Michael Dunlap is a renowned model builder specializing in creating 1/12 scale, gold-plated replicas of race cars. His meticulous craftsmanship has led to commissions from prestigious clients, including Goodyear, which has presented his models as awards to NASCAR champions.
Michael's journey into professional model building began with handcrafted wire models of Corvettes, which garnered attention and sales through a local custom car shop. This success propelled him into a career of crafting detailed replicas of various automobiles, particularly focusing on race cars.
His process involves creating precise measurements and photographs of the actual vehicles, creating master models, and utilizing techniques such as electroforming to produce accurate and detailed components. Each model is then meticulously assembled, engraved, and gold-plated, resulting in a highly detailed and accurate representation of the original car.
Over the years, Dunlap's models have been awarded to numerous racing champions, including NASCAR Cup Series and Indy 500 winners, solidifying his reputation in the motorsports community.