'63 Split Window Corvette Sting Ray
Product Reviews
| Manufacturer | Mattel |
| Model Type | Vehicle - Passenger Car |
| Manufacturer's Reference Number | M6911 |
| Scale | 1:64 |
| Material | Diecast |
2008 Hot Wheels Stars ShortCarded version of the Chevy ’63 Split Window Corvette Sting Ray.
Painted metal flake purpleand highlighted with orange stripes sandwiching a thin, almost invisible, lightpurple stripe on the sides. Plastic chrome Malaysia base. Five spoke wheelswith thin (high performance?) black wall tires.
Member reviews
Average member rating from: 1 member(s)
Needs A New Look
| Overall rating: | 1.6 | |
| Overall Impression: | 1.0 | |
| Originality: | 1.0 | |
| Quality : | 3.0 | |
| Accuracy: | 2.0 | |
| Detailing: | 1.0 |
An iconic car of the sixties, the '63 split window Corvette was first cast in the Hot Wheels line in 1980. It has thus far only been left out of the lineup in three years of its 29 year casting. And why not? The lure of the split window has caught even young collectors who've never even seen a 1:1 version, let alone know of its history.
The first Corvette was available in '53. In '63 the name was changed to Corvette Sting Ray and the famous split window was added. This feature was removed after '64 due to safety reasons and some believe the limited run has added to the car's overall appeal. Regardless, you'd be hard-pressed to find a 'best of' list that doesn't include the split window Vette.
The casting has always been flawed. The 1:1's front fenders lead out from the undercarriage and end in front of the elongated rectangular grille. On the model, this is incorporated into the base so, you don't get a separate grille and bumpers. The rear fenders are handled in the same way on the model, being incorporated into the chrome base. Considering the 1:64 scale these idiosyncrasies are completely understandable and do not, in any way take away from the model's aesthetic.
The design 'on' the car is another matter. The deep purple metal flake paint on this mini Vette is its highlight and is diminished only by the horrible, flat orange striping on the car's sides. Of all of the paint and tampo designs this casting has seen over the years, the 2008 is one of the worst.
The five spoke rims look fantastic but since the rear of the car is jacked up slightly and the rear wheel well is high and deep, Mattel's choice of small tires detracts from what should be smooth lines.
Worst of all is the plastic chrome base. It looks and feels cheap. Those drag racing Hot Wheels will be disappointed in the weight loss to the car which slows it down on the track.
Anyone in love with the '63 Split Window Vette will buy this version despite its flaws. Those assembling everything from the mainline will also include this in their collection. Outside of that I think that Mattel dropped the ball and not many others will want to see this car in their collection.
Note: I love the Split Window since she and I were born in the same year. This one is in my collection - flaws and all.