One of the great joys I find whenever I receive a new die cast model is researching the history behind the real life size vehicle that it represents. Maybe it is just a pet peeve but I feel this should be a mandatory requirement that is included on all models. Providing a potential collector with a small bit of history should be a no-brainer and one that is sadly lacking on most entry-level models today.
The good news is the Internet provides such a great resource of information for collectors that most times within a matter of minutes you can have at your disposal, manufacturing information, production numbers, assembly line Information and more. My concern with this information not being included lies more with attracting new collectors than really taking anything away from the presentation of the model. Like I said it is probably more a pet peeve than anything.
One such model that fits this category is today's featured model from Motor Max, a 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible. Here is a car that is very rich in history in the fact that there have been six production runs of the Skylark since it's inception in 1953. Originally Introduced by General Motors to mark Buick's 50th anniversary the Skylark was one of three limited production convertibles introduced by GM, the others being the Oldsmobile Fiesta and the Cadillac Eldorado.
One thousand six hundred and ninety (1,690) regular-production Skylarks were built in 1953 and all were convertibles. Based on the 2 door Roadmaster Convertible, Buick's designation for the Skylark was model 76X while the Roadmaster carried the 76R designation.
Many unique features were found on the 1953 Skylark like the V8 power and 12 volt electrical system. Both first for Buick! Possibly the most noticeable feature however would be the Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels which were all chrome except for the painted "Skylark" center emblem. Combined with wide white wall tires the wire wheel combination added a very distinctive appearance to the Skylark.
In 1/18 scale Motor Max has done a respectful job in there rendering, as the model appears to be true to scale. However my example proved to be less than acceptable with many paint blemishes. Combined with some broken parts that appear to be from rough handling, (Possibly from shipping) my copy had to be returned. This is in no way a direct reflection on the model as a whole but rather a cautionary word to inspect closely if possible.
One area where Motor Max did excel on this model is the rendering of the wheels and tires. As stated above the Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels combined with the wide white walls make this model very distinctive just like it's 1 to 1 counter part.
I felt that Motor Max could have been a little more generous in it's detail given to the interior but once again we must remember that this is a entry level model which retails for less than $30.00. The one feature I thought visually stood out was the word Skylark being imprinted on the rocker panel when either of the doors was opened. This is a very nice touch and one that could have easily been over looked. Detail characteristics remained consistent throughout the rest of the model. Although I would have liked to see more attention paid to scale accuracy on chrome parts around window trim.
In summary, I find myself torn in my feelings toward this model as it does display very nicely and those chrome spokes with wide white walls make this model really come to life. Add the fact that my example had to be returned because of damage only adds to these feelings. For this reason I will remain neutral in any final grades.
As a display example the Motor Max 1953 Buick Skylark fills the void that is present in 1/18 scale. It does not however diminish the fact that a company such as Hwy 61 should consider the 1953 Buick Skylark as a future project.
About the model:
1953 Buick Skylark
Stock # 73129
Class: Entry Level
Manufacture: MotorMax More photos
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