53 Corvette Model
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 27
From: Monroe Twp, NJ
53 Corvette Model
My uncle had a rather large 53 Corvette model when I was a kid. I never was able to for get.He was a mechanic and worked for Chevrolet for a while. As I remember this model was rather large. Larger than a 1/18 scale model. I believe the tires were able to come off and it had a bunch of other features. It was a show thing and he had it for years. His children remember it but no one knows what happened to it. Do any of you old timers or model collectors remember any such model Corvette?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,501
Likes: 1,938
From: The Golden Triangle, Florida
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '20 thru '25
I was 7 years old in 1953 and I remember getting that toy from my Aunt and Uncle who gave it to me as a Christmas or birthday present. It was a great toy and, as stated, had working headlights. That's a long time ago to remember everything, but I think it came with a miniature tool set in the trunk that had a tiny jack and lug wrench.
Another year my aunt and uncle gave me a Chris Craft motor boat the same size as the Corvette. It had a removable engine hatch with an authentic-looking engine. It also had lots of little removable parts to play with, too (life preservers, fire extinguishers, etc.)
Wish I still had those toys.
-- Steve
Another year my aunt and uncle gave me a Chris Craft motor boat the same size as the Corvette. It had a removable engine hatch with an authentic-looking engine. It also had lots of little removable parts to play with, too (life preservers, fire extinguishers, etc.)
Wish I still had those toys.
-- Steve
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,682
Likes: 3,135
From: Shamong, NJ
I know that Hubley did a metal 53-55, back in the 50's. It had an opening hood and truck, and steerable front wheels. It was about a foot long, but I don't think it had working lights.
The Ideal Toy Co. made a 53 model kit back then also. It was over 15" long, when built. It was sold in a couple different versions, including one with working headlights. I have the working lights version of the Ideal kit, in my collection.
These are the only larger scale 53-55's, that I know of, but neither of them sound like they're the model that is being discussed here.
The Ideal Toy Co. made a 53 model kit back then also. It was over 15" long, when built. It was sold in a couple different versions, including one with working headlights. I have the working lights version of the Ideal kit, in my collection.
These are the only larger scale 53-55's, that I know of, but neither of them sound like they're the model that is being discussed here.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,501
Likes: 1,938
From: The Golden Triangle, Florida
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '20 thru '25
I know that Hubley did a metal 53-55, back in the 50's. It had an opening hood and truck, and steerable front wheels. It was about a foot long, but I don't think it had working lights.
The Ideal Toy Co. made a 53 model kit back then also. It was over 15" long, when built. It was sold in a couple different versions, including one with working headlights. I have the working lights version of the Ideal kit, in my collection.
These are the only larger scale 53-55's, that I know of, but neither of them sound like they're the model that is being discussed here.
The Ideal Toy Co. made a 53 model kit back then also. It was over 15" long, when built. It was sold in a couple different versions, including one with working headlights. I have the working lights version of the Ideal kit, in my collection.
These are the only larger scale 53-55's, that I know of, but neither of them sound like they're the model that is being discussed here.
-- Steve
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,682
Likes: 3,135
From: Shamong, NJ
Here are some pictures of my Ideal 53 Corvette.
The car features an opening hood and trunk, an engine complete with 3 carbs, working headlamps (from a switch on the dash), and a clear removable hardtop. The body is molded in white plastic, while the tires and engine are black plastic, the trim gray plastic, and the interior is a sort of translucent red plastic.
The box art says "Authentic Replica of General Motors' Famous New Sports Car", and "Easy-To-Assemble and Take-Apart Pieces".
To give you an idea of it's size, the promo model with it in the second picture, is the original 1/25th scale 1953 Corvette promo model made by PMC.
I do have the grill, bumpers, etc. for it, I just didn't bother to put them in for the pictures. I don't have the instruction sheet though.
The car features an opening hood and trunk, an engine complete with 3 carbs, working headlamps (from a switch on the dash), and a clear removable hardtop. The body is molded in white plastic, while the tires and engine are black plastic, the trim gray plastic, and the interior is a sort of translucent red plastic.
The box art says "Authentic Replica of General Motors' Famous New Sports Car", and "Easy-To-Assemble and Take-Apart Pieces".
To give you an idea of it's size, the promo model with it in the second picture, is the original 1/25th scale 1953 Corvette promo model made by PMC.
I do have the grill, bumpers, etc. for it, I just didn't bother to put them in for the pictures. I don't have the instruction sheet though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,501
Likes: 1,938
From: The Golden Triangle, Florida
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '20 thru '25
That sure looks like what I had from what I can remember 59 years ago. The size looks right. I don't remember it having a top but it may have. Does yours have a trunk tool kit with tiny little tools including a cross wrench?
Thanks for bringing back that memory.
-- Steve
Thanks for bringing back that memory.
-- Steve
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,682
Likes: 3,135
From: Shamong, NJ
Mine does not have any tools with it, and the box art doesn't show any.
