Bottoms Up
LABATT’S 1952 Ford F1 Van
1: 43 | $170
In a very rare move, Brooklin has released limited numbers
( 40 each in red and gold) of “Code 2” authorized conversions,
done by someone outside the factory, of their 1952 Ford F1
8-Door Panel Van. ;ese models have new paint and carefully
applied “Labatt’s” decal logos and lettering. In this case it
also appears that the models are being distributed through
Brooklin dealers, since they’ve been given a factory number.
;e paint on both is quite good, with gold and black decals on
the red model and blue and black decorations on the gold one.
;e gold model has been given a glossy clear top coat, so the
clear film surrounding its decals is much less noticeable. ;e
only other change from the original version is neatly painted
door handles. As on the originals, the vent window frames,
“Ford” logos, and the hood badge are painted over, while all
the other trim is done with separate, plated parts. ;e interior
shows a correct single driver’s seat, but there’s no interior
behind it. While F1s came from the factory with painted grilles,
chromed grilles were a popular dealer-installed accessory,
and the chromed taillight bezels are consistent with an early
1952 model. Overall lines look great, and the dimensions are
right on 1: 43 scale. — Wayne Moyer
brasiliapress.com
SOLAR FLAIR
DANBURY MINT
1956 Ford Sunliner
1: 24 | $150
Danbury’s 1956 Ford Sunliner convertible is one of those models that’ll gobsmack you right out
of the box. ;e pink and black paint scheme is about as fifties as it gets, and the build quality
is stellar. ;at solid feel won’t surprise anyone who has any of the earlier variants this mold
set has yielded, but the new-age foil decos and truckload of added detailing surely will. ;ose
badges are fabulous, and they ride the car’s nose, front fenders, and doors, calling out the car’s
Fairlane roots, ;underbird V8 and Sunliner trim. ;at 312cid V8 is completely believable, and
it’s wired and piped, right down to the steel fuel lines and battery cables. ;e
open-air cabin sports a dash with deep, 3D gauges, and the trunk’s been
matted and stocked with a pull-out spare tire. A black plastic up-top is
included, as is a snap-on boot; both are nicely textured and look great
on the car. Parking the model next to an older example—say, the
’ 55 Crown Victoria DM put out, circa 1993—will prove how far this
company has come, and how good they’ve always been. Highly
recommended. —Joe Kelly Jr.
danburymint.com
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Dirty Snake
M2 MACHINES 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350
1: 24 | $30
;e Carroll Shelby School of High Performance Driving (Carroll Shelby, proprietor), gave anyone
with a few bucks and the need for speed the chance to hammer real race cars around a track,
all in the name of enhancing driving skills—or proving a lack thereof. ;e cars were Shelby-
prepped, of course, and this M2 Machines model of a ’ 65 GT350 is decorated to appear dusty
and splattered after a good go. ;e castings below the après-race deco are nicely done,
with decent shut lines on the opening doors, hood, and trunk; the wheels are
authentic gray “steelies,” and the front end steers. ;e car’s got a surprising
level of detail (and a good parts count); there’s a wired and piped black and
silver Hi-Po 289, replete with hi-rise oil vents and a cross-brace above;
go beneath, and the metal belly has a detailed suspension and
side-exit exhaust. ;ough the rear quarter win-
dows seem to be incorrect for a ’ 65,
if you add in the rear seat de-
lete interior and roll cage, the
fuel cell and trunk-mounted
battery, and the spare bolted
in under the rear window, you
have a very decent piece for a
comparative pittance. —Joe
Kelly Jr.
m2machines.com
