1963 Chevrolet Impala SS - Junior Johnson's "Mystery Motor"

[gami8630]

This model is based on Junior Johnson's Chevrolet Impala, which achieved 9 pole positions, 7 wins, and 14 top 10 finishes in the 33 races of the 1963 Grand National Series.  
The engine installed in this Impala was the highly powerful 427 Chevrolet Mark II V8, which became known as the “Mystery Motor.”

The base kit is the 1996 reissue of AMT/ERTL's  
“1963 Chevrolet Impala SS,” a 3-in-1 kit featuring “STOCK/CUSTOM/ADVANCED CUSTOM” configurations.
While the engine is reproduced, the parts required to convert it to NASCAR specifications are not included, so various modifications will be necessary this time.  
Therefore, in addition to the base kit, I have also prepared AMT's “Chevrolet Bel Air SS Northwind A/S Racing Version,” “'66 Chevy Modified Stocker,” and “'64 Ford Galaxie Modified Stocker.”

The decals are from Mike's Decals, specifically PPP's “JR. JOHNSON/RAY FOX 1963 Impala.”

The following is an overview of this project:  

● Body modifications:  

The emblem, molding, and wipers molded into the body were removed, and a race-spec fuel port and fuel overflow pipe were added.  
In addition, the triple tail lights were removed and replaced with 4mm diameter stainless steel spacers.  
The radiator and front firewall are reused parts from the “BEL AIR SS.”

● Front grille and front/rear bumpers:  

An aluminum sheet was applied to the license plate mounting area, and headlight covers were installed.  

● Engine:  

The base kit engine is a 409CID engine, so the engine from the “66 CHEVY MODIFIED STOCKER,” which resembles the Mystery Motor in appearance, was reused.  
Plug wires were added, but no other minor modifications were made.

● Tires and Wheels:  

The tires are POLAR RIGHTS Mercury Cyclone tires, and the wheels are PPP HM-9 Holman Moody 9-inch wheels.  

● Cockpit Equipment:  

The cockpit has been replaced with a race-spec tab from the “'64 FORD GALAXIE,” and the dashboard instrument panel has been modified to a race-spec version with additional gauges.
The bucket seats use parts from a Ford Torino Cobra that I found in a junk parts box. with custom-made side supports added using plastic rods.  
The roll cage was custom-made using Evergreen rods.  

In summary, while no elaborate modifications were made, the atmosphere of Johnson's Chevrolet Impala was sufficiently recreated, so the build was completed as is.

Edited 5 hours ago by gami8630

[Horrorshow]

Really cool build.

 

[Shark]

Excellent build up of that historic car. You amaze me being half a world away from stock car country, but the desire that you have to create these models.

[Volzfan59]

This replica is beautiful, well done! It is amazing to me how popular NASCAR is outside of the United States, especially these historic cars.