1960

Original 1960 Corvette promos were marketed by both SMP (Scale Model Products) and its affiliate AMT (Aluminum Model Toys, Inc.). These cars were very similar to the 1959 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 vertical 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 while the rest of the body was left unpainted. The 1960 Corvette promo bodies were identical to the (large sun visor) 1959 bodies. These cars came with chrome front bumper/grille, rear bumper, headlights, tail lights and hubcaps. The tail lights should have a swatch of translucent red paint on them. The front and rear bumpers both read "1960". They came with wide whitewall tires that appear the same as the 1958-1959 models, but the wheel hubs were different. The 1960s have a heavier hub area where they attach to the axle. The 3 spoke steering wheel should match the interior color. All but one color combination had silver painted seat inserts. The red with red interior non-friction dealer cars came with seat inserts painted white. The chassis color should match the body color. The non-friction dealer versions came with a new highly detailed chassis. This new chassis did not have a provision for a friction motor. There were only 2 color combinations with this non-friction chassis (red with red interior and white with red interior). All 1960s should have the chassis 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 dealer promos came in plain white boxes with a star shaped cellophane window. These non-friction promo boxes had "CORVETTE" and either "WHITE BODY", "ROMAN RED BODY or "RED" stamped on the end. The friction boxes had an oval shaped cellophane window and were covered with light green, dark blue, red and black artwork. There were 2 different friction boxes used in 1960. The boxes were identical, except for the name of the manufacturer (SMP or AMT). The 1960 friction boxes usually had "778" "CORVETTE" and the body color stamped on the end. The 1960 friction boxes came with 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. The 1960 friction boxes usually had "CORVETTE" (or "CHEV. CORVETTE") and the body color stamped on the end. The body color was typically stamped in smaller type. On some, the number "778" was also stamped on the end. Some 1960 Corvette friction boxes may have a cardboard tray inside to keep the car properly positioned.

Dealer Promos

1960-01

1960-02

Friction Promos

1960-03	1960-04	1960-05	1960-06	1960-07	1960-08
1960-09	1960-10	1960-11	1960-12	1960-13

Note: PMC also made scale models that resemble 1959/1960 Corvettes. They're located with the other 1959s on this website. Most collectors don't consider these to be promos.