What's In the Box? AMT 8017 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS396 Model Kit Review
Channel: Monster Hobbies Online
Date: 22/05/2020

The AMT #8017 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS396 was an all new model kit from AMT/ERTL in 1998. 

The El Camino was first produced in 1959, (Check out our video review of the AMT model kit at the end of this video) in response to the Ford Ranchero. It was built on the full-sized Chevy platform, which had been completely redesigned as a longer, lower and wider car than the 1958 Chevy. In spite of the wild “bat-wing” styling, 22,246 El Caminos were sold, beating Ranchero sales by over 8,000 units. In 1960 the El Camino was also based on the full-sized Chevrolet, then production halted till 1964, when it shifted to the mid-sized Chevelle platform.

In 1968, the El Camino was redesigned, along with its Chevelle counterpart, and a separate SS version was added. From this point on the El Camino had the same engine options as the Chevelle, SS 396, and later the SS 454. Basically, the El Camino remained this way the rest of its lifetime. (Thanks to Wikipedia for the background information).

Various 1:25 scale versions of the El Camino have been produced by AMT, MPC, and Revell. Annuals were made of the 1959, 1960, 1964, 1965, 1969, and the fifth generation (1978-1987). And later a 1966 and 1968 were produced by Revell and Amt, respectively. Conspicuously absent is the 1967 model, 1970-1972 (though these are available in resin) , and the fourth generation (1973-1977).

The AMT 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS396 model kit is made of semi-soft medium grey plastic and has a thick box. One very nice thing about AMT kits is that the body, chrome and clear parts are all in a separate bag to keep them from being scratched by other parts. 

Fortunately, the 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS396 model kit itself is not really that large. You basically get one option for building the kit, and that is as a factory stock vehicle. 

This model kit came out at a time when AMT, Revell, Monogram and Lindberg were compeating with Tamiya Japan to build highly detailed and accurate plastic model kits. The 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS396 is one of these kits and includes a separate frame, multi-piece interior with individual inner door panels, full out suspension components, and manyy other highly detailed parts.  

As you might expect from the AMT 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS396 model kit, there are a number of chrome pieces. The chrome looks very well done and properly thick. I'd imagine that most of us will be using Bare Metal Foil to wrap those parts that have mold lines removed and the wealthy amongst you will take them to be rechromed after you clean them up. Decals are not a big deal for car kits and you get two license plate decals for the car.

If you like these rare vintage sports cars, then the AMT 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS396 model kit is perfect for you! 

Check out all our available model cars at this link : https://www.monster-hobbies.ca/Hobby_Products/c57-model-car-kits/

#chevyelcamino #amtmodelcars #monsterhobbies