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Finished in Cranberry Red with Black accent stripes and interior, this diecast is an outstanding scale reproduction of what is arguably the quintessential muscle car both in terms of its muscular lines as well as its adherence to the "there''s no substitute for cubic inches" philosophy. Chevy trumped the competition by shoehorning a massive 454 cid V8 into their midsize Chevelle. Rated at 450hp and mated to either a Muncie 4-speed or, as modeled in this image, an M-40 Turbo Hydramatic. With midrange torque of 500 ft-lbs, 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds and 1/4 mile times in the low 13s were the norm right out of the showroom. Complementing this awesome drivetrain, the Chevelle was given new sheetmetal incorporating enough muscular bulges into the body to make it look as if it was leaping off the line even when it was parked. One of these muscular bulges was the Cowl Induction that, with a flip of the trap door, brought cold air to the huge Holley 4bbl carburetor at full throttle.
This diecast is a real beauty from tip to stern. The body shape and stance leaves nothing to be desired. The diecast sits on wonderful reproductions of 5-spoke SS wheels shod with Goodyear Polyglas 70s. The paint is deep, lustrous and smooth. The tampo stripes and scripts are opaque, well scaled and on register. The trim is superb...the door sills are models in themselves. Other great touches in metal include the sport steering wheel, which is stamped metal properly struck in accurate third dimension, and the seat belt hardware, little wonders complete with microscopic logos on the buckles.
An all black interior is generally a recipe for disaster, but Lane has produced such realistic textures, from the satin-like upholstery {including microscopic stitching), to the scale sheen and texture of the vinyl side panels and dash, to the carpeting with believable scale pile. The seat trim and hardware are chromed, as are the gauge bezels, door locks, and the U-shaped shift lever and shift indicator surround. This is one of the most realistic and plush looking interiors I've ever seen. Capping the interior you have your choice of a vinyl tonneau cover or a chrome trimmed full convertible top covered in a fine scale weave fabric, with a molded-in exposed framework on the inside. It fits perfectly without having the windshield frame marred with pins or locator holes,
Now to the engine compartment. Well, there are no scissor hinges...but if you can get past that point, there's virtually nothing you could possibly ask for that isn't included. The hood sports the proper pin retainers, operating cowl flap, hood lock hardware and internal structurals. The engine and bay have all the plumbing and wiring that you could ask for: brakes, fuel, windshield washer, heater, automatic transmission lines, battery cables...it even has separate flexible fan, alternator and power steering belts...that's a novelty. The labels and signage further enhance an engine bay rich in realistic paint and chrome, simulating all its components for an incredible "start her up" look.
This realism carries through to the undercarriage where you'll see some unusual features such as the ribbing on the exhaust pipes where the bends were made. It's really hard to find fault here. The trunk is also one of Lane's finest representations. The trunk liner pattern has been photoreduced and the exposed metal has just the right texture. The full-sized spare is affixed to the trunk, as is the jack hardware giving it a much more realistic look than other recent Lane offerings.
There's so little to nitpick on this diecast that I feel sheepish in mentioning the two I did find. The suspension is static and there are the aforementioned hood hinges... thkough I hardly care considering all this model has to offer. It's a real treat to behold.... and I'm a Ford guy!!! If you're a Chevy lover, this diecast is your dream come true. I have to give this diecast 5 stars. I can't imagine anyone having even a slight twinge of disappointment with this fabulous image.
(03/21/2004)
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