In 1983, after Warner Communications had purchased the Franklin Mint, the company entered the die-cast vehicle market introducing a 1935 Mercedes Benz 500K Roadster.
[1][5] Collectible authors such as Randall Olson[6] and Dana Johnson[7][page needed] recognized Franklin Mint as one of the first commercial companies to sell diecast vehicles aimed at collectors.
One website reviews Franklin Mint vehicles and points out that though the lines of the 1:24 scale 1948 Tucker were "clean and precise" the model suffered from unrealistically thick hinges, window plastic 'glass' correctly detailed in some places but not in others, and a misplaced steering wheel and other problems with interior rendering.
[2] Hemmings Motor News reported that the Franklin rendition of the Mercedes 300SL had accurate interior upholstery and nicely fitting gulling doors, but color details that were wrong, parts badly placed, and a misshapen windshield.
[14] Other examples of interest were the detailed Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail motorcycle in 1:10 scale which included accurate looking texture on the saddlebags, moving gearshift and brake pedals (which were diecast metal), and realistic labeling on the bike's crankcase.
One odd offering was Richard Petty's 1977 number 43 NASCAR Oldsmobile Cutlass stock car, which featured half the body in clear plastic so as to view inner details.