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There is nothing new about the 'Mint' working in fine pewter. They have done so before. But stir in a classic diecast car image such as the 1957 Corvette and you have an instant, "Oh my gosh" factor for any casual viewer that sees this large sculpture. At first glance it does appear to be an automotive sculpture. Perhaps something to see in a car museum, a fine car museum. Pay the $1000 price tag and you have your own exhibit.
The body consists of a brushed pewter treatment with brightly polished side coves. Bright detail also bathes the front and rear bumperettes; the latter includes incredible license plate-light detail. The windshield frame and upper door moldings are also polished and the round 'Corvette' emblems fore and aft look more like fine miniature coins deeply set into the bodywork. Everywhere you glance at the approximately 13 inch long model, you see significant levels of fine detail work. The dashboard gauges are very well done and a key fob is seen hanging from the ignition. The seats are soft and cushy in genuine black leather, complete with waffle patterning. The pewter wheels boast good detail and are shod with real rubber tires, whitewalls. The chassis is so realistic as to appear as the genuine article. The doors open and snap shut like a 1:1. And although the trunk is sealed, the engine compartment is not. The finest work perhaps, shows up there. Plug and starter wires, battery cables, metal fuel lines and vacuum hoses breathe life into the pewter motor. The manufacturer's markings on the heater hoses are even readable! Because of the rather prodigious weight of the sculpture, a steering mechanism was not possible but the wheels do turn. For those that can find and afford it, this is an extraordinary piece of work. Be sure to thank Franklin Mint for the diversity!
(12/28/2000)
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