Franklin Mint 1963 Chevrolet

The Franklin Mint 1963 Impala SS Special Event car has arrived, lets kick some tires, take it around the block a few times to see if we should park it in the garage or not.

First, I would like to thank my good friend Dennis Lambert of the Dundee Tinder Box for sending this model to us for review. This hobby has given me much enjoyment over the years. The most fulfilling of it is the many wonderful friends it has afforded me Dennis Lambert and his family being one of them. Thanks Dennis for everything, now onto the review.

First, knowing this was a rework of an old tool I was rather skeptical of what I was about to review. However, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found inside the box. A very eye catching replica of the 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible in a beautiful shade of gold, 1:24 scale and as an added bonus limited to a mere 1000 units.

The overall stance of the model is very good, however, the front tires seem to sit too far forward on this replica for my taste. Realizing that this model is just a representation of the original I can live with the fact that the tires are too far forward as the model otherwise is truly well done. Out of the box the finish on my replica is rather dull I assume some Maguire's wax will bring out the luster once I have some time so that will be placed on my to do list for a future time. If you do attempt to polish your model be careful not to buff off the decals on both the front and rear fenders.

I am very impressed with the interior on this replica, also. The interior is replicated with the look of black vinyl and sports the SS console detailed to perfection. The gauges are readable with my replica showing 3/4 of a tank of gas. There is no top however so it can only be displayed as it arrived top down with a permanent boot in place. The fit is excellent with no door gaps and all side moldings line up perfectly. I love the photo-etched wipers so be careful when dusting this replica or you will ruin the wipers in a heartbeat.

Viewing the front of this model you have to be impressed with the grille? It looks like some black washing was done to give it the appearance of the real deal truly impressive no matter how they created it. The under hood compartment is just as impressive being fully wired and plumbed. Everything in there is straight and true very well done considering it is old tooling. The valve covers sport a 409 emblem but other than that I couldn't locate any other emblems under the hood. I found this to be odd as it would have been nice to see a name on the battery and maybe the vin plate on the firewall along with the standard radiator warnings. Although the engine compartment is rather detailed the fact that these little amenities are missing is rather noticeable and would have been a welcomed addition to an interesting model.

Viewing the rear of this replica is also an enjoyment since the Impala had a distinct taillight assembly. Viewing it on this replica surely will put a smile on your face as it did mine the Franklin Mint captured the look perfectly. Upon opening the trunk you will find a spare tire along with the limited edition plate designating what number your replica was in the run of 1000. I know everyone is anxious to know the model number of this replica it is 0134/1000.

Turning the model over viewing the undercarriage you will find even more detailing with its dual exhaust, gas tank, transmission, driveshaft, working suspension and more detailing on the engine with the oil filter being present. All in all I recommend this replica if you can find one? It truly is an eye-catching model worthy of a place in your collection. I gladly give this model 4 Stars and no my model is not for-sale.

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