Motormax 1:24 1969 Ford F-100 Pickup

Just a few months ago I profiled the Hot Wheels Texas Drive 'em, which is essentially a 1967-1972 Ford F-100 4x4.  At the time of the truck's introduction in 2009 it was the only F-series in this generation in small scale.  Now the word's out with M2 Machines and Motormax joining the fray.

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The Sporty Truck

One thing's for sure:  If you want a rare and sporty truck, nothing's more sure than getting a regular cab, short bed pickup with the mandatory V8 motor.  While most pickups were used for work, the long bed was the preferred choice, but for those who just need a truck for light duty work the short bed offers better manuverability for its size.  Still, these trucks command a higher value than the long bed versions.  So it's no surprise this Motormax version with the short bed would not only look sporty, but be a one-of-a-kind for its scale range.  The front has a chrome bumper with separate headlights and painted signal lights, eggcrate grille, and 1969 plates front and rear.  The hood has the FORD letters at the front edge and side marker light with F100 badge on the sides.  The silver trim is carried along the side, as well as the cab-mounted gas cap and square exterior mirrors.  The door handles look odd as the release button is at top of the handle instead of below.

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Now out back I was expecting the same plastic bed panels that I found on the Motormax 1:24 66 Chevy C-10, so I was surprised to see that they are metal on this casting, though the inner bed walls are plastic.  The tailgate does not open, but that is offset with detailed taillights and FORD letters.  The tailgate is plastic instead of the metal of the outer bed fenders.  The cool look is addressed to the (rather small) tires with whitewall sidewall and 5-spoke rally wheels that look like they come off of a 1966 Chevelle; one thing I have about these wheels, aside from them sticking out like a sore thumb, is the fact that they're nothing more than wheel covers for the steel wheels!  As usual the wheels connect to pin axles.  The colors offered are Tan, Blue, Black, or this nice metallic red that is called Royal Maroon by Ford.

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Inside is nothing exciting with a bench seat, nicely detailed door panels, and a dashboard that is car-like with horizontal speedometer and central radio, both are sticker decals.  The 3-spoke wheel with deep-dish rim also holds the column-mounted shifter.  Otherwise it looks rather plain.  The hood opens up to show off the 302 CID V8 that produces 205 hp. though a 3-speed automatic.  For the base there seems to be some miscommunications: It features the correct drivetrain and frame layout, but the 4x4 transfer case (was this supposed to have 4x4?) is too far back and connects to a front-axle with nothing but X's on the steering knuckle points.  This 4x4 setup is for the raised versions in a separate Motormax line.  Also the spare tire is missing at the rear.  The engine bay area is worse:  Even though it has the correct block, air cleaner, and distributor details, there seems to be some floating details between the valve covers and fender covers.

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Motormax used to be the king of details back in the 1990's, but now it seems they've lost that luster in recent products.  While this 1969 Ford F-100 is a nice-looking casting, they need to be careful on how they detail the chassis and engine bay, oh and it wouldn't hurt to spruce up the interior and feature an opening tailgate at the rear.

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