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This is Danbury’s second annual 50th Anniversary (1954-2004) Corvette Limited Edition. Of course, it follows their first 50th Anniversary, 1953 Corvette Limited Edition issue. The edition size will be limited to production ending 12/31/04.
For 1954, Chevrolet built 3640 Corvettes in their new facility in St. Louis, Missouri. The first 300 1953 Corvettes were produced in GM’s plant in Flint, Michigan. Aside from the original Polo White, Sportsman Red, Black and Pennant Blue were now offered for the second year of build. An all new beige interior was also added to the original red cabin. The straight-line six engine, dubbed, “Blueflame Special”, carried forward from ’53 but in the mid-term was given a change in camshaft hopping the motor up from 150 horse power to 155. Chevy’s Powerglide auto trans remained but to thwart the smoky exhaust build-up on the car’s rear flank, the exhaust tips were extended.
As with DM’s ’53 Vette replica, expect top accuracy, phenomenal detail and impeccable fit and finish with the ’54. In Pennant Blue, a deep Azure and Ocean mix with a slight metallic thrown in, the model is striking, especially with the beige seats and dash, highlighted by light tan carpeting and cream-colored steering wheel, dash and door trim. Corvette painted the top of the dash body color but it was not buffed to a gloss to prevent glare. DM followed precisely. They went a step farther and fashioned a couple of air vents, just behind the windshield, with separately formed chrome pieces. The gauges are readable, the insignias on the steering wheel center and passenger’s side dash are legible and even the shift pattern of the transmission is printed on the shift knob in tiny lettering. The top boot opens to display a replicated ‘down’ top and the material used is the same as on the additional ‘up top’. The gas filler door opens and for those that found slight shade differences than body color on the door, this is a perfect match. In the trunk you will find a leather side curtain pouch for storage when the windows are not used.* The jack tool hangs on the passenger’s bulkhead and the floor mat is removable along with the spare tire. The trunk lock button is fashioned as a separate piece. *To display with side curtains in place, simply pin them into the doors while the doors are open and the top is on. Then merely close the doors. The fit is superb.
Don’t miss the genuinely accurate detail work beneath the model. From the rear; the over-travel rear-end straps are in place and you will find correct factory markings on the drive shaft in yellow. Real metal springs and metal lines replicate the emergency cabling and up front you can see the awesome detailing of the fuel pump and gas lines running upward. Carb linkage, brake lines, plug wiring, heater hoses and battery cables all combine to add realism to the engine bay. A telescoping prop rod allows you to see all the wonders of DM’s build. The engine received a shot of chrome to the valve cover with a “Corvette” script imbedded accordingly and the carburetion dons a couple of chromed air cleaners. The stance is flawless on working suspension and the doors feature the terrific internal hinges.
With the side curtains in place and the top on, we have a wonderful glimpse into what this icon looked like half a century ago. The little model is nostalgic and elegant at the same time. Do give this one a close look, it does not disappoint in the slightest. It ranks a solid 9.8 on the old Thrillometer.
The issue price is $135.
(11/19/2004)
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