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·Auto Art Texas C5R.
This version of the C5R commemorates the 2000 Texas C5R driven by Andy Pilgrim and Ron Fellows, adorned with the trademark #3 and Goodwrench Service Plus logos.
Exterior
The quality of this model clearly demonstrates the characteristics that Auto Art is known for. The gaps on this model are almost non-existent. All body lines flow accordingly and no panel of the model is out of place.
The paint is seems to be molded in as with all AUTOart models, which results in no over spray or orange peel. All decals are pressed on with some sort of heat treatment method, therefore the edges of the decals are not visible. Graphics on the sides and top of car are aligned perfectly making for the perfect balance of craftmanship on AUTOart behalf.
Special attention to detail must have been on the top of the list for this model. Starting from the front, the air screens on each side and beneath the front license plates are flawlessly represent by a plastic mesh which has distinct characteristics of a real air screen. The pop up headlights show accuracy and details as the real C5R does. The vents and scoops on the hood makes for a great enhancement as it is the most noticeable when looking at the car head on. The side view mirrors are fitted with reflective stickers which represent the mirror. On the roof top rests a antenna which needs to be handled with great care or it is easily broken off. The windshield wiper fits flush with windshield. The rear taillights and third brakelight are integrated into the front bumper and all are evenly spaced and proportioned. The rear wing is the only achilles heel when it comes to the exterior of this car. Its made flimsy like and has a tendency to rock back and forth. I have checked my other AUTOart C5R models and they all suffer from that same ailment. The rear hatch lifts off with relative ease and it has a perfect seal to the rear of the car as well. The suspension of the car is visible once the hood and rear hatch is removed, unfortunately they aren't moveable. Wheels are standard slicks with the Good Year Eagle. The rear tires are naturally wider than the fronts giving the model a near perfect stance. The wheels are finished with a polished look and the rears are larger adding to that perfect stance. The brake calipers have "Alcon" stamped on them, the disks look to be standard. Exhaust pipes exit from underneath the doors and are hollow. Following the exhaust path, it leads to the engine, underneath displaying the best view.
Interior
Interior accents show a great deal of accuracy and realism. I believe that AUTOart has some of the most beautiful interiors on the market. Upon opening the drivers side door, a roll bar is revealed, looks to be a five point system. The drivers seat is constructed of a plastic shell with foam inserts to represent the seating surfaces. A "Corvette Racing" emblem rests in the middle of the seat. The seatbelt consist of a five point harness with buckles visible and it is anchored to the cars frame. The steering wheel has the famous crown logo in the center and is covered with suede like the real deal. The console and controls show great accuracy and detail. The shift knob is vintage corvette racing and seems to positioned accordingly. The passengers side consist of the "Brain of the Car" so to speak. I couldn't begin to tell you what all of these pieces represent, but rest assured they are of great accuracy and detail.
Engine
The engine seems to be on the fence, either you like what they have done with it, or it seems to be lacking something. Both fuel rail covers have "Corvette C5R" stamped on them, they seem to be molded in with the engine. Underneath is where the engine stands out, Underneath the manifold is where the spark plug wires are visible. I think this is just awesome detail. In addition the front engine shield carries the Corvette Racing logo. The rear engine compartment houses hoses and more hoses. Most are constructed of hard plastic. Both the front and rear engine compartment have a clean and accurate look to them, unfortunately, if the same detail and accuracy that was focused on the exterior carried over, this would be the ultimate model.
Packaging
The model come in the standard AUTOart cardboard box, black plastic base with plexiglass window. On the rear of the box you will find the history of this particular model. Included also is a C5R insert which makes for a great mini board/poster.
Value
The market for the C5R varies from version to version ranging from $45-60. The 2000 Texas C5R is not a model which I see as frequently as other versions. But with the details and quality this model presents, it well worth the market value.
Overall
My overall opinion is that the 2000 Texas C5R I the most visibly stunning of all the C5R with the exception of the Platinum Ertl edition. The fit and finish that went into completing this model is that of top notch quality and will be visible to the most critical collector. The flowing flags, Corvette emblems and the legendary "3" makes this C5R a must for very collectors edition not including its victorious season.
