Meet the Fleet – Sportscars: Corvette Stingray hardtop roadster

• BODY: Aurora Model Motoring
• WHEELS: Vincent
• TIRES: Road Race Replicas

This is one of 2 copies of this body I have acquired. Johnny Lightning/Auto World made a duplicate of this style but they chose to make it appear as a convertible with a raised soft top; I prefer this original, which is slightly smaller, since it is fitted with the rare removable hardtop option. It’s well-proportioned and, judging by the shape of the hood scoop, appears to be a 427-powered version, marking it as a ’66 or ’67 model. At the time I bought this one I didn’t have enough green cars in my sports car fleet. If I had to do over again I would probably choose a different color, but I can’t deny this one looks good, especially with the “Stones” wheels and the #6 roundel on the doors and trunk. It handles surprisingly well considering its short wheelbase. Its unlikely that many 427-powered Corvettes were actually used on racing tracks, but I know there’s some out there, and I’m always happy to push the envelope!