Commissioned by Mason Distributing, a Franklin Mint dealer, this model arrives in the same number of units that the actual car was made in back in 1982, 648. A good limited edition number count as it makes it relatively rare, just the way some collectors like it.
Code 56 was simply called, “Gold” and 648 ’82 Vettes were painted in this brass-gold metallic color. Not as bold as some orange shades, yet not as mousey as some lesser pigmented tints, it stands out just enough in the curio or display shelf to command a second and third glance. The 1:1’s interior came with either camel or charcoal with this exterior choice so, outfitted in the charcoal, it becomes somewhat rarer than 648. No numbers are available as to the actual production figures.
FM did a nice job on an older tooled model. These diecasts are seen as FM ‘80, ‘81 and ‘82’s for the most part and have some updates to the original issuance. The main basic highlights remain; working suspension, nice stance and body shape, good detail on engine and engine bay and good fit in most cases. Some of the 1980 through 1982 models suffered from undue door gaps in front but I sense that FM tweaked this a bit as my example looks improved overall. The tinted T-Tops fit well.
Issue price is $135.
-Tony Perrone
