GMP 1969 Mercury

Another incredible pair of models from GMP they are the 1969 Cyclone Spoiler II series. I have been asked why a Mercury? Why not? I remember this car well as it was part of my youth, as age catches up with me anything that can get the brain cells to fire is appreciated boy did these models get the cells firing.

In 1969 the Cyclone had only one body style, the 2door fastback. As we shall see, 1969 was a year of many variations for the Cyclone. The Cyclone GT was no longer available as a separate model. Instead, the GT Appearance Group was available for the Cyclone. It consisted of bucket seats, a single driver’s side remote racing mirror, a rim blow steering wheel, turbine wheel covers and F70x14 tires. The dual upper body side stripes, so common to most performance Cyclones, were also an option on the Cyclone. The Standard engine was the 220hp 302. Optional engines were 250hp 351W, the 290hp 351W, the 320hp 390 and the 335hp 428CJ. The 351Ws were new for 1969­ they were raised deck versions of the small­block 302.

In January of 1969, an additional Cyclone was offered, the Cyclone Spoiler. The Spoiler was available either as a Cale Yarborough Special or a Dan Gurney Special. The Cale Yarborough version was painted Wimbledon White with a contrasting Candyapple Red roof and double side stripes. The Dan Gurney Special was also painted white but with a Presidential Blue roof and stripe. Both Spoilers were equipped with a Boss 302 Mustang type rear deck wing. Both came with appropriate fender decals. However, these decals were applied at the dealer so it is possible to have a Red topped car with Dan Gurney identification decals and vice­versa.

There was also another Cyclone special in 1969. This was the Cyclone Spoiler II, which was built to satisfy NASCAR regulations. You won't find the "II" anywhere on the car itself (it was used only on factory paperwork) as it has the same Spoiler decals used on the Cyclone Spoiler. The designation Spoiler II is not the correct designation for the car as officially it is a Cyclone Spoiler with the Spoiler II Package, which added $393.90 to the invoice price. However, it has become known as the Spoiler II because that is what a lot of the enthusiast magazines began calling the car.

The difference between the Spoiler and Spoiler II is in the front end. The Spoiler II uses an extended nose, which made the car more aerodynamically efficient on NASCAR’s speedways. The extended nose section is the same as the one used on Ford’s Talladega although the Spoiler II is slightly longer. Unlike the Spoiler, the Spoiler II was available only with the 351W engine rated at 290hp and a three-speed automatic transmission.

Now that you have the history of this wonderful automobile let’s delve into reviewing the recreation by GMP. Let’s start with the packaging, which once again is superbly done with both the outer and inner boxes highly informative and eye appealing. No guessing here at what box the car belongs to GMP has addressed that with highly informative inner and outer boxes. For the collector like myself who saves everything this simple feature makes life so much easier. When it comes time to move my collection I don’t need to hunt down box numbers a simple visual is all that is required.

Included with the model is a pamphlet that describes the history, specifications and facts along with operating features of the model. One of the most important items included in the packaging is the Certificate of Ownership. If you would like a chance to win the 1:1 car that this model was fashioned after fill out the registration form that accompanied the Certificate of Ownership and return it to GMP to qualify for the drawing.

Now unto the model itself, holding it in your hand for the first time the thing that is most evident is no corners were cut to bring us this masterpiece. Fit and finish on both models is flawless, doors’ fit tightly having no unsightly gaps paint and chrome is perfect also. Onto the engine compartment, the hood was very easy to open utilizing a hobby pal tool (suction cup). Once opened you’ll find one of the most detailed engine compartments ever assembled in my opinion.

The air cleaner has the proper AutoLite and Mercury 351­4V decals, both being readable. Located on the firewall is the factory spec plate, which is also correct, another nice touch. As for the engine itself the detail is unbelievable down to the PCV valve. Having reviewed many models I have to say this is right up there with the best I have ever seen. The motor sits straight fully wired, plumbed detail beyond my wildest expectations. I attempted to spin the wing nut off the air cleaner allowing me to tweak the carburetor. Lo and behold my hands are too big to remove the nut that’s how realistic the compartment is.

The exterior is absolutely perfect including its stance it is spot on. I was hoping the decals on my model got mixed up as did some of the 1:1 cars giving me the elusive error version but GMP is too smart for that. The dual side stripes line up perfectly from door to fender and the replica sports an opening fuel filler door to boot. The antenna is included in the inner box and must be placed on the model manually. I do wish that the antenna slid down into the fender requiring nothing more than for me to raise it up. Between the eyesight going and the hands being nimble you must be careful inserting the antenna into the chrome plate on the fender assuring you don’t slip and scratch the fender a little patience however will get the job done.

Upon opening the trunk you will view a spare tire, jack along with period correct trunk mat. Also present is the fuel filler tube, which began at the gas filler door extending its way down through the trunk floor into the gas tank. GMP didn’t leave any detail slip by they captured every detail no matter how trivial it may have appeared.

I’m not done yet if you flip the model over once again you will be impressed by the emphasis that GMP placed on the undercarriage. Fuel lines, brake lines, mufflers even the oil filter is visible all a nice touch to a great replica. I have to conclude that this is a must have model even for a Mercury.

Now I know everyone is thinking no model can be this perfect and you are correct. I never cared for models that required me to add the antenna just because it is hard for me with my eyesight and motor skills not being what they once were. I wish the windshield wipers were photo etched as opposed to being thick plastic. Understand the windshield wipers are fine as they are I personally prefer photo etched I feel it gives a more stylish appearance. Therefore, I rank both models a must have.