This was another missing link in the diecast Corvette lineup. Thanks to the Danbury Mint we can now cross off the previously unmade 1974 model year. It comes to us in coupe form, the most popular base model that year, representing 32,028 units sold compared to 5,474 convertibles purchased. The DM Boyz had tooled up a new C3 image, from which to base this ’74, back in 2008. They released the 1975 convertible in Bright Green. That issue set the stage for this coupe. The new Stingray immediately commands your attention in Mille Miglia Red. The interior features optional leather seating in black. DM equipped the car with Rally wheels and white lettered tires and it’s powered by the biggest motor available for ’74, the 454 producing 270 hp.
Although the body styling is essentially the same as previous Stingrays first introduced in 1968, only subtle changes took place up until now. Model year 1972 was the last full steel-bumpered car that Corvette made. For ’73 they replaced the front chrome bumper with a plastic-clad shroud. For model year 1974, depicted in this diecast, we see a matching plastic cladding in the rear. For this initial effort, it was a two-piece arrangement later replaced by a singular unit for all subsequent cars in the C3 lineup. DM accurately replicates that split bumper. They also got the alarm key button right too. It’s right there ahead of the driver’s side “Stingray” emblem on the fender. Speaking of which; it is elegantly scaled and chrome metal-foiled. So are the block letters in that rear shrouding previously mentioned.
The door lock buttons and door handles, like the alarm key lock, are separately fashioned pieces, not painted-on dots. The front Corvette emblem, as with the real car, is more dimensional. The fuel filler door is operational and the twin roof panels are removable. DM has crafted tiny pins in each panel and they fit and hold in place remarkably well. There’s a button hidden within the front recesses, on the passenger’s side of the car, in front of the air dam, which activates the headlamp pods. A pen may be used to push it, partly opening the headlights. A finger nail can open them the rest of the way. Interior-wise, this is as good as it gets. DM’s magic wasn’t lost on the missing link; the floor mats, console, dash, steering wheel and working visors are resplendent in overall detailing.
The internally hinged doors have a locking mechanism featuring spring-loaded pins that fit into door jamb plates. The hood opens on a telescoping prop rod and avails us a magnificent view underneath. Wait until you see the new way DM models the wiring here. The stickers are superb and more than realistic, the hood’s closing locks are depicted accurately and the brake cylinder, exhaust headers and steering components are masterful. The fit and finish are, of course, DM-perfection and the stance and fidelity of the seventy four is faultless. One by one, we’re getting our missing link Vettes and thanks to the DM Boyz, we’re getting fantastic detailing along with them.
-Tony F Perrone