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Ah, controversy. It sometimes brings spice to what might otherwise be a mundane and normal world. Miller Brewing Company brought the spelling of “Lite” to our vocabulary and propensity for a ‘cold one’. But maybe even more importantly, they raised the question as to whether their product provided the imbibee with great taste or a less filling beverage. A question, I’m sure, that gets put to the test every day; somewhere, maybe. But here we ponder yet another controversial earth-shaking quandary – do we want the base that comes permanently attached? Does it add great taste to the diecast collector’s palette or is it too filling for a display case? And why on earth is the fantastic Corvette model not removable from it? Can you imagine buying a case of beer and not being able to remove a single can or bottle but having to raise the whole thing to drink from the lone opened container? Well, actually, I guess I could see that but then I digress. Let’s look into this matter and its global implications, shall we?
First and foremost, the DM 1963 Corvette in its Pro Modified drag race configuration is still tied as the king of detail, to my mind, along with the other two previous issues and one other. The initial Pro Mod ’63 Sting Ray in silver-blue blew me away when it first debuted in 2002. The awesome engine detail alone raised the bar of precision diecast model-making craft and the hairs on the back of my neck simultaneously. The Coca-Cola livery added some realistic racing heritage to the same model when it was released in 2004. The other king of detail is DM’s 1966 Penske Sebring Corvette, issued earlier this year. The Miller Lite livery, here, adds that same realistic racing touch. The graphics are absolutely astonishing. All else is the same on the model, save for the base. But before I question its relevance, let’s look at it from an unbiased viewpoint. It is made of heavy materials, oval in shape with black felt on the bottom and a gold label declaring it, among other things, as an adult collectible. No doubt, this is due to the alcoholic nature of the livery and use of Miller Brewing’s name. Up top is a reflective chrome-like plate that shows off the car’s underbelly. A band on the bottom spells out, “1963 Miller Lite Corvette Pro Mod” and across the top portion we read the Miller Lite logo. The model is attached via a clear plastic stand beneath the engine making the car appear as if it were doing a wheelie. The rear end is held in place with a less obtrusive black stand.
My biggest objection to the very tastefully done base and stand is that I like to keep all of my Corvettes in the same collection. This is such a standout that it does just that, stand out. I also like to fully examine the models from time to time. This will prevent that unless I can detach it from its lovely little anchor. If I cannot then I face buying an additional separate display cover. There can be many good reasons for offering the model presentation this way and for the occasional buyer of diecast collectibles it makes good business sense. So I will not rain on the corporate parade that brings such lovely little goodies into my life. With the small contingent of us that are Corvette nuts, we may examine the previous Pro Mod issues from all angles but the bottom line to me is the overall beauty of this Corvette, sans base or with it attached, in its gorgeous livery and deep blue paint scheme. I would run it through the Thrillometer but the base keeps getting caught on the flangestand accuator.
The issue price is $179.
(11/10/2005)
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