I finally snagged the DM 1954 Von Esser Corvette after literally years of looking for one at a decent price. My question is; why is this model so scarce and pricey on whatever platform you find it. It is a very cool item, but as far as I know it wasn’t a limited production piece, and wasn’t high priced when first offered. Also, at least on eBay, ‘53-‘55’s don’t seem to be very popular, and sell for very low prices, in my opinion. (Maybe because they are my favorites). I appreciate any opinions or feelings on your part as I’ve always been curious about this. Oh, by the way, $240.00, but don’t tell anyone in case I got snookered!
Congrats Kevin! Great little model. In a nutshell, DM had the tooling and they slated the 53, 54 and 55 in the colors they made them in but never anticipated doing such a different and, shall we say, altogether obscure variation. They welcomed the opportunity to do this one when it was presented by my Bud, Rich Sufficool. I alerted him to this thread and hopefully he'll fill in the blanks. It has a special perch in my Vette collection in the DM 54 - 55 section.
@perrone1Here's the story, as much as I can remember. When I upgraded my FM '53 Corvette for the DM issue, I also had a Revell plastic kit. In it was a decal sheet for the Von Esser '54. As luck would have it, the kit grill surround fit perfectly so I removed the stock grill and installed that and made a mesh grill with thick metal tape supports. I added '54 exhaust extensions from polished aluminum tubing, and one of our fellow collectors turned me on to a set of after market knock-off metal wire wheels and period blackwalls which installed fairly easily and I painted the wire wheels red. The decals went on well but the side roundels were actually too large in diameter. (Forgive these old pictures):
A few days after I posted the pics (and I can't find the bulk of them), I got an email from James Wolff at DM who oversaw the Corvette series saying he's like do the Von Esser Corvette and would I send him my model and also help him with some research. We had a bunch of 'back-and-forths' with some answered and unanswered questions. The most interesting part of my end of the research was corresponding with Bill Von Esser's niece who as a young teen used to clean up his Chicago Speed Shop garage after school. She told me about all the celebrities who used to hang out there. As you might guess, Steve McQueen was the one she remembered the most. A surprise to me was Dave Garroway who had the original morning TV show in the '50s for all you young'uns. He looked like such a nerd with thick glasses, I would never take him as a gearhead. Anyway, all we couldn't find was what carburetor setup did he have on the Blue Flame so that was a best guess (check it out... pretty cool, eh? ). Anyway, after about a year, I got a package with my model and this little baby:
Note: James Wolff was then the design manager of Danbury's diecast segment and was responsible for the great many of Corvettes that they made over the years. Rick Hanmore did research and development along with James and also with the help of Art McKenna.
Thanks so much Tony and Rich for the info. It’s an amazing story, of which you men certainly have many. After finally obtaining the model I sat down and marveled at the truly amazing details and craftsmanship. The Von Esser ‘54 is my new favorite, even though it was a DNF. Again, I truly appreciate your response, I’ve already re-read it three times (I have a short attention span!)
I’d like to hear other members comments about this model, own, want, like or dislike? Regards to all.
I’d like to hear other members comments about this model, own, want, like or dislike? Regards to all.
I think its a brilliant model Kevin, one I'd gleefully add, along with the other DM competition Corvettes, if I could afford them! Made more so now because of the extra info from Tony and Rich.
This guy showed up one day about a year ago and adopted me. He follows me around when I’m working outside talking the whole time, and lays on my lap when I take a break. He can’t come inside because of our pets, one of which is a dog that showed up about 10 years ago, but my wife got him a pet house, heating pad, heated water bowl, and a wool igloo, so he pretty much lives on our porch. Sorry to get so far off topic, I do realize this isn’t “The Kitty Zone”.
This guy showed up one day about a year ago and adopted me. He follows me around when I’m working outside talking the whole time, and lays on my lap when I take a break. He can’t come inside because of our pets, one of which is a dog that showed up about 10 years ago, but my wife got him a pet house, heating pad, heated water bowl, and a wool igloo, so he pretty much lives on our porch. Sorry to get so far off topic, I do realize this isn’t “The Kitty Zone”.
That's SO cool. We've done much the same for cats and dogs over the years. These animals are capable of so much love.
And that's Wally!!! Tony Dow, from "Leave it to Beaver". On a go kart!! Cool, again!
Hell Geoff, I’m 71 years old and worry that I won’t have enough time to go through the little money I have!
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what a beautiful cat Kevin. This is Bruno. Technically he's next doors cat but he's smart and divides his time between us to get full attention from both! Fortunately he's not a fat cat, but probably should be for all the double helpings he gets.
