Accurate Miniatures Corvette Grand Sport (Revell Boxing)
This is a model of one of the Corvette Grand Sports raced at the 1964 Sebring 12 hours. The parts are classic Accurate Miniatures with typical Revell decals. Although the kit has a reputation of being over-engineered I found no particular issues The paint was Tamiya metallic blue with a Future clear coat. Decals were applied and another two coats of Future applied to seal them.
The most challenging part of the build was setting up the photo etched parts for the various hood vents. The rails that make up the chassis need to be filled so I used plastic rod and some putty to smooth the gaps.
I would recommend this model to to anyone with some moderate experience. The result you see is completely from the Revell boxing. The addition of spark plug wires and carburetor would dress it up just a bit.
The actual race car has been restored and a great picture can be found at http://www.theoldone.com/grandsport/article/grandsport.htm. Unlike the 1964 version the restored car has a radio antenna and a Go Pro camera.
Sharp-lookin' build, sir...the "Sting-Ray" was always a favorite.
that's beautiful...you really studied that subject...you knew what you were looking for
Thanks! Sting-Rays are cool and the 1960s were dangerous times. I think I enjoy diving into the history almost as much as building the model.
You've done a lovely job on this Corvette, Wayne, I especially like the finish, that blue looks just right. I assume it's 1/24?
Wayne you did an AWESOME job on this piece of pure American muscle. Well done!
George and Morne, thanks for the notes. The model is 1/24 scale and has a lot of detail for that size. Corvettes of that era certainly had a lot of muscle, too bad Chevrolet declined to produce the Grand Sport in greater numbers. Instead it was the Shelby Cobra to win America's first international sports car championship.
Sweet! I so admire folks who can build cars. I try, but with one or two exceptions fall well short. This one here is a beauty!
Thanks! Cars are a different genre. The paint is supposed to be smooth and the models are so much more compact than airplanes. What amazes me are the people who do the deep metallic finishes and completely wire the engine bay. I'll put one of my planes up before too long.
Wayne,
Great model.
Wonderful 'Vette, Wayne! @spotlandis
I learned to drive in 1965 & have always longed for a Corvette Sting-Ray or the '67 new style Corvette.
Just ONCE I'd love to be behind the wheel & take this racing 'Vette around the Indy 500 track here in Indianapolis! I'd probably kill myself, but I'd die happy!
I remember the first time I saw the 1963 Corvette Stingray. Was walking up Geary Boulevard in San Francisco, just below Union Square, and there was this... amazing THING in the window of the Chevrolet car dealership. Stood there in total and complete awe for I don't know how long. Nothing like it had ever been seen in America. The '63 Stingray and the '53 first 'Vette are still my favorites of American sports cars.
Beautiful work!
Tom, thanks for the note. My only ride in a stingray was in 1968 in Mexico City believe it or not, and the car was blue with a small block engine. There were a total of four of us in the car--not very safe but at 16 we think we are invincible. The driver was a little bit older and from Texas.
I really like the Accurate Miniatures kit. Although some say it is over-engineered I disagree. I like your phrase "some modeling skills required", especially with the photoetched grills for the hood. The original car has been wonderfully restored and I am sure you would enjoy standing and looking in awe at such a vehicle once again.
Thanks for looking.