Ragtop Man

Dorothy to Toto: "We're not in 1965 Detroit any more!" Who WOULDN'T want stacks of new subjects every year? Recall the stated purpose of the original AMT Trophy series - to have an evergreen lineup of kits to keep production churning until the next wave of promo work came through the door. I would argue they were planning for the inevitable day when promos would dry up, and the tool bank would be all that was left. Today, even with entirely new development and sales paradigms, a new kit is very expensive to produce and not all subjects are guaranteed sellers. The supply line is long, the politics of international trade and tarrifs are unstable and counterproductive. Would love to see more new subjects, but knowing how the cogs turn, glad to see what we have.

I love stuff like this - what chassis did you end up using? Saw one a long time ago using a cut up Corvette chassis plate (prolly MPC) tapered to fit the Willys body. Flat six is fun, and I don't care where ya' from.

I have a few - but I don't recall seeing black. Never regarded it as all that special, more as a frame swap donor for early pickups. Alas, though, none seemed like particularly good opportunities for a bash. So, backinnabox. Knowing most of the who-shot-John on this, I will be keeping eyes open for a few more. Have resisted the monster truck so far - because, well, monster truck - but I can see about 2/3 of the standard longbed in there.

For an early work, you really nailed the stance and the look. And there could be a great thread on modeling misadventures all unto itself - I can totally relate to chasing the overspray. There was a definite small engine trend in those days - a mild bolt on hop up program for a 2.0L or 2.3 Ford would be plenty of scoot for a lightweight rod without a lot of accessories.

It was priced pretty much at scrap value.

Did MPC have one of these, too? How did they compare?

A good license to get; a lot of places to go subject-wise in that TV property. Definite chain store bait.

Is there really a market for these?

We need to see more of your work!!! Love this. Tom Mooty might be able to run some decals for you to do the Baker car.

Did you try the Foose chassis against '60 or '63 Ford... or any of the Mobys?

Thanks - looks great - but $30 is half again more than the kit. While it's true that a good '78 (2WD) builder is an easy $75 on a show table, that would be a one-and-done for me.

Agree - that feels like the right price.

Much cooler than the movie! Nice job.

Little Book Special - ! Nailed it.

Oh, 2X on that. Is there a 3D chassis out there that would do the trick? Seems like a layup.