Franklin Mint 2007 Ford

For some reason the song "Mustang Sally" is stuck on the repeat setting in my head, I wonder why? It seems every time I turn around another Mustang appears on my desk, just like magic, and that's not a bad thing either. When the Franklin Mint 2007 Mustang arrived I wasn't overly excited to open the box either. Imagine my surprise when I did open the box and there sat one of the sweetest Mustang's I have ever seen. The first thing I remember thinking was "they (The Franklin Mint) got their groove back and I was as gitty as a kid on Christmas morning.

I know what you are thinking, here comes another "pump and dump" for a mediocre model. If you are new to our Newsletter let me assure you it doesn't work that way here. I was very surprised with the build quality of this replica. No, it's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but no model is. Viewing the image above the first thing that catches my eye is the cobra emblem it's to high on the fender. I thought of prying it off and attaching it lower but that would not be fair to those of you basing your decision to purchase this model after I altered it. Therefore, the model you see here is the model I am about to review for you unaltered. So Mustang Sally let's take this baby for a spin.

After 40 years, racing legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford Mustang are back together with the introduction of the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500. And so is the Franklin Mint, as they demonstrated their willingness to replicate this classic car for the 1:24th enthusiast too. This is one of the best models to come out of the Franklin Mint recently, and it shows that they are serious about becoming a major contender in the diecast arena once again.

The fit and finish on the Franklin Mint GT500 are outstanding. The color combination didn't hurt it either although I wouldn't have been upset if it was red either. Maybe we will see a red one later this year? We can hope can't we? The Vista Blue paint was applied flawlessly with a perfect blend of metallic flake added to it. When I first posted the images of this model I was questioned about the pronounced metallic look the finish had and in some cases this look can be exaggerated when an image has a sharpen mask applied to it. I assure you no mask was added to this model the metallic look that is visible in our images are as they exist on this model through the camera's eye. No funny stuff here. The White Stripes finish off what is sure to be a classic Mustang that will be sought by collectors for years to come.

One glance shows this is not the typical Mustang Cobra. A sinister-looking front-end design includes wide upper and lower fascia openings with a functional air splitter. The upper intake sports the famous Cobra logo floating off-center in place of a centered galloping pony found on other Mustangs. On either side, slanting headlamp openings add to the dramatic front appearance.

The bulging hood has heat extractors protruding near the leading edge, combining to provide improved airflow and aerodynamics. As air passes over the hood, hot air from the engine compartment is drawn out through ducts attached to the hood extractors.

The production Ford Shelby GT500 Coupe now comes into full light, punctuated by the classic Le Mans-style white stripes that race along the top from nose to tail. The stripes recall the Shelby Mustangs that marked another important 1960s Mustang transition when Ford put it on the track to becoming a racing legend. The GT500 nomenclature is prominent in the lower bodyside racing stripe, another cue from the classic Shelby Mustangs.

As expected of anything with Shelby's name on it, the heart of the car is what's under the hood. The Franklin Mint didn't take a back seat when it came to replicating what belongs under the hood either. The engine compartment was nicely detailed with just enough "bling" to keep my interest peaked. Hoses, wires, and belts, it's all in there, and very well assembled. I would like to have seen the hood hinges modified to remove those ugly grommets that were used to attach the hinge to the hood however. I will give the mint a pass on this one for now, and I want to point it out to you, so you know what to expect if you purchase this mode. I don't want to receive any nasty emails for not pointing the hinge design out in my review; I know what you are looking for from the many emails I receive throughout the year.

Inside, too, upgraded levels of flair and function abound. The locations of the speedometer and the tachometer are swapped to provide performance-oriented drivers with a better view of shift points while changing gears. Snake logos embossed in the seat backs finish the package.

The Shelby GT500 script and Cobra image are repeated on the steering wheel cap. Behind the wheel, the gauges wear light faces in keeping with SVT tradition. The chromed accessories inside the cabin have been replaced with a satin aluminum finish, including the aluminum shift lever knob that is nicely positioned for quick, positive shifts.

In closing allow me to say this is the nicest model to date that I had the pleasure of reviewing from the Franklin Mint. Yes, it "popped my cork" and would have received a perfect score if there was just a little more attention to detail observed. To name a few I would have liked to see a more advanced hinge design on the hood and doors and the emblems have a more accurate placement but then again if I am purchasing this model for the Automobile it was meant to represent it is good enough for me. Yes, The Franklin Mint got its groove back and I can't wait to see what future 'New tools will bring us. Add this one to your list of "Must Have" models today.

More Screen Shots.