MPC 1966 mustang Gt Fastback

[echo]

Since AMT/Round 2 has the '66 Mustang fastback slated for a re-release, I thought a comparison of the MPC kit might be of some interest.  The images are from E-Bay, if you have deep pockets it seems to be a pristine kit.  At our model club meeting I brought a build up of this kit I obtained at the Southlands swap meet years ago to show one of our members who is extremely knowledgeable about Mustangs and Mustang kits. At first he was a bit stumped about the origins of the kit, AMT or MPC, since it had distinctively different features from the AMT kit.  Ultimately it was determined it was a MPC tool.  Hopefully he will chime in here with his opinions and vast Mustang kit information.  As everyone can see the MPC kit has a treasure trove of spare parts and building options and a vastly superior chassis compared to the AMT kit. If any of the tooling exists this would be an excellent re-release subject.

[Motor City]

The only obvious criticisms are the lack of M U S T A N G lettering on the bottom of the front fenders and the correct lower body striping on the decal sheet.

[vamach1]

Thanks for posting Ed and your comments Jim.  As Ed mentioned I had forgotten about the MPC version as you do not see the AMT original issues very often and rarely do you see the MPC one except of course on Ebay where I scored this “glue bomb” one which I am working on.  Aside from the lack of the lettering on the hood and sides and what appears to be a place for rear back up lights but none are provided, I agree that this version is better than the AMT kit.  The chrome center console, gauges and door handles are touches that are rarely seen in kits of that period much less current kits.  There are phot etch letters and/or decals to take care of the lack of them being included.  Many extra parts to make a GT350 version are also in the MPC kit although not mentioned specifically by name.  Of course if a set of Tri-Y headers and high rise intake manifold was there it would be icing on the cake but instead MPC did not change the base 260 V8.  Despite these “missing” items if one wanted to make a GT350 out of this kit it would not be too difficult with the extra parts in the kit a good start.  Let’s not forgot the “extra” 427 engine and that cool teardrop hood and all the extra custom parts.  I’m sure the original molds are long gone and with the retooled AMT version coming out we will likely never see the MPC version made again.

[Mark]

The chassis and basic engine from this kit were used by MPC through 1973.  The '71 Mustang kit now sold as an AMT item has those parts, the chassis has been lengthened however.

The body was modified years ago to create the '67 Malco Gasser body.  The original version of that kit still had the '66 front end, the Round 2 reissue has a new '67 front end.

MPC could make their kit with more chassis parts and separate door handles because they didn't make the promo model.

[Luc Janssens]

2 hours ago, Mark said:

The chassis and basic engine from this kit were used by MPC through 1973.  The '71 Mustang kit now sold as an AMT item has those parts, the chassis has been lengthened however.

The body was modified years ago to create the '67 Malco Gasser body.  The original version of that kit still had the '66 front end, the Round 2 reissue has a new '67 front end.

MPC could make their kit with more chassis parts and separate door handles because they didn't make the promo model.

Mark, from an accuracy stand point which one is better the original amt or mpc kit?

[Bob Ellis]

22 minutes ago, Luc Janssens said:

Mark, from an accuracy stand point which one is better the original amt or mpc kit?

The AMT was endorsed by Ford and made as a promo model. For this reason , the AMT lacked chassis detail. MPC had a clean slate and built ther's as a model kit.

It's six of one, half dozen of the other, I guess

[Mark]

With the '66, I'd give the nod to MPC.  More chassis detail by 1966 standards, plus little things like separate door handles.  I have part of a plated tree from one, the GT wheels look pretty good too.

'67-'70, definitely AMT.  MPC '67-'68 grilles are flat with no depth, bodies aren't quite as nice.  MPC '69-'70 bodies are undersize.  AMT made a couple of mistakes on their '70, neither '69 nor '70 are 100% stock but at least they are the right size.  Revell's old coupe/convertible kits aren't worth bothering with unless you absolutely have to have those body styles.

Edited April 29, 2022 by Mark
Info

[Dave Darby]

Comparing the two in photos (I've never owned the MPC kit) I'd give the AMT body the edge in accuracy and crispness, but the MPC isn't bad.

[afx]

A few pictures of the AMT body:

The teardrop hood shown is not included in the AMT kit.

Edited April 29, 2022 by afx

[vamach1]

On 4/29/2022 at 12:45 PM, Bob Ellis said:

The AMT was endorsed by Ford and made as a promo model. For this reason , the AMT lacked chassis detail. MPC had a clean slate and built ther's as a model kit.

It's six of one, half dozen of the other, I guess

Just painted the interior of a 65 Mustang fastback promo.  I might leave the red as is.  I had to hand paint everything as there is no way I could get the dash out of the interior.  It’s funny there is a clutch pedal but the console has the automatic PRNDL markings.

Edited May 6, 2022 by vamach1