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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:

1951 Mercury "Hirohata" Custom Coupe

by JSS Software Solutions

Since the flavor of the month is hotrods I decided to stay with that theme. I happily decided to review one of my favorite hotrods, the '51 “Hirohata” Mercury, recreated by Danbury Mint.

Webster's dictionary defines a hotrod as "an automobile rebuilt or modified for high speed and acceleration." Alan Jackson, the famous country western singer, went so far to extol the Mercury with his song "Mercury Blues".

During the golden age of automobiles, the '50's, everyone loved the Mercury. If you were privileged with the means to own or create a hotrod during this era, the Mercury would be on your short list of cars that fitted the bill. At the apex of the hot rod revolution one could purchase any Mercury fairly cheap and transform it into one of the coolest cars on the block, for sure.

Unquestionably the most famous custom of the classic era is Bob Hirohata's '51 Mercury, customized by Barris in 1952. It won numerous show trophies, including the major award at the Indianapolis car show, the trip to which was chronicled in Rod & Custom magazine. It also appeared in the movie Running Wild with Mamie Van Doren. Jim McNiel bought this car for $500 in 1959 and recently finished its meticulous restoration.

Danbury Mint recreated this beautiful automobile with the utmost accuracy. Although its lines are simple and clean (its a hotrod), you can't help admire the graceful and subtle look that were created by the designers in their quest to create something special. Nor can you dismiss the striking color, or lack there of, on this truly classic automobile. Danbury Mint nailed the look and color perfectly. It is what I like to call “dead on” recreating yet another masterpiece.

There are those who will forever debate which of the Barris-built Mercury’s was best. But Hirohata's Merc was revolutionary for its flowing top chop, its curved side window frames -- which made the car into a hardtop -- and its laminated dash knobs, among other qualities. Designer and Pasadena Art Center of Design instructor Harry Bradley has called it "the best of the over-customized Mercs" -- words which some would see as faint praise for this pastel green goddess.

"These guys were true artists. They were the reincarnation of the '20s and '30s custom body builders except they were working with already-finished bodies," Messer says. "They were on the cutting edge of their art.

The design team at Danbury Mint did a fine job following in the original designer’s footsteps. They assured that nothing, and I do mean nothing, from the original automobile was altered or removed from their recreation. From the fit and finish, to the minute detail of the laminated knobs, this replica is one outstanding replica, lacking nothing. With its glass like finish and tight tolerances it doesn't get any better than this.

Viewing the engine compartment, you have to admire the amount detail and chrome under that hood, and it doesn't end there. This model includes working side vent wings along with adjustable spotlights to name a few.

Open the trunk and you will view some real cool accessories, which are the same of those found in the original. A tool kit located on the left side inner fender liner, a removable spare, and the oil and gas tanks.

You know I am big fan on undercarriage detail? This replica achieves high marks from me in that area too. It boasts brake lines, fuel lines along with custom exhaust pipes, which makes for a well-rounded model. Was there ever any doubt?

In closing I will use the lyrics from Alan Jackson’s "Mercury Blues" to some up this classic Danbury Mint replica.

Well if I had money
Tell you what I'd do
I'd go downtown and buy a Mercury or two
Crazy bout a Mercury
Lord I'm crazy bout a Mercury
I'm gonna buy me a Mercury
And cruise it up and down the road

Model: 1951 Mercury "Hirohata" Custom Coupe

Manufacturer: Danbury Mint

Color: Two Tone Green

Scale: 1:24

Part #:883-01

Price: $124.00

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