Lane Collectibles 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 Hardtop- Zone Car III- Ltd Ed of 1000

Following on the heels of the Lane 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible in Aegean Aqua and the GMP 1970 Pontiac GTO, this is the third Limited Edition Zone Car (LEZC III). Crafted in bold 1:18th scale, you can readily see all of the terrific details that make this muscle car replica so very special. Once again, as traditioned with the past two models, the Diecast Zone formed a small committee of Zone Administrators, knowledgable contributors and Lane's own Eric Trapp to formulate the options and color scheme for the LEZC. Lane has done a remarkable job in putting this diecast together so that are no weak sisters in the mix. First, the paint. Thick and rich, it flows evenly over the smooth and slinky surface of the Firebird. The graphics and tampos are perfectly applied and aligned.

Silver paint trim accentuates the realism in the rear fender gill slits, roof drip moldings and black accents are used on the wiper blades and cowl air inlets north of the windshield. All emblems and insignias are faultlessly applied. The interior turned out exceptionally well with its slimly scaled steering wheel, fabric seat belts and black floor mats. The door hinges are no less than state of the modeler's art. The trunk is rich in detail including the jacking instructions for the gimpy spare and inflator bottle and the chassis, as seen from under the replica, is a total delight. Check out the engine wiring from below, the starter cable and the metal brake lines flawlessly laid out and under the exhaust. And don't forget to take in the dual twin-tail pipes tipped in chrome.

The engine bay looks, for all the world, like a graphic display for a 1:1 restorer of the '68 Firebird 400. Every conceivable wire, hose and cable are there, blending harmoniously with the fan belts and battery cables and brake lines. Lane has done a fabulous job on this piece and it raises the bar, yet again, for the next LEZC. By the way, I have to take credit for the plates; they are from Tennessee and my home county, Blount. But give lavish praise to Gennera, Knab & Company for the box art inspiration, it is awesome. Issue price is $100. (05/19/2003)

-Tony Perrone