| |
This was a bold move for Chevrolet. The styling on the Stingray from 1963 through 1967 was extremely popular if not fresh after five years. Bill Mitchell had earlier envisioned the upcoming replacement, incorporating the styling of the Mako Shark II with Zora Duntov's engineering accomplishments. The lean car with long flowing fenders, highly arched over the wheels, made for a street car deserving of desire. In 1968 only 80 L88 cars were made. The most rare incarnation, the L88 convertible, became legend even during its own production!
Although it seems to this writer, easier to update FM's existing '68 Corvette introduced 10 years prior, with today's technology, I must still give DM some high marks. Part of the "Performance Legends" series, the diecast trumpets the latest diecast crafter's model art. The Vette sits and 'looks' accurate for the 1968 model year. The side sills are flat black as they should be, the British Green metallic paint has been perfectly replicated and scaled and the Corvette emblems and markings are true to scale as well. The tiny side marker lights are amber and red plastic within miniature chrome bezels. The list of features is most impressive. The engine boasts hood and carburetor filter details, a working declutching fan, wire looms on the plug wires, vacuum tubes and an operational hood prop rod/cylinder. A small button under the grill insert pops the headlights up enough for you to grasp them and complete the process. The suspension articulates well, much better than the previous DM 1963 Corvette. The spare tire carrier opens and the tire may be removed. The top boot deck opens to show off the down top. The visors work. Seat belts are fabric and the three stowage trays behind the seats open. As with the '63, the gas filler lid is operational. All in all, this is a very lovely model. DM has perfectly captured the beauty of one of the most beautiful Corvettes ever. I feel confident that DM will continue to dance with the one that brought them - the core collector. The issue price is $115.
(10/17/2000)
|
|
