1965 Chevelle SS 396 Z-16 1:25 Scale Revell 85-4055 Model Kit Review

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1965 Chevelle SS 396 Z-16 1:25 Scale Revell 85-4055 Model Kit Review

 

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

The Chevrolet Chevelle was a mid-sized automobile produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors in three generations for the 1964 through the 1977 model years. Part of the GM A-Body platform, the Chevelle was one of Chevrolet’s most successful nameplates. Body styles include coupes, sedans, convertibles and station wagons. Super Sport versions were produced through 1973. 1965 was the first year for the Big Block powerhouse 396 motor. The SS-396 was known as the Z-16. Only 201 Z-16s were built, but they became one of the highest-performing cars of the era. Because of their short production run, classy looks and pristine performance, Chevelle SS 396 Z-16s are avidly sought after by collectors.

For the Modeler: This review is based on the newly released Revell Kit #85-4055 ’65 Chevelle Z-16 SS 396. It is Skill level: 2 and Scale: 1/25. The kit contains 129 parts molded in White, Clear and Clear Red, and Chrome with vinyl tires. Shelf space is Length: 7- 7/8″, Width: 3″, Height: 2-1/4″. This is a current re-release (Re-Pop) and has been in a few different box art versions, most recently the California Wheels series. And as with the previous version there are Stock parts and some mild Custom items, like oversized wheels. The motor is nicely detailed; it is the same 396 Big Block used in a few other Revell kits also. The chassis is molded in multiple parts and is an overall well detailed unit. The interior is nicely detailed and has dash details as decals. The door panel detail is crisp and easy to see. The body is mainly one piece with a separate hood and trim panels. The chrome trim is not molded on the body and applied as add-ons which I consider a plus. There are almost no mold lines on the body and are light and easy to sand off. Revell periodically re-pops this kit as it is a popular car and the kit itself is good quality with room to customize it even more.

Overall Impressions: Revell has a nice kit with the ’65 Chevelle. It is a beautiful kit with lots of possibilities to add on aftermarket stuff. I really like the look of the finished build. The car is cool and with today’s “Foose-Look” styling that the older cars are getting this one lends itself well for that look. Parts assembly is straight forward and everything fits right without a fuss. I think a lesser experienced builder can very easily damage the finished paint job the way it assembles now. I would like to rewrite the instruction sheet to make assembly more builder-friendly. Overall the car builds easy and there are no construction issues to speak of. Even following the instruction sheet you can build this properly and end up with a nice car.  Is this a repeat builder kit? Yes, I actually will probably do straight stock one too. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this kit an 8 because of the instruction issues previously stated.

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