Any Sign Of the AMT 1977 Camaro?

[oldcarfan]

It seems like a few years back I heard that AMT might be rereleasing the old 1977 chrome bumper Camaro kit. Not the MPC version. Is there any chance this kit might make a comeback? Wouldn't say no to a rerelease of the 1978 version too, maybe they could make a duo release!

[Don Sikora II]

I believe the AMT 1977 Camaro was converted to the so-so 1970 1/2 Z28 back in the late Eighties or early Nineties. The currently available 1970 1/2 Camaro kits are based on completely different tooling and not related to the earlier backdating effort.

[Can-Con]

13 hours ago, Don Sikora II said:

I believe the AMT 1977 Camaro was converted to the so-so 1970 1/2 Z28 back in the late Eighties or early Nineties. The currently available 1970 1/2 Camaro kits are based on completely different tooling and not related to the earlier backdating effort.

That's what I read in the Scale Auto review of the kit back when the it was released. 

AMT never did a '78 or later 2nd gen.

[Robberbaron]

I recall the same thing: converted to the sub-par '70 Z28.  And yes, it does look as bad as the box art shows:

Now probably never to be seen again, since they have the "new tool" Z28 from the mid-to-late nineties.  We know they used the old AMT tool, since Round 2 is in the process of bringing back the MPC '81 Camaro.

Also FYI: from the pictures I've seen, even the original AMT 1977 had proportional issues, especially the nose (Photos from rayskits.com):

 

AMT seemed to be at a low point in the mid-70s, so almost all their newly tooled or updates annual kits had proportional/accuracy problems (take a look at their Pinto hatchback and the soon to be reissued Pro Street '77 Nova, for example).  From what I've seen, the MPC mid-70s Camaro annuals looked much more accurate.

Maybe there's hope long term that they may clone one of the earlier MPC bodies to combine with the chassis/powertrain/glass of the surviving tool?

Edited November 10, 2024 by Robberbaron

[oldcarfan]

1 hour ago, Robberbaron said:

I recall the same thing: converted to the sub-par '70 Z28.  And yes, it does look as bad as the box art shows:

Now probably never to be seen again, since they have the "new tool" Z28 from the mid-to-late nineties.  We know they used the old AMT tool, since Round 2 is in the process of bringing back the MPC '81 Camaro.

Also FYI: from the pictures I've seen, even the original AMT 1977 had proportional issues, especially the nose (Photos from rayskits.com):

 

AMT seemed to be at a low point in the mid-70s, so almost all their newly tooled or updates annual kits had proportional/accuracy problems (take a look at their Pinto hatchback and the soon to be reissued Pro Street '77 Nova, for example).  From what I've seen, the MPC mid-70s Camaro annuals looked much more accurate.

Maybe there's hope long term that they may clone one of the earlier MPC bodies to combine with the chassis/powertrain/glass of the surviving tool?

After seeing these pictures, I remember now why I preferred the MPC kits. That AMT kit just doesn't look quite right does it? I do remember being given some unbuilt kits as a kid, including an MPC Pinto and an AMT Pinto. I saved them and built them over a summer when school was out. I remember the MPC being the much better kit.

[pack rat]

MPC kits were definitely superior to the AMT kits when it came to 2nd-gen Camaros.

Compare this MPC '74 to the yellow AMT pictured above.  The only visible change from box-stock is AMT '72 Nova wheels. 

The MPC kits all contained big block power long after they weren't available in Camaros but at least they looked the part.   

[Robberbaron]

Gorgeous example, Mike.  Thanks for posting that, perfectly illustrates now much better the MPC's were.

If I had to pick one 74-77 MPC Camaro to be cloned, it would be the '74 since it still had the small back window and no catalytic converter.

[oldcarfan]

I have most of a 1/24th 76 Camaro somewhere but I think it was set up as a motorized kit. Maybe an Otaki or Fujimi?

[webestang]

When I owned my 78 Mustang, black with tan interior, a friend had a 77 Maro, black with tan interior. I've built my 78 but would love to add the 77 Maro. 

[1972coronet]

On 11/10/2024 at 5:17 PM, Robberbaron said:

Gorgeous example, Mike.  Thanks for posting that, perfectly illustrates now much better the MPC's were.

If I had to pick one 74-77 MPC Camaro to be cloned, it would be the '74 since it still had the small back window and no catalytic converter.

I concur. Last year for the smaller backlight ; first year for the L-82 ; no California Converter. 

Throw in a sweet set of the '74 Zed decals , and I'd buy 75,000 copies.

[oldcarfan]

On 11/10/2024 at 5:22 PM, pack rat said:

MPC kits were definitely superior to the AMT kits when it came to 2nd-gen Camaros.

Compare this MPC '74 to the yellow AMT pictured above.  The only visible change from box-stock is AMT '72 Nova wheels. 

The MPC kits all contained big block power long after they weren't available in Camaros but at least they looked the part.   

In comparing the pictures, the MPC kit is definitely the one I'd like to see them do. Nice build by the way!