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Sales are limited to those who subscribed to DM's Limited Edition Corvette series which began with their 1953 Corvette. Further issues were the 1960 roadster, 1969 convertible and the 1996 Corvettes. The issue price is $135.
The end of this series, this replica also marks, with information accompanying its package, of the new 5 car series of limited edition Corvettes. See the review for the first in that series, the 1955 Corvette, for further details.
Monza Red was a great choice for this model, despite the many that do not care for that oft used color choice. In fact, the makers have heard that sentiment and may have backed off choosing some great color variations because of it. Thanks DM, for sticking with the Monza Red. Deep and colorful, the choice is enriched by the red-on-red addition of the red interior. The up top is black. This model stands out! The car is optioned with a 427 with trips. The three two barrel air cleaner is the triangulated chrome looker that tips off the, “Oo’s and ah’s” when a Vette cognoscenti first realizes the motor is the big block 427. Power steering and brakes are optioned out along with side mounted exhaust, A/C, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, deluxe wheel covers and front fender louver trim, a '69 only option. No radio delete here as with the ZL-1 model, DM put in an AM/FM and placed an antenna on the rear fender. Careful not to get so close as to poke yourself in the eye when you ogle the interior details!
Like the 1968 model that spawned this diecast, the stance, even with workable suspension, is flawless. The springs and shocks on the rear articulate and the entire front end works like the real thing with upper and lower control arms working in concert to keep the castor and camber aligned during wheel travel. The seats are covered in genuine leather, the driver’s side floor features a heel protector and the dash gauges are so realistic you’ll expect readings. The seats fold forward to expose the three hatches. One is for stowage, and the others are for battery and jack. The hard boot opens to reveal the simulated down top. The fuel filler door opens and the spare tire carrier drops allowing you to remove the spare. The emblems and scripts of, “Corvette and Stingray” are metal foiled and beautiful. The visors work and the antenna is fixed.
Under the hood is where we see the price of admission. Every conceivable detail went un-spared. A telescoping prop rod holds the hood open. The fan blade turns, plug wires and plumbing have been sublimely fabricated and the choice of paint color highlights the brake cylinder and vacuum canister. Proper chrome coil shielding and braided shielded ignition wires are added back to this model from the ZL-1 option delete package. The ZL-1 and '68 L-88 were both mandatory radio-delete cars so they had exposed distributors and plain rubber ignition wires. The doors are a now-familiar nicety with their hidden hinges and snap closed mechanism. The fit and finish of the model is incredible. Another great Corvette rendering. The model earns a 9.75 on the Thrillometer.
(11/18/2004)
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