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Arguably the jewel in the crown of the now defunct UT division of AutoArt, this diecast is a stunner. UT was the economy line of AutoArt but as time went on, this increase in quality and content began to blur the line between the two. The '78 Corvette Pace Car was such a model.
The lines are perfect, the finish is flawless and the fit is as tight as the car it was modeled from. The tampo'd pinstriping and graphics are sharp, perfectly scaled and place and are on register. The redstriped sport wheels are shod with raised letter Goodyear GT Radials. The panels on the T-Top are removable but the headlights are fixed closed. All the lenses are plastic with the taillights sporting the double chrome ringed trim.
The interior is very well done with the proper silver upholstered bucket seats although without belts. The carpeting is simulated with a textured paint and the "Corvette" script is pad stamped in both wells. Interior as well as exterior trim and hardware are all chromed including the door lock escutcheons. The doors open on doglegs but are well designed to disappear behind the dash.
The crowded engine compartment is access by the rear opening hood which hinges on pins. There's plenty of plumbing inclusing the crankcase ventilation to the aircleaner. Plug wiring is not visible.
Released in 1999, this was the definitive model until AutoArt released their upgraded '78 in 2004. However, if you love the Pace Car edition, then there is still none finer in this scale. Secondary market prices reflect the continued desirability of this beautiful piece of diecast art. In bang for the buck at the original price, this was a 5 star effort. The fact that it now sells at up to six times its original price confirms that rating.
(03/21/2005)
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