GMP 2003 Offenhauser

I would like to thank Dennis and Lou Ann Lambert a.k.a. Dundee Tinder Box for allowing me the opportunity to review this stunning GMP 1:6 th scale Clean Offenhauser Engine 2nd Edition part #7504. I originally posted the question on the JSS forum asking collectors for information on these spectacular replicas.

Questions posed was who collects them and why? It was an interesting discussion with many opinions all-favorable on why collectors love these models. Dennis caught the post e-mailed me that he was sending one of these fantastic replicas for my review allowing me to see firsthand why they are collected. Dennis and Lou Ann, "Thank you" not only are you great vendors but you are very good friends too.

Now onto this extraordinary replica, upon unpacking it I was amazed by its size along with the engine detail. Included in the box was a display case to present the engine in a fashionable way rendering a nice touch to a very interesting replica? It did require some assembly but nothing major. Although I would not have been upset if I had to pull the toolbox out and do a little wrenching. All in all assembly was a breeze taking just a few minutes to complete.

The model as mentioned came with a heavy wood base two motor stands front and rear a wrench along with a plastic cover to complete the display. The engine stands needed to be affixed to both the motor and the display base. Since the bell housing has studs that slip into the rear engine stand that is where the wrench was needed to undo the nuts on the housing then tighten them back down once the engine stand was in place. Finally the plastic cover fit snuggly over the display protecting it from both dust and little hands?

Items I would have loved to see included with this replica would have been both a spec sheet and a pamphlet that described the history behind the engine. I personally think it would have completed an excellent representation of an already fabulous replica sort of like the icing on the cake if I were to characterize it.

I realize the collector who purchases these specialized replicas is doing so because they already know the history and simply want to include them in their collection. However, for those of us that simply love automobiles along with their history I believe including a pamphlet, which chronicled the history of this engine, would only enhance the collect ability of this and future replicas.

Here is what I was able to conjure up on this specific engine, which came directly from the GMP website.

Engine: 255ci (High Tower) Weight-452lbs, HorsePower-420, RPM-6600, Cylinders-4, Bore x Stroke: 4.28 x 4.38, Displacement-251.89, Compression Ratio, 15:1, Valves/Cylinder-4, Main Bearings- 5, VIA- 72.

My personal observation of this replica is it is one outstanding replica. The amount of detail that went into the Offenhauser engine boggles my mind. It sits on top of my desk, which distracts me constantly throughout the day as I become fixated on its beauty.

Yes, I am now hooked on collecting these engines I can’t wait for the 1957 Chrysler Hemi to arrive.