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Discussion Starter · #1 · (Edited)
Recieved the GL 1965/66 Mustang fastback in black last night, thought I'd do a little comparison with the JL version. Finally a JL that doesn't seem too small!

First of all, this isn't a totally fair comparison because the GL is a GT model and the JL is not. Both are powered by a 289 in raven black with sport red interior. Both diecast have rubber tires and opening hoods.

The GL and JL are nearly identical in dimensions.

The GL is a GT and has the driving lights in the grill, I also prefer it's "thinner" front bumper. Otherwise both are faithful the the Mustang, with appropriate horse in the corral, F O R D lettering, turn indicators. The JL could use a little more spacing between the hood lettering. The GT did have the chrome strip at the leading edge of the hood, while the non-GT didn't, good attention to detail by both companies. Notice the JL has a flatter roof and more bulbous hood, again the GL is more faithful here but is also a much newer casting.


Let us take a look under the hood, the good ole Ford 289cid V8, probably an A code. Some major differences here. Ford did use blue on the blocks like the JL shows. Both show the correct gold colored air filter cover, however a GT usually had the snorkel that the GL correctly shows. I believe 64 models had a blue air filter cover.


Let's take a look around back. Again very similiar in looks and the GL faithfully shows that the GT does have the trumpet exhaust and the "GT" fuel cap, while the JL shows the regular fuel cap. Where are the backup lamps for the GL though? Only early 64 models were missing those. Plate on the JL is a little more faithfully sized. The rear window on the GL is slightly larger and I think the JL looks better in that area.


Moving on the side profile. Wow, both are lookers! The GL has the correct GT stripe, badging and wheels. Nice work guys! The JL has the correct "regular" badging and rocker panels. The badging is slightly larger than need be, but only when compared to the GL. The wheels are both correct as offerings from Ford and really could have been interchangeable between a GT and non-GT. They're both awesome with the redline tires, the GL is a little more faithful on the tires, especially in width. Maybe the JL has some newer radials.

The JL has the correct rear curvature of the door windows, however the windshield may be laid back a little too much. Again, only noticeable when compared to the GL.


The top view shows some interesting differences. The most obvious detail missing to me is the lower windshield trim on the GL. The rear shelf of the GL is larger and more correct. Otherwise both look very faithful to me.


The real deal:





Which one do you prefer? I think both are awesome...I like the GT because it goes perfectly with my black 88 GT and black 12 GT (on order). But I still love the JL and think I may bring that one to work with me.
 

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They are both very nice, but I think I will go for the JL. I like the window treatment better - the GL windows look like they're ready to 'pop-out' or weren't install quite right. And in looking at the real deals, I think the JL got the windshield slope more correctly. jmho
 

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GREAT thread, Texn!!!
You make some great observations about the bumpers, grills, and the curvature of the side door glass opening, and agree with most all of it. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I would have to say I have a different opinion about the scale.
I think the Johnny Stang is definately smaller than 1/64th.
My Greenlight '61 Vette is the same leanth as my Johnny Jightning Stang. The Vette should obviously be shorter.
So that would make the Greenlight Stang less than 1/64th if it's the same leanth as the Johnny.

Also think differently about the tires.
Those particular Greenlight tires look like steamrollers to me, and not accurate to scale.

I allways thought the Johnny was a great casting, but just one flaw that I notice when in my hand. The rear wheel openings are too small for the size of the tires.
Other than that, both casting look great to me, but the Greenlight has a slight edge in over-all detail. Those rims are amazing!

Pic from Wyatt's. I was immpressed with the first JL Stang I discovered back in 'ought-seven. Love the accurate skinny tires and wheel-covers!!!
 

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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
Yes, those are truly correct width tires, the GL is 1/5 less steam roller than the JL I have pictured. I should take a picture comparing the two.

You're probably right in that both are smaller than 1/64, maybe closer to 1/67. Most JLs seem to be even smaller.
 

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I would take the GL. The more accurate wheel/tire size is the deciding factor for me. The ones on this particular JL seem pretty fat - though the ones in the pic Lummox posted are much more correct. Greenlight has actually made some strides in ridding it's lineup of steamrollers, as their Mustang shows. But in every other way, the Johnny holds up very well.

I don't know what series or price point that JL comes from, but to compare favorably to a newer GL is an accomplishment. Good review TEXN!
 

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Discussion Starter · #15 ·
It is a Classic Gold casting, I received it in a trade so it is likely that the tires/wheels were swapped. Still looks great and shouldn't take away from the spirit of this comparison.
 

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Still don't understand why my GL tires are wider than the widest JL tires, but maybe I'm just confused. It's happened more than once! :) :)

The JL coupe that Tom mentioned still holds up pretty well, and it's 10 year old Playing Mantits release.
 

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On the engine block colors: I think in 1965 the 289 blocks were still painted black. I think Ford went to the all dark blue beginning in 1966. Excellent Review
 
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