I finally release this cool kit from it's plastic bonds!!! Let's open up the Dixie Challenge!!!

[@petercaron4999]

The name on the price tag says Zellers. That would be the original retail price. This particular kit made it's way from Canada to you, Matthew. Zellers was (and is going to be again) a department store up here in the Great White North.

[@modelcarvideos5829]

Cool!

[@lancerevell5979]

At 66 years old (got my first kit at about ten) I hold the view that all model kits are meant to be built. Being an old AMC guy from way back, I really liked the old original AMC Eagle cars - the Concord/Hornet based sedan and wagon and the Spirit based Eaglet. 4X4 cars (not all-wheel drive - different thing) were so cool.

[@memorylanemodelcars]

I'm 61 I agree buy to Build

[@memorylanemodelcars]

Matt Tons of Modelers Don't Paint the Script Instead Foiling And Detailing Works Better

[@memorylanemodelcars]

Uh Matt I disagree the Rallye Gauges aren't impossible to Detail paint Difficult Yes But there Is A Technique you've Never used Which I use that Works and Makes Really Nice Details Easy to Achieve

[@memorylanemodelcars]

Mopar 4 spds Were Called A833 New Process

[@memorylanemodelcars]

Matt in 48 AMT Was Ford/Lincoln/Mercury only due to Ford Contract hence SMP represented other Brands til 64

[@MetalMania3DTV-TAS-AUS]

Awesome, will be a brand New build when done 😮😂 just saying Sweet kit😊🇦🇺🤝🇺🇸😎👍✌

[@robertlafontaine4238]

Big block mopars have their distributors in the front of the engine. Small blocks are in the rear.

[@modelcar1589]

Thank you for the model cars I love them.👍🏿😎

[@tomkendall4079]

Ex railroad engineer here. Love the horn!! I have a couple started projects of this kit to finish. Not a bad kit.

[@rickzinck9326]

I have a 1994 version of the kit. It is a factory stock version only but is the same basic tooling. It is a BB engine. The version I have, it is a 440 6 pack. The roof does not fit worth a darn & only has 3/4 of a window surround. As far as open it or not. Build it or not. It is your property do with it as you see fit. May you & the family have a wonderful & safe 4th. Hey, you could always blow up a model kit if that is what you want to do. LOL

[@modelcarvideos5829]

Lol!

[@garyslentzii2796]

N8ce Challenger kit Matt.

[@Bubbasmodelcarshop]

cool kit. thanks for sharing.

[@askoseppanen3779]

That my friend is chrysler 440 engine and A833 four speed and a dana 60 rearend which always came with the four speed.

[@sindrelangvatn7295]

If the distruber stay in the front of the engine is it a big block. Small block have it behind the air cleaner. It is a great kit. Have build one with a slant six in 😊

[@michaelcooke2559]

This is surprisingly a very nice looking kit. Good detail with a low parts count. I’m glad you unboxed this one. Thanks for sharing.

[@denislandry7577]

I did some of them , you are right , all had them tires lol

[@Merylstreep1949]

Used to have the Johnny lighting one from the early 2000s wish i still had it Round 2 NEEDS to reissue this asafp

[@modelcarvideos5829]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@Scale_Model_Mayhem]

There was also a stock convertible version issued at the same time It was yellow on the box

[@Scale_Model_Mayhem]

The convertible was a 440 6 pack with a shaker

[@jasonwaltrowski2315]

Awe man I loved the amc eagles and yea a model kit of one would be sweet

[@slowblueoval1997]

Hot Wheels had a Dixie Challenger

[@modelcarvideos5829]

That's it!

[@Walterangel-y3d]

On your dodge challenge , in the dukes of hazard movie they had what looked like dirt road racing maybe a competitor

[@michaelsullivan1262]

GRADE CROSSING!

[@Funsho97]

That's a cool kit, good to see you open it up and what a surprise to find that it's a convertible. The derails are nice, love that instrument cluster. Notice on the passenger side fender you will find the Pentastar badge on the lower part of the fender, that is some really nice detail for sure and the Pentastar should be gold. Not a huge fan of those tires and the pre-cut hood but still a cool kit. I have a couple of Hot Wheels cars called the "Dixie Challenger" that was orange and I am wondering if this kit was kind of a response to that? Who knows. By the way, gotta Love that train!!!😂

[@jasonwaltrowski2315]

That's a cool kit, built the newer issue with my son awhile ago, and man do I remember those old mud grip tires, I think i hate those tires to this day cause they looked so bad and were in every kit, when ever I get parts or an old kit that has them they go right in the trash I can not stand then tires, lol I guess they would be good for a derby car

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

Oh, I mangled many a sidewall building old AMT kits with those tires. lol I remember back when Ertl made farm tractor kits. I built a few for a teacher I had back in high school. I wish they would make them again.

