Revell 1/25 '69 Dodge Dart GTS, previewed by Scott Van Aken

The Dodge Dart is a line of passenger cars produced by Dodge from the 1959 to 1976 model years in North America, with production extended to later years in various other markets.

The production Dodge Dart was introduced as a lower-priced full-size model in 1960 and 1961, but became a mid-size car for one model year for 1962, and was then reduced to a compact for two generations, from 1963 to 1976.

Chrysler had first used 'Dart' name plates on two Italian styled show cars, in 1956 and 1957, before it became a Dodge model name. The Dart nameplate was resurrected for a Fiat-derived compact car that was introduced in 2012.

THE KIT

Most US car kits follow a standard format and this one is no different. Tooled in 1995, it has been reissued several times as a 1968 version, usually as a Hemi engine racer. Construction starts with the engine, which in this kit is a 383. Only the stock version is provided. Body is next with the clear bits attached from the inside. I'd paint all the body bits prior to assembly as it will avoid a lot of masking.

The interior is a complete tub with the back seat molded in place and separate side panels. 'Bucket' seats are provided with a center console for the automatic shifter. The dash and steering wheel are then glued in place. The interior is glued to the body and the engine is attached to the chassis. Then the completed body is attached to the chassis. On the underside, the front and rear suspension are attached along with the wheels.

There are a number of small parts that go into the engine compartment and those are installed. The last steps are all involved in attaching the majority of the chrome plated parts. This includes the front and rear bumpers and grilles. Red plastic pieces are provided for the tail light lenses.

Instructions are well drawn with generic color information provided for each of the construction steps. I was pleased to see that on the back are listed all of the colors that were available for the Dart. The lone decal sheet provides three different color tail stripes. If the kit decals are unusable, there are aftermarket black and white stripes available.

I am sure that this will build into a very nice model without a lot of issues. Modern Revell USA kits use the same designers that Monogram had so the quality is a given. Well worth picking up.

KIT #:	7603
PRICE:	$
DECALS:	Three stripe options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	1995 release.