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Tony Cerra of Diecast Reproductions, Inc. has once again brought us an outstanding example of Corvette history in Mint replication form. You will recall Tony as the force behind the amazing Apollo 12 1969 Corvette, the very limited and highly coveted Carroll Shelby-autographed Cobras and Mustangs, the incredible 2000 Corvette Platinum Power and Corvette Festival cars, among others. He’s now commissioned the Franklin Mint to perform another graphics miracle on a 2002 Millennium Yellow beauty transforming an already nice car into a gorgeous Indy League Pace Car.
Just wait until you see this meticulous transformation in person. Keep in mind though; there are only 500 of them to be sold! The car looks as if it traversed the course, setting the hot lap and ran into a white and black checkered flag. Forming a “V” for victory, it engulfs the front end of the Corvette and wraps, delicately, around the front sides and bottom doors of the automobile. TFM made the paint seamless, bright and glossy. The C5 logo is emblazoned on the front edge of the nose and hood of the car and it flows swiftly rearward in a draping effect. The graphics continue as we read, Pace Car, Indy Racing League” on the doors, the windshield header exclaims this to be a “Corvette” and the Indy Racing League logo is proudly displayed on the rear fenders.
Tony didn’t miss a trick. He had TFM add the correct Pace Car license plate and chromed C5 wheels and had the prerequisite fire bottle extinguisher mounted to the passenger-side floor. The roof panel is removable and has a notched rear fitting preventing it from overly shifting around each time the car is moved. The engine bay is perfectly replicated to 1:1 Corvette standards and the suspension is active.
I am not certain if it is the sunny disposition of the color, the handsome graphics or the overall look of the car itself or a combination of all of the factors that went into this car, but I love it. If you can handle this model without breaking into a smile, you may want to rethink collecting diecast autos. Once more Tony has brilliantly conceived a great issue and TFM has delivered a gem!
Orders may be made via Telephone: 813-882-8482 or Email: diecastreproductions@msn.com
(12/17/2007)
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