Description: FRANKLIN MINT 1/24 1982 GOLD MASON CHEVY CORVETTE TOPS NO DOCS OR BOX VERY NICE Corvette During the last half of 1953, 300 Corvettes were to large degree hand-built on a makeshift assembly line that was installed in an old truck plant in Flint, Michigan while a factory was being prepped for a full-scale 1954 production run. The outer body was made out of then-revolutionary fiberglass material, selected in part because quotas, left over from the war, limited the availability of steel. A 55 degree racked windshield was made of safety glass, while the license plate holder was set back in the trunk, covered with a plastic window. Underneath the new body material were standard components from Chevrolet's regular car line, including the "Blue Flame" inline six-cylinder engine, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, and drum brakes. The engine's output was increased however from a triple-carburetor system exclusive to the Corvette, but performance of the car was decidedly "lackluster".Compared to the British and Italian sports cars of the day, the Corvette lacked a manual transmission and required more effort to bring to a stop, but like their British competition, such as Morgan, was not fitted with roll-up windows; this would have to wait until sometime in the 1956 model year. A Paxton centrifugal supercharger became available in 1954 as a dealer-installed option, greatly improving the Corvette's straight-line performance, but sales continued to decline. The Chevrolet division was GM's entry-level marque. Managers at GM were seriously considering shelving the project, leaving the Corvette to be little more than a footnote in automotive history, and would have done so if not for three important events. The first was the 1955 introduction of Chevrolet's first V8 engine since 1919. Late in the model year, the new 195 hp (145 kW) 265 small-block became available with a three-speed manual transmission, coupled to a 3.55:1 axle ratio, the only one offered. The engine was fitted with a single 2366S WCFB four-barrel (four-choke) Carter carburetor.The combination turned the "rather anemic Corvette into a credible if not outstanding performer". The second was the influence of a Russian émigré in GM's engineering department, Zora Arkus-Duntov. The third factor in the Corvette's survival was Ford's introduction of the 1955 two-seat Thunderbird, which was billed as a "personal luxury car", not a sports car. Even so, the Ford-Chevrolet rivalry in those days demanded GM not appear to back down from the challenge. The original concept for the Corvette emblem incorporated an American flag into the design, but was changed well before production since associating the flag with a product was frowned upon.214 577 0011Don't miss out on your chance to own this rare collectible... BID NOW!!! This authentic signed CAR comes complete FRANKLIN MINT Authenticity. This is as authentic as it gets!!! GreekmanSports specializes in authentic sports memorabilia from only the most trusted companies! MOUNTED MEMORIES STEINER SPORTS Tri Star UPPER DECK AUTHENTICATED MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the quality or authenticity of your purchase, we will gladly give you a full refund or exchange, whichever you prefer up to 10 days after purchase. Please feel free to e-mail us with any questions. GOOD LUCK BIDDING!!! ALL ITEMS GUARANTEED BY GREEKMANSPORTS TRUSTED BY EBAY FOR YEARS CHECK OUT MY FEEDBACK OVER 2000 POSITIVE TRANSACTIONS QUESTIONS? FEEL FREE TO CALL OR EMAIL
Price: 149.99 USD
Location: Dallas, Texas
End Time: 2024-09-22T16:42:31.000Z
Shipping Cost: 19.99 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Franklin Mint
Series: Franklin Mint
Type: Cars
Vehicle Make: Chevrolet
Color: Gold
Vehicle Type: Car
Theme: RACING
Material: Diecast
Scale: 1:24
Vehicle Year: 1982
Character Family: Corvette