Now that I have my Corvette generations figured out, the rest of the C3 Corvettes, years 1975 to 1982

[RDean58]

75

MPC to the rescue again. Still using the wrong engine but still having the spring-loaded turn able wheels. Also still has the non-plated open rally wheels, ORIGINAL issue only though.  This was the last year for this generation to also have a convertible.

76, 77

For the 1976 model year, MPC redid the front suspension, removing the springs. It still had the incorrect big block engine though. The 77 was a recycle of the 76 with an updated rear license plate that said 1977 instead of 1976, yeah! 

78

MPC updated the frame and engine this year and put the correct small block engine in it. They also updated the exhaust to incorporate the Catalytic converters. MPC wanted to get their money's worth from the updates so put out two kits. One an anniversary special while the other was the Indy Pace car kit.

79

There was no 1/25 scale Corvette kit made for the 79-model year. Fortunately, MPC did make a promo version.

80, 81, 82

MPC kitted three kits to cover these years while Revell/Monogram did a 1982 special anniversary kit which I don't have. These three kits can be had for cheap money. The chrome is pretty bad in the examples I've gotten (two of the Voodoo and Spoiler, one of the Dragon). The custom wheels are not plated and the 82 kit, even though it says "cross-fire Injection" on the fender, does not have that system in the kit. I used one from the Revell 82 Camaro on my build of the 82.

So, the C3 Corvette saga ends. I'll do the C4 tomorrow. Thanks for looking comments, corrections and additions are welcomed.

[Robberbaron]

4 minutes ago, RDean58 said:

75

MPC to the rescue again. Still using the wrong engine but still having the spring-loaded turn able wheels. Also still has the non-plated open rally wheels, ORIGINAL issue only though.

 

Round 2 reissued the '75 "Open Corvette Roadster" several years ago, and that version did include the bare rally wheels.  Also had a set of 8 metal injector stacks.

My brother built a version of this reissue, and I seem to recall that it did not have the bare rallys:

[Can-Con]

Rob, AMT did indeed issue '75,'76 and '77 Vettes. Also, they were each reboxed part way through the year only marked as "new" instead of having the year on the box to keep the stock moving.

And, don't put much stock in Scalemates. At best their lists are incomplete and sometimes just incorrect.

[Monty]

Quote

There was no 1/25 scale Corvette kit made for the 79-model year. Fortunately, MPC did make a promo version.

While this is technically true, I don't believe there are any discernable differences between the 1:1 '78s and '79s that would prevent you from using the MPC Pace Car or Anniversary Special '78s to build a '79.

Something I've never understood: that MPC '75 convertible does not have a master cylinder/brake booster assembly even though past and future editions of their C3s had them.  

I always preferred the MPC C3s because of the detailed chassis, separate half shafts and poseable front wheels/tires. OTOH, the dash top lacked any radio speaker or defroster detail.  

 

 

[Motor City]

MPC also issued a '76 Corvette convertible kit even though there wasn't a real one 

[Can-Con]

16 hours ago, Monty said:

While this is technically true, I don't believe there are any discernable differences between the 1:1 '78s and '79s that would prevent you from using the MPC Pace Car or Anniversary Special '78s to build a '79.

 

 

I think you're right about that Monty. 

Also, I think the Pace Car would serve as the '79 Annual.

It came out later in '78 , around the time  or just prior to when the '89 annual would. And most of the noticeable differences between the Pace Car and a regular '78 were adopted for the '79 Corvette such as the Pace Car seats, spoilers and glass T-roof panels, although the spoilers and roof panels were options.