Franklin Mint 1936 Hudson Eight

Franklin tooled up a brand new model last year. It drew raves and rants. It pushed the technological curve, at least in 1:24th scale circles by adding a working convertible roof and offering their roll-up window mechanism operated via 1:24th scaled cranks. Of course it was TFM that released the first such scaled feature on the ’39 World’s Fair Ford. But functioning tops were previously thought of in terms of larger scaled models. The new tech came with a higher price tag and it was received with mixed blessings. For those who braved the extra cost, rewards were well earned.

The model included the working roof and windows but also came with the rotating driveshaft, genuine leather seats and rumble seat and was finely detailed all around. The car was classically opulent in silver but now it’s offered in the arrest-me-red that would have been the absolute rage in thirty six. FM opted to change the interior to a tan featuring a beige fabric top and it looks great. The fit of each body panel is tight and gapless. The working suspension does not over-articulate. The engine, interior and chassis detail are breathtaking. I’m glad I waited for the remix!

TFM’s use of photo-etched metal for the wipers is very well done. Their use of red plastic and P-E for the radiator mascot is even better. The straight eight’s metal linkage and fuel system fabrication lends an air of authenticism while the simulated leather hood surround insulation carries off the perfect 1:1 allusion. Wait till you see the cabling and brake line assemblies under the car. The shocks and springs are highly realistic as well. The interior sports real leather and so does the rumble seat. The steering wheel is faux wood and the banjo-style wheel hub is scaled beautifully in P-E. The paint was applied silky smooth and is highlighted by a thin pinstripe that circumnavigates the large auto. And once again, it was scaled flawlessly.

I’m not going to say that the fabric top, when displayed in the up position, is a perfect match to the 1:1, it isn’t; I’ve seen photos of the real car. But what you do have is a relatively faithful reproduction in as close to scale as ever has been offered. No doubt with time a more true to life version can be made. But when I have shown this feature to others, it elicits astonishment and envy of ownership. I’d say that’s as far from rants as the Mint could get for now. Well done FM!

-Tony F Perrone