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This version of the C5R commemorates the 2000 Texas C5R driven by Andy Pilgrim and Ron Fellows, adorned with the trademark #3 and Goodwrench Service Plus logos.
Exterior
The quality of this model clearly demonstrates the characteristics that Auto Art is known for. The gaps on this model are almost non-existent. All body lines flow accordingly and no panel of the model is out of place.
The paint is seems to be molded in as with all AUTOart models, which results in no over spray or orange peel. All decals are pressed on with some sort of heat treatment method, therefore the edges of the decals are not visible. Graphics on the sides and top of car are aligned perfectly making for the perfect balance of craftmanship on AUTOart behalf.
Special attention to detail must have been on the top of the list for this model. Starting from the front, the air screens on each side and beneath the front license plates are flawlessly represent by a plastic mesh which has distinct characteristics of a real air screen. The pop up headlights show accuracy and details as the real C5R does. The vents and scoops on the hood makes for a great enhancement as it is the most noticeable when looking at the car head on. The side view mirrors are fitted with reflective stickers which represent the mirror. On the roof top rests a antenna which needs to be handled with great care or it is easily broken off. The windshield wiper fits flush with windshield. The rear taillights and third brakelight are integrated into the front bumper and all are evenly spaced and proportioned. The rear wing is the only achilles heel when it comes to the exterior of this car. Its made flimsy like and has a tendency to rock back and forth. I have checked my other AUTOart C5R models and they all suffer from that same ailment. The rear hatch lifts off with relative ease and it has a perfect seal to the rear of the car as well. The suspension of the car is visible once the hood and rear hatch is removed, unfortunately they aren't moveable. Wheels are standard slicks with the Good Year Eagle. The rear tires are naturally wider than the fronts giving the model a near perfect stance. The wheels are finished with a polished look and the rears are larger adding to that perfect stance. The brake calipers have "Alcon" stamped on them, the disks look to be standard. Exhaust pipes exit from underneath the doors and are hollow. Following the exhaust path, it leads to the engine, underneath displaying the best view.
Interior
Interior accents show a great deal of accuracy and realism. I believe that AUTOart has some of the most beautiful interiors on the market. Upon opening the drivers side door, a roll bar is revealed, looks to be a five point system. The drivers seat is constructed of a plastic shell with foam inserts to represent the seating surfaces. A "Corvette Racing" emblem rests in the middle of the seat. The seatbelt consist of a five point harness with buckles visible and it is anchored to the cars frame. The steering wheel has the famous crown logo in the center and is covered with suede like the real deal. The console and controls show great accuracy and detail. The shift knob is vintage corvette racing and seems to positioned accordingly. The passengers side consist of the "Brain of the Car" so to speak. I couldn't begin to tell you what all of these pieces represent, but rest assured they are of great accuracy and detail.
Engine
The engine seems to be on the fence, either you like what they have done with it, or it seems to be lacking something. Both fuel rail covers have "Corvette C5R" stamped on them, they seem to be molded in with the engine. Underneath is where the engine stands out, Underneath the manifold is where the spark plug wires are visible. I think this is just awesome detail. In addition the front engine shield carries the Corvette Racing logo. The rear engine compartment houses hoses and more hoses. Most are constructed of hard plastic. Both the front and rear engine compartment have a clean and accurate look to them, unfortunately, if the same detail and accuracy that was focused on the exterior carried over, this would be the ultimate model.
Packaging
The model come in the standard AUTOart cardboard box, black plastic base with plexiglass window. On the rear of the box you will find the history of this particular model. Included also is a C5R insert which makes for a great mini board/poster.
Value
The market for the C5R varies from version to version ranging from $45-60. The 2000 Texas C5R is not a model which I see as frequently as other versions. But with the details and quality this model presents, it well worth the market value.
Overall
My overall opinion is that the 2000 Texas C5R I the most visibly stunning of all the C5R with the exception of the Platinum Ertl edition. The fit and finish that went into completing this model is that of top notch quality and will be visible to the most critical collector. The flowing flags, Corvette emblems and the legendary "3" makes this C5R a must for very collectors edition not including its victorious season.
