1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4025 Review

Right On Replicas SnapShot Review 20140225*
1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4025 Review

  

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

Mustangs were never just cars; they were icons of American industry and ingenuity. For the five years that the Mustang was combined with the genius of Carol Shelby, unmatched performance was coupled with an elegance so refined, that these cars are now show-piece collector’s items. In 1965 Carroll Shelby, in cooperation with Ford, developed the first Shelby Mustang, the GT350. In 1967 he created the GT500 with the more powerful 428 cubic inch V-8. In 1969 Ford offered a major redesign of the popular Mustang, which included a new GT500. Originally designed for the race track in 1965, the ‘69 Shelby was a more refined car and a true GT. In 1968 Ford took over full production responsibilities of the GT500, they also became more involved in the styling of the car.  Shelby soon left the program and Ford Designs in 1969. With Ford doing all the designs the options list was now longer, with such driver comforts as air conditioning. But the GT500 still had plenty of punch with functional ram air and 335 horsepower.

For the Modeler: This review is based on the Revell # 85-4025 “Motor City Muscle” version 1/25 scale ’69 Shelby GT500 Convertible. This kit is Skill level 2 for intermediate builder and contains 115 parts. The kit is molded in White, Chrome, Clear and Clear Red and has Vinyl Tires. This kit has seen multiple box-arts over the years as a Hard Top and is somewhat of a Reissue (Re-Pop). Although research of a Convertible only finds this recent version with 2 box arts as it is a new release as a Convertible. But, most of the kit parts are recycled from previous hard top versions. The chassis is stamped Revell 1988 so it has been around at least 25 years. You get a nicely detailed Cobra Jet 428 V8 with either stock carb or dual carb options, which is from the 2n1 Coupe. The chassis is simple and clean. You get two wheel choices but only one set of tires. The decals are intensive and give three stripe color options, although the Gold stripes are slightly off color. The interior decals are impressive and comprehensive, and all new for this version. It also features a convertible top option that can be displayed in the up or down position. This is a great kit that begs you to go hit the aftermarket and super-detail it. Overall dimensions of the finished build are: Length: 7-3/4″, Width: 2-3/4″, Height: 2-1/8″.

Overall Impressions: This kit started life in the late 80’s and some parts show their age, like the simplified chassis with molded in front suspension. Being a “somewhat re-pop” it is nice to see Revell left all of the 2n1 Coupe custom parts. The all new body looks better than the coupe and the lines seem to be more accurate. Unfortunately the interior tub is still that, a tub, and does not have separate door panels. The motor builds up to be a nice looking unit although it is light on the parts count overall. I have always hated the rear panel on the other renditions of this kit as it just is a pain to get right and there is a chance to damage your finish installing it, unfortunately it remains here. The fact you cannot install it earlier and work around it is in my view a poor design. The panel has no real positive mounting tabs and just glues on to the body in an awkward fashion. With its flaws of being a partial re-pop and its beauty of finally being a Convertible overall this is a nice addition to your TO BUILD list. The finished product looks great on the shelf. There is always room to improve and aftermarket sources will really make this a contest contender. I am a Mustang fan, I am a Shelby fan and I am a Convertible fan so therefore I am a happy modeler with this one! On a scale of 1 to 10 I am really torn, I will give it an 8. The simplistic chassis hurts, the lack of some positive mounting spots on a few parts dinged it too, but the car is just so COOL. NOW, GO BUILD YOUR OWN!

  

Right On Replicas, LLC ©2014 All rights reserved.

*All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands.