As if they were filling orders for 1:1 specimens of this fabulously popular little car, The Franklin Mint has built no fewer than seven versions of the 1970 Cuda, including this one, and one 1971 model year Cuda. Tony Cerra of Diecast Reproductions, Inc. recognized this popularity and worked with the Mint to grant us the quintessential seventies Cuda, Dan Gurney’s All American Racers, (AAR) Cuda. Tony guided the build to substantially change the original FM tooling and included: AAR-specific hood, spoiler, bumperettes, 340 engine, air cleaner, foot pedals, side exhaust, door panels, louvers, rear seats, decals and more! The result is spectacular in the flesh.
The Rallye Red paint is flawlessly applied and contrasted nicely by the matte black hood, black vinyl roof, rear window louvers and deck spoiler. The front air dam winglets and side panel graphics are also in black and magnify the contrast. The “Cuda AAR” logos are seen to add the authentic touch to the side rear fenders and on the rear license plate. The hood has been treated to accurate opening in the frontal scoop area and four air slots in the rear top of the hood. Wonderfully simulated hood pins carry off an added and accurate touch. The chassis view is astonishingly well crafted with metal lines and turning drive shaft and chrome metal foil work on the twin muffler assembly. The chrome exhaust ends are cool, they look like megaphones. You know they sounded BAD!
The accuracy of the wheels, interior, trunk and engine bay is especially nice. There are a plethora of details available for the viewing and lend an air of realism to the legendary Trans Am racer. Add a scaled antenna, made of metal, and brand-name white outline tires and give the model the correct ride height and you have an awesome little AAR replica worthy of the best position in any scale collection. I give the highest props to Tony for always producing a pleasing, well thought out and attractive scale model for us. KUDOS, good sir!
2/10 Update: The first 30 units of this model, S11E506, were signed by Phil Remington. Additionally, S13E506 was issued in a limited run of 30 units as a reverse paint model. Then 30 more were issued as S14E506 and autographed by Dan Gurney. See added photos.
-Tony F Perrone
