When Ford finally superseded the venerable-but-dated Model T with its much-needed Model A, it was long overdue. Then, they dropped a V-8 into the follow-up 1932 Model 18 coupe and a legend was born. With its peppy engine and trim looks, the "deuce" coupe, as it came to be known, was destined to be a hot-rodder's dream.

FM has created a fitting tribute.  Painted in shiny black, with contrasting cream upholstery, pin striping and wire wheels, it's a no-frills kind of model of a no-frills kind of car.  The soft plastic front and rumble seats "give" when pressed.  The floor is carpeted and there's a nice, authentic-looking cloth insert on the roof.  The single wiper, radiator grill and V-8 symbol are marvels of miniaturization.  They're made of photo-etched metal as fine as an electric shaver head and look great.  Other fine details are up to par, including the engine, though it lacks wiring.  The reverse-opening front doors could be a tighter fit, however.

When I was a kid, my uncle used to take my sister and me to the ice cream parlor and let us sit in the rumble seat of his '32 Ford (no, it wasn't in 1932).  Just handling this model brings back many a fond memory.  I'll bet there are many collections out there with this car in them for precisely the same reason. The issue price is $95. (02/01/1999)

-Tom Pine