Lindberg 1/25 Richard Petty 1964 Belvedere

Just in case you have never heard of him;

Richard Lee Petty (born July 2, 1937), nicknamed "the King", is an American former stock car racing driver who competed from 1958 to 1992 in the former NASCAR Grand National and Winston Cup Series (now called the NASCAR Cup Series), most notably driving the No. 43 Plymouth/Ford/Pontiac for Petty Enterprises. He is one of the members of the Petty racing family. He was the first driver to win the Cup Series championship seven times (a record now tied by Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson), while also winning a record 200 races during his career. This included winning the Daytona 500 a record seven times and winning a record 27 races in one season (1967). Petty is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history.

1964 was the first year of the 426 Hemi and engine that is considered by many to be the best engine that the Chrysler Corporation ever developed. It powered Petty's Plymouth to nine victories that year and his first national championship.

This kit is a pre-Round2 offering molded in white plastic with a chrome sprue. Since stock cars of the day were basically stripped down street cars (often drivers would drive their cars to the track), this boxing only had to add the race specific bits to a standard kit. Of course it is missing some of the civilian bits like wheel covers, a rear seat, front seats and a center console, but includes a racing fuel tank, extra braced driver's seat and a roll cage.

Since NASCAR hemis were limited to a single four barrel carburettor, the two carb option found in street cars is not provided. The engine also has a set of racing headers with exhaust that exit under the doors. The tires are also wider than street versions with wider wheels. The chrome is well done, but a bit too shiny so many of you will want to strip off the chrome and paint these areas something a little less reflective. The only option is to have the hood up to show the engine or closed.

Instructions are well done with generic paint references and well done construction steps that label each part. At one time Testors did a Petty Blue, but I doubt if they still do. There are custom paint companies that will produce a variety of racing and factory shades for you. Decals are showing their age and starting to yellow. Perhaps there are aftermarket replacements out there. If not, the kit one should still work.  

 This looks like it will make into a very nice model. Though out of production for over 25 years, a quick google found several in the $25-50.00 range so they are out there if you want one.  

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

June 2025

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