Franklin Mint 1941 Lincoln Continental Edsel Ford's Dream Car LE 2500

TFM has released four additional iterations of this model since the initial tooling debuted, in Maroon, in 1992. One was never meant to reach the casual collector; the 1998 re-do was manufactured for Ford employees as part of an award program. This issue, to my eye, the nicest of the bunch, replicates Edsel Ford's personal vision as his dream car and became his personal transportation.

FM officially says, "Designed under the direction of Edsel Ford himself, this one-of-a-kind classic was built for his own personal use. Blatantly luxurious, it embodied Ford’s penchant for bold automotive styling. Now, you can experience its unrivaled beauty firsthand — from the long hood and fenders, elegant grille, wide whitewalls and sparkling chrome work to the fully appointed interior, it captures in grand style all the elements that made this Continental Edsel Ford’s Dream Car. Hand painted a Pewter Gray; it’s a feast for the eyes!"

They're correct; it really is a feast for the eyes. The pewter paint is magnificent. It has just a hint of gold blended into the greyish pewter. They enhanced the side scripts. "Lincoln Continental" is now a chrome metal-foiled addition. The seats are two-toned in grey and saddle tan. True to each of the photos I've seen of the genuine car, it is devoid of the twin outside mirrors, and there is an antenna resting on the driver's side front fender.

Later production cars either had no antenna or it appeared on the driver's side cowl aft of the long hood. Sure it's older tooling but this puppy oozes history and charm and tons of good looks.

-Tony F Perrone