Manufacturer: Monogram ProModeler, 8601 Waukegan Road, Morton Grove, IL 60053-2295, 847-966-3500.
Kit: No. 5958
Scale: 1/25
Price: $21.75
Comments: Injection molded, 164 parts (10 photoetched, 6 vinyl), decals.
Pros: Accurate shapes, excellent fit and finish, optional drag-racing parts and decals, photoetched emblems, interior trim decals.
Cons: Mold separation lines on small parts, no optional emblem decals.
The muscle car wars were in full swing in 1970, with cubic inches and horsepower going up every year. That same year, Ford introduced their legendary 429 Cobra-Jet engine and redesigned the mid-size Torino. Monogram's Pro-Modeler line has brought these two together in their latest, the 1970 Torino GT.
This "2 'n 1" kit gives you the option of building the top-of-the-line 429 GT or a drag racing version of the Torino. Molded in white, clear, and clear red plastic, this kit is nothing but a joy to build. Everything fits exactly the way that it should. The 21-piece 429 Cobra Jet engine is nicely detailed and captures the look of the real thing.
Included on the decal sheet are several underhood markings that bring the detail to life. The optional drag engine parts include headers, valve covers, and racing air cleaner. Small parts, however, have mold-separation lines that should be sanded off.
The chassis is a multipiece affair with separate front and rear suspensions that are well detailed without being overcomplicated to assemble. The front wheels are poseable, but builders should be careful with the fragile steering linkage (part No. 112). If the directions are followed closely, you should have no problems getting this model to rest on all four tires. Traction bars, Cragar mags, and drag slicks round out the chassis options.
The interior is a multi-piece assembly with separate door panels. Of special note are the wood-grain inside accent panel decals - they look great when installed. The window cranks are molded into the door panels and look a little flat.
The star of this kit, though, is the body. From any angle it just looks right. The body shell is molded with the inner fender panels in place. Separate front and rear fascias, hood, and door mirrors complete the body. The photoetched emblems for the body sides and grille are fine, though I would have liked optional decals for these.
I painted my model with Tamiya Chrome Yellow and used the red accent stripes from the decal sheet. The decal sheet also includes all of the other colors of stripes that Ford offered in 1970, so you can choose any color and stripe combination.
I was impressed with the way this kit almost fell together. With patience, and 18-20 hours, a stunning model can be built straight from the box.
Mark Melchiori