Harry P.

Wouldn't it make sense to keep the categories (street rod, drag, whatever)... but use a point system to judge. Have a list of categories that each model will be judged on: paint, detail, quality of build, realism, etc. Go with a 1-10 point rating in each category... highest total points wins. That way you take a lot of the judge's subjective likes and dislikes out of the equation. Doesn't matter if the judge "doesn't like" street rods, for example... because he would have to judge the model in each of the predetermined categories instead of just an overall "impression" he has of the model. Seems like the fairest way to judge, with the least amount of favoritism or subjectivity. If I was to set up a contest, that's the judging system I'd use. Otherwise, it's nothing more than a popularity contest... which is fine as far as it goes (NNL type show)... but it doesn't really work well as far as determining the "best" model in each class.

Wow, talk about a design "mutt"...

Hmmm.... looks like you guys aren't too good at this game! There were only TWO correct answers! The car in the photo is a Brazilian Chrysler (Simca) Esplanada GTX from 1968. Chrysler produced a number of vehicles in Brazil over the years, all badged with the Dodge name, ending production with the sale of its facilities to Volkswagen when pressed for cash in 1980. Its production center was in the Sao Paulo area, along with most other automakers. It would briefly return in the 1990s with the Dodge Dakota, a venture ended by the Mercedes acquisition of Chrysler, and continues to make engines there there - engines used mainly by BMW in the Mini. Chrysler's involvement in Brazil was a result of Simca's production. When Chrysler bought Simca in 1958, its first act in Brazil was to double the warranty of the small French-designed cars being produced there (with optional V8s for performance). These cars had a reputation for very poor quality, partly due to untrained, inexperienced workers, partly due to the poor quality of local materials, including local sheet metal. By 1969, Chrysler had gotten some central involvement, and started making a new line of Dodge trucks at a new factory. The D700s and D400s were followed by a Dodge pickup. These were similar to the commercial vehicles sold in the US, with diesel versions coming later - and, alcohol-powered models in 1978. These trucks sold well, and may have been the most important reason for Volkswagen to acquire the Brazilian operations - they even kept the name until the end of 1984, when actual Volkswagen trucks replaced them. Also in 1969, a slightly restyled American 1966 Dodge Dart four-door sedan was introduced as a "new" car, soon replacing the troublesome and unpopular Esplanada. A two door Dart coupe came out the next year. The Dart competed with the Ford Galaxy for the high car market, with many becoming chaffeur driven, while the coupe appealed to younger buyers. There were Charger and Charger R/T versions, mainly Dart hardtops with the roofline extended to the trunk and speed-related items such as dual exhausts, four-on-the-floor shifter, mag wheels, and bucket seats. It was at the high end of Brazilian production performance, consistent with the Dart's relatively high price overall. A high end version of the Dart was sold as the Dodge Polara, with a Chrysler-like front clip matched to the usual body; the Dodge Polara, built by Chrysler Fevre Argentina, was named Automobile of the Year by the Argentine Automobile Writers Association. By 1972, more luxurious models were featured, and Dart styling moved away from its American counterparts, though the basic engineering remained the same. Production continued with few changes until the 1979 lineup, when the Dart name gave way to LeBaron for luxury and Magnum for sport (replacing Charger). Magnum was a status car according to Status magazine, partly because of covers attached to the rear side windows that hid the rear seat from view. Few Magnums were made and today they are rare. The Dart peaked in 1972 and 1973, before the oil crisis, which changed tastes to more economical vehicles. In 1980, only 403 Darts were made, and they were halted the next year. It had been popular with a spacious interior without excessive width (the Galaxy's problem), and maintenance and durability helped. The lack of a six cylinder no doubt hurt its survival after the fuel crisis. Augmenting the Dart in popularity was the Dodge 1800 (Omni and Horizon), a two-door sedan produced in England and Argentina as well. Called "Dodginho" in Portugese, it was not a standout despite a relaitvely nice interior, partly because it was not well adapted to local driving conditions. To increase sales, its name was changed to Polara, which had a relatively good image, and GLS and GL models were added in 1980. It was the first Brazilian production vehicle to have a standard automatic, and sales were steady for its last six years at about 13,000 per year, ending with Chrysler's other Brazilian operations in 1980. The two people who got it right: ChillyB (Curtis) and Glenn Asher.

Last clue... Brazil.

Hey Cruzer... digital cameras aren't the future... they're the present! Digital cameras outperform all but the most expensive film cameras, they're dirt cheap and you never run out of film!

I guess anyone can call themselves a "pro," but the accepted definition of a "pro" is someone who performs a service for money, but there is no direct correlation between being a "pro" and being good at what you do. If you make money doing what you do, you're a "pro,"... but that doesn't necessarily mean you're good at it. So don't assume that every "pro" built model out there is built to some sort of high level of skill. Some are, some are not. Buyer Beware, as they say...

Ok... it's Thursday and I have a grand total of ONE correct answer! Time for another clue. This car was not made in the U.S... but it is an "American" car!

The models are absolutely stunning! And the photos are not too shabby either! Good work on both counts...

Hey, wait a minute! I don't drool...

Yeah, baby!!!

Mario, looking forward to your progress. You are the master!

Nice! Clean, crisp, well detailed. The dashboard is especially nicely done.

On the real car, the upper border of the windshield opening forms a slight convex arc. On the model that arc is concave.

I think it might be time for a little hint, because only ONE correct answer so far! Hint #1: This particular car was never produced in the U.S., but it shares its name with a well-known American muscle car.

Hey Mike, welcome aboard! Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride!

Aaron, nice job! That took a lot of work, but that kind of work and dedication and effort is what makes this place so great!

Looks like I'll have to give you guys a hint or two...

Chris, that is too cool!!!

Looks great to me! I think you did a fantastic job on that kit...

Wow, that old Radio Shack 12 volt power supply!!! I haven't seen one of those in years! (I used to have one back in the 70s!!!) Nick, are you sure you're not like 50 years old or so???

Very nice! Looks like the rear door opens. Does it?

When I saw Nick's sketch the first thing that popped into my head was Dodge Little Red Truck. Maybe stacks are played out, but I still think they would work in this case...

CB??? What will we talk about next... 8 tracks? catch you on the flip side, good buddies...

Wow... tough crowd!