As far as precision 1:24th scale 1963 Impalas are concerned Franklin Mint is the only game in town and owns the field. Cause for lament? Absolutely not; it’s cause for celebration. While DM and WCPD have done credible justice to the Impala and Impala SS line, FM remains the only 1963 to be modeled. They have previously given us the Silver Blue SS convertible and Low Rider versions issued in 1998 and the original SS Sport Coupe, in Sateen Silver, which launched the Impala line for FM in 1996. A gold convertible was released as a limited edition in 2004 and now this Riverside Red coupe debuts, in my opinion, as the hottest looking of them all.
The color suits the model immensely well. Showing off the mid-sixties styling, so bold and ever changing in the Impala’s history, FM chose to impact the presentation with contrasting beige interior. You may consider this as a re-issue/repaint of the Silver coupe model and for obvious reasons it may attract more attention than its Sateen sibling. Detailed well for its early vintage, it carries high-tech suspension operation; the rear is cool to watch as it moves with all its components, photo-etched wipers and fully detailed engine bay. The wiring is scaled well and the battery is cabled. You can read the little “409” stickers on the valve covers and while the outside emblems are tampos they are crisp and clean. The antenna is metal and scaled to a slim and trim tolerance. The model’s finish is excellent; smooth, shiny and evenly applied. All gaps are tight on doors, hood and trunk lid.
The ’63 Impala remains a popular image; mix in its SS 409 lineage and limited edition factor and you have a very pleasant addition to your diecast collection. The issue price is $135.
-Tony Perrone
