THE GODFATHER'S 1940 CADILLAC LIMOUSINE

The Godfather's 1940 Cadillac Limousine by Jada Toys

A single rear and the divider behind the chauffeur�s seat identify Jada�s new 1:18 scale 1940 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood as the Five-Passenger Touring Imperial. Its big seven-piece diecast body is smooth and clean, with a glossy black finish that has traces of orange peel. The features that distinguished 1940 models � new grille, bumper with thin vertical guards, and fender-mounted turn signals, are all modeled accurately, however leave the hood closed; the V8 engine beneath it is completely chrome-plated. All four doors are hinged correctly and close with an audible snap. The all-plastic interior has neatly painted handles and cranks and legible instruments, but much of the dashboard trim, including wood-grain panels, hasn�t been reproduced. The nicely detailed Godfather figure in the rear seat+ is neatly and realistically painted, as is the standing driver whose gun hand is tucked inside his jacket. While Jada�s 1940 Cadillac Series 75 looks good and is well-made, I think they fitted it to the box. Wheelbase is 1:19 scale, while the length is more than 2 inches short at 1:21 scale and photos show that both the rear doors and rear fenders are too short. --SMI May 2007.