Automodello 1962 Ford

Automodello is pleased to announce that their "1962 Ford Mustang I Concept" replica, in 1:24th scale, is now in stock. JSS received both the 1:24th and 1:43rd scale models for photos and review. I will keep it simple; there is only one way to describe it: "Wow, wow, wow, wow!!!!" Truly a "Cork Popper" by any standards.

What a pleasant surprise when I received the Automodello models for the holiday. For those collectors 'New to our site, you may be unfamiliar with this company; Automodello is a manufacturer of high-end resin models in 1:43rd and 1:24th scales. Please visit our Diecast Models page, click on Automodello to view all their previous releases; there may be something you missed that you would like to add to your collection.

The model we received, actually two models, was the 1962 Ford Mustang I Concept, in both 1:24th and 1:43rd scales. Before I go ahead and tell you a little about the automobile, let me say this is a "Fully" licensed replica approved by Ford. What does that mean?  It means it is the real deal, Ford liked what they saw and so will you.

Allow me to read a little of the information included in the packaging:

It was the summer of 1962.  Henry Ford II had just rescinded the ban on factory racing support, and the company leaders were anxious to inject some excitement into the Ford brand, whose image had grown a bit stodgy in the previous years. On the race track, fresh Ford-powered efforts were poised to assault NASCAR, NHRA, Indy and European sports car courses. But newly appointed Ford Chief Lee Iacocca wanted something targeted directly at the consumers as well, so he commissioned a sporty concept car to be debuted at the US Gran Prix event at Watkins Glen in October. Time was short and the pressure was high, but a cadre of young engineers with experience in Europe envisioned a svelte, mid-engine, 2 seat sports cars to draw in the youth market. It would be built using all the latest technology: a unitized tubular space frame, fully independent suspension at all four corners, and the brand-new 1500cc V-4 engine and 4-speed transaxle out of Ford's European Taunus.

Engineers were inspired by the P-51 Mustang's aggressive image and decided to borrow the name for their creation. The Mustang was a concept car, so more than anything it had to look the part.  Hence the car pictured above was what the designers imagined and built. At the car's debut at Watkins Glen, American Grand Prix ace Dan Gurney laid down demonstration laps fast enough to make the field of the sports car support race that weekend. This from a car that 100 days earlier was nothing more than a sketch on a designer's pad! Now you know the rest of the story!

Automodello took the Ford Mustang I Concept car and recreated it, in both 1:24th and 1:43rd scale in exacting detail. Allow me to start with the 1:43rd scale model first. Upon opening the shipping box I was greeted by this outstanding packaging pictured below. Turning the box around revealed all the licensing approval, from Ford, along with a scan to win something for all you smart phone users too.

But wait it gets better, sliding the model out of the black box you have a model ready for display in its own dust free case, simply place it on the shelve and you are good to go. Be sure to take a few minutes to enjoy and fondle your 'New model though.

Automodello has a knack for making their resin models look like everything functions utilizing deep scribe lines, which gives the illusion of working features. The finish on both models is glass like and flawless.  Be mindful of the photo-etched parts; these can be easily damaged if you are not careful, never clean this model with a cloth as you may pull off the etching and not even realize it.

Both models are attached to their bases by screws, if your eyes are as poor as mine I don't suggest un-screwing them. However, I am not saying they cannot be removed; they could.  The 1:24th model does not include a dust cover whereas the 1:43rd model does. I do believe a dust cover is available from Diecasm, a distributor of these stunning models.

The 1:24th model is the big brother to the 1:43rd. I myself collect the 1:24th line so it was exciting for me to explore this replica. Hey, I enjoy the 1:43rd but as we age our eyes go, our hands don't work, as they once have, and it just becomes easier to break things. The 1:24th scale allows me to explore more of the model with less fear of damaging anything.

Like its sibling the 1:24th also has deep scribe lines, a rich paint finish and outstanding lines. I have to be honest; when I first un-packed these models I wasn't all that excited. I am a guy that owned three Mustang's in my day so there should have been something there that sparked my enthusiasm but there wasn't. However, as I started to photograph the models and seeing them at different angles I really started to get into these Pony cars, by the end of the session I was sold on them. Flawless would be an understatement, they are that nice.

To sum it all up if you are looking for a model to fill the void of not having that 'New model smell around for awhile I would advise you to take a close look at either of these Automodello replicas; you most definitely won't be disappointed. If you collect Mustangs or Pony cars in general then these models are a no-brainer; you have to add them to your collection; this is the model that started it all.

Without a doubt this one is a keeper, we rate it a "Cork Popper" with a (5 Cork) rating for sure!