The Corvette C3 was the third-generation of the Corvette and stayed in production for 14 years, from 1968 thru 1982, undergoing many changes during that run.
Even in 1982, the lines of the Corvette C3 still looked current thanks to the updates that Chevrolet had performed along the way. The introudction of the sloping fastback in 1978 modernized the shape, which was completed by the 1980 model facelift, which introduced the new aerodynamic front and rear bumpers. The end-of-the-line was celebrated by the release of the 1:18 scale diecast model 1982 Corvette Collectors Edition by AUTOart
(Part No. 71201).
The diecast model car’s silver metallic paint finish is up to normal AUTOart standards and really does well at showing off the lines of the Corvette. The Collector’s Edition also featured factory pinstriping and these find themselves well-defined and perfectly replicated. The application of the faded-out stripes on the doors and hood are well-executed and really place the car solidly in its unique time in American automotive history.
The model features correct, funtional pop-up headlights which are operated by a small lever under the car’s nose. The headlights are themselves well-defined and have a fine chrome ring around them.
Further, the T-tops and opening window continue to echo the real car. The 1982 Corvette Collector’s Edition was the first Corvette hatchback, a feature that has continued ever since. Opening is simple, but caution is urged to not damage the plastic hinges. The T-tops are bronze-tinted plastic and clip in and out of position easily to enable the owner to display the model as they prefer. Like the real car, these tops can be stored in the fully-carpeted trunk.
Additionally, the ‘82 Corvette Collector Edition package also sported a multi-color interior; the seats were trimmed in leather and featured graduated colored panels, which were complimented by matching door trim. These are suprisingly-well detailed on the diecast replica and the dashboard gauges are behind clear coverings and are readable. One questionable point though is the 120 MPH speedometer. Accurate? In 1982, the government’s 85 MPH speedometer law was still in effect!
The buttons and detail of the center console are accented with silver which makes them nicely visible. Floor coverings and fabric seatbelts provide a nice touch. Overall, the model’s interior tends to be very well done, though some features are a bit on the chunky side.
Under the long, sculpted hood sits the GM 350 Cross-Fire TBI fuel-injected engine which was good for over 200 horsepower. An interesting feature of the 1982 Corvette was the solenoid-operated ait intake that only opened at full-throttle, which is accurate on the underside of the model’s hood. The engine compartment is nicely molded and finished and the warning and instructions decals are likewise well-done.
But the model presents nothing attention-getting here and the finish is quite basic, which continues to the undercarriage. All the necessary chassis and suspension features are here, but the sea of black plastic really disappoints.
The 1982 Corvette Collector’s Edition was fitted with special aluminum wheels designed to look like the bolt-on wheels of the 1967 Stingray model. As fitted to the diecast replica, these are finey molded and feature the Corvette flag symbol on the center cap. Together with the white-lettered Goodyear Eagle GT2 tires, the combination delivers amazing eye-candy!
To make sure that the Collectors Edition package couldn’t be cloned from a standard Corvette, it had a zero in the sixth digit of the VIN number instead of the eight found on standard models. This was the first Corvette to have a sticker-price over $20,000 – but that didn’t stop 6,759 Chevy customers from lining up to get theirs! In its 14-year lifespan, GM sold more than 542,000 Corvette C3 cars – easily one of the most popular Corvettes ever.
To summarize, the AUTOart 1:18 1982 Corvette Collector’s Edition would make a worthy addition to any diecast collection, though we are disappointed to see AUTOart continuing to raise their prices. The cost on this model is now over double what it was at the time of its first release years ago! The model is weighty, solid, well-built and just plain looks great! If you can find one at a reasonable price, we do recommend it despite some disappointments!
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