Revell 1/25 1967 Camaro SS

The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro appeared in Chevrolet dealerships in September 1966, for the 1967 model year on a brand-new rear-wheel drive GM F-body platform and was available as a 2-door, 2+2 seat, hardtop (no "B" or center pillar) or convertible with a choice of six-cylinder and V8 power plants. The first-generation Camaro was built through the 1969 model year.

The Camaro's standard drive train was either a 230 cu in (3.8 L) straight-6 engine rated at 140 hp (104 kW) or a 327 cu in (5.4 L) (307 cu in (5.0 L) later in 1969) V8 engine, with a standard three-speed manual transmission. There were 8 (in 1967), 10 (in 1968), and 12 (in 1969) different engines available in 1967-1969 Camaros. The two-speed "Powerglide" automatic transmission was optional. The three-speed "Turbo Hydra-Matic 350" automatic became available starting in 1969. The larger Turbo 400 three-speed automatic was an option on SS396 cars. A four-speed manual was optional.

There was a plethora of other options available all three years, including three main packages:

The RS was an appearance package that included hidden headlights, revised taillights with back-up lights under the rear bumper, RS badging, and exterior bright trim. It was available on any model.

The SS performance package consisted of a 350 or 396 cu in V8 engine and chassis upgrades for better handling and to deal with the additional power. The SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping, and SS badging.

The Z/28 performance package was designed (with further modifications) to compete in the SCCA Trans-Am series. It included a solid-lifter 302 V8, 4-speed transmission, power disc brakes, and two wide stripes down the hood and trunk lid.

The idea of offering such a wide variety of "packages" and numerous options was to "blanket" Camaro's end of the personal car market with everything from a nice, plain and docile Six to a gaudy and fire breathing V8.

Almost all of 1967-1969 Camaros were built in the two U.S. assembly plants: Norwood, Ohio and Van Nuys, California. There were also five non-U.S. Camaro assembly plants in countries that required local assembly and content. These plants were located in the Philippines, Belgium, Switzerland, Venezuela, and Peru. 

Over the decades, there have been several major model kit makers in the US. Due to the way that things turn out, there are currently only two who produce the majority of recent releases: AMT (Round 2), and Revell. Most of what comes from AMT are reissues of older AMT or MPC kits, while Revell generally is the one to which we look for new kits. In my personal opinion, the detail and quality of Revell kits are superior as well.

This kit was released during the end of 2014 and has been sitting on my shelf, un-reviewed since then. It is only the second time that this version has been kitted, the other being by AMT many years back. The overall detailing of the kit is superb as you would expect from a relatively new tooling. In common with other Revell kits, there are a lot of parts, well over 160. This includes metal front axle stubs and four rubber tires. The body is a single piece as the the chassis.

The engine is a 396 cubic inch version, making this an SS 396 variant. The engine is built is the standard way with block/transmission halves onto which one attaches heads, valve covers, oil pan and the various accessories. There is a separate air cleaner assembly for the racing version. The kit is supposed to be able to be built as a racing car, but frankly, it is a bit of a misnomer. The engine has cast iron exhaust instead of headers and a full dual exhaust system with mufflers. Suspension is standard stuff with a front suspension consisting of a single piece with lower a-arms and anti-roll bar with the rear being leaf springs with a single set of shocks and an anti-roll bar as well.

The interior consists of a floor pan that includes the forward fender wells. 'Bucket' seats with a center console and a rear bench seat are included. A single hoop roll bar is provided for the racing version. Dash is nicely done with decals for instruments and separate pedals for the manual transmission. The firewall fits into the interior  section and there are side panels that include door detail with molded on window cranks and door levers. Atop these in the front fit the dash.

All the clear bits are separate with the windscreen containing the sun visors. Clear pieces fit from the inside and this includes the tail lights so there may be some masking required if one has not pre-painted the body. Two types of wheels are provided. One is a set of Minilites for racing and the other the standard steel wheels with small hub cap cover. A spoiler is provided for the front and rear of the car.

Instructions are nicely done with generic color information. There are three markings options. One is a standard SS396 while the other two are racers. Really, these cars are not road racers due to all the stock equipment but if one wants to do so, the decals are there. Decals include both black and white Z28 stripes as well as black or white SS nose band. Since the car has a 396 instead of the 302 of the Z 28, these would not be eligible for racing, but the decal sheet is very nice and your reviewer can see keeping it on hand for a future slot car. 

Overall, a superb kit and one that I'm sure has been doing well with enthusiasts. Many car builders will undoubtedly rob other kits and add in aftermarket to make a proper Trans-Am racer while the main kit itself should be a beauty when built as something stock. Please note that this kit is not the RS package so no hidden headlights. The RS package could be added to any Camaro.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Camaro_(first_generation)

September 2016

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