1/25 MPC Auto Scape Kits

[Casey]

Debuting in 1984, MPC's (very) short-lived "Autoscapes" series, featuring one of four unassembled model kits, a vacu-formed base, and a bi-fold card stock background panel, to provide that diorama feel. The Plymouth Barracuda (the former Pro Stock kit, now turned "Pro Street") and Mustang II (same as the 'cuda) were combined with a cliffside base and background, though I'm not sure you'd want to park either so close to such large rocks. The Jeep Commando and CJ-7 kits, however, were much more appropriate for rocky terrain bases as off-road vehicles. An interesting experiment by MPC, but one which never seemed to gain traction with the buying public. All four appeared again in the 1985 MPC catalog, but I think that was the last we saw of them.

Edited February 23, 2022 by Casey

[Rodent]

There are a couple of the CJ-7s on FleaBay right now. I really don't remember these at all. By 1984, I had pretty much given up on MPC kits anyway.

[keyser]

CJ5, or 7? Looks like the old CJ5

[Mark]

CJ-5.  MPC never made a CJ-7.

[Smoke Wagon]

You can easily tell apart a CJ5 and a CJ7 by looking at the door openings. CJ5s’ door openings swoop up gradually to clear the rear fenders (like in the photo above), while CJ7s’ door openings look the same front to back (think about the shape of an upside-down staple). 

[Daddyfink]

MPC sure has gotten some mileage out of that CJ5 mold! 

The biggest problem with these Auto Scapes kits was how much shelf space they took up! I had a couple of them and they where not easy to display, unless you had the room for them. 

I think I still have most of the Cuda somewhere in the stash. 

[Casey]

Wishful thinking by MPC's catalog copywriter in 'late '84, I guess. Don't shoot the messenger. ?

[mchook]

I built the Barracuda one when it came out. I think I still have one of those bases somewhere. 

[ChrisBcritter]

Hmm. Keep the base and backdrop, and instead put in a rusted-out Vega with optional Melted Engine - plus Frustrated Owner Figure pushing it over the cliff... 

[unclescott58]

Cool! I kind of like both display bases and backgrounds. I missed them in the 1980’s. Wish I had one of each today. 

[Casey]

[Oldcarfan27]

The actual builds look much more enticing than the paintings they used on the box. They should've used those instead, gives builders a better idea of the outcome. 

I don't think automotive diorama kits have ever been greatly successful. Remember when Revell tried it 25-30 years ago? You'll see the kits built, but how many times do you see the cardboard background?

IIRC, price also plays a factor in their demise. The kits were usually 20% to 30% higher because of the gimmick and very few buyers wanted to pay the extra freight for it.