Very nice build and now that I look at yours I may reconsider not purchasing this one previously. I think overall the body looks looks good and the two piece tires that look like oversized Life Savers prior to painting can really be made to look nice.
I agree with you on the Monogram version and I wish they would've produced a retooled Air Induction hood for the original '79 kit. And include the '80-'81 bodyside graphics. I have an original MPC I picked up earlier this year. Overall that one looks pretty good but I doubt the 40+ year old decals are worth much at this point.