Franklin Mint 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible- Nbr Limited Edition of 5000

This marks FM's sixth Chevelle, in 1:24th scale, to date. It also celebrates their first 1968 Chevelle model year vehicle. Previously issued, as far back as 1996, the Fathom Blue 1970 coupe, in SS 454 flavor, was very well received by the Chevy faithful and muscle car collectors alike. A couple years later the car was issued as a limited edition of 5000 in Cranberry Red. 2003 brought a black variant to the table and in 2005 and 2006, FM issued a 1969 SS 396 version in Orange and then Black w/Red Stripe, respectively. The latter was commissioned by Mint Models. Both were coupes. This model essentially carries on the Orange '69's body but as a convertible in '68 trim and attire.

Since the '69 coupe was an all new tool that this model is based from, it, too, is an up-to-date crafting of the muscle car that marked the year of a major redesign change from 1967. By lopping off the top FM gives us options for display. With the boot in place we have a nice overview of the interior. Trimmed out in a light beige/off-white, the seats offer a nice contrast to the Tripoli Turquoise exterior. (More on that in a minute) The crossed rear seat belts are fabric and have realistic belt buckles on the ends. The front units disappear into the floor beside the driver and passenger's seats. There's very good detail on the dash and console and even the shift pattern is readable. Of course there is less eye-entry once the 'up top' is in place but opening the internal-hinged doors grants the owner still-decent views. Trunk detail is well defined with a spare in place and simulated jackstand base securing it to the floor. The trunk lid features jacking instructions and caution labels scaled from the 1:1. FM uses chrome metal-foiled "SS" badging on the rear of the car just below the trunk lock, on the grille and a nicely scaled and shaped "Chevelle" script insignia just below the front hood opening. This is FM's first Chevelle with redline tires and rally wheels.

The exterior paint, earlier mentioned, is beautiful. Applied evenly and smoothly, it contains the right amount of scaled-in metallic. The gloss factor is well achieved. The bottom section of the body is gloss black separated by dual white stripes. Thin over slightly thicker stripes, they run the length of the body from rear to front where they soar upward and over the car's angular nose. 1968 marked the first year for body side markers and FM made sure that the front amber marker received the proper "396" moniker. FM's doing a great job on their chassis detailing and the SS 396 convertible shows this well. Brake cabling in thin metal wire, 'build marks' on the drive line and working suspension all help 'sell' the realistic sense of the model's precision art. But it's the under-hood craftsmanship that 'sells' the model. Like the orange coupe that came before it, the big block exhibits great care in scaling wires, heater hoses, warning labels and vacuum hosing details. The antenna is thin, short and sweet and the stance looks god to my eye. A nice complement to the Chevelle stable, the color and option package that comes with the little jewel is a welcome addition. Issue price is $120.

-Tony Perrone