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Ertl 1:18 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

Reviewed by: Richard Sufficool

The Monte Carlo SS was produced between 1983 and 1988 and was the direct result of Chevy's quest for a NASCAR winner. The relatively anemic 305 V8 was tweaked with Camaro Crossfire heads, Corvette cam and a 795 cfm Quadrajet carb. Designated the L69,it was now rated at a reasonable 180hp. In 1985 an overdrive 4-spd automatic transmission was introduced to allow the employment of a 3.73 rear with a Positraction option. Also, the '85 model now came with 15" steel rims mated to Goodyear Eagle GTs. For looks and driving pleasure, 1985 also reintroduced the T-Top to the Monte Carlo and the SS package now offered more esthetic color combinations including this black/maroon combo with color coordinated accent striping. This car looked cool and went fast.

RC2 American Muscle Authentics has given us some outstanding models and this SS is one of them. This is a heavy model packed with operatng features from active suspension, rotating driveshaft, opening glove compartment and console, to articulating seats and sun visors. The part content is listed as "nearly 200". The black paint is free of orange peel but there are fine remnants of machine polishing in the finish. The graphics are bright and accurate and the Monte Carlo crest on the nose is a separate piece. The T-Top panels are completely modeled with optically clear smokey green glazing. These come in individual sealable pouches imprinted with the GM logo. The 15" wheels are really well done with chromed rims, matte spokes and black lugs and hubs. Even the valve stems are modeled.

The interior is handsome and nicely finished from headliner to carpeting which is partially covered with black vinyl mats. The seats on the original were velour with vinyl trim. Here, the model falls a bit flat as the monochrome plastic was textured with a matte finish to simulate velour over the glossier finish simulating vinyl. The resulting effect is so similar to the anti-glare finish on the dash that the interior just assumes a cheap plasticy look.

Opening the hood, which ironically is lined with sound deadening insulation that looks like velour, there is a very busy engine bay represented. With all the wiring, plumbing and tubing from the AC, heater, ignition, fuel, and washer, it's hard to see what isn't there. All I see missing are brake lines. I love the spring actuated scissor hinges that open and close the hood flawlessly. For as stable and accurate in action as they are, they are still in scale... an impressive feat of engineering.

The trunk is carpeted displaying a full size spare on a Plain-Jane black steel wheel and the usual signage and tire changing instructions on the undeside of the deck lid. The undercarriage is nicely reproduced and because of the hybrid window box/clear clamshell packaging format, it is free of obtrusive mounting holes and receptacles. One note on that packaging indicates it is not a compromise without detrimental effects. The clear semi-rigid thermo-formed plastic used does damage the finish in spite of soffter clear plastic sheets that attempt to cushion the interface at stress points. My example has some signigicant rub marks where the top and sides come together and along the driver's side crease on the hood, the paint was worn through. If you are contemplating storing this model, I would recommend unpacking and wrapping the model in soft tissue paper before repacking.

Strikingly elegant and masculine, the car and the model are both representative of the 80s muscle car. Also, please note that the model shown is the "chase car" that is shod in Goodrich Radial T/As and has "Monte Carlo SS" tampo'd on the rear window. The chase cars are limited to one in each case delivered to retailers. The packaging is identical to the general issue.

(10/17/2006)