Franklin Mint 1949 Ford Woody Wagon Bakery Truck- 2006 Christmas Nbr Ltd Ed of 2500

This is the Franklin Mint’s 2006 Christmas Limited Edition of the four-legged kind. Well, at least the four-wheeled kind anyhow. They have a two-wheeled Harley Christmas edition with puppies in a gift box of gold. Can we expect any better treat for Christmas than that? And does this ’49 Ford Christmas version stand a chance as a welcome gift under the tree in your house? If you don’t care for puppy ‘mess’ and the cost of Ken-L Ration, not to mention the prerequisite whining all night that goes with new puppy-parenthood for a while, yes. For us adults, and maybe on a smaller level, for the kiddies too, we got treats galore in cookies, pies, bread and cakes from Mrs. Franklin her-own-self. And, they are home made. I know, ‘cause it says so on the door.

FM has issued three nicely appointed 1949 Woody Wagons. The first, released in 1993, was Midland Maroon. In 1998 they opted out the tooling with a surfer theme, threw in an awesome base that played a snippet of the Jan & Dean song, “Surf City” complete with surf boards and a roof rack. And while sadly this mini-legend is discontinued, you have a reprieve in woody wagon ownership with this holiday cheer-filled bakery wagon.

Franklin does not officially specify a period-correct color for this wagon and you wouldn’t expect them too; after all some bakeries choose to repaint such a nostalgic piece to fit their specific business application. Ford offered a nice Vermilion Red for the early and late forties but I just do not believe this is that shade. No, to my trained pastry eye this is certainly a Home Made Cherry Pie Red. The pits, er, I mean the seats, are done in a Light Crust Dough. Ah, yeah, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

The overall look of the piece is happy and, dare I say, filling? It satisfies with its excellent graphics, wreath-covered rear quarters and green outside spare. The tailgate folds down and the upper rear window raises affording ample room to stuff the bed chock full of Christmas goodies. It would make Santa proud! But what would make Santa even more jolly than he already is, is what FM supplies with the little truck. Oh yeah, it comes with two fifty pound (disguised as five pound) sacks of flour, boxed pies (they better be cherry) two festive bow-adorned holiday baskets of baked goods including gingerbread men, baked holiday rolls and candy canes. I’m gaining weight just writing this! As an edition of 2500 pieces this is a real cutie pie; sure to enliven the holidays and perfectly decorate the season in good cheer. Merry Christmas and Ho, Ho, Ho! Available until December 25, 2006, the issue price is $155.

-Tony Perrone