Blast from the past: C5-R built in 1999

[ismaelg]

Hello,

  This is the first of what I hope to be a series of posts on older builds.  I have been building models since the late 70's  but it was not until around 2000 I started sharing on my ScaleCorvettes.com site and about 2006 I started sharing on this forum.  From time to time I'll take new pictures of older builds and/or share older pics as I find them.

Today I present this 1999 C5-R.

The 5th Generation Corvette (C5) was launched in 1997 and it was a hit.  GM wanted to capitalize on its popularity and for the first time in history, backed a full factory racing effort for the Corvette. In Sept 1997 Ron Fellows was one of the first to be called to be part of the program.   The program was developed  for about a year in secret until the car was ready for testing.  It's race  debut was at the 1999 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona with 2 cars. Car #2 was driven by Ron Fellows,  Chris Kneifel  and John Paul, Jr.   Car #4 was driven by Scott Sharp,  Andy Pilgrim and  John Heinricy.   The brand new Corvettes were able to lead a good part of the race.   At the end, car #2 finished in 3rd position behind 2 Porsche 911s and ahead of the Vipers, making it a successful debut of what was going to become the Corvette Racing powerhouse we know today.

This model is the Revell pre-painted Pro-Finish 85-1648 C5-R Corvette racer.   I built it as soon as it came out. I think it was late 1999. It was built basically box stock.  The kit represents the #2 car that debuted in the ROLEX 24 hours race at Daytona in February 1999. It finished third in class and 18th overall in that race.  Since the body was pre-painted,  I could not touch some minor mold lines. 

I took these new pictures of this model.  Can't believe it is almost 20 years old! The Goodwrench decal in the hood is showing some minor signs of age. Other than that it still looks great!

 

 

 

 

And these are some of  my original pictures from around 2000

 

There is another story to this car: When it was built I took a set of slide pictures and did a write-up. I submitted to Scale Auto Mag.  It was returned with a note saying :"We don't accept unsolicited material".
I was crushed and devastated but at least they were returned.   
I think I still have them somewhere around here.

Thanks!

[peekay]

Your Corvettes are all amazing!!

[cruz]

You are a terrific modeler, always loved your work but your ass needs to continue.....

[ATHU]

Looks sweet. Excellent work!!

[ismaelg]

Thanks guys!

Marcos,  Need my what to continue?