Drag racing is a type of motor racing in which automobiles or motorcycles compete, usually two at a time, to be first to cross a set finish line. The race follows a short, straight course from a standing start over a measured distance, most commonly 1⁄4 mi (1,320 ft; 402 m), with a shorter, 1,000 ft (0.19 mi; 304.80 m) distance becoming increasingly popular, as it has become the standard for Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars, where some major bracket races and other sanctioning bodies have adopted it as the standard. The 1⁄8 mi (660 ft; 201 m) is also popular in some circles. Electronic timing and speed sensing systems have been used to record race results since the 1960s.

The history of automobiles and motorcycles being used for drag racing is nearly as long as the history of motorized vehicles themselves, and has taken the form of both illegal street racing and as a regulated motorsport.

THE KIT

This kit is one of many Round 2 reissues and in this case the kit was originally released in 1961 with a number of reissues due to its popularity, the most recent being 2023. This kit was purchased from a vendor at a show and has been started. It appears to be complete.

As the kit title implies, you get two full kits. One is an altered based on a Fiat Topolino and the other is a standard dragster. The kit comes with several engine options including dual Chevrolet engines for the standard dragster. There are three different frames provided and you can also put a full body on the dragster.

There are multiple injection systems available for both the Chevy and Chrysler engines, making this a really well thought-out kit. The kit includes a fair number of chrome sprues for both the engines, wheels, and other parts of the cars. You might want to strip some of those bits and repaint them aluminum as that would be more prototypical. There are two full sets of front and rear tires made of rubber/vinyl.

Instructions are just as they were printed in 1961. It shows all the possible engine/chassis options so you can make a choice before starting. There are then three construction sequences combining the engine and chassis building  in one area. Drawings are well done and provide a written step by step construction sequence. No color information is provided. The large decal sheet is well printed and while looks a bit thick, should work just fine. 

CONCLUSIONS

When it comes to AMT kits, this one is truly a classic. It seems to be a fairly easy build, assuming parts fit is good (which can be an issue with AMT kits). It also harkens back to the early model building days of some of us and an introduction to kits of yore to those who are younger.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_racing

March 2025

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