AMT's original Scirocco - OOB

[Faust]

Economy and responsibility are great traits for a car to have, especially if you’re the kind who doesn’t like to go far or fast, and views transportation equipment as an appliance. For those with that attitude, the Automotive Dark Ages really weren’t that much of a letdown. Uninspiring econoboxes with poor drivability and no style wouldn’t, and didn’t, bother them at all.  It showed in the bulk of the products on offer in those days, too.

However, for those who wanted some joy out of their driving, something more was needed. Sure, muscle cars were dead, but there’s a lot of wiggle room between an SD-455 T/A and an Omni hatchback. Thus, the sporty economy car was born to fill this gap. One of the earlier attempts to put some lipstick on some pigs, at least metaphorically, was the tarted-up Rabbit/Golf known as the VW Scirocco. This sporty hatch showed you could be responsible and fun at the same time.

Amazingly, Round 2 repopped the AMT Scirocco a few years ago. However, about the same time, I snared an original for cheap at a local model show. Check out this interesting little kit at the link below:

https://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/amt-1-25-1976-volkswagen-scirocco-oob/

[Motor City]

As soon as I saw the title of this, I thought that Adam must be at it again.  Who else would do a review of such a "loser" car?  I had a college professor who actually owned a red Scirocco.  This is what I call the lame period of AMT when they were doing import models of various vehicles since the Big Three had mostly gotten away from the annual kits.  Come to think of it, many cars were kind of lame then!  

 

      

[Faust]

Hey Jim! 

I see my reputation precedes me! I like that you automatically think of me when  you see loser cars. That means I've done my job well. 

I always liked these, but the later ones more than the first ones. The follow on, the Corrado, was a lot better looking still. Regardless, both were better than a Rabbit/Golf. 

Since I wasn't building back then I didn't get to see the transition to imports, but it surprises me nonetheless. As an aficionado of the "loser"-type, though, I approve! 

Most cars from then were lame. Horribly lame. They're cool now, though, in a lame way. 

[iamsuperdan]

I'm a huge fan of the malaise-era cars. The 80s and 90s are my jam.

Although I am not the biggest fan of the first gen Scirocco, I would absolutely LOVE to see a second gen Scirocco kit produced.

[keyser]

4 hours ago, iamsuperdan said:Although I am not the biggest fan of the first gen Scirocco, I would absolutely LOVE to see a second gen Scirocco kit produced.

Yessir. The later bumpers for Mk1 helps, but Mk2 was another great looking car. 16V made it a runner too. 
Corrado reissue would be nice as well. 

[iamsuperdan]

5 minutes ago, keyser said:

Yessir. The later bumpers for Mk1 helps, but Mk2 was another great looking car. 16V made it a runner too. 
Corrado reissue would be nice as well. 

I have been hunting high and low for one of the Revell Corrado kits!

And on the odd occasion they do appear on EBay or whatever, they are ridiculously expensive. 

One day, I'll find one. 

Or they'll reissue it.

 

[keyser]

3 minutes ago, iamsuperdan said:

I have been hunting high and low for one of the Revell Corrado kits!

And on the odd occasion they do appear on EBay or whatever, they are ridiculously expensive. 

One day, I'll find one. 

Or they'll reissue it.

 

Right after you pay generous $ for it. ?

[Motor City]

8 hours ago, Faust said:

Hey Jim! 

I see my reputation precedes me! I like that you automatically think of me when  you see loser cars. That means I've done my job well. 

I always liked these, but the later ones more than the first ones. The follow on, the Corrado, was a lot better looking still. Regardless, both were better than a Rabbit/Golf. 

Since I wasn't building back then I didn't get to see the transition to imports, but it surprises me nonetheless. As an aficionado of the "loser"-type, though, I approve! 

Most cars from then were lame. Horribly lame. They're cool now, though, in a lame way. 

Hi Adam,

I actually ended up with my folks' loaded '76 Regal coupe, which I would still have today if it hadn't rusted out in the cowl/firewall area on both sides.  I sold it to a co-worker when it was 15 years old.  Some cars from the mid-seventies actually had nice styling, but the performance was lame (there I go again).  I have a cool '77 Eldorado Biarritz from that era.  The Corrado wasn't bad looking, but it's too small for my American tastes.

 

[milo1303s]

You guys relies these so called loser cars especially VW  cars have a huge fan base right !!

