It's been a long time since the AMT 1/25 scale 1965 Chevy Chevelle altered wheelbase Time Machine plastic model kit has seen store shelves. Round 2 has kept the original retro-style box art and has greatly improved the model by adding simulated rubber tires, eliminating the plastic tires that originally came in the kit.
The instructions first have you assemble the 427 Chevy engine. Be sure to follow the numbers indicated for the order of assembly. With just over 20 parts, the engine builds up nicely with no issues. The GMC blower, fuel-injection scoop, and belt-drive system have held up over time. The details in the engine, once built, look good.
Altered-wheelbase cars from the 1960s and early ‘70s didn't have much interior detail, and, as such, fewer than ten parts make up the Chevelle’s interior. It definitely looks the part, and you’ll notice gauges for the dash on the decal sheet. They aren’t called out in the instructions, so don’t miss using them. New decals are a highlight of reissued kits from Round 2, so don’t forget to go over them to see what goodies may have been added. But, also, Round 2 should be better about calling out those decals on the instructions.
The Chevelle body needed a few mold lines cleaned up, but nothing a little sanding couldn’t cure. The expanded decal sheet, once again, provides plenty of ways to mark your own drag car or re-create the original box art. The front windshield and back glass fit the body perfectly, and the simplicity of this body definitely has the timeless look of an altered wheelbase car.
When mating the interior to the chassis, it is important to follow the numbers during the assembly process. If you do, fitting the front and rear suspension with traction bars will be straightforward. The four new vinyl tires are a welcome addition to this kit, replacing the plastic tires that were in the original release.
The final assembly process for the Chevelle includes placing the rear bumper with the taillights and adding the parachute to the trunk. The kit also provides optional casters that mount to the rear bumper. The front bumper slides into place with no issues. When attaching the body to the chassis, it mainly hangs on the interior tub itself. Be sure to keep the body level once you set it in place.
The AMT 1/25 scale 1965 Chevy Chevelle Time Machine AWB drag car plastic model kit may look basic, but that's what gives it the timeless look it deserves. If you're in the mood to add another altered-wheelbase kit to your collection, I highly recommend picking up this kit.