58 Scale Auto • OCTOBER 2019
The Mustang received its
first major restyle for the
1969 model year. Penned by
ex-GM designer Larry Shinoda, the
Boss 302 version was basically the road-
going version of the Trans Am racer.
The Boss 302 featured four-bolt main
bearings, canted valve heads, and
aerodynamic and suspension
modifications for great all-around
performance both on and off the track.
This latest
Mustang from
Revell has been
reworked to
correct some
inaccuracies in
earlier releases.
The 22 parts
look good in the
box molded in
white with a tree
of chromed
parts,
transparent red
taillights, and
clear parts separately bagged and
scratch free. The decal sheet contains all
the stripes, instruments, interior wood
panels, and engine-bay markings. The
instructions have paint callouts and
clear illustrations showing each step of
construction.
I started with the engine as per the
instructions, but then promptly
deviated and completed the chassis
assembly. The instructions would have
you build the chassis with parts of the
body in place.
The main floor of the 302 is cut out
and uses the underside of the interior
tub to complete the chassis pan.
Unusual, but it works well. The front-
suspension details are molded in place.
The rear axle is separate but includes
the springs and driveshaft. A two-piece
exhaust completes the chassis.
The interior tub is a single unit with
rear seats molded in. Detail on the door
panels is a bit light, but the center
console, rear seats, and front floor mats
look great. A couple of slight ejector-
pin markings on the rear package shelf
need attention. Decals provide all the
gauges and wood trim panels on the
dash and doors. The gauge recesses are
just a bit too small. I thought it best to
leave the decals stretched over the hole
or the trim rings would disappear
inside the recess.
On the body, depressions in the
C-pillars need filling and sanding. The
nose panel doesn’t match precisely with
the body and requires blending to make
the transition smooth. It’s easier to
mask and paint the rear panel before
gluing it in place.
The chrome parts are nice and
bright. Unfortunately, the front bumper
on my sample had a rather prominent
mold line running along the front edge.
Everything else went together
without a hitch. Location of the side
mirrors was rather vague though, and1969 BOSS 302 Mustang
Revell No. 85-4313
Molded Colors: White, clear, clear
red, chrome plated, soft black
Scale: 1/25
MSRP: $22.99
Pros: Cleanly molded parts;
excellent instructions
Cons: Thin decals; nose panel
needs blendingyou may want to pin them because their
mount doesn’t seem secure.
The decals are thin and difficult to
place without distortion or curling. But
once on the model, they conform nicely.
I opted not to use the decals provided
for the hood and painted it instead,
albeit without the pin stripe.
Revell’s new Boss 302 kit certainly
looks the part. Overall, I was quite
happy with the result and wouldn’t
hesitate to recommend the kit to
anyone with a passion for Mustangs or
looking for an enjoyable build.- Mike Klessig