AMT 1/25 1963 Chevy II Station Wagon, previewed by Scott Van Aken

The Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova is a small automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, and produced in five generations for the 1962 through 1979, and 1985 through 1988 model years. Nova was the top model in the Chevy II lineup through 1968. The Chevy II nameplate was dropped after 1968, with Nova becoming the nameplate for all of the 1969 through 1979 models. Built on the X-body platform, the Nova was replaced by the 1980 Chevrolet Citation introduced in the spring of 1979. The Nova nameplate returned in 1985, produced through 1988 as a S-car based, NUMMI manufactured, subcompact based on the front wheel drive, Japan home-based Toyota Sprinter. For more information on the 1963 car, visit the link at the end of the preview.

THE KIT

This kit was originally released in 1963 with a full engine and a trailer. This boxing does not have the engine nor the trailer, but it still has a separate hood. This means that, unless you have an engine and transmission to put in there, it can only be built as a curbside. In place of the engine, it has a piece that shows the underside that fits into the engine space.

Everything else is the same with a nice chrome sprue, clear headlights and clear red tail lights. Nicely done whitewall tires with wheel covers for the wheels. There are stub axles for the front wheels and a metal axle for the rear. The interior is a single part with molded in front bench seat and a separate rear one. A steering wheel fits into the dashboard. For windows/windscreen there is a piece for the front and one for the rear parts. You are also provided a clear red phone and a squirrel figure (?).

It all makes for a pretty straight-forward and simple kit. Instructions consist of four construction steps on a single folded piece of paper. No painting information is provided so you are on your own for that. You do get a nice decal sheet that has markings for several businesses and one set of New Mexico license plates.

This sort of kit takes me back to my pre-teen youth when I would build SMP kits (which were basically unbuilt promo kits), that consisted of very few parts and could be built in an afternoon. While I'm sure that many would prefer at least an engine, this will make a very good kit for those just starting in glue car kits or those who want a trouble-free build.

KIT #:	1202
PRICE:	$23.00 delivered
DECALS:	Several options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	Curbside