1/20 McLaren M8D Can-Am
AMT/ERTL No. 8251
Molded in Gray, Chrome,
Clear, and Clear Red.
Avg. retail: $25.00
Kit Review and Reference Guide
by Kevin J. Stewart
The news that this kit would be re-released was a big surprise to me. Given the usual lack of responsiveness by manufacturers, licensing problems, and other glitches that keep us from seeing the models we want, I was skeptical. Then there were rumors the kit would never see the store shelves. But as soon as it arrived, I snapped one up.
The package art is as it was in the original kit, with only the addition of corrected manufacturer's information. Keep in mind that the original of this kit was itself a re-release from the early '80s. The most noticeable change is a sticker on the top of the box that corrects the "MOLDED IN ORANGE" notation to say "MOLDED IN GRAY." I guess they missed that detail when they corrected the box art!
Opening the box reveals many parts, some of which are very nicely detailed. The body is a one-piece shell that is very smooth. It has several molded-in details, such as the front fender fences and rivets, mirror attachment points, ducts, and rear louvers. The body is fairly thick, and it's apparently exactly the same thickness as the original.
The bottom of the tub has great rivet detail, as does the cockpit insert. The other chassis pieces are well-molded and detailed, with just a bit of flash here and there. A few pin-marks are evident, but they're not obtrusive and there are almost no sink marks anywhere on the chassis pieces.
The engine is really nice. It has a texture molded-in to simulate the rough iron block casting. The rocker covers are chromed, with the same texture. The transaxle has lots of molded detail also. You may want to replace the exhausts, however, since they're very rough moldings that don't look realistic at all.
The wheels are gorgeous. Anyone who built this kit as a kid will remember how easy it is to make them look real. All they need is a black wash to bring out the details. And the tires are a pleasant surprise. They come without the usual soft sprue attached, so you don't get those ugly stubs and distorted surfaces. Tire lettering and tread are finely detailed also.
So what are the problems with this great kit? The first thing I noticed was that the decals are still wrong - they're from the M8B kit. The original M8D had the correct decals, with numbers and scripts for Denny Hulme and Dan Gurney. The old re-release had it wrong also, I'm told. If Fred Cady doesn't have a correct set someone else will make one.
The chrome is also overdone, but that's not a serious complaint. Those of us who don't want it will strip it, and others will give it the out-of-the-box treatment and leave it on. The instruction sheet is minimal, and it's new. Strangely enough, there's a note that says it's a reproduction of the original MPC sheet. It's not, and it's easier to follow for assembly order. I'm not sure about the color call-outs, so check the references listed below for help.
Overall, this kit is excellent. They don't make 'em like this anymore. As I remember it goes together very well. If you want to go nuts on the detail and cut open the bodywork, beware. I've heard you have to scratchbuild some hinges and frames for the doors to make it all hold together. Another option would be to insert pins in the front and rear body pieces then fit them into the doors. Maybe I'll try it . . .
I give this kit a 10, because it's a must-have. Thanks AMT/ERTL for bringing it back.
References:
These are the best references I could find for the McLaren
Can-Am cars: