1962 Hawk Monte Carlo

[Joe Lange]

Greetings All,

Hope you all had a good Memorial Day weekend.  Please take a moment to remember our fallen servicemen who gave us the freedom we have today.  The willingness of America's soldiers to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.

 

Now, be honest...., how many of you read the title and knew immediately what the hell this thing was?  I picked this kit up at local flea market about 25 years ago while still living in Florida.  It must have been the box art that grabbed my attention because it sure wasn't the contents.  After sitting on my closet shelf for so long I decided to either do something with it or 'Ebay' it!

 

[bisc63]

Crazzzy!! Never seen that before. Kinda looks like someone slapped a T-bird roof on Cushenbery's Silhouette!! I'm digging it.

Edited May 29, 2023 by bisc63

[Joe Lange]

Just now, Joe Lange said:

Greetings All,

Hope you all had a good Memorial Day weekend.  Please take a moment to remember our fallen servicemen who gave us the freedom we have today.  The willingness of America's soldiers to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.

 

Now, be honest...., how many of you read the title and knew immediately what the hell this thing was?  I picked this kit up at local flea market about 25 years ago while still living in Florida.  It must have been the box art that grabbed my attention because it sure wasn't the contents.  After sitting on my closet shelf for so long I decided to either do something with it or 'Ebay' it!

 

After deciding to do something with it I picked up a Moebius Chrysler 300 kit.  I liked the full detailed frame and low profile of the engine air cleaner.  Shortened the Chassis, cleaned up the body, and opened the hood.

[cobraman]

I'm hooked !

[jaymcminn]

I think you made the right choice in not putting it up on Ebay. It looks like something from The Incredibles. Looks like some nice clean work going into this. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

[Dave Van]

I have two of those kits put back. I always thought about a full detail version....glad you are doing it!!!!

[Joe Lange]

Hawk made two versions of this kit.  One was 'Torque Reaction Drive', (rubber band powered), and the other was electric motor and batteries.  They were also packaged differently.  One was the Monte Carlo and the other was the Maverick.  I could not understand why they moved the 'tunnel' in the interior tub off center.  Really looked goofy!  So I moved it back.                                            Note: Headlights but no Taillights! 

[Joe Lange]

34 minutes ago, Dave Van said:

I have two of those kits put back. I always thought about a full detail version....glad you are doing it!!!!

Stock up on lots of parts Dave!  Even though I'm using the Moebius Chrysler kit, I keep going back to Ebay for little bits and pieces to add more detail.

[Richard Bartrop]

That roof looks like it came off a Studebaker Hawk GT

 

[Joe Lange]

2 minutes ago, Richard Bartrop said:

That roof looks like it came off a Studebaker Hawk GT

 

Actually Rich, the box art is a little deceiving.  After setting the roof on the body it was higher than the picture on the box.  Looked like you could wear a top hat while driving!  Going to have to lower the roof and windshield.   

[Joe Handley]

Was that something Virgil Exner designed for Hawk?

[Joe Lange]

9 hours ago, Joe Handley said:

Was that something Virgil Exner designed for Hawk?

Not sure about that Joe.  There is nothing on the box or in the instructions that mentions him.  You would think if he did, Hawk would take advantage of that, for publicity, and print it somewhere on the packaging or instructions.  Like Renwal did with their 'Revival Series'.

[Bainford]

Very interesting kit. The Chrysler chassis and engine is perfect for this vintage car. Nice work going on here, looking forward to seeing what comes of it.

[rickcaps55]

WOW ! I am 70 and building model cars from 1962 and i do not ever remember that kit I LIKE IT.!! there is so much that can be done with it by todays standards and things we to detail kits with and man your off to a awesome start you got me hooked I will be following this very closely.

[ea0863]

I JUST bought one of these on ebay, having run across it completely by accident. I too saw the Exner influence, although it turns out to have been designed by Bill Campbell. I love what you're doing with yours, and will be taking detailed notes. Thank you so much for posting!

[Richard Bartrop]

Personally, the first thing that sprung to mind was Brooks Stevens.  Exner was a lot more baroque.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Haven't seen one of these in a bazillion years. Love what you're doing with scale guts under it. Sure has the potential to be over-the-top cool.

[Joe Lange]

Thanks for the comments, guys!  Still working on it!

[Modelbuilder Mark]

Ready to follow anlong and see where this one goes! ?

[ea0863]

Mine just arrived in today's mail; quite a bit of damage in the front fenders where someone hacked at it, but overall looking like a fun project. I have to say though - - - that is a BIG 1:25 scale! The body is a good 9" long. May I assume the Moebius Chrysler 300 was chosen in part for good matching scale?

[Joe Lange]

2 hours ago, ea0863 said:

Mine just arrived in today's mail; quite a bit of damage in the front fenders where someone hacked at it, but overall looking like a fun project. I have to say though - - - that is a BIG 1:25 scale! The body is a good 9" long. May I assume the Moebius Chrysler 300 was chosen in part for good matching scale?

Hey Emre, the main reason I used the Moebius Chrysler was because of the engine.  However, there are lot of very nicely detailed parts.  You will have to shorten the frame, (check the WIP pics).  First build the suspension on the stock frame, add the wheels and tires and you will be able to take your measurements and shorten the frame.  Line up the rear wheels FIRST with the rear wheel wells.  You'll have to open up the front fenders for wheel wells.  

[ea0863]

Just now, Joe Lange said:

Hey Emre, the main reason I used the Moebius Chrysler was because of the engine.  However, there are lot of very nicely detailed parts.  You will have to shorten the frame, (check the WIP pics).  First build the suspension on the stock frame, add the wheels and tires and you will be able to take your measurements and shorten the frame.  Line up the rear wheels FIRST with the rear wheel wells.  You'll have to open up the front fenders for wheel wells.  

Thank you much. Loving this topic!

[ea0863]

On 5/29/2023 at 5:49 PM, Joe Lange said:

Stock up on lots of parts Dave!  Even though I'm using the Moebius Chrysler kit, I keep going back to Ebay for little bits and pieces to add more detail.

Joseph, which Moebius kit did you go with (maybe it doesn't matter)?

[Joe Lange]

12 hours ago, ea0863 said:

Joseph, which Moebius kit did you go with (maybe it doesn't matter)?

The '55.  The one on the left.  

[Phildaupho]

Excellent project. Looking forward to more.