The AMT 1/25 scale ‘68 Chevy El Camino Street Machine plastic model kit shares about three-quarters of its parts with its companion kit — the AMT ‘68 Chevy El Camino SS (Coca-Cola) with Soap Box Derby Car (No. AMT1362). While the factory-stock version has seen multiple reissues since its 1998 debut, this is the first reissue of the Street Machine variant.
This Street Machine kit reflects the restomod trend in the 1/1 scale hot rod world. Popularized in the early ’90s by magazines like Popular Hot Rodding, these builds keep a mostly stock exterior while packing serious performance upgrades underneath. Chassis and powertrain mods aim to boost handling and speed, with visual cues often limited to a lowered stance, aggressive wheels and tires, and a deep exhaust note.
The kit features a detailed separate frame, a fully detailed underbody, and an 11-piece rear suspension with a stabilizer bar. The engine bay includes heater hoses and a steering shaft, while the bed is built from six parts for accuracy. It comes with a Chevy 396 big-block and GM400 Turbo HydraMatic automatic transmission. The interior has bucket seats, a console, and the classic “Horseshoe” shifter. Subtle vinyl top texture is engraved on the body, with clear parts for a light tree and a windshield washer container, plus red-tinted taillights.
While it shares many features with the Factory Stock version, 25 percent of the Street Machine parts are updated to reflect the Pro Touring theme. A lowered front and rear suspension with mini-tubs in the bed allows for a modern stance. It includes wide Goodyear GS-C tires — P255/455 R17 and P285/40 R17 on five-slot billet-style wheels. Under the hood lies a detailed B&M High Energy Supercharger with their Superjection EFI, one of the first aftermarket EFI systems. A unique radiator with electric fan detailing is also included. The decal sheet adds SS-396 striping in three colors, dash and nameplate details, and silver-blue hot-rod flames.
Builders will appreciate the clean molding — no flash, no frame warping, and minimal parting lines. My kit had two faint sink marks in the B-pillars and two more noticeable ones on the top of the instrument panel. Ejector-pin marks are common but mostly hidden on the finished model, except for the interior floorboard (Part 43) and front bed panel (Part 62). Be sure to remove pin marks where parts join, and some locator holes may need slight drilling for a better fit.
Parts 44, 45, 91, and 92 have alignment pins underneath — don’t remove them, because they aid assembly. Blower belt accessories may need slight filling to fit flush to the engine block. The interior console (Part 6) is shown reversed; the armrest should face the rear.
During final assembly, the interior did not seat fully and needed clamping with superglue and two-part epoxy. The instrument panel (Part 53) interfered with the windshield; filing its front edges helped. The air inlet (Part 81) blocked the hood from shutting; I remounted it facing downward.
Despite minor assembly challenges, this kit and its factory-stock version are arguably the most complete and accurately detailed El Camino kits ever offered in 1/24 and 1/25 scale. The restomod treatment delivers a spot-on stance with a subtle forward rake, enhancing realism. While elements like the B&M engine induction setup, Chevy Heartbeat valve covers, and the 17-inch wheels may feel dated, they are easily swapped out with modern alternatives sourced from your parts stash or aftermarket. (Click here for more on that.)
The AMT 1/25 scale ’68 Chevy El Camino Street Machine plastic model kit is a near-flawless gem. If you are an experienced modeler interested in restomod or El Camino projects, I highly recommend adding this kit to your collection.