[@anubone1]

I have the same exact kit, never opened mine either. I decided if you can do it , I can to. Thanks for the push.

[@modelcarvideos5829]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@ronstewart9792]

Very cool Matt. Yeah those ugly tires were in every thing back in that time. I have hundreds of them in the junk box. LOL. Ron

[@davidhinkson8856]

Interesting what you find when you open these boxes! I never would have guessed that kit was actually a convertible, which actually opens up a lot of possibilities if you have other Challenger kits available to make different versions of it. The quality of the molding is quite impressive for its age, but then again this is probably an original boxing.

[@alanq64]

I live 2 blocks away from train tracks. Doesn't bother me. I need to bite the bullet and open some of mine.ha Hard to take that first step. Another great video.

[@modelcarvideos5829]

It doesn't even bother me now. Guess I'm desensitized! Lol

[@CBModelworks]

That is a great looking kit for being 40 years old.

[@michaelsullivan1262]

I start every kit I get so that when I’m gone nobody gets the joy that I first bought.

[@modelcarvideos5829]

Lol!!

[@RattleCanShenanigans]

Hah! I've got a couple of copies of the AMT Challenger and even ordered a resin hardtop body to avoid fighting that faux hardtop. Still haven't managed to build it yet. As far as the shallow scripting on the quarter panel goes, just burnish a piece of Bare-Metal foil over it and cut it to shape around the scripting. Prime and paint as usual, and wet sand the scripting with ~2000 or higher until the Bare-Metal shines through. I did it on my '49 Mercury and it worked well!

[@modelcarvideos5829]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@petermerz2704]

Hey, I had a ‘90 Eagle Talon! It was a great car. It was midnight cherry and had a 2.4L turbo engine. I was living in Whitby at the time. I had to go to Belleville a few times and got that car cranked to over 200kph. It was a fun car. Thanks for sharing Matt! 😎🇨🇦

[@ChrisStura]

Hey Matt a little trick for the emblem and dash detail put a little bit of paint on a piece of paper and rub lightly with a toothpick take your time and it will come out nice

[@redcastle12b31]

I built this kit in 1987 while stationed at Ft Hood Texas. Wish I could get another to build

[@scottebert8582]

Built that back when I was a teenager. I remember using the separate roof on a convertible RT challenger that did not come with a top. It fit and looked great. I really like that engine scoop. Also for the record. It was always a Yankee Challenger to me as well. Could be because challenge was spelled out in the classic challenger script

[@jamesdurham9182]

I wish Round 2 would re-release this one. It wouldn't even have to the Yankee edition.

[@memorylanemodelcars]

Yes I've Wanted one For A Long Time the Later Reissues Have 3 Hoods which I need For kit Bashing. The Separate Roof was the Major Complaint about this kit It's A Build Challenge Some Can't Conquer

[@RJDCR]

neat kit...very kool , thanx 4 sharing RJ

[@ianwhite4914]

Great kit Matt

[@dongordon4464]

that is a big block Dodge engine but is it a 383 or 440 if you can scale size the intake manifold width 440 is wider there was a wide 383 in the '50s or we call them high blocks

[@MikeJBlues]

Man I always hated them tires lol. They did a good job on the top. Did you . Did you notice there is no R/T badging on it. It's a 440 engine

[@lovepets2781]

I had lot old models still in plastic then I decided to get a cat , do I need say more? Lol

[@modelcarvideos5829]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@scottwoodward3854]

The vinyl top when you put it against the windshield frame the vinyl top groups down a bit it should be straight across and that's what you need to fix and then add a new drip rail. It's a pretty good kit I built one I didn't have any issue with it

[@danrosenello4847]

This was great seeing this review. For whatever reason(Monogram’s Challenger was cooler) I never bought this kit when it was on the shelves. It looks like a better kit than I ever gave it credit for. Thank you !

[@douglasmodelgaragesvideo]

They made a stock version

[@Nitro1320]

Oh those tires! Never did understand them. LOL.

[@funken079]

Great kit, I have one started but I still have yet to finish it. I have quite a few active builds I need to finish. I like the convertible option for this kit.

