AMT 1/25 '71 Dodge Charger, previewed by Scott Van Aken

The third generation Charger was introduced for the 1971 model year. Chrysler's B platform was modified to meet new emissions and safety regulations. Available in six different packages with cosmetic changes, including a split grill, semi-fastback rear window, and a ducktail spoiler.

The 1973 and 1974 Chargers were similar to the 1971s, with minor differences in the grille and headlamps. The 1973 and 1974 Chargers also featured new quarter windows, which were larger and shaped differently than the quarter windows seen on the 1971 and 1972 models.

The increase in sales was primarily due to the elimination of the Dodge Coronet two-door, which meant Dodge offered the two-door intermediate-size body style only as the Charger (although the Coronet two-door would reappear in 1975).

THE KIT

This is another standard US car kit. Like most of them, this is 1/25 scale. Oddly enough, when US companies did NASCAR kits, those were 1/24, which is pretty much the international standard. This kit is only designed to be built stock so there are no options provided.

A 440 cubic inch engine is provided and it has an interesting feature in that if you leave off the heads, you can see the top of the pistons and if you leave off the valve covers you can seethe rocker arms. Of course almost all modelers will build a complete engine. The transmission is molded into the block. In addition to all the engine accessories, there are stock exhaust headers. A decal is provided for the top of the air cleaner.

There is a separate front clip onto which the engine and front suspension are mounted along with the radiator. This is attached to the rest of the floor pan along with the exhaust. To complete the underside, the rear suspension and drive shaft are attached.

Construction then moves to the interior with a bench seat in the front and rear along with a dash steering column/wheel and interior side panels. All of the clear parts are installed from the inside and that includes the tail lights. The wheels/tires are then assembled and attached before the body goes on. There is a fair amount of plumbing in the engine compartment to be done before the final parts are attached to the body.

Instructions are well done with each part named and the color of them provided where needed. The nicely printed decal sheet includes the markings for this version in black. I have to assume there were no dark colored Charger R/Ts in this year so that is probably why no white markings were provided.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, it looks as if it will build into a nice kit and is a must for Dodge Charger fans.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

KIT #:	30053
PRICE:	$
DECALS:	One option
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	2000 release