Supercars/RC2 Authentics 1966 Chevelle SS396

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If you’re a collector of 1/18-scale diecast models, then chances are you’ve heard of RC2. Known as ERTL to many collectors that have been around a while, RC2’s American Muscle line of 1/18-scale diecast models served as the foundation for a countless number of collections, and today, their high detail Authentics line provides collectors with amazingly realistic replicas at an affordable price. Designing and manufacturing an accurate, high quality replica like those in RC2’s Authentics line requires the direction of someone with a skillful eye for details, someone who is a true “car guy”, and most importantly, someone who cares about getting the job done right. For the past few years, that someone has been Tim Kubicek.

Tim is old school, meaning he was there when ERTL launched the American Muscle line over 15 years ago. Since then, Tim has occupied several positions and worked on numerous projects, but it has been in his role of managing the 1/18-scale American Muscle and Authentics lines that he has made some of his greatest contributions to the diecast hobby, helping RC2 produce their finest 1/18-scale replicas to date. Tim has always taken the time to authenticate the details of whatever he's working on, no matter how small, and he's never been too proud to ask for assistance when needed. Even more impressive though has been his desire to know what the collectors want. Because of this line of communication he has established with collectors, RC2 has manufactured some of the most requested models in recent years, including the 1966 Chevelle.

When the decision was made to make the 1966 Chevelle a part of RC2’s high-detail Authentics line, Tim began searching for the best full-scale example he could find to measure as a basis for the 1/18-scale model. With the help of yours truly and Chevelle expert Rich Cummings, Tim found just what he’d been looking for in Steve Howard’s beautiful Ermine White 1966 SS396 A-body. Nicknamed “The Marshmallow” or “Casper”, this bright white Nebraska native features the optional L34 360-hp 396-ci big-block mated to an M20 4-speed transmission and 3.73 posi rear, along with a stunning red interior and color keyed steel wheels with bowtie hub caps and redlines. Once the Authentics 1/18-scale 1966 Chevelles hit the market, it wasn’t long before collectors began asking for a replica of Steve’s 1:1. Thanks to Supercar Collectibles, those requests have been answered.

I’m pleased to report that the white on red color combo looks just as good in 1/18-scale as it does on the full-size model. The paint on my sample is silky-smooth, without blemish, and the fit of the opening panels is remarkably tight, especially the realistically hinged doors that snap shut with a commanding authority. From the ribbed rocker panels and realistically cut strands of brightwork to the precise photoetched emblems, crisp tampos, and Nebraska plates, there’s little to nothing of Steve’s 66 Chevelle that wasn’t translated to the 1/18-scale replica. Like its big brother, the model rolls on a set of painted white steelies shod in redline rubber with nicely rendered “dog-dish” caps. Overall, the shoes on this Chevelle look really sharp, however, I would've liked them even more if the depth of the rim better matched the measurements of those on the 1:1.

While the chassis might not be as breathtaking as the interior, it showcases an adequate level of fanfare, including a fully functional suspension and properly painted manual transmission and bell housing, coupled to a similarly painted driveshaft that rotates with the rear wheels. The rear axle and differential are equally decorated in a metallic appearance as are the gas tank and accurately formed exhaust which feature a distinctive stainless steel finish. Other less visible details include a painted fuel filter and oil filter along with a wired starter. The Chevelle’s opening trunk is hiding a few details of its own, like a genuinely patterned floor mat, a full-size spare, spatter paint, and caution and jack instruction labels on the underside of the trunk lid.

With a score of 996 out of 1000 points, Steve Howard’s award-winning numbers matching “marshmallow” is undeniably one of the finest 1966 Chevelle’s in the country, and the 1/18-scale replica from Supercar Collectibles is a spectacular recreation of this exceptional car. With a limited production of just 252 copies, it’s no surprise that this Chevelle is already in short supply. Even so, if this release doesn't spark your interest, then perhaps the other 66 Chevelle Supercars commissioned RC2 to build will; a Marina Blue A-body with a black interior and Rally wheels owned by Jim Thoren, VP of Supercar Collectibles. In conjunction with this release, RC2 issued their own variation of the Marina Blue 66 Chevelle with a blue interior and dog dish wheels (pictured below), along with a chase car featuring wheel covers and a black vinyl top. No matter which version you choose, you won’t be disappointed. The 1/18-scale 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 is a truly remarkable replica, and having had the opportunity to watch this one develop from the prototype stage to become one of the greatest models in RC2’s Authentics line is an experience that I’ll never forget. Thanks Tim!

Happy Collecting,

DetourDave

Under the hood, I found very little to take issue with besides a slightly overestimated horsepower rating on the open element air cleaner lid. What reads 365HP should rather be printed as 360HP, which is the designated output for the L34 396-ci big-block as seen in both the life-size and scale models. Thankfully, the rest of the engine is more hit than miss, fully wired and plumbed, properly painted, featuring a 4-barrel carburetor mounted atop a cast-iron intake manifold flanked by a pair of chrome plated valve covers. The factory stock brake master cylinder and period correct battery with painted terminals and battery cables are additionally nice touches, but in my opinion, the real attention to detail is revealed in the painted hood insulation and authentically reproduced inner fenders and spring loaded scissor style hinges.

The interior of this Supercars limited edition A-body is one of the most impressive presentations I’ve seen in scale form, arguably besting many of the cabins belonging to models costing twice as much. Dressed in a delightfully realistic shade of red that appropriately covers everything from the headliner to the carpeting to the seats and door locks, the Chevelle’s interior boasts an ensemble of eye candy, including a brilliant arrangement of delicate chrome accents trimming the accurately chiseled dash, steering wheel, center console and door panels. The glove box opens and the sun visors are posable, and the optional front bucket seats (with life-like stitching detail and woven fabric seat belts) tilt forward. Other details include “Body by Fisher” sill plates, correctly patterned rubber floor mats, the optional column mounted “Knee-Knocker” tachometer, and a tall chrome plated shifter and large round dial clock housed in the center console.