This is a review of the AMT 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 1/25 Kit#

I have to be honest. Most muscle car buffs like the ’70 Chevelle the best of the namesake. I don’t. I like the ’71-’72. It isn’t the quickest (by a long shot), and not the most coveted, but I cannot get past the rear bumper on it. It is just sharp to me. Kind of a cross between a Corvette and Camaro, I find it far more attractive than the ’70. Past that, I also hadn’t made this car once, so it was time for a go.

Now.., it looks like there is a lot to choose from with this car. There isn’t. These kits, like the one I bought, are ridiculously rare. Because of that, the only one I’ve seen in person is the one I’ve done. I assume that the above kits have similar parts, but I can tell you there are differences simply because the one I made didn’t come with the giganto hood scoop pictured in the yellow kit above. Unfortunately, there is no Revell kit, and this one hasn’t been redone in ages.

CAR BACKGROUND :: Heavy Chevy indeed. The Chevelle muscle reign was over and the remaining LS-5 454 was down to a mild 270hp. And don’t bother looking up how tepid the 307 is! It was also one of the only years with the odd-numbered 402ci, V8 (labeled 400). Yes, the Chevelle was not the barnstormer of just 2 years previous, but the look was still there. Say what you like, but it is a very true muscle looking car. Broad haunches; cowl hood; dual exhaust; and an aggressive grille. Tight.

I hate this model with a PASSION. The front end is typically warped, the chrome can be suspect, and it needs a bunch of accessories. That said, like a mobile home with a Jacuzzi, it can be nice with some help. Painted in Testors De Ja Blue one coat, I am happy with the overall outcome. I had to add the side mirror since it is omitted from the kit and I would have loved to have a set of Heavy Chevy decals for the rear, but otherwise it works.

OH how I wish this had a Revell interior. It just wouldn’t fit. The AMT is lackluster and really has a shoddy mold, but you do what you can. I forget whether I had to add a rear-view mirror, but it does have everything else.

And, again, typical AMT yuck. I had to do a lot of helping here and still more could be done. I cut the sadly molded brake boost from the firewall and attached a Revell part from a similar year. I also tossed the LS-6 looking air cleaner for a Chevrolet “basic”. To me, the LS-5 doesn’t need the pomp and circumstance. And the yuck goes on – goofy straight radiator hose; no fan shroud; mediocre battery; and a pathetic radiator cap. Wires help, but it is still a shame.

This AMT’s underside is actually one of the kit’s high points. The exhaust is an easy fit and there is a good bit of detail. Like the 1970 AMT Chevelle, the only thing in need are better looking exhaust tips. I went with the stock rims/tires and painted the mufflers in a turbo motif, but this is an easy one to work with.

I cannot say that this kit was worth the money. I paid about $50 for it and it isn’t worth a third of that. Prices right now are climbing into the $70+ range and if you can get one for that or less, it is a good investment as there just aren’t many of em left. As a builder, however, there are so many ways that it can be a flop that you just have to breathe in and accept the pain of disappointment when it bites you. The chrome can be bad; the body can be badly warped; there is a lot to add/adjust; and the one I bought doesn’t even come with the stripe kit or Heavy Chevy decals that were found on these. But if you are a BIG fan like I am… you gotta have it.

4.5 Bad