Danbury Mint vs. Franklin Mint Corvette

jetske · 02-20-2007, 02:10 AM

Ok, two things. First I hate the "junior member" status so I'm going to keep replying to threads and posting stuff until I graduate to something not so...junior.

Second, I love Corvette collectibles and have been collecting for years. And on this forum I'm getting negative vibes toward Franklin Mint Corvette in favor of Danbury Mint Corvette. I'm not opposed to change, but I would like your perspective.

I have my own preference http://www.jetsvettes.com/collection_franklinmint.htm for a number of reasons. I've been collecting FM long enough to know the bad stuff. I get it. Not everything has been that great and the Wal Mart offerings are about as lame as can be. But there is some good stuff too, and potential to have FM cars gain in value is more than ever before.

I've had my chance to jump into Danbury Mint and have dabbled a little, but in the beginning DM seemed to have tried to differentiate themselves from FM by doing a lot of novelty Corvettes such has the Coca Cola Dragster. That was cool and I bought it. But until the 1953 they seemed to do a lot of 'goofy' Corvette models in an attempt to be different. I bought the 1953 DM, but as the "if you bought the 1953, we will offer you the...xxx Corvette" mailers arrived, I got turned off and lost interest. Maybe to my detriment? Maybe DM is a flash in the pan? Maybe their Vette's are golden and FM is a thing of the past?

I'm interested in your comments on FM vs DM. The wise masses guiding me toward spending my collectible dollars wisely...which brand has the most potential, why, and...what do you collect? Thanks!

2bubbas · 02-20-2007, 08:38 AM

I like you collect Corvettes. I have all the FM and all but one of the DM 1/24th. Good luck on your collecting. Looking at your site you have several still to purchase. Some of the ones you a missing can be expensive, but now might be a good time to find them at good prices. Diecast prices seem to have dropped.

I think both mints make nice cars. Maybe to many repaints but those sell. Only after we quit buying them will that ever change. I think maybe most of the FM complaints come from the rising prices without any real increase in quality.

I for one like the off the wall offerings of DM. Not all Corvettes were left stock so these renderings are what might have happened to many.

The FM offering of an 83 to me does seem weird though. One was never offered to the public. But they had the 84 so cheap for them to offer a 83.

DM is the new guy in town and seems to be trying harder and having a ball doing it.

New owners at FM so maybe hope for them yet.

Red73 · 02-20-2007, 12:25 PM

I have a half dozen of both DM & FM. I've stopped buying FMs as I like the quality of the DMs better. I think my purchase of DMs also reflects my desire to modify my personal vette. So I tend to buy the one offs more than the stock looking vette. Below are two of my favorite DMs in my collection. I can't wait to get DMs 1/12 modified 57.

jetske · 02-21-2007, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2bubbas

I for one like the off the wall offerings of DM. Not all Corvettes were left stock so these renderings are what might have happened to many.

The FM offering of an 83 to me does seem weird though. One was never offered to the public. But they had the 84 so cheap for them to offer a 83.

That's a great point about the "off the wall" offerings reflect what has really happened to the cars. Also I agree on the '83, it's kind of hokey.

And yep, I have some holes in my FM collection and all of those happen to be rare editions. But, I'm working on it. Sooner or later the rare ones dip in price (like the 2003 convertible 50th Anniversary FM...the last couple ebay winners have been in the low $200's and those were spiking much, much higher a year ago).

Hey thanks for the reply.

jetske · 02-21-2007, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red73

I have a half dozen of both DM & FM. I've stopped buying FMs as I like the quality of the DMs better. I think my purchase of DMs also reflects my desire to modify my personal vette. So I tend to buy the one offs more than the stock looking vette. Below are two of my favorite DMs in my collection. I can't wait to get DMs 1/12 modified 57.

Another excellent point, we're drawn to collect the stuff we like in "real life". Your collection mirros your 1:1 scale preferences.

I'm going to pull out my DM stuff and give it a better look, and maybe watch it more than I have.

The Red'73 looks awesome.

copter · 02-21-2007, 08:02 PM

Been collecting both for years and have watched as DM slowly got better and FM just....well stayed FM.This is not to say that FM is junk,it's that for the same$$ you can get a lot better in DM.Example,put a FM 63 split window and the DM version together and take a look.Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder so it's your call.

2bubbas · 02-21-2007, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetske

And yep, I have some holes in my FM collection and all of those happen to be rare editions. But, I'm working on it. Sooner or later the rare ones dip in price (like the 2003 convertible 50th Anniversary FM...the last couple ebay winners have been in the low $200's and those were spiking much, much higher a year ago).

Hey thanks for the reply.

I was in a rush to fill in my collection and paid some high prices for the last few. When I look at the 3- 2003 50th Anniversary- Coupe- bought for $32.00, Pace car- $60.00, but the vert is going for over $200. Makes no sense but I paid the high price to get one.

Good luck on your collecting.