Buick Riviera Kit

AMT/ERTL 1/24
1969 Buick Riviera

By Michael Benolkin

Date of Review May 2005
Manufacturer AMT/ERTL
Subject 1969 Buick Riviera
Scale 1/24
Kit Number 38166
Primary Media Styrene
Detail Media Styrene
Clear Media Styrene
Pros Straightforward build, new low-profile tires
Cons  
Skill Level Basic
MSRP (USD) $13.90

Background

AMT/ERTL has been turning out cool car subjects for many years now, many subjects of which have not been produced by other car kit manufacturers. The 1969 Buick Riviera is one of their classic cars which was recently reissued.

The Kit

This kit has been around for a little while and as I said above, was recently reissued. The kit is molded in white styrene and retains all of the features of original kit. It hasn't been modified with special wheels or turned into a low rider, though you can easily do that modification on your own. Besides being one of those unique subjects that hasn't been duplicated by other kit manufacturers, this kit retains its simplicity and affordability for junior car builders as well.

One tree of parts are provided that are pre-chromed. The parts include the stock and custom engine parts, stock and custom wheels, and the usual front and rear bumpers. One thing that I wish all car kit producers would consider is that if they must chrome a parts tree to appeal to the fledgling modeler, that they would add a duplicate tree in the kit without chrome to save the more experienced modeler the time and hassle of removing said chrome.

Buick Riviera Kit
Buick Riviera Kit
Buick Riviera Kit
Buick Riviera Kit
Buick Riviera Kit

Out of the box, the kit provides the parts for a stock or custom engine, stock factory interior or a custom interior with wrap-around dashboard and bucket seats, and an exterior with stock or custom wheels, bumpers, grille and hood.

Conclusions

This reissue is a still a nice kit and it is nice to see these classic molds being maintained to produce affordable modeling subjects! This kit is recommended!

My sincere thanks to RC2 for this review sample!

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