Shelby 1967 GT 500 vs. [Competitor]: Which Classic Wins?

Okay, so I’ve been obsessed with classic cars lately, especially the Shelby GT500. I mean, who isn’t? That 1967 model is just pure beauty. So, I decided I had to build a model of one. Not a real one, obviously – I’m not that rich! – but a really detailed scale model.

Getting Started

First things first, I needed a kit. I spent ages looking online, reading reviews, comparing prices… it was intense! Finally, I settled on a Revell kit. Seemed like a good balance of detail and, well, my skill level. I’m no expert, you know?

When the box arrived, I was like a kid at Christmas. Ripped that thing open and… wow, so many parts! It was a bit intimidating, honestly. I laid everything out on my workbench, trying to make sense of it all.

The Build Begins!

The instructions were pretty good, thankfully. I started with the engine, ’cause, you know, that’s the heart of the beast. Lots of tiny pieces, lots of glue, and a few choice words when things didn’t quite fit. But, slowly but surely, it started to look like a proper V8.

• Engine Block: This was surprisingly tricky. Getting the two halves to line up perfectly took some patience (and some clamps!).
• Cylinder Heads: More tiny parts! I used tweezers for most of this, and my eyes definitely felt the strain.
• Carburetor and Air Filter: This was actually pretty cool. The detail on the carburetor was amazing.

After the engine, I moved on to the chassis. This was a bit more straightforward, just attaching the suspension and axles. Getting the wheels to roll smoothly took a bit of fiddling, but I got there in the end.

The Body Work

This was the part I was both excited and nervous about. The body is what really makes the car, right? I spent a lot of time prepping the body pieces – sanding down any rough edges, filling in any gaps. It’s all about getting a smooth finish.

Then came the paint. Oh boy, the paint. I chose a classic dark blue, similar to ‘Nightmist Blue’ that was used in 1967. I’d never used an airbrush before, so this was a learning experience! I practiced on some scrap plastic first, getting the hang of the pressure and distance. It took a few coats, with lots of drying time in between, but the result was pretty darn good, if I do say so myself.

Putting It All Together

With the body painted and the chassis assembled, it was time for the final assembly. This was the most satisfying part – seeing all the individual components come together to form the finished car. There were still some tricky bits, like getting the interior to fit snugly inside the body, but I took my time and managed to avoid any major disasters.

The Finished Product!

And… it’s done! My very own 1967 Shelby GT500, in miniature. It’s not perfect, there are a few little flaws here and there, but I’m incredibly proud of it. It’s sitting on my desk now, and I can’t stop looking at it. It’s a reminder that even if something seems daunting at first, with a bit of patience and effort, you can create something pretty amazing.

Now to find a place where the kids won’t use it as a race car on the floor. Wish me luck.