NO.11 gran turismo (corvette stringray)
Impy Version (1966-1968) / Flyers Version (1969-76)
The second Impy model was based on the distinctive Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. However, the Impy model was given the generic title of ‘Gran Turismo’ presumably as Lone Star were unable to get the necessary licencing from Chevrolet.
There’s no doubt the futuristic Stingray was a popular choice by Lone Star but it did instantly cause a problem for the Impy range which was marketed as the ‘cars with everything’. The Stingray did not have a boot (trunk) and the headlights were concealed so these features were (correctly) not incorporated into the Impy model by Lone Star. However the marketing material for the Impy range claimed all models had opening doors, bonnet and boot and featured jewelled headlights! Perhaps this left the purchaser feeling a little short changed and is why Lone Star added an '8' roundel to the bonnet. Very early models also had '8' roundels on the doors.
Unfortunately Lone Star fitted its model with conventional opening doors whereas the real car had distinctive doors which also incorporated a section of the roof.
By the time Lone Star adapted the model to become a hi-speed ‘Flyers’ Chevrolet had replaced the Stingray with the new 1968 Corvette. Lone Star would go on to also add this model to the Flyers range as No.38.
The No.11 Gran Turismo was included in the ‘Silver Flyers’ range aimed primarily at the Japanese market. The casting was later modified to form part of the basic range of Impy Super Car models introduced in 1978. (See ‘Impy Super Cars’ page).
impy (1966-68)
FLYERS (1969-76)
Pre-production impy model c.1965
A pre-production model featuring several casting differences to the final version.
Grey painted baseplate lacks the detail of the production model as well as having different font and mounting points for the axles.
Pre-production model has '1964' cast into the rear as the licence plate. This was ommited from the production models.
Opening bonnet sits too low. Prodction models had tabs added to the casting to keep the bonnet at the correct hight. Note also the unfinished metal wheels.