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'61 Dodge review (sort of)
Topic Started: Aug 21 2013, 04:39 PM (1,222 Views)
realgone58
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Station Wagon
My one, and only AW so far, and I'm glad I got the turquoise one because that was the one I really wanted. I have to say, like most folks feel, that I am very impressed with Auto World. These are really nice pieces, and in my opinion, even better than M2.
The '61 Dodge Dart Phoenix 2 door hardtop that Auto World chose to model is part of a three level series. The Dodge line for '60 and '61 included the all new (for '60) Dodge Dart, a full sized car, (Dart was not a compact until 1963) priced to compete with offerings from other manufacturers. There were three sub models in the Dart series. The "el cheapo" Seneca, the mid range Pioneer, and the top model, the Phoenix. All were available with either a slant six, a poly 318 V-8, or 361, 383 or 413 big block wedge V-8 engines. There was also two other Dodge models available, beyond the Dart series. The Dodge Matador (1960 only), and Dodge Polara. Also full sized cars, they shared a lot with the Dart series, but trims, grilles, lighting, and the sort were different. The quarter panel stampings were also different from Darts, and Matador/Polara models came standard with the big block mill. The rooflines and underpinnings were shared with the Plymouth division, so perhaps we'll see a Plymouth from AW in the future. That would be fine with me, because I drive one every day!
The Auto World model follows the contours and design of the real car very nicely. The fit and finish is good, and the color replicates factory JJ-1 turquoise very well. The interior is fantastic! Lots of engraving in there. The wheel covers are the correct tri-bar spinner '61 Dodge caps, and the tires are correct beautifully done wide white bias ply treads. The engine signifies a dual ram induction big block Mopar, making this car a D-500 model. (D-500 and D-501 cars are a whole story by themselves, they are blindingly fast!) The only flaw I can find with the diecast are the absence of the vertical grille bars. As far as production defects, mine has a smudge of silver (from the trim) on the passenger side, a defect to the wide whitewall on the driver's side rear tire, and a small section missing (looks rounded off somehow) from the bottom of the driver's side vent window. I feel that these defects are most likely reserved to my example, because I have seen others that are perfect. However, I am still thrilled to have it. The packaging is great, the rendering of the real car on the card and the box is right on, and all in all the package looks good. This car is a lovely addition to my collection, and cheers to Auto World for making it right!
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Edited by realgone58, Aug 21 2013, 04:42 PM.
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MGroothuis
Compact
I'm glad you enjoy this model. Easily one of my favorites from the lineup as well.
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daniel60
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Personal Luxury Car
Seen this one today at Helen, Georgia. The red and this color are beautiful.
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juantoo3
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That is in the top two or three models I am *really* anticipating from these guys!

Thanks for the overview. (Mine was a '62 Chrysler New Yorker, 413 4bbl)
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craftymore
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Support your local demo derby.

My favorite part of the model is the way the front and rear body lines on from the fenders and doors flow to match the 1/1.
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JoeX
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Casual JDM enthusiast
So, which engine does the casting have? I agree that this is a nice casting, though this isn't the first time a Dart Phoenix has been made in 1:64 scale. The first one was made by LoneStar way back in the 1960s, and the convertible version was made by Matchbox fairly recently. This is, however, the first time the coupe has been done this well and in 1:64 scale, as the LoneStar version was considerably larger, at about 1:50 scale.
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realgone58
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Station Wagon
Yes, the Lone Star (bigger) version, and Matchbox did a convertible. Which is why I was a bit surprised that Auto World did this one, but I sure am glad they did! The Auto World casting could be a 383 or a 413. No external appearance difference. However, the engine should be silver. The aqua big blocks and orange for 413 engines were not available engine colors until 1962. However, these are nitpicky little things that no one would really notice unless you love these cars as much as I do!
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JoeX
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Casual JDM enthusiast
I like to think of it as someone who's restored their car and painted the engine wrong. I have the red one and I would love a real one.
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Jingle
Microcar
Very nice review you gave of this car. There was a Red and a blue on the pegs I grabbed the blue and left the red one fo another collector. My goal is to get two of each one I like, one to crack and possibly customize one to keep as stock.
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GothicCarsUrban
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SUV
When did MBX make a Dart Phoenix? Pics?
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Atencio
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Station Wagon
I am not a cardboard collector but the retro presentation is so well done.

Wasn't the MBX Convertible the one with the green windshield? Very nice casting but a bit on the small side if I remember right. I ordered the AW set with the red version.
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craftymore
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Support your local demo derby.

GothicCarsUrban
Aug 22 2013, 11:28 PM
When did MBX make a Dart Phoenix? Pics?
Debuted in '04.

http://matchbox.wikia.com/wiki/1961_Dodge_Dart_Phoenix
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Stampede
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Team Canada
this is just a stunner. I'll definitely need to get one.
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realgone58
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Station Wagon
Yes, the Matchbox version was a bit small. It was done in the Superfast series that came with the retro style boxes. Also was available in an Elvis set, light blue to represent the car he drove in "Blue Hawaii".
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Stangfreak
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Convertible
GothicCarsUrban
Aug 22 2013, 11:28 PM
When did MBX make a Dart Phoenix? Pics?
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Jordan R
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Midsize
This is one casting (the Auto World, not the Matchbox) I keep wishing they'd re-release. Here's hoping.
Edited by Jordan R, Feb 13 2018, 12:08 PM.
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carhauler
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Station Wagon
It's almost certain they will make more. I hope they do more research and produce some better colors and trims.



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pjedsel
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Muscle Car
:thumbup: Thank you for the review. This is one of the Auto World models that I really like. :toy:
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realgone58
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Station Wagon
Would be nice to see more body styles offered, but heck, even re-colors would be welcome.
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6A13TT
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Compact
By the looks of it this is the most underrated Autoworld depending on the way you look at it the low popularity can be a good thing as it means they are easier to find and affordable (have you seen the dumb prices of earlier Kingswood estate releases recently?).
Edited by 6A13TT, Feb 17 2018, 05:38 AM.
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