Chevrolet Corvette C7.R(1:18, AUTOart)
- Chevrolet Corvette C7.R (from 2015)
- AUTOart
- 1:18
- Showcase model / No engine
- plastic
- Gloss Black
- 81651
- In near mint condition
- Original packaging exists
- Not for sale
Corvette racing tech in miniature – overview of the real car and the collectible
The model shown here comes from the collection of Modelly member “Phat‑T” and reproduces the Chevrolet Corvette C7.R at a scale of 1/18. The maker is AUTOart, a manufacturer that uses a “Composite” construction with a lot of plastic. That means the body of this model is mostly plastic, which allows for precise surfaces and fine panel gaps. The real‑world base is the Chevrolet Corvette C7.R, Corvette Racing’s factory GT race car based on the seventh‑generation Corvette C7, produced roughly from 2014–2019. The design follows the race version with wider fenders, low splitters and a big rear wing. The photos show a black, almost sponsor‑free version that highlights the body lines. The AUTOart 1/18 model is a nice piece for collectors who want to study the Corvette C7.R’s tech and styling without the full race livery.
Technical context of the original and its development
The Chevrolet Corvette C7.R was built by Corvette Racing with technical partner Pratt & Miller. It replaced the C6.R and is structurally based on the aluminum spaceframe of the production C7 Corvette. The racing car’s frame is made in Bowling Green and is fitted with a safety cell, crash structures and a lightweight carbon‑fiber body. It’s powered in the GTE/GTLM spec by a 5.5‑liter V8 naturally aspirated engine (5.5 liters (1.45 gallons)) from the Small‑Block family with direct injection. Depending on Balance of Performance rules, output sits around 360–370 kW (about 483–497 hp), sent to the rear wheels through a sequential 6‑speed transaxle (pneumatically shifted). Target weights in the class are around 1,245 kg (2,745 pounds), and the aero follows GTE rules with a large adjustable rear wing, diffuser, front splitter, canards and vents over the front wheels. The series development involved people like Tadge Juechter as Corvette’s chief engineer; the racing program was led by long‑time Corvette Racing manager Doug Fehan with technical oversight from Ben Johnson at Pratt & Miller. Compared to its predecessor, the C7.R got more stiffness, better cooling and refined weight management, which made it tougher in endurance races. Signature features are the large hood vents and the side diffuser elements under the doors, which are clearly visible on the model.
Racing history – debut, Le Mans and international outings
Its first races were in 2014 at the 24 Hours of Daytona and later that year at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Success followed quickly: in 2015 Corvette Racing won the GTE‑Pro class at Le Mans with the Chevrolet Corvette C7.R. Drivers included Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner and Jordan Taylor, who brought the class win home in a close endurance fight. The combination of a sturdy aluminum frame, effective aero and a durable V8 proved strong on the Hunaudières and in fast corners. In North America the C7.R scored well in the endurance events that make up the North American Endurance Cup, with wins and podiums at Daytona and Sebring, often helped by clever strategy during safety car periods and changing pit windows. At the big 24‑ and 12‑hour races the team also ran guest drivers like Marcel Fässler, who added experience from LMP1 racing.
IMSA success, drivers and team background
In the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship the Chevrolet Corvette C7.R was a steady title contender for years. In 2016 Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner took the GTLM drivers’ title; the team and manufacturer titles followed. In 2017 Antonio Garcia and Jan Magnussen grabbed another drivers’ title in the C7.R. The car benefited from balanced handling and quick pit work by the Pratt & Miller crew. The team became known for efficient tire strategy, usually running on MICHELIN rubber. The C7.R stayed an important part of Chevrolet’s GT presence until the switch to the mid‑engine C8.R, linking back to the heritage of the C6.R without changing the basic technical approach. Drivers who have piloted the car range from Ryan Briscoe and Jordan Taylor to long‑time factory pilots Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia, who raced it in both sprint and endurance formats.
Details of the 1/18 model for collectors – looks and build
The pictured example is a 1/18 model by AUTOart from the collection of “Phat‑T”. The black paint version shows the C7.R’s shapes without flashy race decals. The finish is smooth and even, and the hood and fender creases are nicely rendered. The roof has antenna and sensor details like those used for data logging and radio in the real car. The front features a deep splitter and side guide elements; the hood shows the vent opening. The sides show wide sills with diffuser elements and the big side openings. The center‑lock wheels are accurately modelled, with drilled brake discs visible behind them. The slick tires have MICHELIN lettering printed on them. At the rear sits a large wing with prominent endplates in black and gold end caps, with the diffuser visible below. The windshield banner carries the “Corvette” script and there’s a small Z06 badge on the side, pointing to the road‑car technical cousin. The glazing is dark, but you can see the roll cage, racing seat and safety nets inside. According to the maker, AUTOart uses a plastic body (“Composite”) on a metal chassis for this line, which helps achieve fine detailing on panels and small parts. The towing hook at the front and the fuel filler on the left rear are also modelled. For collectors: this is a 1/18 AUTOart piece, mostly plastic, that accurately captures the lines and aero details of the Chevrolet Corvette C7.R, making it a straightforward and tasteful addition to Phat‑T’s collection.
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