1959

Original 1959 Corvette promos were marketed by both SMP (Scale Model Products) and its affiliate AMT (Aluminum Model Toys, Inc.). These cars were similar to the 1958 models. The plastic bodies were molded in color as one piece with separate front and rear valances. The interior, dash and steering wheel were 3 separate pieces. These plastic pieces were glued together to make the interior assembly. The seats were detailed with horizontal pleats. The interior assembly (along with the windshield) was inserted underneath the body over 4 plastic pins. These plastic pins were then melted to hold the interior in place. The body coves were painted silver on the friction cars. The non-friction dealer cars had white painted coves. The 1959 Corvette promo bodies did not have hood louvers or trunk spears like the 1958s, but they did have 2 sun visors. These cars came with chrome front bumper/grille, rear bumper, headlights, tail lights and hubcaps. The front and rear bumpers both read "1959". They all came with wide whitewall tires. The 3 spoke steering wheel and interior were usually the same color. There are 2 different versions of 1959 bodies. The first version had smaller sun visors. These cars had seats without silver painted inserts. They came in combinations of red, white, blue or pale yellow bodies with red, white, blue or pale yellow interiors. The second version was more deluxe. These cars had larger sun visors (like the 1960 models), silver painted seat inserts and a swatch of translucent red paint on the tail lights. The interior color of these cars matched the body color. All 1959 promos had the same style plastic chassis that showed the bottom of the engine. The chassis color usually matched the body color. All but 2 color combinations had a friction motor on the rear axle. The chassis should be attached to the body with 4 bright plated straight head screws with spiral threads. These cars were molded in acetate plastic. This type of plastic has a tendency to warp over time. Please keep in mind that these promos were hand assembled. Mismatched parts are possible.

Boxes: The non-friction 1959 dealer promos came in plain white boxes with a star shaped cellophane window. The boxes for the blue dealer cars were unmarked. The boxes for the "Roman Red" dealer cars were stamped with "RED BODY" (in small type) above a much larger "CORVETTE" and "10 6 15". There were 3 variations of 1959 friction promo boxes (these same 3 variations were also used for the 1958 friction promos). They all had a star shaped cellophane window and were covered with black, blue and red artwork. The differences were in the name of manufacturer and the length of box. They made long and short versions of the AMT friction boxes. The SMP friction boxes were the longer size. The long AMT friction boxes are the most common and should have "III" and "CHEV. CORVETTE" stamped on the end. The SMP friction boxes should have "CORVETTE DELUX FLY" and "SMP # 111" stamped on the end. Some 1959 Corvette friction boxes may have a cardboard tray inside to keep the car properly positioned.

Note: 1959 and 1960 Corvette promos sometimes get mixed up. Some cars with 1960 bumpers have 1959 interiors (and vice versa). It seems that some (perhaps many) actually left the factory that way. Because bumpers are easily interchangeable parts, the interior is considered to be the determining factor. The 1959 has horizontally pleated seats (the 1960 has vertical pleats).