Revell '81 Chevy Citation Lowrider 3 'N 1

By Al Superczynski

Overview

When Chevrolet introduced its first front-wheel drive compact back in 1980 it caused quite a stir. It was a different kind of car for Chevy and turned out to be very successful, even offering a special graphics package for the turbocharged X-ll version. Now a whole new generation has rediscovered the hot little compact and the Citation is taking it to the streets in customized low down versions somewhere between a hot hatch Euro and a lowrider.

The kit

Well, maybe. Revell has taken the old Monogram kit and breathed new life into it by adding typical lowrider graphics to the all-new decal sheet, and a set of "gold" plated lowrider wheels and tires. I'm not at all sure of how popular this kind of car is with the lowrider crowd and there is no representation of the mandatory hydraulics included in the kit, but the model definitely has other redeeming features. It builds into a nice if somewhat simplified representation of the stock X-11 with detail typical of Monogram kits of the Eighties, and the addition of the X-11 graphics missing from the original kit is a big plus for replica stock builders. The box also contains optional aero parts, custom wheels, and graphics appropriate for a "Tuner" version - probably a more likely application than the lowrider option.

The decal sheet as is the current norm for Revell car kits includes all badges and scripts, and in this case is compatible with setting and solvent solutions - a Good Thing considering the irregular surfaces some of the decals are destined for.

Recommended to both replica stock and tuner builders, while lowrider fans can raid the kit for the very nice wheels, tires, and hood graphics.

Review sample provided by Revell-Monogram.