Ertl has done the 1969 Mustang in 1:18, 1:43 and now 1:64 scale. The small-scale
Mach I is a gem. The model is clearly identified on the display base. |
Welcome Back Ertl
by Doug Breithaupt
Throughout the 1980's Ertl was a well-known producer of 1:64 scale diecast
vehicles. Best remembered for their many TV and movie cars, Ertl's small-scale
cars are still very popular among collectors. In the 1990's, Ertl moved
their focus to 1:18 scale diecast with American muscle cars a speciality.
Several years back, 1:43 scale cars joined the Ertl product lines and now,
1:64 scale cars are again being offered.
Now owned by Racing Champions, Ertl has chosen to offer their new 1:64 scale
line in up-scale, limited edition form. Much like Racing Champion's recent
Mint Edition cars, the Ertl models are actually of better quality. The packaging
and presentation bases are clearly in the Racing Champions mold with a plastic
base and display card. The cards are reproductions of the covers from dealer
brochures and are two-sided.
The 1969 Mustang Mach I shown here is an excellent miniature with opening
hood and trunk. The engine bay is one of the best done in small-scale and
the trunk includes a molded tool-box and spare tire. The paint and tampos
are excellent, representing the production car perfectly. White-letter rubber
tires are well-scaled. One nice detail is the chromed window trim, a unique
feature in this scale. A wood-rimmed steering wheel and painted dash set
off the accurate interior. Lastly, a fully detailed and painted under-side
add to the over-all quality of the model. At $4.99, Ertl is not giving them
away but the quality makes the price fair. The new Ertl models are easily
superior to the $8-9 models offered from Mattel's high-end Matchbox and
Hot Wheel lines. |
Ertl's American Muscle packaging includes a plastic base and card that duplicate
the front and back of the '69 Mustang dealer brochure. |