My 9th grade earth science teacher, rest her soul, had a saying she often repeated during class – adapt, migrate or die. This adage has resonated with me in various ways since I first heard it nearly 25 years ago. It can be applied to almost anything in life and is a good reminder when facing adversity. While PARA64 isn’t necessarily at the precipice of a life changing event, I couldn’t help but think about those words of wisdom.
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Starting with the previously released Toyota Fortuner, PARA64 tooled up a metal chassis which resulted in its models having more in-hand heft. Their upcoming 2006 Chevrolet Silverado will take it one step further by introducing rubber mirrors as well. While I don’t often carry around my premium models in my pocket, I’ve had some minor mishaps where pieces have been broken off. The resiliency to damage is certainly another feather in PARA’s cap.
So what are we looking at here? Did Chevy ever build a ‘Cateye’ short-bed SS? Or one with a 454 LSX motor? The answer is no, but that hasn’t stopped PARA64 from imagining what could have been. A confluence of circumstances led to the adaption of one of the hottest trucks right now for their 1/64 catalog. But regardless of how Adrian and PARA64 arrived at the decision to tool it up, collectors globally are better for it. And it possibly paves the way for additional models down the road.
To start, the packaging itself shies away from their standard cardboard sleeve surrounding an acrylic display. The box art is considerably more informative, with eye-catching graphics and a marking on the back indicating ‘2025 Special Projects 02.’ The best part, in my opinion, is the slide out tray similar to some Red Line Club releases. No more fumbling with screw-on bases.
The single cab 2006 model is finished in Onyx black or Victory red. The former rolls on chrome wheels and has aluminum accents in the front grilles and the rear bumper top. The latter sees the wheels painted black, with matching grille inserts. The bowtie is a red outline on both trucks mimicking the truck it pays homage to. Tires have a performance-oriented tread design, another factor that ups the realism.
The rear tailgate deco strikes an immediate comparison to the OBS 454 SS of 1990 through 1993 with the ‘Chevrolet’ callout practically screaming at all who come behind it. The substitution of ‘LSX’ in place of ‘SS’ on the flanks is a nice touch to the modern power plant lurking beneath the hood. Here’s the M2 OBS for graphics comparison.
You’ll have to imagine that motor though, as there are no opening parts. Which in my opinion is for the better. If I had a dollar for every time an opening part refused to sit flush, or had chipped paint along the edge, GreenLight and M2 would owe me a few bucks.
The model itself looks great, especially with its lowered chassis and aggressive stance. The wheels sit nicely along the fender edge, avoiding the axle slide tuck that’s found on M2’s single cab square body dually. The weight is nicely distributed and the proportions are accurate to its 1:1 counterpart. Naturally, a comparison to Auto World’s extended cab SS couldn’t be avoided and you’ll notice the PARA64 has a fuller figure. Oddly enough, all three are considered Victory red. I’ll let you determine which is better.Â
When parking the two side by side, the highlight for me are the lights. The separate jeweled pieces used by PARA64 for both head and taillights set the two apart. Granted, the Auto World’s price point is about half of the other’s, but those additional dollars are visibly accounted for. The separate mirrors also better represent the real things than the sculpted nubs of zamac on the AW. For the record, I would take nubs over nothing any day of the week. The chassis detail eschews the standard exhaust for two straight pipes out the back.Â
These are very pleasing in hand. If I had to choose one, it would be the black with the chrome as it’s the closest nod to the OG C/K 1500 454 SS. But that doesn’t mean the red one doesn’t have its merits. The black trim gives it a menacing, almost devilish appearance. Perhaps you want to avoid having to choose and just order both?
Please note, these are pre-production samples and improvements will be made prior to being delivered to paying customers. Things such as the black printed edge around the windshield and side windows will be widened slightly to cover the clear edges. The rear bumper will also have longer roots to allow it to sit closer to the body. Additionally, panel lines will be clearer as the final paint finish will be thinner. Thanks to Adrian for briefly loaning me the keys to these two for photographs.
Overall, I am impressed with these new Chevys. I’m looking forward to seeing what else PARA64 can make with the Chevy license and have no doubt that it will be something unique to fill a void, or present their own take on an existing idea. Whatever it may be, it’s worth considering for your collection.
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