1968 Volkswagen Beetle 1:24 Scale Revell 85-4192 Model Kit Review

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1968 Volkswagen Beetle 1:24 Scale Revell 85-4192 Model Kit Review

 

Review and Photos by Doug Cole

This was the car that started the import invasion. It was an engineering marvel for the time that included simplicity, reliability and economy. Young people (especially students) needed a car like that so they bought them by the millions. Student loans were what you got from your parents so they packed up their VW’s and headed off to college; and concerts. They would stuff these compacts and make a weekend run driving non-stop for hundreds of miles to see their favorite band. They loved to “personalize” their rides with poster paint and thus was born; the “Flower Power” Bug. In the meantime, the rest of the world was driving the ubiquitous “Bug”. It was everywhere and by most measures it eventually became the bestselling car of all time. Quite often seen in stoic colors and few options the “Beetle” was the global choice for narrow streets and high gas prices.

For the Modeler: This is by far the very best offering of the “Beetle” from Revell USA. It is way ahead compared to the previous offering that originated with the 3-n-1 kit H:1264:200. That kit evolved into the “Inch Pincher Too” Rally car and was released again in 1998 as the 60’s Beetle. This new release (Revell Kit #85-4192) appears to be a re-boxed offering from a Revell of Germany kit due to the leftover police style gumball lenses. The kit comes with 125 pieces molded in white with clear and chrome pieces and realistic soft vinyl tires and waterslide decals as a 1:24 scale skill level 2 kit. The part fit is excellent even down to the windows which crisply fit flush from the outside. The parting lines and sprues connectors are mostly found in areas where they aren’t seen and the body seams have been reduced to half of the original kit. The best part is they removed the mold lines from the top of the front fenders which really improves the model’s appearance. The tires are so realistic I couldn’t bring myself to apply the whitewall decals included in the kit. The only issue I had with construction was in the engine area where an assembly sequence change would help by installing the heat shields to provide spacing for the exhaust manifolds. Putting them in along with the manifolds would ensure the correct spacing. The kit features positionable front tires, a highly detailed engine and interior and left or right-hand drive versions. The detail of this kit was excellent and the fit was among the best I’ve seen.  Final dimensions are: Length: 6-3/4″, Width: 2-1/2″, Height: 2-5/16″.

Overall: If you’re looking for an excellent rendering of the “Type 1 Beetle” in this scale you won’t find a better offering at this price and they’re available at most hobby stores and online shops.

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