I love vintage Thunderbirds. These mid-fifties, “baby birds”, in two-seater, personal luxury and performance configuration are what kept the Corvette from taking an early demise. They were pure in form and uncluttered with non-essentials. Some among us might go so far as to say that the fifty five was the purest of them all. The fifty six had the continental kit; probably a little too much ‘junk in the trunk’ for pure design sophistication, and some will say that the fifty seven was a touch too elongated and had sprouted the politically correct tail fins for that specific year. Personally, I like ‘em all but have to agree that the fifty five warms every cockle of my heart.
When DM released the ’55 in Goldenrod Yellow, back in ’05, I blew a gasket. I see that diecast model every day and am glad it’s a part of my life. So how do I feel about this young, new upstart invading my ‘sunshine’s’ territory? Hey, the more the merrier and all hail the new baby; baby bird, that is! As a variant, this little treasure comes with the simulated soft top where the yellow Tweety Bird sports the hard top roof. Nice contrast and a most interesting display-mate. But all the quintessential elements of an attention-arresting diecast are still there and never more appreciated by this ‘Bird watcher and lover.
The paint is extraordinary in application and smoothness. The, “Thunderbird Blue” is, to my untrained eye, like a period blend of blue and green and more on the order of an aqua or maybe a turquoise – whatever, it is lovely. The top, in black, is the perfect compliment to the color choice. The seats are done in blue and white with dash accents in a much darker shade. The top fit is exceptionally exacting, the detailing is DM-excellent and the working features are always precise and welcomed. The doors open on internal hinging. The gas filler door opens on an opening trunk lid. The spare is removable and the inside is remarkably well detailed.
The interior is full of nice DM touches with scaled door handles and lock knobs. The gauges are realistic and the floor pedals and carpet are well done. The engine bay is DM perfection. The model exhibits the chrome ‘dress-up kit’ and features wiring, plumbing and fuel lines extraordinaire! The chassis is crafted in Danbury’ finery and rich with brake line and braking detailing. The overall fidelity to detail is obvious and the model portrays the 1:1 exquisitely. Love T-Birds or not, the little replica is full of fun, color and features well deserving an honorable spot in any collection.
-Tony F Perrone
