C2 Gran Sport model

[Rob M.]

Is there a nice C2 Grant Sport model available (e.g. from Franklin Mint or AutoArt)? I would love to have a detailed one, preferably 1:18!!!

regards,
Rob.

[Alan S.]

Re: C2 Gran Sport model

Hi Rob,
The NCRS store had a great 1/18 scale model for a few years of the various GS cars. Perhaps they have a couple hiding in the back room( but aren't advertising anymore) that that you could purchase.
Sure worth a call!
Regards,
Alan

[Stuart F.]

Re: C2 Gran Sport model

Rob;

In 1/18th scale, you will want to go with the Auto Art. I have several in various colors and each is highly detailed and accurate. Franklin Mint deals mostly in 1/24th scale diecast models and they are, to be honest, a disappointment. I started my collection with them, but have been getting rid of them as I find a quality replacement on a per year or color basis. I usually go to Danbury Mint. They are far superior in detail and accuracy - never disappoint. Though not perfect, their flaws are easily overlooked. I only display my 1/24th scale now as the 1/18th scale take up too much space. Some day I may set up a display of the larger models in my garage, but not in my family room. There too, I will probably get rid of the cheaper 1/18th scale models as I scale down with my age, Ha! There just gets to be too many and they require occasional cleaning, etc. Even my good glass display cabinet allows some real fine dust to get in and the metal cars are just like dirt magnets!

Stu

[Chris E.]

Re: C2 Gran Sport model

Exoto has some of the best detail I have ever seen.

Here is one place to get Exoto Grand Sports.

http://www.corvettemodels.com/grand.html

There are others, just search "Exoto grand sport" on Google.

I have 2 of the Exoto grand sports, and they are amazing.

Penske roadster.



And this one.





Yat Ming also sells grand sports, but since the price is SO much lower (I think only $30 or so for YM), I can't believe that the detail is as good as Exoto.

The Exoto grand sports are getting scarce though, so their prices are really starting to go up.

eBay usually has a few Exoto GS cars as well. Sometimes you can find a deal.

[Jean C.]

Re: C2 Gran Sport model

Rob,
Ditto what Chris says about Exoto. Also Auto Art. I go for anything Chevy powered...Corvette, Can Am, SCCA. I have the Auto Art '57 Corvette SS and it is very nicely done. Corvettes from Exoto are also great quality and detail. See www.exoto.com .
Cheers,

[Stuart F.]

Re: C2 Gran Sport model

Thanks to Chris for waking me up. I went into my walk in closet to check my Grand Sports, and they too are Exoto. I have four roadsters; including the Penske, a white one, a silver one, and another blue. I also have the Blue coupe. They are mighty fine. The Auto Art's I have are the SS body roadster, and three of the Stingrays roadsters; one red and two silver. The reason I have two silver is I used to have one for display at car shows on top of my air cleaner. Then one day a wind came up before I had my hood strut clamped and it came crashing down on the model. That broke the windshield on the model and put a noticeable 1/2" spider crack in the paint on my hood. I couldn't fix the model all that well, so I bought another for my collection and still use the repaired one in shows. I also have a Carousel 1 model of a 69 GM test car with the L-88 engine. I like that one a lot as well. One of the best Auto Art's I have is the Chaparral 2, which has removable front and rear body sections - just like the original.

Thanks for the information Chris. It is good to know that these models are holding their value on E-Bay. I plan to dump off the rest of my Franklin Mints there, including the various Ltd Editions I have. I was going to start out by unloading the 57 cut-a-way Fuelie Engine I have, but one went through just this last week for less than cost ($165.00 new, sold at $113.xx). A few years back they were going in a range of from $740.00 to over $1800.00! This one my have had something wrong with it, and didn't have the paper work/original box, etc.

Stu Fox

[Chris E.]

Re: C2 Gran Sport model

No problem Stu.

I also have some models by Carousel 1 that are REALLY good, but they don't make any Grand Sports.

The model that is on my wish list right now is the 1:18 GMP of the 65 red/black fuel convertible. It's a TRUCKLOAD of cash though, for a non-race car model....

http://www.diecastfast.com/diecast/DCF/PROD/GMP-65VETTE-R

And yes, the photos are just of the pre-production prototype. They did NOT produce a fuelie with the 396 fender badges.

[Stuart F.]

Re: C2 Gran Sport model

Chris;

Ironically, I just saw the ad for the 65 in "Corvette Magazine" yesterday and thought it would be a good one to have. Then, I thought again about how I am wanting to pare down my collection, and I turned the page. They were asking about $10.00 more in the ad over the one shown in your link. It sure is detailed though, even looks like the calipers are leaking, Ha!

Stu Fox

[Rob M.]

Re: C2 Gran Sport model

All,

Thanks for your replies. I think I'll buy some of the Exoto models. They look really sharp and detailed. So far I didn't found any C2 grand sport of AutoArt. I have some others of AutoArt and they are really nice...

greetings,
Rob.

[Chris E.]

Re: C2 Gran Sport model

Rob, you will absolutely not be disappointed with the Exoto models. There are TOP NOTCH!