[@timothyharrison8953]

I remember this kit when it came out, but not sure why it never caught my attention. Thanks for opening the kit and reviewing it. Some it reminds me of Monogram with the peg axles and split oil pan molded to the engine. I'm only almost 59 and open every new kit I get. Been at it for around 53 or so years. First to make sure there are no defects and second to see what's inside. I slowed down building when I was so busy in my career and and family. I kept collecting in case they never reissued those models I liked. Then I realized I had more models than I will ever complete and started a purge. Now I'm building as fast as I can. Hope to finish at least twelve this year. Have about 200+ to go, math is against me. Oh, and I'm guessing now that you have had a chance to look at the instructions, those small block things next to the wheel backs went between the leaf springs and mounts to jack up the rear

[@modelcarvideos5829]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@askoseppanen3779]

Cool🤩 I always looked at that kit on catalog but never got chance to get it. The number on the door is so good, it's been what? 47 years? Good Lord! I gotta get this kit and build it like the box art and then get another one and build a Kowalski challenger

[@modelcarvideos5829]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@carouselofcrazychrisb]

A classic. Definitely one that needs to be re released

[@stephenarnold9337]

Have some more coffee Matt..You missed it..Look at the decal sheet and look at the box art...

[@yukoncornelius81]

Easiest way to tell a Mopar small/big block is where the distributor is mounted.....front big block.....rear small block.

[@christesta2521]

Great video Matt!!! I too was never thrilled with the tires includedin these kits from the eighties. Twp piece style that never stayed glued. Happy 4th of July to you and the family. Stay safe.

[@Tess_untamed]

It says Zellers. Which we had in Canada. I'm not sure if you had that store in the USA also ?

[@davegoose]

Zellers was Canadian only as far as I know, which would be why he isn't familiar with it. Most likely. I remember buying kits at Zellers.

[@ronaldlee6593]

Zellers is back new store in London ONT.

[@rickhenson660]

It's a big block! The distributor is in the front, small block dodges are in the back of the intake manifold. Most likely a 440ci. And the exhaust manifolds are simesed on the inner cylinders.

[@modelrestorations]

Such a cool kit. I agree, you can't enjoy it if you never build it. I didn't realize it said Challenge until you mentioned it😮. I'm sure we would complain about that price back then😅

[@modelcarvideos5829]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@taskmaster58]

A quick way to tell the big block from a small block Chrysler engine is the big block has the distributor at the front like that one (most likely a 440) the small block has the distributor at the back in the centre of the intake manifold.

[@richardbennett8678]

Do you know what year the car is?

[@drppr76]

1970

[@ericsmodelgarage]

Way to go, Matt! I've got the issue of this kit from the Mid 90's(different box art). Amazing how that old shrink wrap can do a number on the boxes after years as it continues to "shrink". Build it! Happy modeling!

[@hortonshotrodshop2003]

It's not a bad kit did not like the top being cut off. It takes some work get the top correct.

[@shepsplasticbodyshop]

The great thing about hearing a train horn is no matter where you are it sounds like home.

[@modelcarvideos5829]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@modelcarswithglen.]

HI Matt excellent unboxing, good to see all those cool parts,, I've built the vanishing point version of that kit,, came out sweet,, those four little blocks are riser blocks for the rear suspension,, I watch you on TV most of the time so I can't always comment but I do hit the like button,, later Glen

[@modelcarvideos5829]

Thanks Glen!

[@ronnieledford4613]

YOUR RIGHT THAT IS THE RIGHT PRICE FOR THAT KIT. I'VE GOT 2 OF THOSE. ONE AMT OTHER MPC . I BOUGHT MINE EARLY 80'S BACK THEN THEY WERE $7.99 I DID CALL IT A YANKEE CHALLENGER. BE COOL.

[@doublenickelbob]

Are you going to build it?

[@brianlewis6926]

They used a Borg Warner T-10 or mopar A833 4 speed witch the 70 Challenger used

[@brianlewis6926]

Just picked up a old 65 Riviera kit (rc2) and it has those tires in it. That engine looks like a sb maybe a 340, I'm a Chevy guy but what I notice on the Mopar is the sb have the distributor in the back & bb has it in the front, not a 100% on that but that's what I been noticing it the models that I have

[@scottebert8582]

Hope that windshield frame isn't bent

[@AmateurScaleModelBuildi-lj3so]

Nice looking kit. I'm not sure how I feel about the mud grippers, though. There used to be a department store called Zales, could be just a NE thing, though maybe the kit came from there?

[@briancarsen6315]

I haven't checked scalemates yet but I remember actually wanting one of these kits. I had a color brochure from AMT/ERTL and this kit was in there. I don't have the catalog in my possession. I will say for sure the Yankee Challenge came out between 1980 and maybe as late as 1983.I think it was reissued as the Yankee version in about 1981 or 1982. I hear tell they did the "vanishing point" reiisssue based on this kit in the early 2020s. Ps..Those tires are not my cup of tea.

