Danbury Mint 1934 Packard V-12 LeBaron Speedster

The elves at the Danbury Mint have put together a nice 1:24 scale model of a truly stunning Packard, the 1934 LeBaron V-12 Speedster. The term "speedster" fits the car to a tee. This sleek beauty looks fast and powerful, with a muscular V-12 to back up its looks.

Make no mistake; this is a LARGE, heavy die cast model, since the actual car was a 17-foot roadster that rivaled full size sedans in length and weight. DM's level of craftsmanship is high, considering this is one of their more sparing models for features. The trunk lid does not open and there is no suspension, as on later offerings. The engine detailing is relatively uninspiring, lacking any wiring or plumbing. Nevertheless, the paint job is gleaming and flawless, the chrome parts are well done, and DM threw in a real leather seat (hint, hint FM). The dashboard also has nicely detailed 3-D gauges. An optional top-up convertible top would have been a nice bonus though. All in all, this model gets a few points over that other speedster from FM-the 1935 Auburn.

Look at this model from a few different angles. Admire the pontoon fenders and boat-tail rear (all the rage on '20s and '30s sports cars) covered in gleaming red paint, and you begin to appreciate just what a beautiful car the massive Packard LeBaron Speedster was. The 2/97 reissue was unchanged from the previous release. (08/10/1998)

-Thomas Pine