2008 Shelby GT500KR 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4226 Review

Right On Replicas, LLC SnapShot Review 20140512*
2008 Shelby GT500KR 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4226 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann  

The Ford Shelby GT500KR was released in the spring of 2008. The car is powered by a 540 horsepower 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 version of the base GT500 engine with functional Cold Air Intake and unique calibration. SVT and Shelby announced that 1,000 40th Anniversary Editions will be built for the U.S. in 2008, with another 571 units in 2009. This 1,571 production run matches that of the original 1968 GT500KR. All KRs were built by AutoAlliance International on the normal Mustang production line and then shipped to Shelby Automobiles Incorporated (SAI) where final assembly was completed. SAI was the manufacturer of record. The Shelby GT500KR features a carbon fiber composite hood with functional scoops and vents, twist-lock hood pins modeled on the original 1968 KR, a unique carbon fiber splitter, carbon fiber mirror caps, and functional brake cooling ducts. The suspension was tuned by SVT with unique spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace and was sourced from Ford Racing. Unique Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires were developed for the KR with a unique compound. The 2008–09 GT500KR draws on styling cues from the classic 1968 “King of the Road” GT500KR model, and the 2008 model includes “40th Anniversary” badging; both years will have availability of standard GT500 colors with “LeMans” stripes, and Carroll Shelby signature embroidered seats. The GT500KR’s starting price was $120,000.95 The GT500KR was featured prominently in the 2008 Knight Rider television series as the new “KITT”.

For the modeler: This review is based on the Revell # 85-4226 “Special Edition Series” version 1/25 scale 2008 Shelby GT500KR. This kit is for intermediate builder and contains 116 parts; No Skill Level is denoted just an age of 10 & up. I would rate this kit between Skill 2 and Skill 3. The kit is molded in White, Black, Silver, Chrome and Clear and has Vinyl Tires with Metal Axle Pins and Exhaust Tips. This kit was released in only one box-art version that I can find. And the box states “NEW TOOLING” right on the labeling, BUT, the chassis is stamped Revell 2005. Being as parts of the kit are actually re-used from earlier Mustang Kits this should be considered a CONVERSION kit. You get a detailed 5.4L V8 Super-charged motor. This is the same motor as the 2007 GT500 (Kit 85-2097). The motor is about 20 parts and makes a nice finished build. The chassis is simple and clean. With research I found this is the same chassis set-up as used in the GT500 and also GT350H (Kit 85-4212). The interior is also completely re-released but does include both the GT350H and GT500 seats. This is a typical Revell interior/engine bay set-up with separate door panels. As for the body it too is re-released. As it seems the only parts that are new tooling are the GT500KR specific front fascia, hood and vents. There are a few parts remaining from both the GT500 and GT350H kits that are not used in this version. You get an extra grille and a few different air intake units. The decals are extensive and give two stripe color options, all under hood, badging and interior options. The decals are new for this kit. Build-up is straightforward and assembly is great. Parts fit tightly and overall everything looks good when finished.  Overall dimensions of the finished build are: Length: 7-1/2″, Width: 3 1/8″, Height: 2-1/4″.

Overall Impressions: This kit is another example of Revell’s better quality as of late. The fit and finish is solid and the overall building of the kit is enjoyable. As a Mustang fan and a Knight Rider fan I am glad to see this kit released as I can replicate the car from the show quite easily!  Yes, for some, the fact the suspension is Stock and not Shelby specific may cause issues but overall model builders have gotten used to the “close enough” functionality of all the major kit suppliers. This does not detract from the overall finished build and desired exterior look that the kit offers. Revell has done a great job lately creating kits that with little additional effort and expense offers a wide range of different products, and that is what most builders want. The chassis and motor assembly stand out strong with some detailing as there is quite a bit of molded-in details on the chassis, all the wires and lines are there. The overall finished look of the interior is nicely done also. With the separate door panels it is very easy to do the fine detailing work. The Mustang body is iconic and Revell does a good job capturing the lines. The Shelby specific parts work well and make the finished build look accurate. This kit, the same as all Mustang kits previously, does suffer from a  ride height issue. Overall the car needs to hug the ground more. But there are numerous online references to fix that issue if you are so inclined to do so. I feel Revell has done an excellent job replicating the GT500KR and this kit is a MUST BUILD for Pony Fans. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate this as a 9. My only complaints are the ride height and the fact Revell used the words NEW TOOLING on the logo which only pertains to the additional KR parts.

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