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Revell 1/25 Pro Finish '63 Corvette Stingray

By Mike Taylor

Background

In 1963 the name Sting Ray came to mean speed and power. Chevy's '63 Corvette set new standards with it's independent rear suspension, and another innovation that would become a Corvette trademark-hideaway headlights. The new fixed roof coupe came with a split rear window and the sleek lines that have always made the Corvette just look fast sitting still.

The Kit

Revell's Pro Finish kit comes with 33 pieces. I believe it's what car modelers call a "slammer" with no engine. This kit is aimed at the novice builder. It's a snap kit but I used glue in some instances, not because I thought it was needed to ensure a good assembly, but more often than not out of habit.

The body comes pre painted in gloss black with yellow and red flames running back along the body. It's difficult to tell if the body is painted or if the plastic is polished to a high sheen. I tend to think it's painted; it doesn't have that "plastic" look. The flames are nicely painted-not decals or stickers. The chrome work is painted nicely even the Corvette script and trademark crossed checkered flags are painted silver for you.

Assembly begins with placing the glazing into the roof of the body, followed by step 2 which is nothing more than putting the backs on the seats. I wasn't happy with the color of the interior as molded and decided to paint it red.

Various buttons and knobs on the interior were picked out with Model Master aluminum and the instrument panel was painted black with silver drybrushed details. I looked and looked on the net for photos of the interior but could find none.

The seats get snapped into place then the separate door panels slip down and lock into place. The interior continues with the dashboard/steering wheel assembly, and finally the stick shift pops in from underneath.

Step 8 has you putting a clear red tail light strip into a chrome taillight housing and placing that in the rear of the body from the inside. Once that's done the interior is put into place. At this time you can place the body on the chassis.

The wheels and tires are nicely molded and fit well. The simple assembly has you placing the wheel into the tire then inserting the axle in one wheel, through the chassis and into its opposite. Once the wheels were attached 2 screws ensure the chassis won't fall from the body.

Finishing touches include the fitting of the chrome front and rear bumpers, turn signals, gas cap and side moldings. That's it.

Conclusion

Easy enough for the first time modeler, fun enough for someone that hasn't built a car model in years. I left the mold lines on the body for fear of marring the finish, but they're barely noticeable. The flames are cool but I can't help but think they'd reach a larger market if the flames were offered as a decal option. I'd recommend this kit to anyone that wanted a neat 'Vette and spend an afternoon relaxing and having fun.

My thanks to Revell-Monogram for this review sample!