[@alexnoble3328]

I always look at the decal backs, looks like it was made in 82'.. but look on the front of decal for this car it read ...8230 that tells the yr it was made

[@markjolyn94]

Was and wasn't surprised that it was a convertible. So this is the same kit as the amt Challenger convertible just a different name and picture

[@thomasforthe9274]

I built it , but probably somewhere around 40 years ago or so. I still have it too though it needs redone. By the way that is a big block. I owned a 1970 R/T challenger with a 383 Magnum back then as well.

[@modelcarvideos5829]

Very cool!

[@johndean2110]

There's the train! 😊 I would leave the kit as a convertible. Would you build a train model kit?

[@modelcarvideos5829]

Maybe one day!

[@kevin64573]

That top is one thing that frustrated me about AMT Challengers. They made them all vinyl tops and separate. Otherwise, they are good kits. A small block Mopar has the distributor at the rear of the engine, and the big block is at the front.

[@dongordon4464]

yes

[@Scotty923]

Dang looking at that sticker looks a lot like Zellers ( Canadian )

[@dalekoster9955]

That’s a 440 engine. This was based off the Challenger R/T 440 Six Pak convertible.

[@chriscallen6897]

If I didn’t cut the sidewall on those tires , I usually ended up slicing my thumb open 😂

[@modelcarvideos5829]

Lol!!

[@michaelsullivan1262]

Trains and roosters are Americana!

[@modelcarvideos5829]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@danielpaulsness6951]

Nice 😅

[@johnhughes9019]

I've had the *stock* version of this kit (yellow car on box) in the past. I wasn't terribly impressed by it back then (c.1989), and I ended up using it for its parts. The engine's supposed to represent a Chrysler B/RB engine (e.g., big block), with the convertible kit having a Six Pack induction. The exhaust manifolds - while better than the ones in the MPC '68 Coronet - are more representative of the low performance 383 and 440 . Oddly , the kit's shifter is for the 3 - speed manual , which would only be correct for a Slant Six, 318 , 340, and 383 Magnum (440, 440 +6 , and Hemi had either a standard Torqueflite or a compulsory axle package option with the respective transmission -- no manual 3 - speeds, period). This kit's strong points : - Rallye Gauges - Dana 60 rear - Separate brake booster & master cylinder - Partial Horn Ring steering wheel - Separate headlamp lenses - Decent engine/ transmission While I don't share your enthusiasm for those Rally GT tyres ( I actually despise them ) , I understand their nostalgic value. I feel the same way about many aspects of old MPC kits.

[@modelcarvideos5829]

Great info! Thanks for sharing

[@lylebriggs923]

Yes I have cut myself several times opening up thangs

[@Enigma-Sapiens]

To paint that emblem you need to take one paintbrush hair and grind it down to 1/4 size, thin the paint down to super thin, and then paint away! P.S. If you are older, use a magnifying glass... Open and build those models, they were made to be built! I've seen too many that were "saved" sealed up in the box and when they were finally opened the plastic had gone brittle and was broken into pieces.

[@mightywarrior5684]

And you'll never get the parts to fit back into the box.😮

[@erasmosanchezuser]

76 decal is W&B...cover is B&W

[@TJRohyans]

Are you going to build it OOB, or replace wheels and tires? I'm not a patron, but maybe you could use the $$ for a better camera? Lol! And I actually DO love the train. I grew up in a train town. Peace and love.

[@maxbrandt6]

I have this kit, I've been warned about it due to its ill-fitting parts but I do want to build it and see how far I can get with it. Originally released in 1981 under the Matchbox/AMT label, what's in the box is a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T with those odd rally style tires, you get period correct rims and tires in the rare Vanishing Point offering. I don't know why AMT gave it that silly "Yankee Challenge" name and racing number, perhaps as a rival to the General Lee boxing from Revell. And the 1996 Eagle Summit was indeed an ugly car!

[@electricamish]

I remember watching all those videos , where it would have about gave you seizures to pop that box.

[@modelcarvideos5829]

Lol!!

[@davidjohnmiller4849]

Could it have come from Canada ? There was a retailer here called Zeller’s ... got bought out by Target in the 2000’s and changed over ... then soon after all we’re closed as Target left Canada and destroyed all those jobs ... a Direct Violation of the NorthAmerican Free Trade act ... target was never prosecuted !

[@davidjohnmiller4849]

Not sure if you’ve ever seen the movie Macon County Line , staring John Saxon . He drove a car that this kit always reminded me of .

[@adammarsden2643]

Them tires wer terrible....

[@twotone85]

If I had to guess to why it’s “yankee challenge” it’s going up against the general Lee as the people of the north or nicknamed “Yankees”

[@modelcarvideos5829]

👍🏻👍🏻