Corvette Model Gallery

1953 Roadster

June 30, 1953, the day it all began. On that day the first production 1953 Corvette rolled off a temporary production line in Flint, Michigan. By the end of the year 300 identical cars had largely been hand produced. The nearly identical Motorama showcar and wowed the car show crowds but GM chose to restrict the limited number of ‘53's to high profile clients. It was a decision that would not help the shaky start of the Corvette. While there was no other American car like the Vette, its sleek looks could not overcome resistance to the anemic engine, two speed transmission, lack of side windows etc. If you were willing to accept an all white car with black cloth roof and red vinyl interior and a former truck engine the 1953 Corvette was the car for you.

The model

Robert Wheeler has built this clean looking 1953 Roadster for his Corvette collection.

AMT kit #6519 in 1/25th scale

Here are some of Rob's comments on the model:

Paint:

• Polo White (Testors Spray), Red interior (custom mixed).

Work Done: 

• Engine detailed with Fred Caddy Blue Flame decals.

• Interior detailed.

• Windshield vacuformed.

• Chassis wired, exhaust pipes replaced.

• Kit tires replaced and whitewalls painted.

Problems:

• Trim line on body slopes up, didn't try to correct.

• Sit of body on chassis.

Comments:

• While most will claim the Monogram kit to be superior after comparing both this superiority was not obvious.  For the sake of scale consistency with the rest of my collection I chose to build the AMT kit.

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

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Page updated  02/06/01