GMP 1970 Pontiac

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!