Danbury Mint 1954 Chevrolet

March madness wasn't only about basketball; it included the release of a stunning creation from the Danbury Mint that I consider a three pointer at the buzzer to win the game. Yes sir, the 1954 Chevrolet Corvette "von Esser Carrera Panamericana Racer" is a winner and that's a fact.

It all started on May 5th, 1950 by the Mexican government to inform the world that Mexico had a new system of highways that stretched across the country – from north to south – for commerce and tourism.

To promote the new highway system the La Carrera Panamericana was created, it was a test of speed plain and simple. The Panamericana has been compared to the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans and to the Mille Miglia, but as many drivers conceded after competing in the Mexican grind, "They don't come any tougher than this."

The cars were virtually 100% stock. The only rules were there weren't any, no support crews to speak of, and very poor maps. The whole idea was simply to get from point A to point B as fast as possible, no holds barred.

Bill von Esser and Ernie Pults competed in the final race run in November 1954. Their entry, a 1954 Chevrolet® Corvette®, retains a significant place in the chronicles of Corvette history as the first documented Corvette racecar.

The Danbury Mint proudly reproduced that car in all its glory and beauty. As of lover of Corvette's and racecars, I can attest they did it proud. The #12 von Esser Carrera Panamericana recreated by the Danbury Mint in 1:24th scale will be a classic die cast sought by serious collectors for years to come. No Corvette collection will be complete without the addition of this replica; it is the exclamation point to an already stunning Danbury Mint collection of Corvette's.

A striking model that draws you to it like a magnet, the hand painted badging and red wire wheels scream "look at me I'm special" and it is. A few companies recreated this model in the past, Danbury Mint however, recreated it to their high standards and that's where the difference lies.

The fit and finish are perfect; the hand painted badging is undoubtedly the "cork popper" of this model, along with the very realistic removable top. Doors, hood and trunk tolerances are all excellent. I might add they all operate smoothly but you will need some type of assistance to open them such as a business card or a Hobby Pal, which is a suction cup tool. The gorgeous red wire wheels were meticulously replicated adding to the "bling" quotient of this replica.

In 1954 Corvettes were powered by the 235 c.i. Blue Flame Six cylinder engine that put out 150hp. However, the engine was upgraded to 155 hp during the model year. The only way you can tell the higher output engine from the 150hp version is by special identification marks on the camshaft. The 155hp's camshaft had three dots between the fifth and sixth intake cam lobes, a little trivia I thought you would find interesting.

Danbury Mint replicated the Blue Flame six masterfully packing the engine compartment full of bling. Fuel lines, hoses, chrome valve cover, three carburetors, and coil the list goes on and on. Honestly, I spent over an hour admiring the detail under the hood and so will you.

The amount of detail just kept getting better as I explored the models many fabulous features.

Removing the top allowed me to bask in the beauty of its stunning interior. Readable gauges, removable side windows, seat belts and if you choose to display it with the top off lift up the rear deck to view the top nicely tucked away just like it was on the 1:1.

If you are looking for a model that gives you the most bang for the buck look no further; you found it. This stunning replica is worth every penny of the $124.00 retail price. From nose to tail, top to bottom you will be awestruck by the amount of detail and authenticity incorporated into this replica.

Danbury Mint spared no expense recreating this classic, making it one of those once in a lifetime models that will be sought after for years to come. The '54 "von Esser's Carrera Panamericana Racer" is sure to please the most demanding collector. If you love those old Corvette's you will definitely love this one and want it in your collection today.