Read reviews of specific models that have been submitted by serious
collectors like you on the preceding pages. Click on the link above,
or select a specific mint below to view all available reviews.
Models Reviewed here are from the following mints:
Here comes the Judge as the saying went. First, I would
like to thank my good friend Dennis Lambert a.k.a. “Mango Tango” don’t
ask, for shipping this model to me for review. For those of you who
are unfamiliar with Dennis let me mention a finer individual you will never
meet it is my honor to call him friend. Dennis and his lovely and saintly
wife Lou Ann own and operate the “Dundee Tinder Box” be sure
to view their web site from “Our Links” page and elsewhere
throughout our site.
(Photo above:1970 Pontiac GTO "The Judge")
Now onto this model, I received numerous e-mails asking
my opinion should I buy it or not, is it as good as “The Danbury
Mint”? My reply was always the same, since I don’t have one
in my hands I won’t comment on it; I don’t think it is fair
to review a model from a picture. It didn’t take long to get one
into my hands so here is my review on the recently released GMP 1970
Pontiac GTO “The Judge” as seen through a collectors eye.
The first thing the struck me upon receiving this model was the packaging.
Yes, that’s correct the packaging it was packed in an outer box that
not only listed the part number but it also displayed the contents of the
box. Emblazoned on the box was “The Judge” a nice touch.
Unlike some competitors that simply use a white box with a number on
it this one surely defines what car belongs in this box. Sliding the
inner box out of its sleeve you find an even more impressive inner box
displaying the many features of this model all done in color. Before
I ever viewed this model my senses were heightened by all the vivid graphics
and information displayed on the packaging. I had to force myself to
move on as I found myself admiring and reading the inner box finding
it rather informative.
Upon opening the Styrofoam that nuzzled my model anticipation was running
full throttle let me tell you it didn’t down shift once I removed
the GTO from its nest. Wow, would be an understatement as a first impression
since the car is gorgeous. The “Orbit Orange” grabs your
attention immediately with the color seeming somewhat darker than on
the original car. This was one concern that I received much e-mail about
as collectors felt the color was a little to dark? Searching the net
all the 1:1 cars I located seemed to be somewhat lighter than the GMP
model but let’s not split hairs it is close enough for me. The
paint finish on my model was very good or I should say as good as all
the other mints that I have seen. The model did require some cleaning
to remove a few blemishes but nothing out of the ordinary.
(Photo above:1970 Pontiac GTO Engine Compartment)
As for the fit I must say it was excellent the doors are
very tight no gaps and very straight lines. I did have a problem attempting
to open the hood; it is an extremely tight fitting making it nearly impossible
to open. I don’t recommend doing this for obvious reasons but the
only way I was able to open the hood was to slide a tool up from underneath
the engine compartment (very carefully) pushing it open just enough to
slip a heavy business card underneath the corner of the hood. I was now
able to open it the rest of the way without a problem. What I now viewed
is one of the most detailed engine compartments I have ever seen bare none.
GMP spared no expense recreating the components under the hood. Not only
is everything in there but it fits perfectly eliminating the look that
it was assembled by a five year old. The engine sits straight in line,
as it should with all other components fitting meticulously where they
should be also. I enjoyed the little touches like the labels on the radiator
cowl and air conditioning pump. Also, all the wires, hoses and everything
else you might think of its in there I felt like getting the wrenches out
to do a little tweaking that’s how real it seemed.
(Photo above:1970
Pontiac GTO Ram Induction Hood"
The hood sports the “Ram Air” induction system,
which was this cars calling card. When you viewed into your rearview mirror
and saw this nasty thing bearing down on you as you tooled down the highway
it was apparent that your doors were about to be blown off, as “Here
come the Judge”. The hood also sports a hood tachometer if you view
it with a magnifying glass you can see readable numbers including the red
line area, very nice touch. Moving on to the interior GMP is spot on with
detail right down to the floor mats, yes floor mats. The instrument panel
sports readable gauges but the area around the gauges should have a wood
grain look I assume?
(Photo above:1970 Pontiac GTO Interior)
My model has a brown color panel around the instrument cluster,
which I assume is an attempt to simulate wood grain? Not owning or having
a 1:1 here to review I am therefore assuming the 1:1 car actually had wood
grain? If that is the case the wood grain misses the mark both on the instrument
cluster and the console.
The front bucket seats are another concern that I received e-mails about. As
I moved the seatbacks forward on my model they seemed rather sloppy as if they
were broke or about to break it would have been nice to have a more solid feel
to them. The door panels, rugs and seatbelts are all replicated beautifully.
Another item that caught my eye is the chrome trim; it is perfect in both fit
and scale it flows perfectly to the model especially the windshield frame.
Popping open the trunk you will find the usual a spare tire along with a car
jack. Another nice touch is the jacking instructing located on the trunk lid.
The trunk mat was replicated just like the original trunk mats for that period
with the green speckles throughout. Flipping the car over one will be impressed
to find a very detailed undercarriage including exhaust pipes with mufflers,
a drive shaft wit u-joints along with brake lines, engine oil filter and more.
The model number is located on a plate on the gas tank indicating the number
of the model.
My overall impression of this model is it is as good as those from the competing
mints if not better in most cases. I highly recommend adding this model to your
personal collection, it most differently a winner.
I give the GMP GTO an A on the JSS Model Report Card. I am holding back an A+
as I don’t like the feel of the bucket seat backs. Also, the color I feel
should have been a shade lighter but hell these few issues are easily overlooked
by all the other great features throughout this model. Is it worth $119.00? You
bet it is, so get those orders in before they are all gone, as I am sure this
one will sell out quickly. Contact Dennis Lambert at the Dundee Tinder Box to
reserve yours today. As always mention JSS Software sent you, thank you “Mango
Tango”.
Since writing this article there was a discussion on the “JSS Forums” where
George explained the possible color variance, which I will share with you. To
quote George “The color was spec 'd from an actual color chip. There might
be slight variations during mixing. In addition, the real car had a primer base
coat applied whereas the diecast did not, which could explain a "darker" shade
on the model. Additionally, colors tend to look darker on small models. The best
way to tell is to put a model on a real car and compare in the sunlight.”
George and the entire GMP team did an excellent job on this model and I can’t
wait for the next release. Congratulations on a job well done to all involved!
1970 Orbit Orange GTO Judge Convertible
Part #: 8241
Color: Orbit Orange with Black Top
Issue Price $119.95
