Well the model has finally made its way to England, where it must finally accept its fate. It will be opened, but Master DLMer David Tilley has left it to collectors to decide HOW he is going to open it.
And we will tally the votes here as well. Option 1 or Option 2? Read David's post, and either share your vote here in the comment section below, or put in your vote on the Lamley Facebook page. We want to hear from you!!
On with the article:
Okay I am going to put this to a community decision. As many may remember, John Lambert picked up this model for me a few months ago.
Now, obviously, this has ended up in my hands. It has taken 8 years to get to me, but when I saw the stock photos in early 2004, and then when the range was launched I knew I wanted to try and get the models that were in different colors. A few of the models were in trial designs and the final production models were all totally different. In fact, as most will know, the model ended up being a replica of the original Ford GT in white with a blue stripe/6 design on the front.
This blue "73" design was never actually produced.
In fact, this was still in the early stages and the numbering system had not been established yet, so this was mocked us as #12, even though it ended up as #41 (as a nod to the original Ford GT again).
The rear even shows other models in early number slots that never stayed like that.
So the question is.... how do I open this model?
Do I....
1. Carefully open the package to keep the blistercard as close to perfect as I can, and then pass on this card to another person to keep for prosperity? BTW if this does end up being the option, another question will be thrown out afterwards asking who wants the package and why they want it. Everyone knows I don't want it.
2. Rip and tear the package apart without a care for the state of the package once the model is loose. The package will then be chucked away, unless somebody wants that too?
All I care about is getting the model. That is all I want. I want to be able to hold the blue Ford GT in my hand, roll it along the table, and play with it. I want to stack a boat load of other Ford GTs on top of it and take a few group shots of loose Ford GT models.
So it is up to you to decide how it gets out of prison. A careful opening or a mindless tearing.
Please be aware, that I know some people will despise me for this. Fair enough. I don't mind if you like to disclose that in a public forum. It is up to you as it is a free world. I will not think badly upon anyone who wishes to have a go at me for opening up a rare model. I know it is not exactly the most desirable thing to do with a model. But this is my model, and I will do what I want with it. And what I want is to open it. I only collect loose models. 100% of my collection is loose. I do not own models that are to be kept sealed. I do not want models in my collection that have to be kept sealed. This does not have to be kept sealed. I know it is worth more if it was, but that is not important to me either. I am not collecting for financial reasons. I am collecting because it brings me happiness. And part of that happiness is rolling the model around and playing with it. I can't do that with a sealed/blistered model. You do need to know that anything you may say towards preparing a counter-argument against trying to open this will be read by me, all details will be taken fully on board, and then dismissed without reason.
THE MODEL WILL BE OPENED NEXT SUNDAY (October 7). However, the way it will be opened will not be revealed by me. As I stated at the start (for anyone who was actually reading) John Lambert helped me to obtain this model, and as such it will be receiving the results of the opening on October 8th Matchbox Monday on the Lamley blog. John will provide a link to it when it is done.
These will be the last photos you will see of this model sealed.
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