Saturday, March 9, 2013

Collector's Corner - Brookfield Collectors Guild 1995 Chrysler Cirrus

This is something of a departure from my usual Collector's Corner features because it's technically not a die-cast model and isn't 1:18 scale. It's a 1:25 scale plastic promotional model produced by Brookfield Collectors Guild for Chrysler. In 1995 Chrysler introduced the so-called 'Cloud Cars'; the Plymouth Breeze, Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Cirrus. To promote the Chrysler range, they contracted with Brookfield to make promo models for dealerships. The Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde and LHS were already reproduced in diecast metal with opening parts. The Cirrus didn't get that luxury, though, and was made in plastic like a craft store model kit. It was, however, nicely detailed and features rolling axles. I bought mine for $5 at a swap meet with no box. The windows are a little hazy from sitting in the sun on the guy's table for hours but there is no other damage to speak of.


I bought this model because in 1997 my grandmother bought a Cirrus LXi virtually identical to this one, painted Medium Fern Metallic. I loved that car. It had pale green "Silverfern" perforated leather interior and the 2.5 liter V6 engine. It was a slug on the road, but it was a very nice slug. She sold it in 2002. When I found this model I jumped at the chance to have a replica of her old car.

11 comments:

  1. This is actually not a bad looking model. It is nothing like the crude dealer promos I remember from the '60s. Chrysler must have had high expectations to contract these ones. I never paid much attention to mid '90s cars and have no idea of the quality or performance of these Chrysler products. I can say that I considered them quite attractive compared to Ford's then recently restyled Taurus which, to me, looks like a frog and is one of the ugliest cars Ford ever produced. I'm surprised that Chrysler offered a green interior instead of having only choices of grey, tan or black. If it weren't for the hazed windows, this model could pass for the real thing. The headlight lenses appear hazed as well, which would be expected on most modern cars after just a few years.

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  2. Hi, where can I buy one?
    Thanks!
    Adam

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    1. They show up on eBay occasionally but these were promotional models made back in the '90s and are pretty rare. Brookfield also did a Dodge Stratus version.

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    2. I found one at Salvation Army with the box (although my 12 year old brother destroyed that) for $2.50

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  3. I have the dodge stratus from the same company! I added a touch of smoked out windows. I've had it for 7 years! Mint condition too!

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  4. I have the dodge stratus from the same company! I added a touch of smoked out windows. I've had it for 7 years! Mint condition too!

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    1. I've been trying to get a Brookfield Stratus for months now. I picked up a maroon Cirrus, a black cherry Concorde, a tan Intrepid, a black New Yorker and a lavender Grand Cherokee. Still looking for a Neon and maybe a Sebring if I could get one for the right price. Brookfield also did some great GM promo models; I have two of their Monte Carlo Z34s, a Suburban and a couple of Olds Auroras.

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