I like engine detail and a life-like interior. Remember I had the pleasure of knowing some of these models personally. On any given day, in the time of my youth, you could still find a '35 Ford parked in front of a neighbor’s home, which by the way was still the daily driver for most. I remember the sounds, the smells and the beauty of these old classics, to a kid of the fifties these were classics. No, they weren't as pristine as they appear here but nonetheless they still appealed to me.

The many working features of the Danbury Mint model are what made them so popular amongst collectors. The realism when viewing the engine detail was second to none. And the fact that the Danbury Mint took the time to care for the little things, like sealing scripts, so collector's didn't lose those tiny parts by simply dusting their model meant a lot to all of us older guys and gals too.

What you see in our images are the last of the mighty mint done to perfection. Take the time and explore the model, the interior is loaded with features that will have you asking yourself: "How did they do that?" When I noticed the heater on the firewall I laughed as I remembered as a kid I loved putting my feet on it in the dead of winter. Also, the rearview mirror has a surprise on it; can you figure out what it is? I know but see if you do. Also, Danbury Mint included a tool to open the rear window, if you desire to do so. Don't forget to lift the hood as it is loaded with detail too.

All in all if you want to own the last of the Danbury Mint models you get one shot at it, don't screw it up. Thanks for the memories, I truly enjoyed the ride!