Anthony's Model Cars

U.S.A. Cars

Ford 1908-1927

1928 Porter Convertible 'My Mother the Car'

A long time ago AMT released the 1/25 scale kit My Mother the Car from the television show of the same name, starring Jerry van Dyke, Dick van Dyke's brother.
Basically, the AMT version was a Ford Model T Touring with a modified engine hood, radiator, headlamps, trunk and gas tank. Allthough not a real T, as it shares a lot of parts I added the model to the collection.
My Mother the Car may very well be known as the most notorious short-lived sitcom of all time (1 season, 30 episodes) and the worst television series of all time. It's solely due to it's premise, a talking car. Dave Crabtree (Jerry van Dyke) discovers that his mother has returned from the grave as a 1928 Porter convertible automobile.
  • The original builder was Norm Grabowski, who also built the "Kookie Kar" on 77 Sunset Strip. It was actually a nicely done early street rod. Barris Kustom Industries was responsible for the "upgrade" to the Porter.
  • Powered by a 283ci Chevrolet V-8 & a Powerglide automatic transmission.
  • The car's body (finished in Metalflake carnation red with a white top) was made up from various vehicles including a Model T Ford, a Maxwell, a Hudson and pieces of a Chevrolet, including drive train. The car had a custom-made hood and radiator shell.
  • 2 cars were used in the series
  • To make it appear that the car was driverless (when the ghost in the machine drove it) the rear floorboard was removed so that a second driver could be placed out of sight of the viewing audience. He drove the car using mirrors.

Well, my model doesn't talk...

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