Kit Review

Corvette "Mako Shark"

AMT snapfast plus #6133

Parts included with kit #6133

Review:

It was 1961, the prototype of what would become the 1963 Corvette was being tested and driven but not by Bill Mitchell, head of GM Design, who requested that designer Larry Shinoda do up a car that he could use as a showcar and personal driver. The result was the XP-755 or Mako Shark I as it became commonly known. The Shark caused a stir then continued to serve as a GM showcar for the next 10 years and even today, 37 years later, still captures the attention of visitors to the NCM. One of the great stories in auto history is attached to the Shark. Part of the cover for its design was a Mako Shark that Mitchell had brought back from a trip and had mounted in his office. He ordered that the car be painted to match the fish but when several attempts to reproduce the colors failed his staff stole the fish and repainted it to match the car. The next time Mitchell was shown the car he congratulated them on finally achieving what he had wanted.

This is not the first Shark I kit but it is the best and only one available. This release is in their snap range and will also be released as a built promo in January. So how have AMT done with their rendition of this car. In a word very well.

• • The body comes in a glossy dark metallic blue, unfortunately with a few color swirls. The bottom half is prepainted in airbrushed silver to create the graduated color effect of the real car. The bottom half of the real car was white.
  • Interior is in matte blue and looks very well done when compared to photos of the car. I recommend checking with references for the interior since there were changes made during its career.
  • Wheels are excellent requiring only a black wash to bring out the required detail. Tires are Goodyear and identical to those currently on the car.
  • Other chrome parts are excellent, especially the unique side exhausts.
  • Markings are a combination of stick on and water slide. The water decals in particular are very fine and among the best decals I’ve ever see from AMT.

No kit is perfect and this one has a few tricky areas:

• • There is a molding seam along the car’s belt line that would look better sanded off.
  • The four screw mounting holes are visible when looking at the car from a low angle. To bad AMT hadn’t included body painted plastic plugs.
  • While the front and rear clips fit well a little liquid cement would create an even tighter fit. Chassis, windshield and interior bucket must be installed before these two parts.
  • Chrome foil will be required for around the windshield and trim around the cockpit.

Overall Comment:

The Shark I is one of the most quickly recognized concept/show cars ever created by GM. We have waited a long time for this kit and fortunately AMT have made an excellent effort in giving it to us. For a snap kit the fit is tight, parts detailed, chrome excellent and decals petite. Buy several and maybe AMT will do some more of these like a Shark II, Corvette SS etc.

The completed Mako Shark I   kit.

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Page updated  09/02/99