What class acts; the car, this model of it and the DM design team that conspired to bring us multiple versions of some of our favorite automotive subjects. For many of us, the Model A has long been an admired automobile. It was strong and handsome and diverse in its various forms of model availability, especially for its day. DM has previously given us the ’31 Ford Model A Roadster, the awesome Deluxe Coupe, the Model A Woody Station Wagon and a myriad of Model A work trucks. But this Phaeton brought more than a modicum of class and, dare I say, opulence, to the Great Depression Era that was 1931. Certainly, it was not in the same upper strata of a Duesenberg or Auburn or even Packard of the time, but for a much more affordable price tag, it gave a nice measure of elegance to its proud owner.

The Danbury boys went out of their way to give a new and refreshing look to the Model A with grand detail, added extra touches and with a consummate, professional diecast replica build. Initially, as I examined the model for the first time, I could not look past the finish. A magnificent and stately color choice, the dark blue body paint over glossy black fenders is rich and deeply applied. The exquisitely scaled and detailed wire wheels in flat black are at once, purposeful and timeless. But the incredibly fine gold striping pulls the whole ‘look’ together with unexpected grace and style. The stripes start off simply on the leading side edge of the upper hood and run rearward to the body cowling. Once there, they split into dual stripes as they flow across the doors and once again merge into a single entity as they encircle the rear portion of the body. There are lots of textures here to savor and enjoy. You will find them on the down-top boot, the up-top, the seats, running boards and even the spare tire cover and luggage rack. I will get into these specifically as we look at the model.

Unlike the first DM Model A issues, the little four lung power-maker on this model comes complete with a full compliment of detailing. Opening the hood half of the passenger’s side shows off fuel lines and electrical wiring. Crack open the driver’s side, careful to avoid contact with the small cowl-mounted running lights or the ‘Flying Quail’ radiator mascot, and you will get a peek at the copper wiring atop the engine. Don’t miss the external wiring for the headlights and horn. The windshield folds forward and the wind wings are movable as well. For the very best view of the interior, and you are going to want to see this, have the top off, and all doors open. First, notice the amazing little leather tether straps used to prevent the doors from opening too wide. That would just be a shame because the external hinges are a minor masterpiece. They are small and scaled faultlessly and yet allow the doors to fit precisely and even snap into position when closed. The texture-feel of the seating is remarkably well engineered. The balance of the interior is austere but just as Ford made it to be. DM got the dash, flooring, pedals and shifter and emergency brake and the steering wheel right. When mounted, the down-top boot, in tan, offers a nice contrast in color. It seems to brighten up the day as would a convertible ride of the era. The texture of this piece, too, feels realistic. The up-top is a marvel in its own right. Again, the texture-feel of it is something special but it is formed with multiple layers of materials. The frame is a separate unit from the top itself and the internal view is as real as the external one. Once in place, it may not afford the same good view of the interior that the down-top boot does but you get a better view of the rear-mounted spare when the boot is removed. That’s a good thing in this case since we find yet another texture piece due to the materials of build that DM uses. There is a very authentic looking spare cover, made from a rubber-like material that works so well. It feels like it was stretched over the tire by 1:24th scale human hands. For a better angle of view, fold the luggage carrier down. Note, too, that the inner side makes use of photo-etch metal while the outer side, that the rest of the world sees, is wood grain-lined and chrome plated. Finishing up this texture thing are the running boards. Run your fingers down the ‘step-up’ tread section. Cool. Feels real to me.