Mattel Hot Wheels 1:12 2005 Corvette C6 Convertible- Nbr Ltd Ed of 2500

Mattel/Hot Wheels have had a close relationship for decades now, beginning with the introduction of the 1968 C3. For the debut of the C6 (or the Sixth Generation Corvette), Mattel designers got a year headstart on the competion allowing them to deliver collector grade replicas in both 1/18 and 1/12 to eager collectors before the car itself would hit the showroom floor. For their first 1/12 scale model, Mattel has given the Corvette fan a beautifully designed and executed piece for an MSRP of $149.95. Considering that other Corvette images of this scale are up to 4 times the price, what can you expect from this bargain basement beauty?

Well, you can start with a beautifully done image with all the personality and presence of the real thing. The stance, the rake and the subtlety of the lines are as captivating as the car it was modeled from. This example is finished in a flawless rich dark blue metallic with black trim and a black soft top. The front and rear light groups are are top notch replicas. The headlamp groups are of significant interest as this is the first time the Corvette has offered exposed headlamps since the 1962 model. All the panels open on realistic hinges with tight enough shutlines to require a strong fingernail or a plastic instrument to open. Only the gas filler door is inoperable. The top storage panel opens to reveal a folded top in stow. The trunk opens to an empty carpeted trunk that has the crossed flags logo on the inner aspect of the lid.

The interior is nicely textured with soft simulated beige leather upholstery, beige side panels and lower dash inserts. The reflective aspects of the dash and console are in black and silver gray. Get out the magnifying glass because every number, letter and symbol on every gauge, knob and button are legible albeit microscopic. The 6 speed shift pattern is legible on the knob. The seatbelts are fabric with metal buckles and the weave looks well scaled. They did a great job replicating the Corvette sill plate too. The accuracy extends from the flocked carpet to the articulated visors and rearview mirror. The only obvious slight is a featureless inner aspect to the top-up piece, which mates to the car by only a simple center guide on the windscreen frame. This precludes varooming as there is nothing to prevent the piece from sliding off when you make hard turns.

This model sits on a gorgeous set of 5-spoke wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1s with the proper 18" fronts and 19" rears. The skinny spokes allow full view of the vented discs and rotors. The suspension is active and actuated by the transverse mounted leaf (composite on the real car), spring metal on this model. The SLA double wishbones articulate and the only thing that appears to be missing here are anti-sway bars.

Popping the hood is a satisfying experience. The first thing you'll notice is the Corvette logo embossed on the simulated hood insulation. The engine bay sports a convincing replica of the 400hp 6 liter LS2 V8 with braided metal fuel line, wired battery and all the little logos, signage and instructional stickers. Little touches like the yellow dipstick handle and the molded rubber seals give the look of a real miniature. This is not just a model for collectors with bad eyesight. It's a model that explores the limits of resolution possible at this larger scale. People like me will still need their cheaters and magnifying glasses to appreciate this model to it's fullest.

In bang-for-the-buck, this model has no competition at its modest pricepoint. It's a true collector replica and is packaged as such. Not window box treatment here. It is packaged as any mint model in a full styrofoam clamshell inside sturdy box with tasteful boxart. All the panels are secured with strapping around soft packing paper and stiff foam inserts. If you plan to store this model for an extended period, I would recommend removing the straps and rewrapping the model, as my example already had a few nonlethal rubmarks that I buffed out. I have to give this model and Mattel 5 stars and say that this is the most exciting release since the 1/24 Mattel Legends series. Mattel virtually sold out their first run to Corvette Club members, but as new colors are now available, they'll be much easier to procure. My Dark Blue Metallic convertible is a numbered edition of 2500.

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