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In true Franklin Mint fashion, the Corvette models flow free and wide. Some collectors may tire of this brand in diecast but there is no denying that the collector market eats them all up with a ravenous appetite for more. Several members, unable to wait for the production of this most tasty of fiberglass dishes, served up their own version by modifying the existing TFM '98 product. Actual production completed and ready for shipping in May 2001, TFM can now satisfy the rest of us with a luscious and lusty purple and passionate replica.
Similar in build to the current 1998 convertible in silver, the Pace Car has the rear axle half shafts, missing from some of the older 1997 models. The CD sticking out of the CD player, missing too from some earlier cars is here. But gone from the center of the doors are the rub-strip moldings. In place instead are the Indy 500 graphics running from the cove, back to the rear wheel, up and over the trunk, tapered now into pin stripes. The hood is treated to the Pace Car graphic artwork in brilliant yellow with red and gold pinstripes intertwined among white and purple paint. The yellow carries over unto the 'Corvette' printed on the windshield header and into the interior. The seats are yellow and deep charcoal with Indy 500 logo floor mats.
This was one of TFM Design Manager George Bojaciuk's projects prior to leaving TFM. To insure that the Pace Car graphics were precise and accurate, he ordered a full-sized set of decals from Chevrolet Motor Division!! Perfectly scaled down, you know you're seeing miniature perfection on this rendition of the Pace Car. Also new is the rear license plate. It proudly displays 1998 Indianapolis plates; 'Indy 98'. The limited edition plaque is affixed in the trunk and reads xxxx/9800. The issue price is $105.
(01/13/2001)
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