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This is a faithful and beautiful replication of the Corvette Grand Sport, chassis #004, that was driven in the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1964 by Delmo Johnson and Dave Morgan. This, one of Exoto’s first 1964 Corvette Grand Sports, is substantially different than their groundbreaking ’63 GS models. If it’s possible, there is even more detail to fawn over.
At the outset, you’ll notice that the car is a luscious shade of dark blue. It is one of only two ‘64’s painted this way, including the #2 Foyt/Cannon car and excluding the Standox colors. The other models are presented in Mecom Blue or white. The center orange stripe makes this model a real standout. So do the clear headlight covers held in place with photoetch metal fasteners. As previous GS models the car has functioning suspension, removable wheels, fabric seatbelts, incredible emblems and insignias, (I can happily stare at the “Corvette Grand Sport” photoetched metal script on the rear deck, all day) and unbelievable detail under the well-ventilated and louvered hood. Exoto has gone the extra mile to fashion even more to get giddy over on this latest iteration of their monstrously popular diecast.
First you will see a genuine leather hood tie-down strap on the driver’s corner of the hood. There are now two Dzus clips on the front of the hood and a metal tether on the gas filler cap. White Halibrands really set off the darker blue and there are race markers now gracing the passenger’s side door around the bullseye number plate. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Exoto left the phenomenal detail of the engine alone but while the wipers were really good, now they’re great! Made of multidimensional photoetch metal they look so realistic, I think I may be able to changes the wiper blades! The side gill grilles are redone and look much better. And while plenty wide before, Exoto correctly fashioned the rear wheel well openings to reflect the 1964 GS’s aluminum fender extensions. A change was also made to the Firestone tires. I like the deeply etched tread pattern much better, more aggressive and fitting for this awesome piece of machinery. Other changes to the model are the roof antenna with its spring-like coil base and the new rear window with dual vent openings.
I still delight in seeing the brake calipers and rotors as you look underneath at all of the detail built into every crevice of this famous racer. This version still has the bungee cord to hold the hood in place and don’t forget that to pop the trunk lid you can push a button under the car’s passenger side rear corner to get it started. I love all of the Exoto Grand Sports but I feel as though I have a new favorite in this replica. Outstanding Exoto, outstanding!
This fine effort rates 5 out of 5 on the old drool index meter!
(06/18/2004)
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