In 1967 would be the last production for the first-generation Oldsmobile Cutlass 442, and it sold just under 25,000 units. The following year would see a drastic change in the body style. Round 2 has re-issued Lindberg’s terrific 1/25 scale 1967 Olds Cutlass 442, first offered in 1997 under the AMT brand. If you’re a fan of the first-gen Cutlass, this kit is for you.
Don’t go looking for custom parts in this kit. AMT brings it in for a factory-stock build. The well-detailed 400 cubic-inch, 350-horsepower engine assembles from more than 20 parts. The instructions not only show you the part and part number, but also the recommended paint color for each step. Nicely done!
I had no problems building the engine. It’s nice to see even the smallest details, like brackets for the alternator and power steering pump, that then hold those parts in proper locations. This shows thoughtful engineering and care.
Happily, the Cutlass chassis plate displays great detail. The realistic look of the floor pans and accurate frame rail details like visible body mounts are a visual treat. The instructions provide accurate indications for the exhaust system, transmission support, spindle, and engine locations during each step of the assembly.
The front springs (Part 25) and rear springs (Part 33) need some cleanup to eliminate mold lines. But that’s about it. The final assemblies for both the front and rear suspensions drop right in place.
Generally, cars in the 1960s had simple interiors, and this model adheres to that aesthetic. The two-piece front seats and single-piece backseat have plenty of detail. I like that the clutch and brake pedals are mounted from the rear of the dashboard instead of molded into the floor. The doors need just a little detail work to replicate a stock appearance.
The kit includes vent windows, but there isn’t much room to drop them into the chrome frame. Do not rush this process because you want to avoid getting glue on the clear plastic, which will be a pain to clean up.
Before painting, the inner fender parts (nos. 56 and 57) must be glued to the inner fender wells molded on the body. After gluing the firewall and interior tub, make sure to slide the inner fender wells below the exhaust manifolds before mating the body to the chassis.
With the chassis and interior placed, it was time to move on to the final assembly. Overall, take your time with the chrome detail parts—they are delicate. However, the rear window trim (Part 221) is downright fragile, so handle it with extra care.
The detailed front bumper with separate clear headlights looks the part. The clear red taillight pieces didn’t quite fit the rear bumper as well as I would have liked. I decided against using them and painted the areas red instead. The chrome fender, door, and rear quarter trim fit nicely into its assigned grooves.
The two air hoses (parts 9 and 10) attach cleanly to the chrome air cleaner (Part 211). However, when I put the hood on, I found they sit proud. You’ll have to trim the parts so they don’t hit the hood when it’s closed.
The AMT 1/25 scale 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 plastic model kit builds into a pretty replica of a factory-stock car. If you’ve been waiting to buy this kit, wait no more. It’ll be a great addition to your scale auto collection.