Franklin Mint Precision Models

Lore & Background

Franklin Mint Precision Models were among the first commercial die-cast vehicles aimed at collectors, according to collectible authors Randall Olson and Dana Johnson. The range included post-war selections such as the 1948 Tucker and the 1961 Ford Country Squire wagon with realistic vinyl wood siding, as well as newer models like a detailed 1975 Corvette. Execution was not always consistent: in the 1980s and 1990s, cars and trucks were well proportioned and had interesting features, but details could be too heavy or inaccurately rendered. Chrome spears on 1950s cars were sometimes too thick and embedded in grooves, door panels did not always line up well, and some body shapes appeared slightly inflated, as seen on the Checker taxi. One review noted that the 1:24 scale 1948 Tucker had clean and precise lines but suffered from thick hinges, inconsistent window plastic, and a misplaced steering wheel. Hemmings Motor News reported that the Mercedes 300SL had accurate interior upholstery and nicely fitting gullwing doors, but wrong color details, badly placed parts, and a misshapen windshield. At the time, other companies such as Anson, Bburago, Mira, and Maisto offered detailed models at lower prices, and one collector recommended Minichamps or Schuco before Franklin Mint.

Reader's Guide

Franklin Mint Precision Models occupy a notable place in die-cast collecting as one of the first commercial lines specifically marketed to adult collectors through mail order. The company's willingness to address inaccuracies was demonstrated with the Nash Metropolitan: after one enthusiast noted the model was not the proper color, lacked proper grille detail, and had other paint inaccuracies, Franklin Mint later offered a corrected model. Dana Johnson reported that other followers kept the mint informed of inaccuracies, and the mint would try to make corrections. Among the more unusual offerings were a detailed Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail motorcycle in 1:10 scale with accurate saddlebag texture, moving metal gearshift and brake pedals, and realistic crankcase labeling; Richard Petty's 1977 number 43 NASCAR Oldsmobile Cutlass stock car with half the body in clear plastic to view inner details; and an 1868 Wells Fargo stagecoach with removable roof trunks, available in commemorative John Wayne decor. Around 2000, Franklin Mint curtailed much of its die-cast line, with most models going out of production and very few new vehicles developed through 2009. Currently, the company sells models assembled by firms such as CMC, GMP, or Exoto.

Did You Know?

• The first die-cast vehicle issued by Franklin Mint was a 1935 Mercedes Benz 500K Roadster in 1983.
• The 1:8 scale was used for the 1885 Daimler Reitwagen and the 1885/1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen.
• Franklin Mint offered a corrected version of the Nash Metropolitan after collectors reported inaccuracies.