CB's Die Cast Review: February 1, 1999
the
30th Anniversary Series Retooling
When Mattel planned the roster
for the special edition 30th Anniversary series of 1998, representative models
of the years were predominately chosen based upon whether some form of the tooling was
still in use today. This was a prudent move cost-wise, as the fewer new tools
that had to be made the better. From a collectors standpoint, some of the
less-desired cars of certain years were used over the more popular choices.
Utilizing this strategy afforded Mattel the luxury of having to retool only three of
the representatives: 1972's Sidekick; the original Sweet 16 from 1973;
and 1974's Rodger Dodger.
While the choice of cars from 1972 was questionable, the quality of the model is exceptionable.
All the features of the original have been replicated, including the exhaust-pipe lever
that activates the slide-out driver's compartment. The body has a beautiful coat
of transparent magenta paint over nickel-plated metal, simulating the Spectraflame
finish. All of the detail on the metal chassis has been replicated. The
rear window louvers are painted gloss black, and the 30-A logo is printed in gold
in front of the windshield. The car rides on the standard Vintage-series redline
wheels instead of the more-accurate 30-A TwinMill-style wheels. Although
the car is not the most desirable, it is extremely well done.
We were fortunate to see three "new" cars in the 30-A series, and it's a shame
other retired cars were not chosen for the series and retooled. With the quality
work done on these three models, it would be nice if Mattel considered issuing more
replicas of some of the early era pieces.
With
all the commemorative replicas, Mattel altered the cars or decorations in some
way to differentiate them from the now-valuable and collectable originals.
While this is the given rule, the dimensions of the replica Sidekick
(Stock #18861) match its predecessor so perfectly that I assumed some of the tooling
used was from the original car. Upon close inspection, I discovered all of the
tooling was new, which then led to this question: why choose this 1972 car over the
others? This casting has to be the least desirable from that year.
As
far as popularity and desirability are concerned, the Sidekick is at the
opposite end of the scale from the original Sweet 16 . The replica
(Stock #18862) is based on the popular 1973 offering, which was one of only three new
castings from that year. I hope that there are as many 30-A Sweet 16 cars
as there are some of the other 30-A cars currently warming the store display pegs,
so those that aren't fortunate to own the original will have an opportunity to acquire
one of these. The replica has less of a rake than the original, and the engine
is slightly different, but it captures the feel of its predecessor beautifully.
The body carries a rich coat of red enamel gloss paint. The bright nickel-plated
metal motor sits in front of the firewall and black plastic interior, which has the
correct open steering wheel. The inside of the operating trunk is painted red as
well, and the 30-A logo is centered in gold on top of the spare tire cover. The
bumpers are part of the metal chassis, which rides on Vintage-style redlines.
Hopefully, we will see more of this exquisite model.
The
tooling of the replicated Rodger Dodger (Stock #18863) is extremely close
to the original, and the slight differences are difficult to spot even when placed next
to the original model. The body is painted a purple enamel that is more violet
than the original maroon, and not as opaque. The red and yellow tampo pattern
is perfect, and the quality of the tampo is far superior to the earlier version.
The metal motor has the dull non-plated finish of the original. The interior and
glass are nearly identical to the 1974 model. The replica motor sits slightly
higher on the body. The only major concession is that the car has a chrome plastic
chassis instead of zinc-plated metal. As with the other two models, the car rides
on Vintage-style redline wheels. The 30-A logo is printed in gold on the
passenger-side rear quarter panel. An interesting note is that the name of the car
is incorrectly embossed on the chassis as "Roger" Dodger. This car is another
great effort.
