AMT-Ertl 1:25 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue

AMT-Ertl plastic dealership promotional models were starting to wind down as the popularity faded for diecast models that were starting to become more practical and durable to make.  Around the same time Oldsmobile started to begin their last hail mary by reviving the Oldsmobile linup with sleek and sporty cars that began with the Aurora and gave the brand better advantage to go after the Japanese competition.  This AMT-Ertl model might not be the first Oldsmobile made for them, but it is the last for the brand and the last sedan for AMT-Ertl plastic promo models.

The Aurora started life from the winning formula of the Aerotech concept car, right down to the slippery styling.  More than that the Aurora was also tuned for a more sporty ride common in European and new coming Japanese competitors at the time.  Spinning off the success is the Antaries concept in 1996 and the Alero Alpha in 1997.  Both cars are styling concepts that take the Aurora styling and move it into the next phase.  What became of them was the Intrigue sedan and the Alero sedan and coupe.  The Intrigue is based on the W-body platform shared with the revised Buick Century, Pontiac Grand Prix, and the Chevrolet Malibu in 1997, and replaces the long-standing Cutlass Ciera sedan.  The styling was pretty close to the concept and also would be shared with the Alero with long horizontal headlights, lower grille design, and large round taillights.  The interior was a big upgrade that was posh and of high quality for a GM model of the time.  The powertrain started with the 3.8L OHV V6 that produced 195 horsepower, but then the anticipated DOHC 3.5L V6 arrived with 215 horsepower, bot powered by a four-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels.  Unfortunately, the bold styling was not enough to save the Oldsmobile division as it was discontinued by 2004.

This Intrigue model was limited run and only offered in black or white with tan interior's.  I found mines without a box, dusty, and missing one exterior mirror for a decent price.  After removing the other mirror and cleaning the car up it still looks good as new.  Unlike past promo sedans this one really stands out with chrome trim, tan interior, and details really coming out of this casting.  The front has large reflector headlights with signal lights to the sides and in the center of them is the Oldsmobile badge.  The lower bumper has dual grille scoops that allows a front license plate to mount in the center without any obstruction.  The side profile has a nice, smooth look with sweeping window lines that elimiate the recessed windows of the 1st generation W-body cars, and chrome multi-spoke wheels with rubber tires.  At the rear is round taillights with integrated signal and reverse lamps, Intrigue badge above the license plate, and dual exhaust tip.

The base shows off the typical GM sedan chassis with front subframe that houses the engine and the transmission pan details, with the exhaust system leading to the independent rear suspension.  The old pushrod V6 motors are coarse on these W-bodies and the suspension is rather soft, especially at the rear.  Thankfully the interior is a nice reprieve from the underpinning and is one of the nicest in promo vehicles.  The front has bucket seats, while the rear has a bench seat in soft, unsupportive matter.  The door panels have faint details of the armrests and door handles.  The dashboard has a nice, smooth design with a nifty trick of a separate black piece for the center radio and HVAC controls.  The 4-spoke steering wheel has detailed controls, dual airbags, and detailed gauges in black.  The ignition key is located on the dashboard and not in the steering column, while the shifter is located on the center console with a black boot and hidden cupholders.

While AMT/Ertl still makes plastic promotional models, not as often as they used to and mostly still focused on sports cars like the Camaro, Mustang, and Corvette, so it is unlikely to see another highly-detailed mid-size sedan in the line that was climaxed by this Oldsmobile Intrigue.