Tuesday, May 24, 2016

REVIEW - 1966 Pontiac GTO, Revell 1/25


 

Background : 

The 1966 GTO was the highest selling muscle car to that point in history - with annual sales of almost 100,000.  Based on the Tempest platform, the GTO had its own appearance package and came with Pontiac's best engine since the 421 Super Duty of the early 60's - the 389ci, V8.  The GTO typically came with either the 4-barrel, or tri-carb version of the 389.  Colors were plentiful - with over a dozen to choose from - and consisted of 6 blues (Nightwatch, Barrier), and 2 reds.  There weren't any "flashy" colors, but really, the GTO was about elegant power - not cartoons.

Specs : 389ci V8, 335hp (4bbl), 360hp (3x2).  3460lbs, 115in wheelbase
0-60 - n/a, 1/4 mile - 14.05 @ 105.14mph  (Car&Driver)

***      Revell has put together a really good model of the 1966 GTO.  The instructions are well laid out and do not have any confusing part placements.
 
 My 66 is painted Inca Gold Metallic to mimic that of the tiger gold special order.  Engine is Pontiac blue (made from a mix of paints) with gray plug-wires.  I left the engine bay ¼ panels body color because I thought it looked nice.

Biggest problem for assembly is the front bumper.  The GTO has a split grille with a colored body filler piece in the middle.  The filler piece needs to be trimmed and fitted with the bumper/grille combo before painting to ensure proper fit when ready.  
Also, the chrome bumper fits to the top of the ¼ panel (see arrow) in such a way as you need to be careful using glue so the paint isn't smeared/ruined.  

The remainder of the parts fit well and have little fuss to them.  Exhaust is separate from the undercarriage - which has a lot of parts to attach.  Wheels and tires are VERY good quality - like most Revell kits.  The red-line decals for the tires are not great to use, but look nice if placed correctly.  The "Revell Muscle" kit comes with 2 sets of pin stripes as well - black and white.  Engine bay is well detailed and has plenty to paint.  


AVOID :   AMT makes a 1967 GTO that is a basket-case of a model.  The pieces fit poorly; the flash is excessive, and the chrome can be cruddy too.  For the similar price, the Revell kit is 100% better.  


Typical prices are between $15 and $20 and is definitely worth it.  This kit is NOT an old Goat!  ***



4.5/5 - Very Good


EBAY  :: http://www.ebay.com/sch/Models-Kits/1188/i.html?_from=R40&_sac=1&_nkw=1966+gto



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