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I’m relatively confident that my friends at the Danbury Mint have graduated from the University of Diversity where they majored in Advanced Corvette. Here we have but one more example of a standard issue “missing link year” of America’s Sports Car set off by black wall tires, a great color choice and as-yet-to-be-done wheel covers. No cookie cutter Corvette models here. Each of DM’s Vettes is set off from the others in some form or fashion.
This was the first year of Corvette’s famed big block 427. The one replicated here by DM is the RPO order code, L72, 427 cubic inches with 425 horsepower. It was simply called the “Turbo-Jet”. Maybe that’s because it seemed like one when you stuck your foot into it. Tons of torque will do that. Danbury chose a coupe for this model year and I’m happy that they did. The color, Laguna Blue, is a deep, dark, slightly metallic paint that highlights the coupe’s shape and style. With contrasting Bright Blue interior, the choice is excellent; especially in view of the fact that they are bringing out another 1966 ‘midyear’ Corvette, a drop-top, in Ermine White.
DM built in all of the fabulous ‘goodies’ as they did with their beloved ’64 and ’65 coupes. The antenna extends, the gas filler cap opens, the hood uses a telescoping prop rod and the chrome metal foiled emblems are beyond exquisite. The spinner caps show off a valve stem and the color contrast from chrome to the center gray is spot on. The spare may be removed from its carrier and the chassis is typically DM perfection. Interior-wise, the DM guys got it right again. The seats fold forward to showcase the gorgeous carpeted rear compartment. Fabric seat belts are seen between the seats with the buckle ends at the ready near the doors. The door jamb highlights a photo-etch striker plate and the sills are photo-etched as well. The gauges and console are fashioned well and the seats are lifelike in their material. The steering wheel looks like the 1:1 wood-rimmed version. The headlight pods flip up and the hood has photo-etched grilling on either side of the hood bulge. Underneath may be your favorite view of the diecast, it’s certainly mine. The plug wires seem to be better scaled than before and the throttle linkage is evident on the big block. Hoses with proper clamps and brake lines make a wonderful under-the-hood presentation.
The suspension works but don’t let that fool you into thinking that the stance may somehow be off, it’s not. This little dark horse sits pert and pretty on all four black walled hooves. Keep in mind that the base to DM’s midyear Vette is their black ’63, issued in 1999, so do not expect internal door hinges and don’t expect that to detract in any way from the effort. Shined up and delicately placed atop the Thrillometer, this ’66 coupe ranks a high 9.8 reading.
(05/20/2005)
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