1/24 (or 1/25) Revell '53 Corvette Roadster
For those expecting another seaplane, surprise ! This is the Revell '53 Corvetter Roadster, (the instructions do not clearly give the scale) which I've wanted to do since I saw the Panamericana version was an option. This was the first Corvette's first try at international racing. It was powered by a 235 cu. in., Blue Flame, straight six cylinder, 3 carbs, 150 HP.
I could only find two, black and white photos of the real car. Since it was basically stock, there were only a few changes that needed to be made. The grill was replaced with a "protective mesh screen", made of bridal veil, then painted. The instructions claimed all the '53 tops were black, but the photo looked lighter. The kit contained stock '53 Corvette wheels/hubcaps. While accurate for the stock version, the Panamericana racing version had wire wheels, clearly shown in the photos. I replaced mine with help from my car modeler friend, Bruce. They were dechromed using "Blece-wite", washed and re-painted. The remainder of the model was done as a stock '53 Corvette, as I could find no proof of any other changes.
Occasionally I take a break from aircraft, and this was a pleasant change. I learned a few things about the Panamericana race, as well as it's modern counterpart. It was truly a car beater. I also got a nice start on a Corvette collection, should I choose to go that route.
6 additional images. Click to enlarge.
George Williams said on September 23, 2013
You've done a great job with this, Joe, it really looks the part. What a tough race this must have been, I think I'm right in saying that the Corvette didn't make to the finish, suffering mechanical problems, but it sure looked good!
AL HOFFMAN said on September 24, 2013
Very nicely done. I'm particulary impressed with the finish on the seats. It really conveys a vinyl look. How did you do it?
Frank Cronin said on September 24, 2013
Joe,
This is very very nice. You did a great job on this. Like Al, I really noticed the way you did the seats. They look real. Good work on a model of a very cool looking real car. Ever checked out the price of a real 54 Corvette? Unbelievable!
Joe Caputo said on September 24, 2013
Thanks Guys, Painting the interior was a matter of matching red paints, and white. Detailed pics of the real thing, on Google, helped. After spraying some of the interior, the only way I could get things to match was a thin coat of red acrylic, brushed on. At that point it was all flat. A little oil, rubbed on, brought out the sheen I wanted, and left everything looking as I thought it should. I'm glad you liked it..
Simon Whitney said on September 24, 2013
Well Joe, as you said, to make a change from flying boats.
It still looks good Joe.
Bryan W. Bernart said on September 24, 2013
Nice change. Good job.
Mike Maynard said on September 24, 2013
Say, I bet there's a scale model flying boat in the trunk...nice build, my 1964 MG Midget had wire wheels that were painted red. A white body with red interior always looks good...