Hubley Manufacturing (Lancaster Penn.) sold metal model kits from 1959 through 1965, until they were taken over by Gabriel Industries. In order to boost toy sales, they offered toy store owners factory-built display models if they purchased minimum quantities of certain model kits. These displays were never offered for sale to the public and not many survived.Out of all the Hubley Store metal model kit store displays, the Hot Rod is the second rarest and difficult to find and obtain (in any condition).
There are various unique features found on most Hubley store displays. In this case the chrome-like exhaust pipe is different from what is included in the model kit. The engines are also painted in a very specific way, making it easy to compare to other models that were actually built out of a kit.
This model has a slightly warped windshield, which could potentially be heated and straightened or even replaced if so desired.. You can perform various minor repairs to factory store displays (such as repairing or replacing chrome parts, plastic parts, accessories, etc.) without hurting their originality, but you can’t repaint one and still call it original
I am not a model builder, just an enthusiastic collector. I have not attempted any repairs or touch-ups to this toy. It's in the same condition it was when I first acquired it.
I will have this car as well as many other Hubley metal model factory-built store displays listed for sale in the near future. Please view my other listings to check out some of the other rare Hubley items you may enjoy owning.
Please send me your questions and I will try to respond as quickly as possible.