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You can officially call this a new and improved DM 1962 Corvette. This is somewhat more than a repaint only. Yes, the model is based on the 1997 release in Roman Red but there are a couple improvements/modifications to heighten the allure of the new car in its Sateen Silver T-shirt. While the former version is well suited, in its red sports jacket, to a night out on the town in grand and stylish fashion, this model comes off looking more like a street tough looking for a race or two.
Optioned out with a 327/360 horse fuelie motor, the same as in the red car, this one announces its intentions in the form of a bare-bones, take-no-prisoners sort of way. It plays the punk to its red sister’s above-board Main Street attitude and grace. Outwardly apparent from the start are the dog dish hub caps on silver wheels with blackwall tires. Don’t need no uptown thin whites to blow doors off of lesser cars. The small, passenger car hubcaps are for the 15x5.5 wheels (RPO 276), as these wheels couldn't hold a normal Corvette full wheel cover. And sneak a peek at the proper air scoops that cool the front brakes. There’s a special heavy duty brake and suspension option package on this F.I. machine. DM built in Corvette's RPO 687 "Heavy Duty Brakes and Steering" Package, which also required RPO 675 (Posi rear). While we’re underneath the model check out the correct raw coloring of the bottom of the fiberglass passenger’s tub. The correct sized and painted mufflers (black) are in place and the brown leather travel limiting straps are holding the rear axle. The suspension continues to be operational as with the first issue. And if you're real good, you'll also spot the finned brake drums! The antenna extends and the spare is still removable but the trunk mat is now rubber instead of vinyl and the jacking instructions are now on the spare tire floor support. The interior hasn’t been touched except that the belt buckle ends are now black instead of the natural photo-etched metal. Doors continue to use dog leg hinges but it is difficult to even see them in this car.
In the engine bay, I see a few improvements. The air cleaner housing now sports minute printing in gold, as it should. Fuel lines are now metal and the radiator has its proper label. Other continued features that make the model a standout are photo-etched wipers, metal medallions front and rear, working sunvisors and a perfect fit for each panel. Scripts are tampoed. The convertible top is gorgeous with a real fabric outer covering and the welt line is beautifully added to the rear of the piece. The previous issue had the matching Roman Red hard top. Leave it to DM to mix things around and not ever be stale. The contrast of black over silver is striking.
If you want an early street smart Corvette to make your heart skip a couple beats, DM’s got your number with this guy. Just be careful to roll up your smokes in the sleeve of your T-shirt or else this bad boy will steal them. Keep them Vettes a-coming DM! 9.2 on the Thrillometer.
Available only to previous subscribers to the limited edition Corvette series, the issue price is $135.
(06/02/2005)
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