Ertl 1:18 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

In a continuing series of fine mid sixties Chevy’s, RC2 (ERTL) Authentics has modeled the somewhat under appreciated 1966 Chevelle. Before the Camaro there was the Chevelle – for those that wanted a little “umph” in their daily drive without the resorting to the powerful but ponderous Impala. RC2 models the two door Chevelle here in sporty SS trim, (red striped tires, blacked out grille, cosmetic hood vents and, of course SS insignia).

For a first production run model, they have executed a pretty snazzy package. The glossy tuxedo black paint shows no sign of orange peel. Head and tail lights are remarkably textured. The genuine chrome trim shimmers against this starless night black finish (check out the photo-etched grid work on the cosmetic hood vents.) Shut lines are as snug as Pamela Anderson in an extra small halter. The model’s stance is a bit taller than I anticipated - just seems high for this car unless someone’s been juicing the suspension. Scale appears to be spot on.

The interior is sweet – not necessarily a consistent strength of RC2 models in the past. The cabin is red, but done with some sort of burnishing process where it doesn’t look plastic nut like genuine vinyl (if there is such a thing). The foldable chrome trimmed front bucket seats include mounted nylon belts with photo etched latches. In fact the cabin is so complete you just wish a couple of niceties had been done, like an steering wheel with holes in the spokes, hemispherical fan vents or chroming the door locks. But all is forgiven when you see touches like in dash clock, grooved floor mats complete with bow-tie logos, pose-able visors, the flocked carpet and the “knee knocker” under dash tach.

The SS396 engine compartment is tasty, starting with the smart and smooth hinge mechanisms, correctly colored engine block with chrome valve covers. The car came with a standard 325 hp detuned option, but the L78 solid lifter version could pound out 375hp. The option on this model is in between those two, the L34 360 turbo jet.

The chassis isn’t spectacular but its more than just competent with an accurately modeled blend of plastic and metal. The working drive shaft is a nice bonus at this price point. My one issue is the dual exhaust seems to hang a bit low, but it’s complete and the tips, while not open are at least blacked out. Kudos to RC2 for continuing to find new ways to camouflage or completely hide screws and mounting points – a distraction in models ten times the price of this one.

The magnesium wheels look hot supporting those soft redline tires. And let’s not forget the trunk, complete with a patterned deck and full redline spare. Look on the roof for the labels regarding jack operation and caution sticker (not that I can read what it’s cautioning me about).

It’s sad to contemplate that RC2 might be leaving this business just as they seem to be creating their best work. The Authentics series represents what may just be the best value to dollar ratio on the market today, and here it’s validated yet again. The 1966 Chevelle, while admittedly not one of the Detroit’s legends, was still a sharp well executed car and the RC2 model deserves more than a passing glance by any muscle car collector.

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