Franklin Mint 1969 Chevrolet

A car I fondly remember from my youth was the infamous Chevelle. If asked my favorite model year I would have to answer '67 and my color of choice would be Nantucket Blue poly. Since I don't have a '67 sitting in front of me the Franklin Mint '69 will have to suffice.

New in '69 the SS 396 became an option package on all Chevelle models. Therefore, it was possible to order the SS package on anything that bore the Chevelle emblem. That included the Malibu sport coupe (the most popular), convertible, 300-series hardtop, pillared coupe and the El Camino pickup truck.

Also in '69 the Chevelle received some new styling, which included redesigned tail lights. However, the one item in need of attention but overlooked was the transmission linkage. Therefore, it was rumored that the car suffered from poor handling due to the lack of attention to this known problem. Late in the model year, the 396 engine were bored out to create 402 cubic inch engine, reportedly to meet new emission standards.

Of particular interest to drag racers was the availability of a number of limited edition Chevelle's, known as COPO. A few dealerships were privy to this upgrade via a special order, which returned a factory equipped Chevelle with the L72 427 V8 that turned a whopping 425bhp. An estimated 323 Chevelle COPO 427's were built, most of which were devoid of any badges or indicators of the power that lurked underneath their hood.

The Franklin Mint did a fine job of replicating the engine compartment of the '69 Chevelle. It is loaded with detail from the radiator to the firewall. Some of the items you will enjoy are plug wires, hoses, belts, master cylinder, vacuum hoses and much, much more.

I appreciate the added nuance or bling as I like to call it, which included labels on the air cleaner that denoted a 396 Turbo-Jet pumping out 375 hp. Emblems also adorned the valve covers, cowl and battery. I would have enjoyed the addition of battery cables, which are devoid on this model, but at some point you have to say enough. I believe the amount of under hood detail on the Franklin Mint Chevelle will satisfy most collectors.

Viewing the stance of the replica you will be pleased that it doesn't sit to high or low at either end. The nose (hood) seemed to slope forward a little too much when compared to the original. Then again let's not loose focus here; we are viewing a representation of a classic that has been scaled down in size. I am happy to have the image created and can accept a less than perfect model.

The overall fit and finish of the Franklin Mint Chevelle was excellent. The paint was near glass like, doors, hood and trunk lid had no noticeable gaps. All photo-etched scripts were accounted for, not damaged or missing, adding to the beauty that this replica was meant to create. The side marker lights were plastic inserts imitating lenses not decals, which added to the replicas overall bling.

Opening the door to view the interior I swore I smelled a pine tree air freshener. I guess it was just my imagination playing tricks with me again. I am sorry to say there were quality control issues with the interior of this replica. Gauges were missing from the dash. If you view the image above you will see a round empty hole on the left hand side of the dash. I searched the interior and boxes in hopes of locating the emblem all to no avail. Also, the shifter just doesn't seem correct, to high to thick a little of both, I don't know but it seemed out of place and incorrect.

Viewing inside the trunk you will find a spare tire with the jack base attacked to it. The trunk floor had the illusion of spatter paint.

The undercarriage was nicely detailed also, with brake lines running from the front to each rear wheel cylinder, and a very detailed engine bottom, which included an oil filter and starter. I love these extra touches on any model and this one was done very well.

Overall the Franklin Mint Chevelle may not be perfect but it's the best '69 Chevelle you will find in 1:24th scale. The color, Monaco Orange, is stunning and the perfect choice for this muscle car. The quality control issues concern me however. Based on the replica I had for review I am compelled to give it 4 stars, if for no other reason it is a 60's Chevelle muscle car.