Upcoming MPC Reissues - '79 Nova and '73 Cougar

[Justin Porter]

Round 2 has apparently decided that what the world needs now is more malaise era reissues. To that end, according to Stevens International we can expect MPC #1003 1979 Chevy Nova and MPC #1004 1973 Mercury Cougar "The Cat" Street Machine as reissues for 2024. I tracked down two REPRESENTATIVE examples of the classic box art for these kits. I don't know whether or not the reissues will have this box art or similar. 

[Can-Con]

As the former owner of a '79 Nova coupe, I'm quite happy to hear that as I missed out on the last release.

[Motor City]

The Nova was never a mid-sized car.  It was always referred to as a compact car.  I guess after 40-some years, whomever came up with that designation on the box art wasn't around then. 

Here is the original box art for the Cougar.  I don't think the Street Machine version can be built stock.  I still remember buying my kit 50 years ago at Sears in Lincoln Park, Michigan of all places!

Edited December 15, 2023 by Motor City

[catpack68]

Nice! Looking forward to picking up both kits👍

Edited December 15, 2023 by catpack68

[doorsovdoon]

ooh, I'll be looking forward to the Mercury Cougar.. definitely picking that one up! 

[Rob Hall]

1 hour ago, Motor City said:

The Nova was never a mid-sized car.  It was always referred to as a compact car.  I guess after 40-some years, whomever came up with that designation on the box art wasn't around then. 

 

That was the box art on the Nova from the 1985 reissue...I don't recall the midsize wording on the box...but that generation Nova was actually slightly bigger (longer wheelbase, width and overall length) than the downsized midsize '78-83 Malibu.

2016 was the last reissue of the Nova (Squad Rod version), and 2006 for the Cougar.

Edited December 15, 2023 by Rob Hall

[Mark]

Those later Novas have been gaining in popularity over the years.  The '75-'79 cars are essentially a second-generation Camaro under the skin ('68-'72 have the first-gen Camaro front subframe and suspension/steering layout).  The MPC kit is converted from the '75-'77 Pontiac Ventura and still has a Pontiac engine, but the body proportions have the AMT '76-'77 kit beat all hollow.

The Cougar kit can't be built 100% stock unless you swap in a correct engine or leave the hood closed.  Its engines, chassis, and wheel covers are carried over from the MPC '69 and '70 kits.  Unless the engine is a real focal point for you, just stick the hood shut.

[Motor City]

4 minutes ago, Rob Hall said:

but it was actually slightly bigger (longer wheelbase and overall length) than the downsized midsize '78-83 Malibu.

2016 was the last reissue of the Nova (Squad Rod version), and 2006 for the Cougar.

Yes, that's so true, Rob.  GM got carried away with their downsizing efforts starting in 1977 with the 'B' (Impala/Caprice, etc.) and 'C' bodies (DeVille, Electra 225, 98).  Then in 1978 the 'A' body (so-called intermediates) were smaller than their compact 'X' models!  Then the smaller 'E' bodies (Eldorado, Riviera, Toronado) came out for 1979, followed by the FWD 'X' models for 1980 (Citation, etc.).  They downsized the intermediates again for 1982 (Somerset Regal, Cutlass Calais, etc.) and many people refused to buy them because they were so small.  My '77 Eldorado is one of the last really big cars GM made.   

I didn't realize the Nova and Cougar kits came out that long ago.  Thanks for the insight! 

[vamach1]

1 hour ago, doorsovdoon said:

ooh, I'll be looking forward to the Mercury Cougar.. definitely picking that one up! 

Looks like the same kit rebranded as AMT in 2015.

[Rob Hall]

5 minutes ago, vamach1 said:

Looks like the same kit rebranded as AMT in 2015.

That looks like the Wal-Mart box art from 2006. 

[PintoKING]

I hope they are gonna be the "Nova SS" decals, and/or police options.

[doorsovdoon]

1 hour ago, vamach1 said:

Looks like the same kit rebranded as AMT in 2015.

 

Looks like it. They don't come up often, at least here in the UK, and can be pricy when they do. I've been wanting to build one for a while.

[Fat Brian]

I recently paid a fair amount for a Cougar and I don't know if I need more than one of those but I am looking forward to the Nova.

[StanGlover]

Thank you Round2!! Been wanting to pick up both of these but not for the inflated eBay prices! Now for that MPC Fiero… 

[bondo bill]

6 hours ago, Motor City said:

The Nova was never a mid-sized car.  It was always referred to as a compact car.  I guess after 40-some years, whomever came up with that designation on the box art wasn't around then. 

Here is the original box art for the Cougar.  I don't think the Street Machine version can be built stock.  I still remember buying my kit 50 years ago at Sears in Lincoln Park, Michigan of all places!

[bondo bill]

6 hours ago, Motor City said:

The Nova was never a mid-sized car.  It was always referred to as a compact car.  I guess after 40-some years, whomever came up with that designation on the box art wasn't around then. 

Here is the original box art for the Cougar.  I don't think the Street Machine version can be built stock.  I still remember buying my kit 50 years ago at Sears in Lincoln Park, Michigan of all places!

i bought a few models at that same store, the Amt super boss 427 mustang was one I remember because of the cool box art.

[bobthehobbyguy]

From the positive comments it sounds like Round2 has done their homimework on these. I'm happy for  those who want these.

[ChrisBcritter]

Somebody (Fireball Modelworks?) was making correct deluxe wheelcovers for the '71-'73 Cougar; anyone remember who?

[1972coronet]

I'll hafta grab one or two of the Cougar this time. The first version that I can recall seeing was the C.A.T.  iteration from c.1983. The Racing Chumps release's box art was such a turnoff that I passed on it - wasn't until I've seen some buildups of the kit and the instruction sheet ( link on @Casey's profile / signature ) that my interest was piqued .

I nab a copy or two of the Nova this time as well. I have the c.2015 Rod Squad reissue, waiting its turn in the queue.

[Classicgas]

17 hours ago, doorsovdoon said:

ooh, I'll be looking forward to the Mercury Cougar.. definitely picking that one up! 

X2 if it can be built stock.

[RDean58]

Revel’s perfect 71 Mustang has a much better frame and engine for the 71-73 Cougars. Just saying. 

[thatz4u]

I used the Cougar parts to restore my 71 Cyclone

[Dave Van]

The Nova ran in NASCAR Busch series for a while, the Cougar was used by a few short track guys.....so there's that. 

Back in the day I cut up a Cougar to make my Montego Cup car.....no laughing the build is from 1974!!

 

[doorsovdoon]

6 hours ago, Classicgas said:

X2 if it can be built stock.

I hope so. Looks like only the wheels would be an issue, hoping the stock wheels will be included though. I do have a mountain of Cragar wheels as a backup. I think every kit ever made has a set of Cragars included, either that or Torq Thrusts! lol

Edited December 16, 2023 by doorsovdoon

[Fat Brian]

8 hours ago, Classicgas said:

X2 if it can be built stock.

It doesn't have the correct engine to be built stock, it has an 427 which had been phased out by 73 and a Boss 429 which was gone by 73 also. You'll need a 351 Windsor or a 351 Cleveland to make it actually stock.