Ertl 1:18 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS427

We tend to think of the 1966-67 Chevrolet Impala as a classic and popular sixties muscle car. However, it was more like a great 50’s rock star struggling to find its sound in a world dominated by the Mersey beat. The large and powerful land cruisers were caught in a death match largely of Chevy’s own doing. Pinned between the agile Chevelle and the luxurious Caprice, Impala sales declined from one million units in 1965 to around 76,000 units by 1967. Some might consider it ironic that in our own era, it is the Impala name that survives. You can credit that largely to the golden era of the nameplate that began in 1959 and ended in 1966-67. And what a glorious sunset to this era these cars provided.

RC2 (ERTL) Authentics initial releases were the mid sixties Impala and these two magical pieces the 1967 Impala in gold and the sleek SS trim with 427 engine in an eggplant purple follow the original blue and black releases nicely. The paint on both models is eggshell thin, even and luminescent. The chrome is lustrous. Headlights and the signature Impala triple tail lights successfully camouflage any mounting posts. Stance and shape are recreated to be picture perfect. Shut lines are so razor thin, the model creates a bit of vacuum with all parts closed and opening doors requires a combination of soft touch and firmness.

The models feature four opening parts; doors, hood and trunk. Open the hood, on the gold car and the standard 350 engine sits proudly, all decked out with wires and plumbing, and the 427 in the SS only get better. Small things on both engines count for a lot, like labels, stickers, fill caps and engine blocks colors and extrusions. About the only complaint is the engines are just darn hard to see given the massive hood, but for that you’ll have to blame the design department at Chevy.

Interiors are also very unlike your Dad’s ERTL models. From door handles and roll-ups to nylon belts with photo etched buckles, the workmanship here is outstanding. The replication of the instrument cluster, chrome door and window trim and soft touch vinyl seating just add to the overall feeling that you’re looking at a level of craftsmanship not often seen at the sub $60 price point.

There are a couple of shortcomings – the redline wheels while possibly period accurate appear a bit small and the Impala badging on the front grille is a bit clumsy though that really shows up on the most minute inspection. When you line these up against the brilliantly replicated chassis (where are the mounting screws anyway?) and a full opening trunk complete with full size spare, it seems more like spitting in the wind.

These models have great craftsmanship, yet buying any one of them will leave you with enough folding money from a $100 bill to take your favorite human to the movies and dinner. Now that’s a winning combination folks! Pictured here with the SS 396 Granada Gold version.

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