I am so blown away with each new ‘racing’ variant that Danbury Mint releases. I’m not sure exactly why. Their counterpart factory model is just as full of detail and functionality as these bare-bones race livery models but the detail seems to be so somewhat more uncovered and easily seen. Here’s a perfect example in the form of a legendary racing Corvette to help make my case. Maybe it is the 325 plus parts that go into the making of this particular Vette that pushes my ignition button. Or maybe it is because I watched this very puppy in live action one year in Sebring, Florida from the “Corvette Corral” that sparks my vivid reverie.

Whatever it is, Danbury is right there behind it all. They’ve obviously poured over the archival photos and replicated an authentically correct racing legend. Who else could do justice to a record-setting 22 consecutive A-Production Class wins from this C-3 from the 60’s to early 70’s? The model, from an overview, sits low, lean and mean, a classic racing machine full of muscularity, but light in weight and ready to rumble. The rumble comes in spades from the L-88 427 big block lurking beneath the bulging hood. DM did their research here ladies and gents. This is historic racing accuracy in fine miniature – the tiniest safety pins I have ever been blessed to see. A word of warning; take them out and you may pay hell to get them back in; but it’s a modest price to pay to peer into the bowels of the beast itself. The hood opens away from the latching posts, separating the posts from the photo-etched pin-plates on the hood. The telescoping prop rod holds the hood aloft. Take as long as you need, there’s a lot to ponder within. Where the wiper assembly would normally be, DM fabricated the Owens-Corning firewall just like the real deal. Wipers need not apply – the windscreen acts more like an aero-foil anyway. The cowl-induction and its working mystery is now apparent. A metal-meshed induction circle in place, it seals out the heat of the L-88 and allows the cooler outside air to flow directly into the big carb. Metal mesh is used to perfect simulation here as well as it perches atop the engine. The wires, throttle linkage and fuel lines are exquisitely detailed. Following downward, you can trace the exit of the exhaust pipes as they re-gather into the collectors; watch the unmistaken craftsmanship of the modeler unfold as the braided oil lines run their course and the fuel lines meet their maker, the electric fuel pump. Don’t miss the trans linkage either, it’s a highlight!

Removing the rear tonneau deck reveals even more detailed wonders. No need in undoing the photo-etched Dzus clips, they're simulated. But once removed, you’ll marvel at the fuel cell, intricate wiring and lines leading to and fro. Be sure to catch the jumbo oil reservoir with its clear oil tubing colored to replicate the oil within them! Even the Monza gas cap opens. Every sort of bell and race whistle is apparent in the interior. The gauges and lap belts are super realistic and the shift pattern is readable in scale. The light pods are done perfectly and the wheels are a marvel in their own right. The big brake rotors are kept on watch within the visible calipers. DM’s metal handling of emblems front, as Corvette’s crossed flags and block letters in the rear, are incredibly scaled and even the plate holder is fashioned in metal.

I’ve noticed a few photos where the real car has the driver's side outside rearview mirror tilted to a vertical orientation instead of its more normal horizontal street configuration and by George, DM even paid attention to that little detail too. Yep, DM gets high marks for their homework; what a terrific addition to the Vette collection! Issue price is $139.

-Tony Perrone