Up front, this is one of the best 1:18 scale models I have seen anywhere-period! UT's models are produced in China and are a subsidiary of Paul's Model Art. If you collect die-cast models beyond Corvettes, specifically sports cars, Formula One, or Le Mans-style race cars, then you are aware of Paul's Model Art. They have set the standard for affordable, mass-produced 1/43 models. The body of this Corvette is flawless in casting, with no pitting, scratches or lumps anywhere. The paint is masterfully applied. The delineation between the silver and black and the red pinstriping is razor sharp and as close to perfect as you'll see on an affordable model such as this. This is a killer paint job. The spoilers are separate molded pieces and are applied with no unsightly gaps or flash showing. The black and silver paint on the spoilers match the black and silver on the car perfectly. On large-scale models, add-on components oftentimes appear to be almost an afterthought, as they never seem to be of the same quality of the model. It appears that UT spent some time and energy getting these details right and applying them to look very realistic. The Indy Graphics are where they should be, as is all of the badging. They are all correct, clear, and legible, although I suspect they are decals, not heat-stamped, as the carrier film edges are apparent, especially on the doors. The interior is stunning and finely detailed. All of the gauges, dials, instruments and chrome edging is modeled in a fine manner, with none of the clunkiness usually found in this size model. Even the numbers on the radio dial are readable. You have to see this interior to appreciate the high level of workmanship and accuracy. The seats are silver and the surface pleats and silver patina are very "leather-like" in appearance, a great touch! The windows are modeled "down," so it is no problem to see and appreciate the fine workmanship exhibited in the interior. And to really show it off, the roof panels pop off and the "T" bar is chromed, as it should be. Finally, the floor mats are finished in some type of flocking that appears to be nylon carpeting, with a great Corvette logo on each side. This interior is first rate, and most others will pale in comparison. UT has become top of the heap!
The wheel and tires are accurate, right down to the Goodyear GT Radial logo and the tread pattern. All lighting lenses are separate pieces molded in realistic and translucent red or amber. When unpacking the car, you have to untie a twist tie and then peel off two round tape discs in order to get the hood open. When these are taken off some of the glue remained on the surface of the car. A cotton swab and alcohol removed the sticky residue. The engine compartment is even better than the interior! It is fully detailed and accurate, down to the brake fluid reservoir. All piping, wiring, belts, etc. are cleverly molded as "tree" like components that fit together in layers like a jigsaw puzzle and finish up being the best looking and constructed engine compartment of any 1:18 model I've reviewed. I'm not implying that other model makers' engine compartments are inferior, it's just that UT has raised the level of the playing field-theirs is that much better. To those of you who own a '78 or so Vette, opening the hood on this model will have you grinning till it hurts!
And the chassis is as detailed too. All components: shocks, A-arms, links, rollbars etc. are finely detailed. The exhaust system is particularly beautiful as it splits and bends and snakes around the various chassis and suspension components. It also includes a fat "Cat" too to satisfy the "Guvmint" regs. Especially noteworthy are the yellow rear shocks! The level of detail on this model, both inside and out, sets a new standard in mass-produced 1:18 scale models. If you like to collect the "big ones," your collection will have a huge "black hole" in it if you don't have this one up front on the shelf where all may see and appreciate it. A fine model of a stunning prototype! Price is $29.95...a steal! This and other UT models are available from AZAUTOZONE, 33202 Woodward Ave., Dept. VM, Birmingham, MI 48009; (800) 647-7288, e-mail azautozone@aol.com, or check out their Internet catalog site at www.azautozone.com.