Corvette Model Gallery
1981
The Corvette was moving. The first car off the new line in Bowling Green on June 1 was Frost Beige but the St Louis plant continued producing past this date till August 1. The only time production occurred in two locations simultaneously.
As could be expected there would be no styling changes although the emblems changed slightly. Mechanically there were a number of minor improvements but then it was normal for Corvette to perfect their car just before replacing it. It was also the first year of computer controlled engine. With the move to Bowling Green came improved paint technologies and Chevy was able to offer two color paint options for the first time since the painted coves of the late ‘50s. Four different combinations would be offered and this option would be continued into 1982 and into the early C4 years.
The Corvette brochure insisted that...."no other American car looks like or stirs the spirit like Corvette...This is what a sports car was meant to be." One would have to agree that there was no other American car like the Corvette but to say this was what sports cars should be was pure advertising hype. When the number of radio options out number the engine options 5 to 1, clearly Corvette was no longer being aimed at the sports car/performance enthusiast.
The model:
Leon Tefft submitted this '81 model based on the real car he owned.
This model is based in the Monogram kit# 2404 1/20 scale
A characteristic that distinguishes the 1981 from the others is the lack of a chrome strip along the top edge of the side rocker panels below the doors.
The exterior is finished with Code #75 Red lacquer custom mixed by MCWAutomotive Finishes.
Modified interior console panel to an automatic transmission shifter and added the twin remote mirror adjustment lever. The interior is fully upholstered and finished with a custom paint mix to replicate the Charcoal leather interior.
The engine bay contains the 350 V-8 finished in the appropriate Light Blue and is fully fitted with proper radiator, heater, and air hoses, hose clamps, spark plug wiring, harnessed electrical wiring, battery cables, and brake lines.
The last added personal touch is the photo reduced vanity license plates.
Comments:
This is a nice looking model of a late shark. These cars were and still are great rides. The 1/20 bigger scale allows room for nice details. Unfortunately, this scale is not very common.
If you would like to contact Leon on this model his e-mail address is: CobraDeuce@worldnet.att.net
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Page updated 10/11/99