1958 Corvette Roadster 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4325 Review
Right On Replicas, LLC SnapShot Review 20140811*
1958 Corvette Roadster 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4325 Review
Review and Photos by Alan Mann 
Other sporty two-seaters have come and gone, but Corvettes have made American hearts thump for decades. Their combination of performance and elegance makes every generation timeless. The first generation Corvette was introduced late in the 1953 model year. Originally designed as a show car for the 1953 Motorama display at the New York Auto Show, it generated enough interest to induce GM to make a production version to sell to the public. To keep costs down, GM executive Robert F. McLean mandated off-the-shelf mechanical components, and used the chassis and suspension from the 1952 Chevy sedan. The drivetrain and passenger compartment 
were moved rearward to achieve a 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution. It had a 102-inch wheelbase. The engine was the same inline six that powered all other Chevrolet models, but with a higher-compression ratio, three Carter side-draft carburetors, and a more aggressive cam. Output was 150 horsepower. Because there was currently no manual transmission available to Chevrolet rated to handle 150 HP, a two-speed Powerglide automatic was used. 0-60 mph time was 11.5 seconds. To keep tooling costs in line, the body was made out of fiberglass instead of steel. The 1958 Vette was a distinctive part of the “solid axle generation” that sported substantial modifications. Among the most notable of these mods were hood louvers and trunk lids spears, changes only found on the 1958. Also, the 1958 Corvette received a body and interior freshening which included a longer front end with quad headlamps, bumper exiting exhaust tips, a new steering wheel, and a dashboard with all gauges mounted directly in front of the driver.
For the Modeler:This review is based on the Revell Kit #85-4325 ’58 Corvette Roadster in 1/25 scale. The kit is considered a Skill Level 3 for the advanced builder and consists of 149 parts molded in White, Chrome, Clear, Clear Red and Vinyl tires. A quick search on the internet shows multiple box arts over the years for this kit making this a re-release (Repop). A review of the parts shows a chassis Copyright date of 
1997. Revell updated this kit to a ’59 and ’60 also with minor changes over the years. That being said this is still one of the better releases of this kit. It retains the opening trunk, steel wheels and popular soft top . The motor is a nicely detailed 283 V-8 and you get a carb or fuel injection option. The frame and suspension are well detailed and are built as a unit separate from the chassis pan making it easy to detail the chassis. A multi-piece interior has very crisp detail that is well defined and easy to detail. Decals are used heavily for the dash details. The body is a single piece with only minor mold lines on the back fender corners. The trunk and hood are separate units but install perfectly. Much of the major trim is in chrome and installs after assembly of the chassis to the body but some minor trim work is molded on the body and you will need Bare Metal Foil for it to look right. Beyond the interior decals there are very few decals for the body. Funny thing is that the decals include whitewall tire rings but the tires included in the kit are already Tampo-printed with whitewalls. Overall dimensions are: Length: 6-7/8″ Width: 2-13/16″ Height: 2-1/16″.
Overall: This was a great build! The parts went together perfectly and fit and finish is good. I really do not see the Skill Level 3 rating as I feel this kit is easy enough that a builder of moderate skill could assemble this and make a very nice model. 
With some aftermarket wires and some plumbing on the motor this engine bay would shine. The interior is easily detailed and looks good. Flocking and Bare Metal Foil on the trim would make it a contest winner. The body looks very nice when finished and the detail is crisp. I chose the GM color Glen Green for this build as you ALWAYS see Black and Red ones as well as the Silver-Blue. This is not a factory Corvette color but was available in 1958 on other models. Revell did a great job on this kit when it was originally released and it is still up to the quality of the newer kits they are releasing. If you are a ‘Vette builder this one should be on your list. It makes a beautiful addition. The overall look is right and the parts seem to recreate a stock version of the 58 Vette. It is nice to see a stock build once in a while; usually the customizers get their way… For the build I will rate this on a scale of 1 to 10 as a 9. Simple enough to make a nice build bit detailed enough to really look good. And with some aftermarket add-ons this one finds its way to the contest tables!
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