1959 Chevrolet Impala Coupe

The much-awaited replicas designed by WCPD (West Coast Precision Diecast) have arrived. I was privileged to have an up close and personal look at both the Harbor Blue Convertible and the Frost Blue and White coupe. I would personally like to thank Brian and Paul for allowing JSS Software the opportunity to review these outstanding replicas first hand.

Everyone whoever watched the television show "Bonanza" back in 1959, has to remember the '59 Impala driving down the highway during the commercials? The jingle playing in the background was "See the USA in your Chevrolet". The '59 is the one that started it all for Chevrolet as the car to own.

It was the saying at Chevrolet Headquarters, "always chrome, always beautiful" when discussing the Impala and its now famous emblem. The graceful "Impala" emblem has adorned more than 13 million Chevrolet Impalas since 1958. As it does the West Coast replica in stunning fashion, it is located on the rear quarter panel trim.

In 1959, Impala made up an entire model line for Chevrolet with both two- and four-door versions. According to press materials of the day, mechanical advancements of improved brakes, new suspension and easier handling point to a luxury liner that is marked for top popularity.

The theory worked, and Impala production reached 473,000 units in 1959 - Chevy's top-selling car nameplate. Impala became America's bestseller just one year later.

Moving on to the WCPD replica upon removing it from the box and holding it in my hand I was impressed with its stunning beauty. My mind flashed back to those early commercials and I relived part of my youth, remembering this car in all its splendor and glory.

West Coast captured this image perfectly; the color combination of Frost Blue and white along with the fit and finish of this replica is absolutely stunning. The chrome trim seems to flow with the model, evenly matching from panel to panel. Let me mention the model I received for review was a sample, not a final production model. According to Brian and Paul there are still improvements to be made to the final replica, I was hard pressed to find any.

I am one who likes to view a replica amongst others of the same scale. By doing so I get a better perspective of the replicas scale. I like to call it eye appeal. I assure you this replica certainly had eye appeal, displaying nicely amongst replicas of similar scale.

As for included features, West Coast pushed the envelope to its limit. Some of the options found on this replica are removable skirts; removable hub caps a drive shaft that rotates a glove box and ashtray that opens, even a key in the ignition. I must admit I loved the texture of the seats and the little amenities that were added such as the rear ashtrays. With the removable skirts it made it difficult to decide how to display this replica with skirts or without? It looked stylish in either pose.

I did find the doors hard to open and close, the interior door panel catches on the door latch mounted on the jam. I hope this is resolved on the final production piece? I feel if it is not addressed the door or latch will sustain damage in the future by forcing it open or closed? Also the steering is not operational it is posable however, again not a problem as far as I am concerned.

Viewing the engine compartment you will be hard pressed to find a more detailed presentation on this or any other replica for that fact. Hoses, clamps, belts, throttle return spring; you name it West Coast made sure it's in there. I found the hood required a little persuasion to fully open. If you gently pull it forward, ever so slightly, it opens just fine remember to gently push it back to close. Again no big deal, I love what I saw gracing that power plant and commend the WCPD team on a job well done. This is undoubtedly one of the best engine compartments I ever viewed.

Stepping back to admire the rear of this replica one has to notice those aerodynamic fins and how beautiful they are. I have to tell you West Coast again displayed they did their homework, capturing the look of the ‘59 perfectly. The fins form a perfect V at the trunk emblem with graceful sloping lines. The look of the trunk lid adds to the eye appeal that I mentioned above; don't overlook those beautiful taillights either.

Lifting the trunk lid reveals a well-appointed trunk compartment including a spare tire, mat and wiring to the taillights. If that isn't enough detail gently pull the license plate down to reveal the fuel filler cap.

Flipping the model over reveals that the detailing didn't end with the body but included the undercarriage too. I have to tell you I love a detailed undercarriage and here too West Coast shined. They painted the undercarriage the proper color making it period correct and included brake lines, wiring, operational drive shaft and a working suspension.

What's not to love about this model? This is one that needs to be added to your wish list if it isn't already. I commend WCPD with their first release. I suspect as this company matures their future releases will only get better? I for one will be eagerly awaiting many more fabulous replicas from them. Kudos, on a job well done!

1959 Chevrolet Impala Coupe: Four and a Half Stars

Color: Frost Blue/White

1961 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

Whether you prefer to display your models top up or down the WCPD '61 Impala Convertible won’t disappoint you whichever stance you choose.

