Trumpeter 1/25 scale 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Landau Coupe
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History
Chevrolet introduced significant engineering changes in 1978 for its
popular Monte Carlo, warranting a 'third generation' designation beginning
with that model year. Downsized in response to CAFE requirements and the
oil embargo of 1973, it had a much shorter wheelbase than the previous
model year and was hundreds of pounds lighter.
The new styling retained the classic 'Monte Carlo look' with a long
hood and short trunk but engine choices were limited to either a base
231 CI V-6 or a 305 CI V-8, the optional 350 and 400 CI V-8s being dropped.
A three-speed manual transmission reappeared for the first time in several
years as standard equipment with the V-6 engine while an automatic was
optional. The V-8 and all Landau models came standard with the automatic
but a four-speed manual transmission with floor shifter was optional with
the V-8, the first time it was offered on the Monte Carlo since 1971.
The Kit
Consisting of over 160 parts in white, clear, and plated plastic along
with four metal springs and very nice-looking vinyl rubber-like tires,
this is Trumpeter's third foray into American cars and is a worthy follow-on
to its '60 Bonneville and '63 Nova kits, surpassing both of them in some
ways.
 The
body compares very well to both my old MPC '80 Monte Carlo kit and pictures
I've found online, apparently avoiding the outline shape problems of the
'60 Bonneville hardtop and '63 Nova convertible. The kit features a hinged
trunk, optional position hood with two sets of hinges, and nearly-poseable
steering (although Trumpeter claims that it's poseable out-of-the-box
it actually needs slight modification to the tie rod). Overall engraving
is sharp but the body scripts and fender edge moldings might disappear
under a few coats of paint, and the landau roof texture isn't very prominent.
Unfortunately the hood and trunk have their reinforcement panels molded
integrally on the insides of the parts and there are sink marks on the
upper surfaces, especially on the trunk, that need to be filled as a result.
The door locks are countersunk rather than flush as they should be, but
on the plus side the windshield wipers and most of the exterior chrome
trim strips are separate parts, and the plating of the 'chrome' parts
is smooth and shiny.
 The
chassis is extremely well-detailed with lots of separate parts including
the frame itself, and the car's coil springs are represented by actual
metal springs - a very nice touch. I can see this chassis showing up under
lots of other models of GM intermediates of the era since it should adapt
to other kits easily. The tires may be a tad undersized but I haven't
been able to verify that - in any case replacements are readily available
from any number of current kits. The wheelcovers on the other hand appear
to be dead-accurate representations of the 30 spoke 14 inchers of the
real thing.
 Where
this otherwise excellent kit falls down is the engine. The block, heads,
and intake manifold are basically nondescript with little detail, and
the distributor is presented as what looks like an oversized vacuum advance
(!). A replacement 305 is definitely called for in a contest-quality factory
stock model but my guess is that most of these will be built as street
machines, lowriders, or race cars anyway. Another curiosity is that there's
apparently an air-conditioning condenser on the firewall but there's no
compressor provided for the engine.
 To
end on a high note, the interior is absolutely fantastic, featuring a
correct upholstery pattern, petite engraving overall, seat belt loops
on the front seat, and even representations of the inner B pillars on
the side panels. Very nice indeed!
Conclusion
 Trumpeter
is getting there so far as kits of American iron go. Overall this and
the Nova hardtop are the best of those released so far. If it had engine
detail comparable to the Pontiacs and Novas, and separate inner reinforcement
panels for the hood and trunk, it would be very close to perfect. A replacement
engine (and maybe tires) will make this as good as anything else in your
display case. Let's hope that the next in the series ties it all together!
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