AMT 1/25 1976 Gremlin Kit First Look

By Ken Kitchen, Front Range Auto Modelers (FRAM)

First Look

Contrary to popular belief this is not a straight reissue of the custom Gremlin issue; that issue could only be built as a t-top custom with a pretty radical custom front end treatment. Fortunately Round 2 has chosen to return the body back to its original stock configuration. They have also restored all of the "pro stock" drag parts. The drag parts include a separate pro-stock style hood, high-rise intake manifold, roll bar, and modified rear suspension.  My favorite new addition to the kit are the soft slicks with pad-printed lettering.

Here are the basic stats from the Round 2 Models website:

• Scale: 1/25
• Skill Level: 2 (ages 10 and up)
• Glue assembly, paint required
• Molded in white, plus clear, smoke-tint and chrome parts
  • 2 in 1 kit can be built stock or drag
  • Expanded decal sheet with multiple stripe colors
  • All new pad-printed rubber drag slicks
  • Special Original Art packaging format
  • Includes 11”x14” art print suitable for framing

The kit is molded in white styrene. There are 6 parts trees molded in white, plus one chrome tree and clear and smoke tinted glass. As mentioned before the body has been brought back to stock configuration and has all the pieces required to build a showroom stock 1976 Gremlin. In addition it has the parts to build it as a drag strip terror or boulevard cruiser. The decals are very nice with 2 different stripe styles in multiple colors. Personally I can’t wait to throw on a set of modern 20”s and lower it to the ground.

One thing that stands out is the new box design. Round 2 has chosen the Gremlin to be the first release in AMT's new Original Art Series. Original Art Series program highlights the commercial artwork created for model kit packaging. Each Original Art Series kit includes an exclusive 11" x 14" print featuring a high-resolution, direct reproduction of the actual illustration from AMT's historical archives that was used to create the original packaging. These prints have no added copy or graphics on the face side, making them suitable for framing. While I have to admit I like having the print included in this issue I hope they will consider issuing this kit in a standard box in the future, especially as I see myself building several versions of this old friend.

This kit is highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Round2 Models for this review sample