There were two other versions of the kit. One was sold through Rayco Muffler and Seat Cover stores, and included the working lights and was motorized. The second version had a body molded in turquoise, and was also motorized. The turquoise one was a 3 in1 kit, and could be built stock, custom or as a race car. I think that both of these were later reissues of the kit. I don't have either of these (yet?), so I don't know if either of them came with tools.
There were two other versions of the kit. One was sold through Rayco Muffler and Seat Cover stores, and included the working lights and was motorized. The second version had a body molded in turquoise, and was also motorized. The turquoise one was a 3 in1 kit, and could be built stock, custom or as a race car. I think that both of these were later reissues of the kit. I don't have either of these (yet?), so I don't know if either of them came with tools.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 802
Likes: 2
From: North Royalton Ohio
While this is an older post I'd like to bring it back as I only found it today. I too, had this model in 1953 at 7 yrs old and it's the reason for my Corvette passion,although it had to wait until 8 yrs ago when I paid for my youngest ones college.
While I don't remember the working headlights, [few parents had money for something as frivolous as batteries shortly after WWII] I passionately loved this toy opening the hood and trunk and changing tires with the spare. I also remember popping the side spear trim in place and wonder if the body wasn't screwed together. The trim was gray plastic, I don't think chroming plastic was developed yet.
My memories for details are dim, yet my love for this beloved toy so strong. I had thought about it for years and years thinking it was about 18 inches long, now I know it was 15 and made by Ideal. I don't remember when it may have been discarded and my parents long gone, yet it fueled my imagination and desire to this very day.
Ok, that's it the younger member owners of "our" brand will think me crazy. I'll die with the passion for the Corvette, they have no idea the history.
Anyone with one for sale contact me.
While I don't remember the working headlights, [few parents had money for something as frivolous as batteries shortly after WWII] I passionately loved this toy opening the hood and trunk and changing tires with the spare. I also remember popping the side spear trim in place and wonder if the body wasn't screwed together. The trim was gray plastic, I don't think chroming plastic was developed yet.
My memories for details are dim, yet my love for this beloved toy so strong. I had thought about it for years and years thinking it was about 18 inches long, now I know it was 15 and made by Ideal. I don't remember when it may have been discarded and my parents long gone, yet it fueled my imagination and desire to this very day.
Ok, that's it the younger member owners of "our" brand will think me crazy. I'll die with the passion for the Corvette, they have no idea the history.
Anyone with one for sale contact me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,892
Likes: 168
From: Middletown Ohio
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
Very early Ace Corvette model.
Attached are some pictures of a very early wood body Corvette model kit with some nice molded plastic parts and a wire windshield frame.
The picture on the box indicates it is early design due to the upside down gull wings.
Anyone have an older one?
This is dated Feb.17, 1954 on the box.
The picture on the box indicates it is early design due to the upside down gull wings.
Anyone have an older one?
This is dated Feb.17, 1954 on the box.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Kansas
While this is an older post I'd like to bring it back as I only found it today. I too, had this model in 1953 at 7 yrs old and it's the reason for my Corvette passion,although it had to wait until 8 yrs ago when I paid for my youngest ones college.
While I don't remember the working headlights, [few parents had money for something as frivolous as batteries shortly after WWII] I passionately loved this toy opening the hood and trunk and changing tires with the spare. I also remember popping the side spear trim in place and wonder if the body wasn't screwed together. The trim was gray plastic, I don't think chroming plastic was developed yet.
My memories for details are dim, yet my love for this beloved toy so strong. I had thought about it for years and years thinking it was about 18 inches long, now I know it was 15 and made by Ideal. I don't remember when it may have been discarded and my parents long gone, yet it fueled my imagination and desire to this very day.
Ok, that's it the younger member owners of "our" brand will think me crazy. I'll die with the passion for the Corvette, they have no idea the history.
Anyone with one for sale contact me.
While I don't remember the working headlights, [few parents had money for something as frivolous as batteries shortly after WWII] I passionately loved this toy opening the hood and trunk and changing tires with the spare. I also remember popping the side spear trim in place and wonder if the body wasn't screwed together. The trim was gray plastic, I don't think chroming plastic was developed yet.
My memories for details are dim, yet my love for this beloved toy so strong. I had thought about it for years and years thinking it was about 18 inches long, now I know it was 15 and made by Ideal. I don't remember when it may have been discarded and my parents long gone, yet it fueled my imagination and desire to this very day.
Ok, that's it the younger member owners of "our" brand will think me crazy. I'll die with the passion for the Corvette, they have no idea the history.
Anyone with one for sale contact me.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,986
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I have a model I would like to sell. It is complete and in good shape. e-mail me and I will send photos. rmuhlenbruch@***.net
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I'm 75 years old now, I had one when I was 8 years old back in 1953. My Mother and Father purchased it for me at Christmas. It screwed together and had working headlights, spare tire in the trunk, the hood also opened and had the Blue Flame straight 6 cylinder in it with the 3 single barrel carburetors. Unfortunately I broke it. Recently I found one on line and purchased it. It's not perfect by I will restore it.
Frank Pope
Frank Pope
