Less than one year into collecting diecast cars, I, like Alice, fell down a rabbit hole. After posting a photo of a gorgeous Delahaye on the Diecast Zone Bulletin Board, I received an email from Alan Novak of Motor City USA, the same MC USA that gave us the iconic ’37 Talbot-Lago. Alan, who has an eye for beautiful cars, asked: “Would you happen to know the type it is called and if one exists, and if so, who would we contact to perhaps photograph and measure it for a potential model?”That inquiry led me on a quest to the Delahaye Owners Club, then to one of the world’s foremost authorities on the marque, and finally to England where that same 1937 Delahaye 135MS Figoni & Falaschi was restored. From what I understood, the car’s owner did not care to participate. For whatever reason, the scale car never came to fruition, but I began to see that even an outsider might influence the building of our little cars. Buoyed by that episode, with stars in my eyes, I continued on my journey through wonderland and ran into George Bojaciuk.
Collectors of diecast cars always wish they had a say in what is produced. I know I do. For most of us, the possible avenues of input are limited to forum posts, the occasional product review, or writing to the mints directly. This is seldom the state of affairs when building plastic model kits. The number of kits is vast, color choices seemingly infinite, and, through kit bashing, available aftermarket details and scratch building, the variety is endless. The finished product is unique, very personal and intensely satisfying. Best of all, you’ve had a hand in the research, planning, construction and final finish. When complete, it is infused with your imagination, skill, hard work, and your soul.
Such must be the case for diecast designers. The process differs from kit building, materials are more diverse, resources more vast, and construction is accomplished overseas, but the pride and satisfaction compare well with that derived from kits. And occasionally others get to pitch in. Thus, by happy coincidence, I managed to find myself involved in the GMP Mustang/Shelby series.
What precipitated the whole affair was Franklin Mint’s announcement of their ’67- 68 Mustangs in late 2004. One look told me that my dream of a precision Mustang would never be fulfilled. I feared GMP might not challenge Franklin’s market dominance and thus shelve plans for theirs.
I sent an impassioned email imploring George to proceed with GMP’s Mustangs. I needn’t worry; in fact, FM’s shortcomings emboldened GMP to forge ahead with their own Mustangs. Through a series of email exchanges, I began a lasting friendship with George Bojaciuk. None too slyly, I brought up my two Mustangs of yore, a ’67 2+2 GT and a ’68 Cobra Jet.