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Chevrolet Corvette C1 Tuxedo Black AUTOart 1:18

Chevrolet Corvette C1 Tuxedo Black AUTOart 1:18 71142 Diecast
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AUTOart's 1:18 diecast Chevrolet Corvette C1 in Tuxedo Black recreates the 1959 American roadster with opening parts and the weight of a metal body. The dark finish suits the Corvette's chrome and bright trim, and the model gives collectors a 1950s anchor for any run of Corvette generations, at roughly 23 cm long.
Chevrolet Corvette C1 Tuxedo Black AUTOart 1:18
Current price: £314.17
Last one in stock
Estimated delivery: 29 Oct – 3 Nov 2026
Delivery from £11.00 Tracked & insured
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Specifications
Car Brand
Chevrolet
Model Manufacturer
AUTOart
Scale
1:18
Material
Diecast
Model Condition
Used Model
SKU
71142
Genuine articles
5-layer carton Foam-filled interior
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About the Chevrolet Corvette C1 Tuxedo Black AUTOart 1:18

TL;DR: The AUTOart Chevrolet Corvette C1 1:18 in Tuxedo Black is a diecast replica of the 1959 American roadster. It has opening parts and a metal body, and the dark finish sets off the chrome, making it a natural starting point for a run of Corvette generations.

Black is the hardest colour for a model manufacturer to get right, and the best at flattering chrome. Tuxedo Black on the C1 Corvette puts the brightwork against a deep gloss, so every flaw or triumph shows. AUTOart's 1:18 diecast takes that challenge on directly, and the result rewards a close look.

AUTOart's Corvette C1 in Tuxedo Black Diecast

Black Paint as a Fidelity Test

A gloss black body reflects everything, so waviness, dust and uneven curves are all exposed. Hold the model under a lamp and tilt it slowly: reflections should travel smoothly along the wings and bonnet line without breaking or wobbling. The C1's body is rounded and full, and a good casting keeps those curves clean. Black also hides the shut lines, so the gaps read less obviously than on a pale colour. That is a practical advantage for a diecast, where panel clearances are wider than resin would hold.

Chrome, Trim and Opening Parts

On a 1950s American roadster, brightwork is where finishing quality shows. Check the bumpers, grille and window surrounds for even, mirror-like plating, and for sharp rather than rounded edges to the trim. Opening parts are confirmed for this model, so the body articulates rather than sitting as a sealed shell. Zinc alloy gives a car of this size a satisfying weight, around 23 cm of metal that holds its shape on a shelf for years. Handle the panels gently, and keep fingers off the chrome.

The 1959 Corvette and the Fibreglass Roadster

The C1's Place in Corvette History

The C1 ran from 1953 to 1962 and was among the earliest American sports cars with a fibreglass body, with a V8 offered from 1955. By 1959 the formula was well established: long bonnet, compact cabin and a stance that has defined the Corvette ever since. For a model collector the C1 is the reference point for the whole line, the generation against which every later Corvette is measured.

Pairing With Later Generations

A C1 beside a C5 shows more than styling change; it shows how the Corvette moved from chrome-trimmed cruiser to a modern sports coupe. If you are building a Corvette run, this is the logical first shelf, and the black finish gives it a neutral, formal presence next to brighter colours. British collectors who admire American classics often value the C1 precisely for this clear, uncluttered design.

Shelf Strategy for a 1950s American Roadster

Black shows dust quickly, so a closed display case is worth having, and a soft brush is safer than a cloth for cleaning. Keep the model out of direct sunlight, which is hard on any paint finish over years. Retain the packaging and any documentation: provenance and completeness matter to British buyers, and the box protects the model during moves. At 1:18 the C1 is compact enough to sit among larger cars without disappearing. Anyone wishing to buy a classic Corvette in 1:18 will find this a well-judged place to start.

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