Automodello 1954 Kaiser

When I hear the name Automodello I immediately think of quality, from the packaging to the model itself, you are looking at a quality product. Sure their models may not be for everyone; the subject matter may not be "Your cup of tea" if they are, you will enjoy what is in that black box.

The Kaiser Darrin is no exception to that statement; they are very well done and will surely put a smile n on your face when it is unpacked. My biggest problem or I should say "What I was asked the most" what color did I like best, I thought the color that worked for me was the Red, but then the Champagne White kept whispering my name, I always admired a lady in a Yellow dress, flip a coin; they all worked.

Believe it or not the Kaiser Darrin was a pretty popular car at the local car shows. Now I am not talking the ice creme stand show, I am talking the bigger shows in the area; you will always see a nice line of them at the bigger shows, rest assured there would be a crowd around them too.

In the mid-fifties the push was on for a sassy roadster to feed America's appetite for a unique sports car. Ford was working on the Thunderbird, Chevrolet had the Corvette, along came the little known Kaiser marquee. Bam, it beat the big boys to the starting line with the Kaiser Darrin. The prototype was filled with unusual features, at least for the fifties, like the sliding doors hidden in those long fenders, which were well balanced by the long rear overhang. Viewing the Automodello replicas I have to say they captured the style perfectly.

Darrin started the build with a Hendy J Chassis, he then placed a fiberglass body on that frame which I might add only weighed approximately 300 lbs. Now remember these are small cars, the size of the early Corvettes and TBirds. The first production models were equipped with a six cylinder engine, with three carbs sitting on top of it. However, when the company folded in 1955 the remaining models, in production, were fitted with a V8 Cadillac engine, these were among the fastest cars of that time.

The Automodello models are very well done, the paint was flawless, and attention to detail was second to none. Let me caution you that these models use a lot of photo-etched parts which are easily damaged, handle them with care. Also the door window wings are not moveable so don't try to adjust them or you will break them off. When you design your models featuring such detailed parts, photo-etched is the way to go but you have to be mindful those parts are easily damaged, be careful.

The interior of all these models was perfectly detailed, I became mesmerized by it. All gauges were fully readable, seats are not toy like, everything just flowed together making it the icing on the cake. Very well done!

The champagne white is a standard issue, retailing for $299.95, the all include two tops, two doors and the base. The Sail Red is a member of the Tribute Edition, it is limited to 54 units, and retails for $354.95. The Pine Tint along with the Yellow Satin is also members of the Tribute line and carries the $354.95 sticker on them too. I can tell you the Pine Tint is just about sold out, it may be gone by the time you read this.

Bottom line these are a stunning collection of an automobile which was a dream of a man who was on the right track but ahead of his time, now you can share his dream by telling his story each and every time someone admires your collection.

Order yours today @ Diecasm.com and be sure to mention JSS Software sent you!