| Everyone knows that collecting classic cars can be a pretty expensive hobby; however, the folks at GMP DieCast have made it a reality that almost anyone can have a collection of favorite automobiles. In today's segment of Eastwood Garage we find Sam and Dennis looking at some of the fine examples of GMP's die-cast products.
In this episode we see that located behind Sam and Dennis is one of the most coveted of late model muscle cars: a 1987 Buick Grand National. These cars are rare for they were only produced for a limited amount of time. Consequently, these late-model rockets have become favorites of car collectors and enthusiasts. Well, if you can't have the real thing, now you can have a smaller reproduction (1:24 scale) thanks to the folks at GMP DieCast. Recently, the crew from My Classic Car had the chance to visit the GMP DieCast factory in Winder, Georgia, to learn more about how these collectables are produced.
According to the company's web site, the entire process of bringing a replica to production can take more than 18 months with the tooling costs alone potentially in excess of $225,000.00! One popular question concerning the process of creating these replicas might be, “How does a particular vehicle get chosen to be replicated?” Well, the folks at GMP start with a “brainstorming” session in which team members gather information such as collector requests, surveys they might have conducted, the historical significance of the vehicle, and past successful models that have been produced. Then, there is a strict licensing process that must be followed, and if a license is not obtained the replica can not be produced. After the license is granted, a pristine example of the car must be located and then the meticulous process of documentation begins. Photographs, diagrams, and precise measurements are all taken to ensure that each detail is perfect. In fact, perhaps as many as 300-400 pictures may be taken of the vehicle once it is found! ( www.gmpdiecast.com/about/build_1.asp ). This entire process enables GMP to produce the highest quality that ensures that the details of GMP's replicas are as exact as those in the production cars themselves. Tom Long, President of GMP DieCast, told us that the advantages to purchasing a die-cast from GMP are several: a limited production run, each piece is serialized, and finally, each product is of the highest quality!
As we return back to the garage to visit with Sam and Dennis, they are admiring several other replicas from GMP. Featured are Dale Earnhardt's 24-hour car, Don Prudhomme's legendary Snake, the Pierson Brothers' 2D Coupe, and the fabulous Ford GT 40. With the models, just as with all the replicas from GMP, the attention to detail is outstanding; in fact, on the 1987 Grand Sport, even the keys in the ignition are hanging free to rattle. Now that is some attention to detail! By the way, these replicas fit almost everyone's price range from $9.95 to $599.95. So, let your pocketbook be your guide.
If you would like more information on the complete line of GMP DieCast collectables, you can give them a call at 1-800-536-1637, or you can find them on the web at www.gmpdiecast.com . Plus, if you have any other questions concerning these or other products, go to www.myclassiccar.com . And by the way, don't forget when you are looking for unique automotive tools and supplies for your automobile restoration, you should give the folks at Eastwood a visit at www.eastwood.com .
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