This is a review of the Revell 1968 Dodge Charger R/T #85-4202

I didn’t build this one until recently, and I can say that, aside from the detail work in places, it is a fun kit to work with. It has low/no flash, tons of parts (including speed parts), and it assembles well. This was another kit I had trouble with getting JUST RIGHT in past attempts, but in the end, I just needed it to look sharp, and I wanted it to be a smidge custom.

I got both…

Thankfully, for all you who appreciate THIS Charger over the “redneck” cousin ’69, the kit I bought was recently reissued. The other two include the older Landy’s drag version and the rarer Euro version, but both are every bit as fantastic as mine. The “Landy” version comes with decals for the build driven by the famous drag racer. The blue one is – I think – the same as the one I purchased. I have never bought or seen it in person, but given Revell’s track record, it must be close.

CAR BACKGROUND :: Ok, so everyone AND the Pope knew this review was going here, but that is the legacy of this classic muscle. Bullitt increased the popularity and collectability of this beast more than any of its achievements ever could. The stories of this car being so powerful that McQueen’s 390ci Mustang had to be modified “heavily” just to keep up are pure muscle-car adrenaline.

The ’68 Charger was more than just the movie, however. The dramatic reshaping from the heavier and less muscular ’67 was something the country couldn’t ignore. The “coke-bottle” styling and dramatic move away from the hatchback made this car look like it meant business. Not that the ’66-67 Chargers weren’t fast – as the Hemis of the muscle car era were pretty much the same speedy goodness – but the ’68 made them look the part as much as a Lamborghini does amongst exotics. The 426/440 versions of this car could rip the ¼ mile in the mid-13s at over 105 miles per hour. These were STUPID fast cars and could easily rip the rear tires – even at speed! The most iconic muscle car chase in history is a good place to be for a car… and this one deserves it!

Yup… orange was NOT a stock color in ’68. I don’t care! I LOVE an orange Charger, and not just because of the good ole’ boys. I think my orange/Charger liking actually came from the Dixie Challenger (a ’71-74 Charger) Matchbox car, but I think the look is VERY Mopar nonetheless. I used Tamiya Orange, and it is just stunningly glossy. I also went with the hood scoop and slick tires (that ARE a bit too big, LOL). This kit comes with everything you could want, and I only added/changed things because I wanted to customize it a bit.

The interior of this one is a carbon copy of a great many Revell Mopar kits and that means it is legit. Lots of details, decals for gauges if you like, and more to detail than I certainly care about. There wasn’t a TON of speed stuff for the interior, but a trip to the parts bin could certainly get you the look you want.

You won’t see this engine bay in many places! I chose to FORGET the 426 Hemi and, instead, went with a nice-looking 383.

Whaaat??

Yup. The motor fit nicely and looks the part. I get that the Hemi would look more apropos in this bay, but I was TIRED of making Hemi-powered Mopars, and the 383 was a really good engine in its own right. The ’68 made some 335hp and would surprise many of the bigger engines out there with its quickness. Again… nice change from the same old thing. The rest of the bay is typical Revell and needed nothing.

The 383 matched up well under the car, and the turbo mufflers add to the menacing look. I really love the tips that come with this car too. The rectangle ends these Dodges had looked great and added to the kit’s quality. No real fabrication was needed, and there wasn’t a lot of frustration here. You have to be careful with the front valance when assembling, as it hinders the radiator if you attach it too early, but otherwise – it is just awesome!

Yeah, this isn’t the Bullitt Charger… it isn’t even the Charger from the Blade movies either (though you could build either with ease). It is what I could see myself liking and potentially affording easily – what with 440s commanding upwards of $80k (let alone the Hemis!). This kit is REALLY good though, and not just because of the famous movies the car has starred in. It is one of the better kits out there and, with the reissue, costs a lot less than you’d expect. Not the BEST investment with the reissue, but you can make a lot of legendary builds with this kit… and that’s the point!

9.5 Excellent