Franklin Mint 1968 Ford

Being an old Mustang man from way back I am always happy to see a Mustang replica come down the road. So it goes without saying I was very pleased when I received the Franklin Mint '68 Convertible from my good friend Dennis Lambert "Tinder Box Dundee". Thank you once again Dennis and Lou Ann for your thoughtful gift.

This model is a Limited Edition from the Franklin Mint with approximately 9900 units being produced. Unlike some of the recent Limited Editions from the Franklin Mint they priced this one very reasonably at $120.00. The first thing that strikes you upon viewing it is the color. It is a welcomed change from the usual reds, blues and blacks normally created by the mints. I especially enjoyed how the metal flake sparkled ever so delicately in proper lighting.

I found the fit and finish on the model I received to be very good. Tight joints were evident on all opening parts. The side stripes lined up correctly panel to panel, all the chrome looked correct and straight. I did have to locate one piece of chrome that belonged on the hood tip but was AWOL from my replica. It must have been jarred lose in shipping? Searching the box I located it, applied a few drops of glue and my problem was solved making an attractive replica once again.

Viewing the interior, one thing that caught my eye immediately, was the rear interior body panel. I owned a few 1:1 Mustangs in my day, not this year, nor did I ever own a convertible, therefore I may be totally off base with my observation. However, viewing the rear seat area focus on the body panel. It is nothing more than a squared off block no armrest just the window crank with the top right corner being square.

I do remember the backseat area of the automobiles I once owned, both of them were more detailed than this replica, not much, but I do remember an armrest. Neither one had a squared off corner as is evident on this replica. Opening the doors you find those ugly door hinges. Viewing the interior from an overhead prospective, with the doors closed you can't help but notice the hinges protruding to the middle of the front floor area. The remainder of the interior was nicely done, matching correctly with the exterior of the replica. Gauges are readable the rug fits nicely throughout the interior with the seats being correctly appointed including seatbelts.

Completing my review of the interior I would like to mention I could not get the convertible boot to fit properly. Try as I may, by twisting, bending, and even using a hair dryer to coax it into a new position I was unsuccessful. The boot is made of a very soft rubber having four nipples that seat into matching holes in the body of the model. I am sure with a little patience you will succeed in getting a proper fit?

Raising the hood you will be impressed with the very detailed massive 390 V8 engine. First I was delighted with how wide the hood opened making it very easy to view the contents inside. I truly enjoyed the effort and thought the designers at Franklin Mint put into this engine compartment. It is wired, fully plumbed and includes those little personal touches we all come to expect and enjoy. They are warning labels, manufacture emblems and such. Kudos' Franklin Mint on the detail placed under the hood.

Lifting the trunk lid you find a spare tire and the infamous plaid vinyl mat. Here again the little things are missing like the gas filler tube. As collectors come to expect more and more in these high priced replicas amenities such as a missing filler tube are quickly noticed.

Flipping the model over to view the undercarriage you notice a plate that designates your model number such as 472/9900. As for the rest of the detail it is rather bland, no brake lines, cables or additional known parts. It does have a drive shaft and working suspension along with what seems to be a rather complicated steering mechanism.

While viewing the undercarriage I might as well comment on the tires. The tires that this model sports are F60-15, which doesn't seem correct as standard equipment on the '68 Mustang. Then again who said the replica was an exact duplicate of the original 1:1? The designer may have decided to be creative and modify what he thought would make for a interesting presentation?

Rather than loose focus on the fact it is just a replica I will end my comments here. If you are a Mustang lover and are looking to add a unique color to your collection this is the model to do just that.