Corvette Model Gallery
1965 Coupe
This would be the first year for significant changes. The fender depressions which had been non functional for the first two years became three vertical slots designed to vent hot air from the engine compartment. The rocker panels would change again losing all of its ridges except one. The last vestige of the ‘63 hood decoration would disappear as the hood became smooth except or the center-raised strip which also added strength to this body panel. A second hood with a wider center area would be used for this years new optional 396 cid Turbo-Jet big block engine but this option appeared in less then 10% of Corvettes sold that year. As mentioned before the gas cap and stock hubcaps changed again but the optional wheels which finally became factory available in ‘64 were ordered by less then 5% of buyers. A side mounted exhaust system became available for the first time year and by 1967 18% of all Vettes would be ordered with this attractive option. Mechanically the new 396 engine, which was a thinly disguised 427, was the big news but another important change was the introduction of disk brakes as standard equipment. Internally both seat and inner door panels were redesigned and the instrument faces became flat black circles. Production was up only slightly from the year before and the most popular color, the new Nassau Blue by a wide majority.
The model
This 1965 coupe was built from a Monogram's "Black Rat" kit.. about three years ago. Ismael said he built it before he got the "original replica illness"... The car represents a mild custom with after market wheels, tinted glass and a mild dresses up 350 small block..
The body was painted with Testors Model master Silver Blue over flat Black primer.. it give the paint appearance a great effect. The wheels really stand out with the three prong knock-off caps.
The engine compartment has been trimmed out with Yellow racing plug wires, chrome valve covers with photo-etched wing bolts.. which really standout. As you can tell from the picture Ismael added the rest of the plumbing details and wired everything within sight.
To add a different touch Ismael made the driver's window appear to be partly rolled up with a piece of clear styrene. Ismael said one thing he would rework is the taillights.. but that all part of the learning curve when building models.
The interior is fully detailed and basically stock.. with a scratchbuilt parking brake handle and window cranks. The interior paint is several shades of Black (for contrast). The front suspension features coils made out wire.. otherwise the chassis is stock. As with his other models the hood fit is excellent, all the correct details, right stance of tires to body height and an overall clean... good looking model Corvette.
If you would like to contact Ismael on this model his e-mail address is: ismaelg@prtc.net
Page updated 07/29/99