It is absolutely stunning regardless how it is posed. Personally, I would be hard pressed to select my preferred pose. The up top that WCPD created for this replica is outstanding. WCPD attention to detail on the up top is evident by its pronounced lines and outstanding fit. Another thumbs up to the team of WCPD for doing their homework in design and development of one of the many fantastic features that is obvious throughout this replica.

Whether you prefer to display your models top up or down the WCPD '61 Impala Convertible won’t disappoint you whichever stance you choose.

It is absolutely stunning regardless how it is posed. Personally, I would be hard pressed to select my preferred pose. The up top that WCPD created for this replica is outstanding. WCPD attention to detail on the up top is evident by its pronounced lines and outstanding fit. Another thumbs up to the team of WCPD for doing their homework in design and development of one of the many fantastic features that is obvious throughout this replica.

Making the argument to pose this model top down is its beautiful interior. The gold and tan color choice compliments this car perfectly. Making it an outstanding eye-popping replica overall. The interior is stunning boasting a detailed dash, rugs and the following peddles: gas, brake, clutch and parking brake. It also has four on the floor with a readable shifting pattern viewable on the shifter knob, making you want to jump in and take the ole girl for a spin around the block.

Pop the hood to feast your eyes on a magnificent engine compartment bursting with detail. Let me mention the hood design utilizes realistic hinges making it simple to open even for these arthritic hands. The engine is fully plumbed and wired. Also, it includes the little touches like a radiator tag and emblems on the alternator along with both battery cables and even a brake line to the master cylinder.

Let me be redundant and mention that WCPD captured the look of this car perfectly. No matter what angle you view this model from you have to be impressed with the outstanding lines and detail that went into the creation of this fine collectible. The overall fit and finish is outstanding sure to please the most finicky collector.

Bottom line, you need this model in your collection if you are a 60’s collector or not. Order yours today, I am sure this one will sell out very quickly!

I rate the WCPD ’61 Impala Convertible a "Five Star" replica and it doesn’t get any better than that.

Color: Coronna Cream

1962 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

WCPD has one goal in mind or so it seems with each ‘New release of their stunning Impala’s. That goal is to raise the bar so high that no one can come close to the amount of detail and accuracy that went into creating this stunning line of replicas.

From its glass like finish to the opening glove box, what’s not to love. WCPD models continue to spike the bling meter with each preceding release. The color combination is an excellent choice for this replica, rather appealing to the eye.

In typical WCPD fashion the engine compartment lacks nothing. The massive 409 engine that compliments the ’62 Impala SS is loaded with bling. Upon opening the hood I felt like a kid on Christmas. You remember that, don’t you? Remember opening that first present and anticipating what would be found once that gift was unwrapped. Let me tell you the excitement I experienced viewing the engine compartment for the first time was nothing but admiration for the team at WCPD for doing there homework well. You name it, it’s in there: wires, hoses, fan belt, brake line, labels etc. the list goes on and on, you get the picture. Bling, bling, bling!

I blew a head gasket when I started to examine the interior of this replica. What fantastic attention to detail, I congratulate Mr. Dunning and his design team for one outstanding interior. You want to talk detail, bling or anything else that makes a model special, look no further it’s all in this model. The glove box opens, the gauges are readable, the radio actually has the station numbers on it.

Check out the seats and door panels, the detail is just outstanding. Everything looks scaled to perfection and is pleasing to the eye. I love the four-speed shifter it looks right at home in this car, not to big or thick, designed to flow perfectly with the interior. Viewing the ball on the shifter has to put a smile on your face just look at the detail, beautiful.

Viewing this model from the rear had me grinning like a kid on my first date; it was precise in detail and gorgeous, just like my first date.

Maybe this model appeals to me because I grew up with this body style. I never had the pleasure of viewing the SS 409 up close and personal as a kid but a few of our neighbors did own this body style and I remember it well. It’s funny how memories of my youth come flooding back when I hold a particular model in my hands. This is one of those models that are full of good memories.

Bottom line if you are a collector of high-end models, then this model deserves a spot on your shelf. I love the black exterior with the tan interior; it gives this model that special eye appeal that screams look at me.

As for detail and bling this model exemplifies what I am taking about when I refer to bling on a model. From nose to tail, top to bottom this model is what they all should be gauged by, outstanding in every aspect of design and detail. This model is unquestionably a very strong 5 Star model, worthy of a spot on any shelf regardless of what you collect.

Model: 1962 Chevrolet Impala: Five Stars
Manufacturer: WCPD
Color: Black w/Tan Interior
Scale: 1:24