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Quite a few folks really liked FM's Callaway Corvette but were unable to afford it. The diecast was not only much different than the standard, stock Corvette but came with wonderful little accessories and was hand signed by Reeves Callaway necessitating a $500 premium. The unsigned versions, without all the accouterments, sometimes sold on the secondary market for more than the Mint-issued versions. Additionally some even liked that a signature was not present on the model itself. Another thing that put people off was the accurate but over-the-top interior color.
The usual suspects on the board of directors of the Diecast Zone, Jay Olins, George Dill and I, gathered to nominate eligible candidates for this year's Limited Edition Club Car (LECC), the eighth one to date. We wanted something fresh. The Callaway was our top candidate. With Raffi Minasian overseeing the process and lending his valuable expertise to the working method necessary to accomplish another LECC home run, he consulted often with Lewis Checchia, Joe Sellari and their design team at The Franklin Mint. We wanted correct Callaway Corvette colors and a color combo in two-tone that was not been seen on every corner. We also added the proper two-toned matching interior, highly detailed raised chrome hood emblem to replace the tampo on the previous model. And we also added polished wheels to fully accent the silver body.
That it could be sold for less than $150 but still have Reeve's signature on the certificate of authenticity meant that those left out could now own one. Franklin had not done a repaint on this model before. As an image, it is outstanding; especially in terms of stance and faithful body shape and contour. The model has full suspension, great engine detail including simulated carbon fiber fuel 'up-top'.
To see the original offer to D4C Members, click on Limited Edition Club Car VIII.
(09/15/2007)
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