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 was the new Nassau Blue by a wide majority.

The model: (comments by Alan Rosiere)

This is a 1965 coupe built from a Monogram's kit# 2925.. about two years ago.  He had seen this color combination in Corvette Fever some years ago.  The coupe has been built to replica stock, except for the upper radiator hose which is braided stainless steel.  When I first saw these pictures I had to check the Monogram kit # to make sure this model was 1/25th scale!

The body was sanded to remove some mold lines.. but was basically in good condition with no major modifications required.  The tires were sanded across the treads to even them out and thin whitewalls were applied with Shabo dry transfers.

Auto primer and a light coat of PPG 1965 Corvette Goldwood Yellow was airbrushed on .. then sanded and polish quite a few times. As with Ismael's other models no clearcoat was used. The bumpers were stripped, contoured and painted Testors Chrome-Silver.   bare metal foil was used for the emblems.  There was some time spent getting the chassis and body to mate together.. but the results look great!

The interior is Testors flat Brown with different shades of gloss and dull coats.  All the instruments are painted and detailed (no decals were available), and the parking brake was scratchbuilt using styrene, a stainless steel pin and metal foil.

The engine is the 396 Big Block.. first used in the Corvettes in 1965.   The engine compartment features fully wired engine, including battery and alternator, copper brake lines from master cylinder to under the chassis, expansion tank, fuel line & filter and the throttle return spring on the carburetor.

If you would like to contact Ismael on this model his e-mail address is:  ismaelg@prtc.net

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Page updated  11/18/99