I will be following this with interest as I was able to obtain a similar kit this summer for a decent price. I had a Matchbox engine when I was a kid, lost long ago, and never forgot how cool it was.
Many thanks to everyone for all the nice comments! Snake, the 'vette is just a spray-bomb red, either Rustoleum or Krylon I don't remember what. The pics make it look much redder than it actually is.