AMT 1959 Corvette differences

[gtx6970]

Is there any difference between the original issue as opposed to any of the more recent issues ? If so, what are they .

Does it still have the 1959 model year on the license plate like the original ?

My only concern is once built OE stock can it be told from the original ?

[Mark]

The reissue kits are actually 1960...'60 seat upholstery pattern, and the opening hood and engine.  The '59 annual kit(s) did not include an engine.  The reissues have blank license plates.  These have rims with separate wheel covers.  Over the years, the rims were messed with so they would fit those two-piece tires.

[gtx6970]

Many thanks Mark,

 I figured there had to be a difference why the re-isues were so cheap compard to the original issues

I will avoid the re-issue and just  keep an eye out for an original issue then for a decent price  .

[Don Sikora II]

The hardtop version of the original came with one of the removable stock hardtops. It was one piece and the whole thing was molded in clear plastic. Kinda a neat piece, but it wasn't included in any of the reissues.

[Mark]

The one-piece clear hardtop was used in the '60 and '61 annuals also.  The '62 annual hardtop kit included only a custom hardtop.  So, if in 1962 you bought the annual "hardtop" kit and built it stock, you had a convertible.