Has Anyone Built This Kit? Quality? MPC 1960 Corvette

[Quick GMC]

I came across this kit and the box art looks cool. I am not a big fan of AMT kits because of the quality and flash. I have never built an MPC kit. I was wondering how they were and if this is worth getting

Not necessarily from this source, I just used this link for a pic. 

http://www.gasolinealleyantiques.com/kits/images/CarMPC/306-200corvette-sealed.JPG

Edited October 26, 2015 by Quick GMC

[ZTony8]

When it came out forty plus years ago I thought it was a nice kit with many good features and extra parts.It's been announced that it will be re-issued shortly.Let's hope the kit is as good as my aged memory remembers.

[Casey]

It's a 6 in 1 kit, and was one of MPC's best. It's due to be reissued within the next few months, too. I'm 99% sure it was mentioned in the 2015 Round2 releases topic in the Kit News & Reviews section.

[ChrisBcritter]

Will it have the working front suspension with metal coil springs?

[Quick GMC]

is it more Revell quality or more AMT quality? I just don't want to have to fight it a lot to fit properly

[Casey]

 

is it more Revell quality or more AMT quality? I just don't want to have to fight it a lot to fit properly

You can't lump any one manufacturer's kits together and judge them all as one group, as quality varies throughout each companies history. Mark B. can provide the specifics if he didn't already do that elsewhere, but this kit is rooted in the '60s, so don't expect '90s Revell-era crispness and molding quality. That said, Round2 has done a very good job of ensuring every kit they reissue is molded cleanly, so I wouldn't worry too much about excessive flash to clean up.

[Casey]

Will it have the working front suspension with metal coil springs?

No idea, but that's a good question. I don't see the metal springs mentioned on the above sales flyer, but IIRC someone mentioned in the Round2 "What's a Hanger Shot" blog post comments section that RC2 included them, so that might be a good sign that Round2 will, too? It seems like something they would take the extra effort to include, and I don't think the kit include any other front springs, so maybe they have no choice. You could always e-mail Round2 and ask them, too.

[Casey]

Here's the previous topic discussing the same kit: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/5412-amt-mpc-60-vette/?page=1

[unclescott58]

Had no interest in this kit in the past. But, looking at quick review here, and the link provided by Casey above, I'm seriously considering buying this kit. I always felt AMT's '59 was probably a better kit. I think I was getting this one mixed up with the flip nose Vette that MPC also offered. So this one can be built stock? With a hardtop. Looks good to me. The working front suspension with real metal springs would be a nice additional bonus to this kit.

[pack rat]

Will it have the working front suspension with metal coil springs?

This one won't have the metal coils, unfortunately.  The tool was modified at some point to eliminate them.   

[Dave Darby]

This one won't have the metal coils, unfortunately.  The tool was modified at some point to eliminate them.   

Actually, that last reissue of the MPC 60 Corvette kit (AMT - gold car on box top) does have the metal coli springs. However, RC2 neglected to restore the spindles to work with the coil springs. (They originally had a 90 degree 'hook' on each end to keep them in the control arms.

[Quick GMC]

I appreciate the information guys, thank you. I will wait until it comes out for re-release rather than buy the original issue I was looking at. 

[unclescott58]

Looking at the instructions over on another web site, I kind like the old AMT '59 kit better. For building a stock '59-''60 it's simpler and has factory fuel injection. I may still get the MPC when it comes out. I like the box art and the options for building other variations.

Looking at the instructions for both the old MPC '56-'57 Corvette and their '60 Vette, it's obvious they took the '56-'57 and just tooled up a different body and dash board. Most of the two kits pieces are identical. Including all the options and accessories. The more I looked at both of them. The more I'd rather have the '56-'57 MPC Corvette kit over the '60.

[THarrison351]

I built it. As noted AMT RC2 released it several years ago. It is a modified version of MPC's earlier Corvette kits. If you open up the gasser kit and compare, you'll see the common parts. I was able to use the springs as designed after modifying the spindles. Even though the kit is ancient and the molds were poor, it built up well. The engine is the biggest disappointment, Here's a few pics.

[Bob Ellis]

The door side panel is incorrect on this MPC 60 Corvette where as the AMT 60 is correct in that the bottom of the loop of chrome is more parallel to the door bottom.

I guess you can sculpt out some material and make new side chrome? What I would do anyway.

[unclescott58]

You know. The more I look at MPC's '60. The better I like AMT's old '59.

[sfhess]

...but the box art is killer......

[Junkman]

is it more Revell quality or more AMT quality? I just don't want to have to fight it a lot to fit properly

[anorak mode]

Neither the Revell, nor the AMT have any major fitting issues. I'd rather attribute those to MPC products.

However, the Revell "1960" Corvette is in fact a '59 and started life correctly labelled (and wheeled):

 

 

On the other hand, the AMT "1959" Corvette is in fact a '60.

It is sometimes labelled as such:

 

but often not:

 

[/anorak mode]

 

Since trying to find out the motives of the kit industry for doing what they do makes my brain go all mushy mushy,
I gave up on it a long time ago, so please don't ask.

But I say:

The Revell Corvette builds into a surprisingly nice model with surprisingly little effort, considering it's a multipiece.
Proportions and surfaces look "right" and you get separate, chromed emblems and windscreen frame.

The AMT appears a bit more 'heavy handed' overall and I always thought the front end looks a bit wrong.

 

[John Goschke]

If you want to build an early quad-headlight C1 Corvette and aren't picky about the year, these are the most recent, "state-of-the-art" kits. The '59 kit is based on the '58, but has the optional hardtop.

 

In addition to inaccurately shaped side coves, the old MPC '60 has a '56-'57 interior, if I remember correctly.

 

Edited October 28, 2015 by John Goschke

[Bob Ellis]

It's true, the Revell '60 is a '59 and the AMT '59 is a '60. But seriously, the seat pleating on the '59 is horizontal and the '60 pleating is vertical. The best way to tell which is which.

But be aware, I got 2 '59 AMT Corvettes with '60 interiors. At first I thought the builder did a switcheroo. But both bodies were screwed.  No, the kit is okay. It just has screws. The AMT '59 Corvette is the only kit with a screwed chassis.

Maybe Round2 could use the beautiful  '60 MPC box and throw in an AMT '60 kit inside it. They have done it before. Then everybody is a winner.

 

[Daddyfink]

Build this one when it was last issued with all the parts back in the box. I always liked the original box art and will most likely buy it again just for that! 

 

[Dave Darby]

Build this one when it was last issued with all the parts back in the box. I always liked the original box art and will most likely buy it again just for that! 

 

Now THAT is sharp. I just may have to do that myself!

[Dave Darby]

BTW, what paint is that?

[Phirewriter]

Wow! Nice build!! Any more photos?

[Daddyfink]

Thanks Dave and Michael, I will take some more pics and check to see what paint I used. I can not remember at the moment.