AMT '58 Impala

[Phildaupho]

This my second completion of the year. There was also a Secret Santa draw for unfinished kits. I got this already painted AMT 58 Impala. I finished it from the box only adding different wheels, tires and exhaust tips. The kit came with opening doors but no rear-view mirrors.

 

[cobraman]

Beautiful model. I would go nuts trying to BMF a 58.

[espo]

This is a great looking Impala. The '58 model always looked like a custom when they were stock. 

[Bernard Kron]

I've resisted building this model because of the opening doors and the risk that it might not come together properly. But these cars, even though this body type only lasted 1 year, were so iconic and representative of all that was right by 50's style American styling, that seeing your fine model make me think again about tackling it.

[PappyD340]

Real nice Impala

[Koellefornia Kid]

Looks like Steve Bolander´s Impala gone bad! Nice one!

[Phildaupho]

4 hours ago, cobraman said:

Beautiful model. I would go nuts trying to BMF a 58.

Thanks Ray - The previous builder started doing the chrome on one door with Molotow but I only used it for the interior, the engine components and touch up. Whenever I do a BMF job I just think how lucky we are to have that product.

4 hours ago, espo said:

This is a great looking Impala. The '58 model always looked like a custom when they were stock. 

Thanks David - The first really cool car I ever had a ride in as a kid was a new 58 Impala that inspired the model below. You are correct that the 58 Impala was one of the most custom looking stock car ever produced.

2 hours ago, Bernard Kron said:

I've resisted building this model because of the opening doors and the risk that it might not come together properly. But these cars, even though this body type only lasted 1 year, were so iconic and representative of all that was right by 50's style American styling, that seeing your fine model make me think again about tackling it.

Thanks Bernard - It really was a well engineered and engraved kit although my example had a lot of flash. This is the second one I have built. The first I did about a quarter of a century ago inspired by the car mentioned above. There was a Revell 58 released a few years ago that was apparently based on a diecast.

2 hours ago, PappyD340 said:

Real nice Impala

Thanks Larry

2 hours ago, Koellefornia Kid said:

Looks like Steve Bolander´s Impala gone bad! Nice one!

Thanks Oliver - It would be pretty straight forward  to build a replica of Steve Bolander's Impala from this kit just needing chrome wheels and 59 Cadillac taillights. The red trim decal did not go on well. The carrier turned white and wrinkled in places. Had to trim it with an Exacto and apply Future so keep it adhered.

[Rusty Irons]

Great fifty eight Phil.  Those doors fit real nicely and the dash board is very well done. An extra nice build all around! 

[crazyjim]

Looking good.

[ChrisR]

Nice!

[slusher]

Super sweet Impala!!

[ewetwo]

Nice.

[Sledsel]

Love the vibe it gives off. Personally, I always thought the 58 was nicer looking than the 57.