Polar Lights 1/25 David Pearson Torino Talladega, previewed by Scott Van Aken

The Ford Torino Talladega is a muscle car that was produced by Ford only during the first few weeks of 1969. It was named for the Talladega Superspeedway, which opened the same year. The Talladega was a special, more aerodynamic version of the Torino / Fairlane produced specifically to make Ford even more competitive in NASCAR racing, and it was sold to the public only because homologation rules required a certain minimum number of cars (500 in 1969) be produced and made available. Early racing builds were powered by the FE 427 side oiler that had been Ford's main racing engine since 1963; later versions received the Boss 429 engine after it had been homologated in the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429. Approximately 750 Talladegas were built.

THE KIT

Polar Lights produced a small series of NASCAR kits that were either the Talladega or Mercury's Cyclone at the turn of the century. The kit comes in a standard size US model car box that is a challenge to open. Inside the parts are mostly in white plastic with a chrome sprue. The body is covered in a box-like structure of cardboard to keep it from being damaged. The kit comes with four rubber/vinyl tires and is very nicely detailed.

The instructions start you off with a choice of engines. You get either a 427 or a 429 Ford engine and for this boxing, the 429 would be the appropriate choice. Each engine comprises nearly 30 parts. Next, one starts assembling the interior. Basically this consists of items from the firewall to the back with the start of the roll cage, the seat, dash and steering.

It then moves on to completion of the roll cage with the usual bevy of braces across the front, top, and back. Then the front suspension is installed on the frame. The front wheels are designed to be able to be turned and the front spindle includes a stub axle. The engine is then installed and the exhaust and rear suspension is installed.

The final steps include installing the wheels on the chassis, building up the body with glass and that is it.

Instructions are well done with color information included for each part. The majority of colors are referenced to Model Master enamel paints, which is currently an issue as Model Master paints have all but disappeared from the market. This means some of the colors may not be available so the builder will need to look for substitutes. This is more of an issue for the body shades as what is given is quite specific. The decal sheet is very nicely done by Slixx. Slixx used to be a major player in NASCAR aftermarket decals until they were forced to shut down business by NASCAR about this time. Not shown is a small sheet with tire logos.

Reportedly, these kits are a bit more difficult that the usual NASCAR models, but I have no experience to back that. I can tell you that a quick google shows this particular boxing selling for $60-70 delivered while some of the others are less than that. It is interesting that Salvinos JR is selling some of Polar Lights cars as part of their line-up.

KIT #:	6602
PRICE:	$
DECALS:	One livery
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	2000 release