This is a very creative repaint. Reprising existing 1969 Corvette tooling, where we find three previously issued models, Franklin Mint opted to do one of the most rare of all Corvettes. One of only two Corvette '69 ZL-1's in the world, this is the white version with distinctive black striping. The other version, also a coupe, is a yellow with black nose graphics beauty.

FM's prior releases included the original '69 coupe in Monaco Orange, issued back in '95, a "Stars & Stripes" limited edition and the commissioned black limited edition coupe offered by Mint Models. This model is more than just a repaint since it incorporates some enhancements. FM added little posts that help keep the T-Top panels in place better than on the earlier issues and the emblems are metal-foiled and more dimensional.

The same car, in a higher tech-form was released by Danbury Mint in 2005 along with the yellow ZL-1 somewhat prompting the question of whether or not FM will do the yellow version. Overall, the model's fidelity is good but lacks the amount of detail you'd expect from a fresher DM offering. Still, a must for the collector of 1:24th 'Mint' precision Corvettes. The issue price is $120.

-Tony Perrone