Corvette Model Gallery

1995

"The King is Dead" read many Corvette magazines headlines. The last ZR-1 rolled off the assembly line on April 10. Total production of the King had stopped after 6,939 units.

The real attraction for the Corvette faithful was the C4's second pacing of the Indy 500. In 1986 it had been dressed in simple yellow but this years colors were dark purple over white with a waving ribbon motif running down the side. Five hundred and twenty-seven Pace Car replicas were sold to the public and while it will take time rarity will ensure this cars collector status some day.

Major changes for 1995 included a new gill panel design, reminiscent of the LT1 Spyder, and new sport seats with a diagonal seam on the seat backs. Numerous other changes under the skin would continue to decrease squeaks and rattles, improve ride, improve operation of the windshield wipers and engine operation.

While Callaway ceased to be an entry on the Corvette option list in 1991 they did not disappear from the Corvette scene. Reeves had always been interested in performance and racing and using his privately designed LM body and it’s modified Corvette engine he was on the attack at the most famous of European races, Le Mans. His efforts were rewarded with a 2^nd and a 3^rd in his class. Even without factory support Corvette was demonstrating its racing heritage.

The model

Robert built this red convertible with a few personal touches.......

While the results are seldom as radical as Corvettes in the seventies it is still popular among owners to do something to individualize their cars. It may be new wheels, paint or added body works. This is an example of minor changes that could be done to a late C4 which individualize but keep an almost stock appearance. Changes include the use of ZR-1 style wheels used on the Pace Car in ‘95 and the Collector Edition in ‘96, the GS fender flash, but in silver to compliment the silver wheels and grey interior and painting the body emblems body color.

Kit

• AMT Snapfast kit #8765

Paint

• Krylon Red Pepper, to simulate Torch Red, was airbrushed on then polished using Micro Mesh and Novus polishing cream
• This is an excellent line of paints available in most hardware and home centers. It sprays on well, dries hard and easily polishes to a mirror finish.

Work Done

• This mold is showing its age and required sanding to remove mold lines and the filling of several dimples.
• The slot underneath the nose was filled and the air intake opened.
• A razor saw cut was made to separate the windshield frame from the side mirrors.
• The body was lowered on the chassis slightly, to create a closer to the ground look.
• Several parts came from the AMT GS kit including seats, mirror & brakes.
• Interior was detailed with photo etched seat belt hardware, changes to the steering column, partially rolled up side windows, Detail Master window tint decal and Detail Master flocking for carpets.
• Fender flashes were created from silver decal paper using the GS ones as a template.
• Raised antenna made from stretched sprue.

Problems

• The black wrap around front lights are not correct and look it, they should have been molded in clear plastic. They also required some additional sanding to make them fit properly.

Overall Comment

• AMT C4 kits have taken short cuts since the first one in 1984 which have included fit, lack of detail and missing parts. Despite these drawbacks and with a little extra work a reasonable accurate C4 is possible.
• One reason I chose the snap kit to build is its lack of engine (detailing engines is a task I don’t enjoy).

If you have any questions or comments for Robert, you can email him at  r.wheeler@sk.sympatico.ca

Return to Gallery Index                     Return to C1 Index

Page updated  08/30/99