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Commemorating the 1963 Z06-optioned Stingray, Corvette first reintroduced the Z06 in 2001. Corvette originally slated the car, with its non-removable hard top for extreme body stiffness, to be a bare bones performance machine with no frills. But Chevrolet wanted it to offer many of the same refinements found in the coupe and convertible models. So instead, a weight reduction plan ensued, a race-specific 6 speed transmission, closer ratio-ed than the other C5 6 speed trannys, was installed, a total titanium exhaust was fitted and the car received race suspension componentry and engine updates (385 hp) resulting in the quickest production Corvette made to date. For 2002, the engine horsepower rose to 405 and the performance specifications improved. Corvette claims 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and a quarter mile time of 12.4 seconds at 116 mph. This 2003 model is identical except that it carries Corvette’s 50th Anniversary badging. All Corvettes for 2003 are deemed as 50th Anniversary cars but not to be confused with the special issue 50th Anniversary Edition cars in Anniversary Red. Three varieties were made in that edition; coupe, convertible and Indy 500 Pace Car. At 9900 pieces, this model is somewhat more abundant than in real life; only 1708 Millennium Yellow Z’s were made for 2003.
FM’s C5 line has been the only game in town for precision 1:24th diecast models and they have been largely applauded as accurate and detail rich. This yellow Z06 is no exception. The lines, proportions and stance mimic the 1:1 very well. I can qualify to say so since I own this exact car in 1:1. It seems to have been made from the blue 1999 fixed roof coupe (FRC) tooling. Chevrolet officially terms this a hard top. The model lacks the body side moldings option (BSM) of the blue '99 so it is not merely a repaint version. Also different, of course, are the wheels and interior trim. There we find the race-gray ten spokes and special 'Z06' stitching, in red, at the tops of the seats. That cut-out you see on the top of the dash on the driver's side is the Head-Up display (HUD). Taken from fighter jet technology, specifically, in the Corvette's case, the Air Force F-15 Eagle. Franklin also got the rear brake air ducts right but fell a tad short on the front air brake ducting screens. They should be more flush mounted than inset. They also left off the blackened area of the side vents, present on all their other C5 models. The engine looks great with the Z06's red fuel rail covers and bay details. The exhaust system should all be a silver color since the Z received a full titanium system from the headers back through the mufflers. Only the exhaust tips are chrome. 1:1 Z06's did not have power antennas, saving weight by removing the electical retracting mechanism, so a black antenna should be mounted on the top of the right rear fender. Other than these minor points, the model is very accurate. Even the color, a $750 extra option, is very close.
Overall, this is a very capable replication of the car and worthy of 4.5 Stars.
The issue price is $105.
(12/25/2003)
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