Franklin Mint 1950 Chevrolet Styleline DeLuxe Bel Air Hardtop Coupe

FM's new '50 CHEVROLET BEL AIR HARDTOP is just what the doctor ordered! This little cutie is depicted with just about every option Chevrolet had in its 1950 parts bin... gravel shields, sun visor, spotlights, fog lamps (ugly and oversized), bumper guards, and a Maroon over Maize (that's pale yellow, in English), set off with very proper whitewalls, maize wheels and perfect replications of the Chevy hubcaps. The hood and trunk fit and operate very well, but the door gaps are ever present.

(Maybe FMs diemakers/elves should drop in on the DM or Brookfield craftsmen to see how nonexistent door gaps really can and SHOULD be!!! That's really my only nit; build quality is, otherwise, showing marked improvement.)

But the biggest appeal in this Chevy is its ability to bring a smile to your face; the model captures the effervescence of the postwar era! The car, with its jaunty lines, bright colors, and flashy chrome accents is a real 4 wheeled announcement that all is right with the world and that more good things are yet to come. In short, this model is another one that was long overdue and is highly recommended to anyone who digs a happy memory! The issue price is $120.

-Jay Engel