PhillyMint Diecast 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Review
If this is the future of precision 1:24 scale , this image should put a smile on everyone's face. At the $59.95-$79.95 price range, FM & DM will have to take notice. After having this Highway 61 1:24th sample to play with for the past month here's my thoughts. I'm producing this model in Triple Black , currently under production for Early Spring 2010 release. I'm going ahead with the review of the blue wix version below. After reading be sure to read about accepting preorders for the hand numbered limited edition of 150 .
1:24 1970 Challenger Features. Click the links for images:
Superior clear -coat paint finish when compared to other 1:24 precision manufacturers-guaranteed! Look at the reflection on the roof. Paint looks deep with minor orange peel. Overall way above average surface prep. You can't see any metal or surface imperfections common on many diecasts. (you know, the models that look like they used 1 coat of paint and no primer.) SCORE 5.0
Nicely done with belts, hoses, wires, battery cables. Would have liked scissor hood hinges but at this price I'm not complaining. Maybe next release. SCORE 4.0
Four Speed "Pistol Grip" Floor Shifter with Console
Correct vinyl pattern Bucket Seats with Cloth Seat Belts and Photo Etch Buckles
Flocked Carpeting with floor mats. The interior compares favorably with Franklin Mint & GMP. Gauges in dash can be read, nice wood grain treatment. State of the art hidden door hinges a big plus. SCORE 4.5
Spare with Jack stand and trunk mat Better than average presentation, would rather have full size spare. Again consider the price and how many times do you look in the trunk? SCORE 3.5
MOPAR Rally Wheels Wrapped in Goodyear Polyglas F-60 15 BRAVO. SCORE 5.0
Detailed Undercarriage with correct overspray & Working Suspension
Full Length Dual Exhaust with Split Tips. So who displays their models upside down? SCORE 4.0
Photo etched Challenger & R/T emblems & foil. It's dynamite around the glass and roof line. SCORE 4.0
Hidden door hinges that feature "close-assist" with perfect door seams. You won't have lazy door closings with this model or sagging doors. They are spring loaded and almost close themselves. Result, consistent door to fender and quarter panel seams. SCORE 5.0
Dramatic front 3/4 shot. Dead on shot. The images speak for themselves. Score 5.0
Dramatic rear 3/4 shot. Badass. But I would drop the rear end height just a bit. Not as annoying as the FM jacked up '69 Camaro's but just my opinion. Score 4.0
Summary: Great value @ $79.95 in the land of dwindling 1:24th scale images. Definitely a precision diecast. Will fit in and show proudly with your Danbury or Franklin Collection at half the price. Here's my 1:24 rankings:
#1: Danbury Mint-new limited editions @ $149.00 worth every penny.
#2: GMP-almost got to DM status before bowing out of 1:24. @$129.95
#3-: 1st PhillyMint "MintBusters" 1:24 Challenger @ $59.95 best value yet. Hope this won't be the last. If Diecast Promotions is committed to 1:24, FM's got a problem.
#4-tie: West Coast Precision Models- Random Q.C. issues hold this early Impala line back but the detail is superb. @$150.00
#4-tie: Franklin Mint -would have been ranked 5th if West Coast had better QC, added hang tags and 25 years of direct mail and telemarketing. @ $120.00-$155.00 an acceptable price in FM's heyday but not by today's price-value standard.
#5: ICON-thanks Les for bringing me up to speed on these.
#6: Greenlight- Best molds and "pop" in the low priced range, each new release is an improvement. "3footers" with great potential. $29.95-$54.95 ltd editions
#7: Unique Replica/Crown Premium $29.00-$44.00. Nice musclecars & classics if you can't find a refined image anywhere else.
Thank you for reading!
Vinny -
PhillyMint
