Fan Created Art - Dave Smolski's 1/18 Scale 1955 Chevrolet Model - Two-Lane Blacktop
Friday, March 14th 2014
It's been said that "Life imitates art far more than art imitates Life" (Oscar Wilde). But what happens when art imitates' life more? I think that's where Two-Lane Blacktop fan Dave Smolski comes in. The other day I was browsing the Model Car group on Facebook and came across the model above. I had to stand back a moment and ask myself "Is that a real car or just a model?" Scary realism right? I contacted Dave on Facebook to ask if I could post this up for our readers to see. I was met with great enthusiastic. Not only did Dave share his great model. But he gave me some create photos of the build, a video (below) and some of the reference pictures. Dave says it started out as a diecast by Ertl that was completely disassembled, re-engineered and detailed. There are scratch built parts, like the headers made from Romex wire. There are also lots of parts that were modified from other sources, like the seats, tires, wheels, floor jack, etc. Let's check them out.
I really like the level of detail Dave went to on the trunk. Just like in the movie the trunk lid simply lifts off. It's common for race car builders to have the trunk lift off to save weight (less hinges etc). I can say I've personally have lifted (with help) the trunk lid off a stock tri-five. They an't light. I would hope in the movie it was fiberglass. Dave mentions that in his video above that it's possible it was made of fiberglass. But notice the properly branded battery mounted in the trunk along with tools, car jack and slicks. Firestone tires. The tool box is custom built to match the one in the movie. Even down to the brand. Slightly rusted bumper. Just like in the movie.
Now we're looking above from over the engine compartment with the hood-flipped forward. You can see the power-house 454 Chevy Big Block front and center. Dual quads on the top with a tunnel ram intake. I like the detail of the headers flowing under the firewall. The plug-wires are poring out over the engine and all neatly routed to the plugs.
Close shot from the passenger side. You can see the working doors and door jams. I really like the weathering work on the primer like paint coat. Not to mention the sweet sliding windows. Just like in the movie.
Another shot from the side looking into the interior of the model car. Dave spent a lot of time on the seat belts. Note the realistic carpet covering floor-boards. You can also see the header collector in this view as well.
Here's a build shot. Doesn't it remind you of someone working in their garage on the real thing? Almost forgot. Be sure to watch the video above for the full experience with diorama! Amazing detail and realism. I would like to thank Dave for sharing. You can see more photos on his Photo Bucket. If you have an On Screen Car related project you would like to share. Shoot us email via our contact page! Color Me Gone!
Categories: 1955 Chevrolet, Two-Lane Blacktop