[Faust]

On 6/24/2021 at 6:25 PM, Motor City said:

Hi Adam,

I actually ended up with my folks' loaded '76 Regal coupe, which I would still have today if it hadn't rusted out in the cowl/firewall area on both sides.  I sold it to a co-worker when it was 15 years old.  Some cars from the mid-seventies actually had nice styling, but the performance was lame (there I go again).  I have a cool '77 Eldorado Biarritz from that era.  The Corrado wasn't bad looking, but it's too small for my American tastes.

 

I don't mind some cars' styling from the '70s. My dad had a '76 Tornio, and I loved the looks of it. Same with my Uncle's '77 Cougar and, of course, early and late ('79) T/As are among my favourite cars ever! I also like the mid '70s Darts and, yes I know it's weird, but I ADORE notchback Mustang IIs. So much cooler than the '79 Fox-Stang.  

I often like the styling on cars that are too small for my tastes, too. A good example for me is the '88 Fiero GT. I love those, but they're too small.  I also love the Kia Stinger, but found out the other day on a test drive that it's just a bit too cramped for me. That's why I keep fixing my '09 G8 GT. That, and I get to live Poncho Power every day.

 

On 6/28/2021 at 6:24 PM, milo1303s said:

You guys relies these so called loser cars especially VW  cars have a huge fan base right !!

Sure, but having a fan base doesn't mean  they're great. I mean, the Toronto Maple Leafs have lots of fans, but they suck as a team, and there are lots of people who love Edsels now, but they were losers (sales-wise and quality-wise) too. Loser is subjective, but since I'm making the judgment, I call 'em as I see 'em. Just remember, I love EXPs too. Yes... there is something wrong with me. 

[keyser]

Yes, yes there is. But G8 redeems you. 
We like what we like. Late Fieros are neat cars, typical GM, they get car looking great, nice little V6, awesome sounding exhaust, then stop making them. See Northstar Allante, XLR, G8, GTO,….  
 

[Motor City]

My brother has a G8 GT.  It's a cool car, even for a four-door!  The EXP was decent looking, so nothing to be embarrassed about there.  I'm glad I was able to get a kit of it.  We all have different tastes.  I prefer the big cars of the 1960s with bucket seats and the early personal luxury coupes (Riviera, Eldorado, Toronado, Thunderbird).  A bonus is these are much more affordable than muscle cars of that era.  The only downside is the lack of an aftermarket industry for restoration parts.     

[Faust]

On 7/2/2021 at 3:27 PM, keyser said:

Yes, yes there is. But G8 redeems you. 
We like what we like. Late Fieros are neat cars, typical GM, they get car looking great, nice little V6, awesome sounding exhaust, then stop making them. See Northstar Allante, XLR, G8, GTO,….  
 

Lol, I'm glad that's the case! 

I agree... that's typical GM. I don't know why they can't perfect it, then sell it, instead of the other way around... 

On 7/4/2021 at 8:20 AM, Motor City said:

My brother has a G8 GT.  It's a cool car, even for a four-door!  The EXP was decent looking, so nothing to be embarrassed about there.  I'm glad I was able to get a kit of it.  We all have different tastes.  I prefer the big cars of the 1960s with bucket seats and the early personal luxury coupes (Riviera, Eldorado, Toronado, Thunderbird).  A bonus is these are much more affordable than muscle cars of that era.  The only downside is the lack of an aftermarket industry for restoration parts.     

I like powerful four-doors. Nobody really expects them to haul arse at a light, so many-a-tuned-Honda have been taken by surprise!

I like those cars too, just not enough to build them. I hear you about parts support, too... The G8 is impossible to support, at least in Canada!

[iamsuperdan]

On 6/28/2021 at 4:24 PM, milo1303s said:

You guys relies these so called loser cars especially VW  cars have a huge fan base right !!

Yup, and I'm proudly part of that fan base!

Been a long time VW owner, and spent many years as a VW dealership employee.

I love all things VW, even when they were less than good. 

 

 

[Motor City]

23 hours ago, Faust said:

The G8 is impossible to support, at least in Canada!

My nephew has an Australian-built Chevy police car (365 net horsepower).  He buys parts all of the time from down under, and from what my brother and nephew have said, there is plenty to be found on the internet, with fast shipping, too.

[Motor City]

4 hours ago, iamsuperdan said:

I love all things VW, even when they were less than good. 

 

Since this is a model website, did you ever get the Old Beetle and New Beetle pen holders made on the premises at any Canadian auto show?  I got one in Detroit and the other I picked up from the floor (some poor kid must have lost it) at the Chicago show.