1/24 635-50 Hawk 1909 Hupmobile - Highway Classics
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM
Rare hardbox issue dated 1964. The box is in amazing 'Near Mint' condition. Hawk did not issue many automobile kits, but when they did they chose interesting subjects. This one is 1/24 scale and molded in yellow plastic with black wheels. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including instructions. The 1909 Hupmobile was among the first cars to look 'long, low and lovely' with a racy appearance. Rarely seen now, the Hupmobile was very popular in that day due to good performance, looking a bit like a Mercer or Stutz but sporting a much lower price tag. And this kit has a very interesting history also! The molds were originally cut by Kaysun in Japan @ 1954. The kits were a huge advance over the 'Highway Miniatures' and if put side to side put the Revell offerings to shame. I do not know of other kits from Kaysun beyond the two cars. Later in the 1950s Strombecker purchased these molds and issued them in very colorful boxes. However, Strombecker discontinued all plastic kit production in the late 1950s. In 1964 Hawk somehow located these molds. Always with an eye to quality, the Mates brothers knew these were perfect kits for their expanding line of models. The called the Rambler and Hupmobile 'Highway Classics' and issued them in full color boxes that sported photos of the actual built models. There were at least three issues; one at 50 cents, one at 60 cents and one with a special case. However good the kit, the subject matter simply did not catch on and eventually the kits were withdrawn from the line. Polks Hobby Modelcraft found and purchased the molds in 1982 but did not issue the kits. In 1988 Mandrill Manufacturing purchased the Strombecker molds and it is possible these two Kaysun kits is among them.
$85.00