Words and Photos courtesy of Wes Shakirov

 

Automodello back doing what they do best, releasing models that haven’t been made before, for whatever reason. This time, the subject is the 1966 Ford Galaxie 500, in Hardtop form, noted by its absence of the B-pillars. To make that even more obvious, Automodello decided not to include the window on the driver’s side, for full effect, and so that you can see the interior.

The model arrives in a quality clam shell box, sitting on a plinth, from which it can be unscrewed without much effort. All 4 wheels roll, but do not steer. This model is made of resin, so there are no openings of any sort, and no comment can be made on shutlines either. This version here is called the Enthusiast Edition, of which only 19 were made. It is painted in a beautiful Antique Gold, which looks like some of the smoothest applied paint I’ve ever seen. The model will also come in Nightmist Blue, Candy Apple Red and Raven Black. These editions vary from 19 pieces to 299 pieces, and the prices are adjusted accordingly. Visit www.Automodello.com for the full scoop.

Just like all the other Automodello items we’ve reviewed here, the Ford appears to be a quality item, done justice in scale form. All the trim is photo-etched metal, and there are tiny emblems everywhere you look. The metal trim running down the front hood is executed nicely, and the wipers are as delicate as always. Speaking of delicate, this model sports the tiniest and thinnest antenna I’ve ever seen on a scale model. The rear lights have layers and consist of more than one part, and the chrome trim on the bumpers is done flawlessly.

The interior is dark, and hard to glimpse, but seems to be executed well, with excellent detail on the seats (front and back), and door cards. Chrome detailing is done with foil, and the dash gauges are a single sticker.

The other thing that has to be mentioned is the price. The price for the “entry level” version in Blue is $299, while the red is $365. The Tribute version in Black will cost you $450, although it is limited to 24 units after all. This  Enthusiast edition will set you back an eye-watering $465, and only differs from the others in colour and number of units made. So if I was in the market for one, I’d go for the red or blue. Automodello serve an extremely niche market, attested to by the scale used and the subject matter chosen, yet they never fail to sell out. And that’s saying something.