| |
This is the lowest number production 'Mint' Corvette. 500 of them were configured from Franklin Mint's stardard yellow 1986 Corvette replica into the 1986 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car. "Mid America Designs, Inc.®" bought these 500 models from the mint to make the transformation and sell them. Mid America Designs is a company based in Effingham, Illinois and caters to everything Corvette. They sell all sorts of accessories, apparel, performance parts and even Corvette collectibles. After application of the Indy 500 Pace Car decals, Performance Choice®, the manufacturing subsidiary of Mid America, fabricated a special plate for these diecast cars that fits on the underneath nose of the car. It reads, "Performance Choice Classic Collectables". It is located where the standard model reads, "1986 Corvette Franklin Mint Precision Models". Additionally, the Pace Car has a further stamping below that reading, "1986 Pace Car - 1 of 500 -".
Before the stock was sold out, it was learned that proper licensing approval, for use of the Indy 500 brand and logo, were needed prior to any sale. This resulted in the remaining inventory being sold to a third party. Initially selling from Mid America for $145, the model sells for many times that figure due to its scarcity. Essentially the same model as the standard issue, the differences include the aforementioned stamping, the decal set for the Pace Car graphics on both doors, the Indy 500 logo on each front fender and the special box and papers.
The outside shipping carton is a common FM affair but has two large tapes on both ends of the box with part #130086 on it and the inscription, "1986 Pace Car Performance Choice Classic Collectible". Additionally, there are two red 'Performance Choice' labels affixed to the tape. The diecast comes with an instruction sheet for care and unpacking of the car and a, "Collector's Certicicate of Title". It bears Mid America Designs, Inc. and Performance Choice logo's and reads as a genuine certificate of title to an automobile.
The issue price was $145.
(02/24/2003)
|
|
