Subject:  
1941
Willys  PROSTREET
Kit Used: Revell - 1/25

Review & model by:
Tim Howell
Pictures: R. Forys




[Accurate Miniatures 1/48 scale TBF-1D Avenger.]




With this kit, I made my own creation of a 1941 Willys Prostreet.   When I first saw this Revell 1/25th scale kit, I already knew what color it was going to be before I bought it (Tamiya light blue TS23).   After getting it home and opening the box for inspection, I was very pleased.   However, since I'm not a big fan of chrome, I began by striping some of the plated engine parts in some bleach, then after a water rinse, I started prepping them for paint.





[The Avenger series was released around 1998.]




The kit comes with a great representation of a blown 392 Hemi engine hooked to a 727 Torqueflite automatic transmission, topped a Weiand supercharger w/ dual carburetor setup, and all backed up by a 9 inch Ford rear end with a four link suspension.   The dual exhaust and chrome tips look great along with the wheels and tires.   A very nice set of decals is included with the kit, and it also has a lot of very cool parts; everything a hot rod modeler might need to make a nice car.





When you think of Willys, the vehicle that typically comes to mind is the WWII Jeep, but for years it also produced several popular passenger cars.   It appears that the company started in 1903 as the Overland Automotive Division of the Standard Wheel Company in Indiana, but by 1906 it was purchased and became the Overland Automobile Co.   Shortly after, they ran into financial trouble and in 1907 John North Willys, an auto dealer, came to inquire where his order (and deposit) were.   He ended up arranging financing for the company and soon after bought it, and in 1912 renamed the company the Willys-Overland Motor Company.   During the next 10 years the company grew as Willys acquired a number of other automotive firms including the Electric Auto-Lite Company, Russell Motor Car Company of Toronto, Canada, New Process Gear, and the F.B. Stearns Company.   From 1912 to 1918, Willys was the second largest producer of automobiles in the United States after Ford Motor Company.


In 1936 during the depression, the company was reorganized after bankruptcy under the name of Willys-Overland Motors Inc.   Most of the company's brand models like the Willys Six, Eight, and 77 were unremarkable, but in 1937 they introduced a redesigned model Four which featured a semi-streamlined body with a slanted windshield, headlamps integrally embedded into the fenders and a one-piece, extremely rounded hood transversely hinged at the rear.   Willys made cars and trucks that were every bit as durable as the jeep that made the name famous, and as it turns out, some of these vehicles have been transformed into the coolest hot rods and racecars you'll ever see.   Back in the 40s' who knew what would take place many years later.


The Prostreet story however is not as clear as to where and when this style of racecar or truck came to be, or even who built the first one.   If I had to guess, it was at the racetrack where someone had the idea of mixing a street car and racecar together.   What resulted was a big engine with big street tires tucked underneath a body, looking like a pro stock racecar with a license plate.   The look is still very prominent in the hot rod world today.   It can be seen at car shows and on the street, almost anywhere there is asphalt to kick.






[The kit engine was painted with steel metalizer, given a dark wash and dry-brushed to bring out the detail..] [The rear turret built up well but was very tricky to get in place.]



So at this point I'm going with the light blue theme, body and highlights.   These include the blower hat or bird catcher, valve covers and dashboard.   The interior has nice seats, steering wheel and center consol that all go together as one unit.   I chose gray primer for the color because I think this helps make it easier to see.   Why hide the detail with a darker color?   After the interior was attached to the chassis, I test fit the body to see how it looked with wheels and tires.   I was happy with everything but the stance of the car, it didn't look right to me.   I wanted the front to be lower.




[Fit is great and little or no filler was required.]



I went into modification mode.   Starting with the front suspension, I began sanding and filing the parts I thought might help the problem.   At first it did, but then I realized that the parts were becoming very thin.   Upon further inspection I found that the interior tub was the reason the body wouldn't sit lower in the front.   I would have to cut, notch and reattach several pieces, but with everything glued and painted, the stance problem was not going to be fixed on this car.   Oh well, I'll get it next time.




[All clear parts were glued in place with white glue.] [The framework was masked off with Scotch Magic tape, and painted first with a coat of interior green so they'd look correct from the inside.]



I only used two decals from the kit sheet, the dash decal that has the digital readouts, and the license plate.   A sludge wash was applied to the panel lines, wheels and grill.   Then I sealed the paint with Future acrylic, and polished it to a bright shine.   I'm happy with the way it turned out.




[Random panels on the wings and upper fuselage were lightened to fade the uniform finish, and a dark wash used to accent panel details..]



The Revell kit was a fun build and completed mostly out of the box, with only a few extras being added.   This included the spark plug wires and alternator bracket from Detail Master and some beading wire for the fuel lines.   The kit goes together easily, and the fit is great.   From a color/finish perspective you can go anywhere you want with it.   It's a good basic kit with good instructions, and a very nice representation of the 40's Willys.
Overall, I give it very good rating.
Happy Building!




[The glossy finish was recoated with flat-coat and more pastel weathering was added.]