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For the 90th running of the Indianapolis, Indiana, “Indy 500”, on May 28, 2006, Corvette paced the field for an incredible eighth time! It was actually a record 17th time for Chevrolet to pace this international race. Seven-time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong, garnered the driving duties. In keeping with offering us collectors famous pace cars and fabulous Corvette replicas, FM did us proud with their release of several Corvette Pace Cars and their continuity in releasing this awesome Z06 version! TFM stepped up their game by refurbishing the already incredible C6 image. Hey, to date, it’s the best C6 offering in precision miniature. It’s worthy of every praise that TFM has thus far earned. As I wrote about their new Daytona Sunset Orange 2006 Corvette Z06 that is perfectly applicable here:
“This is not the previous FM C6 beefed up on steroids to grow those bulging fenders and sprout those rear brake ducts. The new Z06 wheels and exhaust system weren’t just add-ons either; this is an all-new tooling. They’re subtle but I can’t wait to tell you about all the differences. Let’s start up front and work to the back of the car. FM retooled the front fascia. It sports a wider bottom nose-piece and grille opening to allow for greater air flow. Front marker lights spread further to the side. You will now see a lower air dam lip and an air scoop on the top of the nose fascia. Don’t miss the all-new chrome metal foiled cross flag emblem. There’s its match on the rear valance and those side-mounted, “Z06” badgings, as well as the tiny, “GM” buttons are also metal foiled.”
The review goes on to say, “The wheels are bigger than the standard Vette’s and they are sculpted beautifully to scale. Take a moment to examine the awesome brake calipers and rotors. The calipers, in red, are properly printed with, “Corvette” and the rotors are drilled and actually turn within the multi-piston brake calipers. Now go ahead and open the door to take a peek inside; but wait. Notice anything different or unusual? The doors have now been hung on super-realistic inner-sprung hinges! See what I mean about teched-out? Sorry you can’t take the roof panel off to fully inspect the gorgeous interior. A flaw on FM’s part? No sir; they got it right. The Z06 has a fixed roof. C5 Z06’s, as you recall, were made on the “Fixed Roof Coupe” platform and called hard tops.
The structural rigidity of the former cars lent themselves well to the first C5 Z cars but a third variant was not needed for the C6 Z. They simply cinched up the roof panel and this made the body structure just as strong. The cockpit is spectacular. The dash and seats, belts and console all look well detailed and authentic. And while the sunvisors do not fold down, they are plenty detailed. Looking in from behind, with the hatch up, reveals a better view of everything. The detail of the door sills and the door jamb of the driver’s side are rich and realistic. Moving further back we not only see the rear fender bulges but the addition of the correct black fender flaps. The detail of the door sills and the door jamb of the driver’s side are rich and realistic. Moving further back we not only see the rear fender bulges but the addition of the correct black fender flaps. They are flexible on the 1:1 but not so needed here, thanks FM. There’s a slight modification made on the Z’s little duck spoiler and FM nailed it. The nuance is only barely perceptible but done perfectly.
Underneath, all was fabricated properly as well. The exhaust was changed correctly and the trans and engine bottom half are fashioned well. The suspension is operational but in need of an update at a later time. I cannot take off major points for it though and the stance, as a result, is spot on. Engine bay detail is back to a whole new level too. Wiring, sticker usage and plumbing all look great.” Yeah, FM has a winner here; the proportions are perfect, the graphics are phenomenal and the addition of safety lights and official markings and license tag continues the tradition of the pace car series.
(08/28/2007)
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