1949 Mercury Convertible 

Packaging

Standard DM packaging: safe & strong, but not much to look at. The model comes in a plain white box with "Limited Edition 1949 Mercury Convertible" written across the top. The model is secured between two styrofoam pieces, with both tops (one "up top," one boot) packed separately. The car itself is protected by plastic sheets closed in the doors, hood, & trunk, foam blocks in the front seat and in the trunk, and a strip of slightly sticky plastic aross the nose to protect the hood trim.

Casting/Paint

A solid metal body, with plastic accessories, vinyl tires, bright chrome trim, and a real cloth top. The paint is excellent overall, though there is a slight mark on the hood from one of the plastic sheets that needs to be polished out. The brightwork is all flawless, including a photoetched "Mercury" across the front of the hood. The interior is finished to represent the tan leather interior option, and has all of the correct small detail work. The dash face, door panels, and seats are expertly detailed, including ledgible gauge faces and all the appropriate trim pieces. The floor is flocked from the rear seat to the floorboards, where you'll find detailed gas, brake, and clutch pedals, plus the correct high-beam dimmer switch. Both top options look great, though the detail work on the "up top" version is truly outstanding, with detailed bows, moldings, and a clear window with chrome trim. The trunk opens to reveal a bumper jack, wrench, and removable spare tire on a ribbed "rubber" mat. Closer inspection shows the appropriate manufacturer's tags and even the fuel tube have been accurately replicated. Under the hood is an excellent replica of the 110hp Ford Flathead V8. Everything from the seperate horns to the voltage regulator on the firewall has been expertly reproduced, even the braces on the underside of the hood are properly reproduced. All of the appropriate wires and hoses are in place as well.

Features/Accessories

In addition to the above-mentioned spare tire and tops, the hood, trunk, and doors open, with door hinges that they swing into the body just like the full-sized car. The visors are both positionable, and the radio antenna can be raised & lowered smoothly. The front wheels steer with the steering wheel, and the suspension is functional as well.

Accuracy

Everything about this replica is excellent. All of the details are nice & delicate, and everything from running gear to top latches looks accurate. The paint is an accurate-looking rendition of Ford's Midland Maroon Metallic - a deep dark red with just a hint of purple and a very fine metallic texture. Scale is a dead-on 1/24 as well, though accurate scaling is expected from Danbury.

Overall

The limited nature of this particular replica (my car is #4,867 of 5,000) means that this is a bit pricey. However, it is truly one of the finest replicas of the 1949 Mercury available, and the only one anywhere that offers the optional "up top" look. Very highly recommended.