| |
An important milestone has finally been reached in the Danbury Mint’s arsenal of 1:24th Corvette models; a 1967 Sting Ray. This one, a very important 427 big block coupe. The last of the C2 generation and arguably the most commanding of the so-called “mid-year” Vettes, the venerable ’67 is still revered today as a highly sought after and obscenely expensive Corvette. Add the big 427 tri-power mill, slip on the aluminum wheels and bolt up the outside exhaust and you are looking down the barrel of a decent-size bank vault’s inventory as a price tag. But as the selling price of such cars are now demanding what amounts to a few years salary for the average man, this priceless classic from DM is so much easier to afford and the car has no miles on it!
I applaud DM’s color choice. In Sunfire Yellow with black interior and a black stinger hood the model is spectacular. And I adore the code QB1 redline tires on this car; a $46.65 option in ‘67. DM’s previously issued mid-year cars are gorgeous but this light yellow color, applied flawlessly, allows the car’s shape and body styling to be completely appreciated in any lighting condition. DM excels at getting the paint right and carries that on to the thinnest of paint striping as well. Bordering the stinger stripe are skinny black pinstripes. They are evenly spaced, straight and true. DM also paid attention to the windshield cowl vents and the side gill slots, up from three to five from the 1966 model year to 1967. They treated them to black-wash painting adding deeper dimension. The wipers are realistically scaled and delineated and the chrome trim around the windshield, vent windows and rear backlight are faultless. The antenna is slim, scaled and fixed in place. Of course the gas filler door opens. DM even thought to separately form a door lock under the door handle. The headlights roll open and present no undue gapping. As with previous mid-year Sting Rays the spare tire carrier opens and allows you to remove the spare. With the model belly up, check out the exquisite emergency brake lines and authentic spring assembly. Be sure to catch the reflective lining of the transmission tunnel as well. The rear suspension is active and works independently as the real deal did. Up front the suspension works fully on coil springs.
The interior looks just as it did in ’67. DM’s treatment of the dash and console detail is awesome. It is like looking at the genuine article, only smaller. The chrome trim around the seats and the fabric belts, wood rimmed steering wheel all lend an air of realism. Keep in mind that the ’67 is based on previous DM Corvette models so do not expect internal hinging on this iteration. The engine bay has all the prerequisite detail goodies that go with the code L71 427ci/435hp triple carb big block. That bumped the price tag an extra $437.10 in ’67. With magnification you can read the chrome air cleaner. It says, “Turbo-Jet 427”, “3 X 2” referencing the three two barrel carbs, and “435 Horsepower”. Metal wire is used impeccably to replicate the throttle linkage, tied downs for the master cylinder and braking lines. Fuel lines are used to perfection and so are the spark plug wires. All the right hoses are used some of which are properly marked by “GM”. A telescoping prop rod holds the hood aloft as you gaze into 427 heaven.
Like a 1:1 being scored in an NCRS judging, this model easily garners a Top Flight award. The only slight deductions I could make would be for the older door hinges and the tampo’ed, not chrome foiled, “427” script on the hood. While not indicative, in any way, of a flawed model it just barely keeps it from being rated a 10 on the Thrillometer. As it is I rank this delightful little piece a 9.975!
With an order number of #424-17, the issue price is $115.
(10/11/2005)
|
|
