Until now, Franklin Mint had the best C4 Corvette in their detail and feature laden 1993 ZR-1 Corvette. In the realm of 1:24th precision C4 diecast models, simply put, this is now the finest replica on the planet. A ’95 coupe, the car is stunning. In Competition Yellow, AKA ‘Arrest Me Yellow’, this diecast will stand out in your collection of Corvettes or among almost any other type of vehicle model. The stance, look and build of the model is spot on. An all new tooling from DM, they apparently studied this relatively rare C4 well before crafting. Of the 448 '95 ZR-1's, Corvette only made 49 of them in Comp Yellow.
From the bottom up, this is a dream boat. The suspension articulates very well. The rear independent system features working shocks. The entire front quarter member moves, not just the tire within the front suspension. DM actually used spring metal stamped in the shape of mono transverse leaf springs accurate to the 1:1 car. And check out the directional tread on the tires too. I believe this may be a first. The rotors turn inside the brake calipers and the wheels are realistically treated with a chrome trim piece on the outer rims. Speaking of chrome, the insignias are fabulous. The nose and rear deck emblems have a chrome foil and paint treatment that renders them multidimensional. The ZR-1 badges are also separately molded pieces. Great touch. Marker lights are plastic, not painted on. Another great touch. Inside, there is a lot to like. The seats are molded as if to suggest soft subtle leather, crease after crease. The center console opens and the seats fold forward. In front of the console, you will find three switches for (L-to-R): seat position, suspension damping, and seat bolster adjustment. When the seats are in the forward position, they reveal fabric seat belts on metal hangers. The visors move and the rear window hatch opens. In the raised position, you can see the fabrication of the two prop rods that work faultlessly. Stowed inside is the smoke tinted roof panel. DM thoughtfully gives us the painted version as well. With two miniature pins on the rearward side of the panel, it affixes to the basket handle and fits snugly in place.
With the hatch raised you can open the gas filler door. Cool. On the issue of doors, DM comes through with those ‘thank-the-heavens-no-dog-legs-here’ hinges. Painted body color, they blend in seamlessly. The headlights roll back in the hood and look good up or down. About the antenna. On the 1:1 car, the antenna comes up through a rubber gasket. It retracts completely into the car body when the radio is turned off. DM made a conscious decision to replicate the model with the radio off, since there would be no easy way for collectors to get the antenna out of the body. That's dedication to detail folks. Under the hood is another typically masterful DM engine bay. They really have this engine lettering thing down pat. So small and yet readable. Wires, metal fuel lines, plug wiring, yeah, they didn’t miss a trick. Neat wipers hide under here too. I must admit to not being a big fan of the C4 but DM’s fabrication of the ZR-1 has made a convert of me. They earned their 5 star rating on this car.
-Tony Perrone
