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Once again Danbury serves up another extremely tasty and satisfying dish, employing their vast energies in giving us a varied menu of Corvettes and Corvette options. Keep in mind that there are collectors who want every year Corvette ever made and some who want every year plus every body style of that particular year, coupe and roadster. Add various derivations of certain year model offerings, such as Collector’s Editions, Grand Sport models and so on, and the menu becomes a veritable smorgasbord. Another factor to ponder is that cars within the same Corvette generation style only vary by slight option nuances and minor feature changes. A perfect example is this 1966 model mid-year. DM has previously given us a ’66 in coupe form and the Penske racing version. And some could say that the car seen here is close to their ’65 roadster offering in maroon, and they would be correct. But then there’s that application of a varied menu of subtle differences that DM employs and we have a wholly new and exciting diecast image.
First, the color choice; I have waited for this one, I love it dearly. It is very hard to capture in photos but in person, in good light, it is unique. Named Mosport Green, it is pronounced, ‘mo-sport’. The name comes from the ‘motor sports’ race park in Ontario, Canada bearing the same name. It has the flavor of mint, set in a small-flake metallic base. Setting it off are the gold line tires and deep ashen green-grey interior. Just to keep the midyear replica as fresh as a tossed salad, DM opted it out with, among other items, a side mount exhaust system, RPO code N14, the work horse 327/350 HP L79, cast aluminum knock-off wheels, code P48, a teakwood steering wheel, code N32, 7.75 x 15 nylon cord Goldwall tires, code T01 and RPO C07, the color-matching auxiliary hard top that cost $231.75 new. Although DM’s ’65 roadster has the outside exhaust, the ones for ’66 were slightly different. The heat shields vary between years. Guess what? Yeah, they nailed it. Emblems and badging between the big block and this small block differ as well and you will see that carried out perfectly too. The ‘Corvette Sting Ray’ scripts, front and rear, are in beautifully chrome foiled metal. The crossed-flag emblems appear on the front nose just fore of the hood center and on both front fenders above the gill slits. They are photo-etched metal. Even the opening fuel filler doors carry different treatments and this was picked up and fabricated flawlessly. The antenna extends and the spare tire carrier opens to allow spare removal. The suspension operates just like the real thing and the headlights open and retract realistically. The grillwork is different than on the previous Corvette iteration and like the dutiful modelers that they are, DM’s boys did not fail to catch that. Once again, the top boot opens to show us the simulated folded top stowed beneath its hard cover and it looks completely functional. The visors are also functional. The interior features a gorgeous set of folding seatbacks, green carpeted flooring, fabric belts, highly detailed and readable radio dial and gauges, well-formed controls and perfectly-detailed door panels. The inside detail of the separate roof is accurate and the fit is nothing short of superb.
Yet again, Danbury’s replication of the engine compartment thoroughly amazes. They have this telescoping prop rod thing down. In this application, it allows the hood to open fully letting you enjoy the detailing till the cows come home. Take your time little heifers, no rush. Herein lies the heart of both the model and the model maker’s art. It’s where detail sells this model as a believable precision replica of the car it dramatically portrays. Squint just right and you’ll swear you’re looking at the real ’66 small block wonder sitting before you, live and in person. This is where the modeler’s art of finding the right materials for the job pays off. The tiniest of springs makes for a grand and magical illusion and tricks your mind into thinking you are actually looking at a throttle return spring in 1:1. A minute dipstick. A thin alternator wire. A metal brake cylinder line, flexible rubber fan belt, metal fuel line replication and even a declutching fan that turns. But roll in some good reading and you have a totally believable scale package. The blue-line radiator hose is stamped with the proper and readable GM parts code number, a couple radiator shroud warning labels and horsepower rating number stickers on the valve covers and we’re sold; in scale. Sixty minutes with the piece and I swear I can start it up and drive off.
For sheer looks-delight, this model has it all. The stance and overall fidelity to the 1:1 is remarkably well manufactured. It does have the older-tech door hinges that some of us love to hate but they do not distract. This is simply a joyous little treasure, and Corvette lover or not, a must have. I rate it a strong 9.985 on the Thrillometer. Available only to previous subscribers to the limited edition Corvette series, the issue price is $135.
(02/08/2006)
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