Danbury Mint 1:24 1967 Corvette Convertible

As the younger generation says, or maybe now, used to say, I am stoked! This model pushes every ‘Corvette’ button I was born with. Yeah, I know it’s a genetic predisposition; I was hatched with the plastic Chevrolet gene. But before I get into the multitude of attributes of DM’s latest heartthrob, let me get all of its negativity out of the way; what infinitesimal amount of it there is. It has the older door hinges; there, I said it, don’t fret over it, it certainly is no diversion. What you have, however, is Danbury’s recreation of Corvette-lovers favorite mid-year model, the ’67 big block roadster.

The last year of the so-called “Sting Ray body style”, (In '68 it became the Stingray, 1 word) ranging from inception in 1963 through this model year 1967, it typified what sports car purists of the era wanted and expected of Chevy’s plastic fantastic. The ’68 Coke-bottle shaped “Shark-bodied” replacement, so named from the Mako concept’s body styling, was radical enough to put off car enthusiasts back then, much the same way as a new styling effort today does. Keeping with this particular marque, Corvette tifosi shunned the C5 when it supplanted the C4. And never so more did the current C6 raise vitriolic howls of bitterness when the critics dumped on its lack of pop-up headlights, Viper-esque front end and the shortness of its rear haunches. But with age and familiarity comes acceptance; yet the ’67 remains more popular now than ever before.

Danbury opted for a rare color combo. Just how rare is it? Hard to say. Records weren’t kept as thoroughly and accurately, back then, as they are today. Rally Red, RPO order code #974, accounted for 2341 cars so painted out of the total unit count that year of 27,720 Corvettes, coupe and convertible. But no accurate records indicate just how many #974 cars had white interiors. Far less, it is commonly accepted, had the white convertible top and the white stinger hood. And how many 427/435 horse tri-power-motored Rally Red cars were made? Actually, I guess, it does not matter; DM has plenty, buy however many you desire.

Here’s just a part of the good stuff offered on this gorgeous little number. DM optioned it out with the side mount exhaust. Love it. They outfitted it with Rally Wheels and chrome trim rings, Redline 7.75 x 15 tires and four-speed manual tranny. The wheels, especially, look terrific as you ‘park’ this roadster next to DM’s 1967 Corvette coupe, in yellow. The aluminum wheels look great on that version but the rally wheels look better on the drop top. Underneath you still find actuating suspension, great detailing on the transmission tunnel heat shielding, terrific little spring assembly-laden emergency brake cabling and an opening spare carrier with removable spare.

The details topside include an operational gas tank filler lid, scaled antenna, chrome metal foiled scripts and metal badgings and the ever-present Danbury-perfect paint and paint finish. You may open the tonneau cover to view the simulated down top, flip the white seats forward to see the good fabrication of the seatbelt ends and take in the great detail of dash, gauges, console and shifter and delicate door handles and window cranks. The corresponding white sunvisors lift up. Fold them down slightly to attach the up top. That pleasant little surprise comes with internal detailing and correct outside tag that NCRS judges gig the owner for if missing. Love the little welt line on the top rear too.

Danbury’s engine compartments continue to amaze. The oil filler cap on the passenger’s side valve cover and the motor’s wire looms really sell the concept of accurate miniaturization. The fuel lines and throttle linkage are exceptional. So is the new idea of wiring the alternator and adding brake line detail and the metal hold-downs for the brake master cylinder reservoir cover. DM has been labeling hoses accurately and continues to use excellent stickers that can actually be read. And I still love the telescoping prop rod for holding the hood open. DM has made a monumental effort on a milestone car and as either a muscle car fan, Corvette-a-phile or just a collector who admires great craftsmanship in modeling, this is truly an absolute must-have!!!

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