Hello everyone,

I've recently been getting into Crown Victoria cars, and I was wondering what the best detailed models out there for this car are. Of course, I've looked at some like AutoArt's 1998 CVPI models (1:18 scale), but they are way out of price range.



Personally, I would like to find a model or model kit for around $25. 1:18 would be preferable, but 1:24 is the smallest I would go.

I'm not a huge fan of the Motormax cars, because they look cheap to me with the full amber corners. If any of you have this model, were you able to apply any modifications to make the corner lights more realistic?



Thank you!

If you're a die hard model hobby builder, I'd spend a little more for the detail. I bought the Motor Max version and the details look funny to me. I bought it for $25 too, but I wish I'd went with the different brand.

To me it's like Revell and AMT? I believe the other is called. There are noticeable differences in detail, but I've built a few of each and still liked the outcome.

Thanks for the reply, cruz07!

Did Revell and AMT make Crown Victoria model kits for 1998-2011? I've seen kits for the 1995-1997 model years.

I would mostly prefer die-cast models though, because of the 1:18 scale

I don't think so, but I could be wrong. I've only seen Areo body styles. The die cast CV I bought a few years back is 1:18 scale.

Alright, I'll have a look around. I found a pretty decent looking Testors kit, but still not 1:18

There was a 1/24th-scale diecast kit of about a 2000 P71. I forget who made it. That's the only whale kit I've seen. The rest are snap kits of aeros.

I think it was Testors. It was basically just an unassembled Classic Metal Works model.

Yeah, that's it!

Yes, Testors made a die cast version, I scored a Chicago PD kit at walmart YEARS ago for $10 !!!!

Sadly it was lost during one of my moves

And search on ebay, Found this nice CHP gem lol

Depends on the scale.

If you want 1/18, AutoArt is the best one. MotorMax is a Chinese copy of AutoArt model with less detail. There is also Greenlight but imo all it is is a Motormax with correct corner lights. I was able to fabricate realistic looking corner lights for the MotorMax car but at the end of the day it's still a MotorMax car. If detail is what you are after then get AutoArt.

If you want 1/24 scale Classic Metal Works and Testors used to make diecasts. Both were basically the same car. MotorMax also makes them and I actually prefer those to Testors cars. The proportions are better on them. As far as detail goes neither one is that great. The new Testors kit is basically a Motormax car broken down and repackaged.

Lindberg makes a nice Aero kit in 1/24 scale. Proportions were bang on and it could be built to as much detail as you wish.

As far as I can remember only one who made a plastic CV model was the 1/25scale aero snap kit by Linburg. You can find metal body whales but they lack any detail especially chassis. But I do only build the common 1/24-1/25 scale. I did use a metal body whale to build a Roush Cobra Vic.

Tim

Following

That Motormax 1/24th Die Cast; I picked up their 2010 (labeled) slickroof to turn into a mini version of my car. The initial impressions/observations:

1) It is the '98-'02 car with a revised dash. The trim, chassis plate, and engine dress are all '98-'02. The dash is '05+.

2) Lots of casting flash and mold separation lines to work with/clean off (have files and course sandpaper ready).

3) WTF is up with the bug-antenna dual spotlights? Exiting from the front window versus the A-pillar/door frame (yes, I am fixing that on mine). My '08 is single-side spot anyway, so now I have a spare if I mess up making the first one a bit more accurate).

4) Removing the front door and fender trim has been a very tedious exercise, as it need be ground off and finished with files to keep from damaging the surrounding metal. Also, JB Weld has been employed to fill in and re-shape the rear door trim to more closely resemble the later trim.

5) Rear bumper cover needs to have the lower 'split' cut into it (as the kit bumper cover is one raised portion all the way across the bottom of the bumper cover).

6) Front and rear covers will need to have the second trim depression mark added (as the supplied covers have just the single trim depression). I am also removing the front plate, as Florida doesn't require two plates. This left a hole that will need to be filled. Also on the front cover, the lower opening will need to be extended a bit on both sides and the proper amount of 'teeth' added.

I am lowering my 1:1, so the model will be lowered as well. Easy in the rear, but a pain in the front (as the model has poseable steering). I will deal with that when I get to it.


I have several of the Aero CVPI cars from Lindberg. They are pretty much Snappers/curbsides. With work, they can be made presentable. I got them to pull over my scale Mustangs and to build a small diorama depicting me and a biker buddy getting pulled over in Norfolk, Va when I was stationed there (as they had the last of the Aeros and were just getting Whales when I was stationed there).

which scale ratio is the most popular? I'd like my collection to be uniform

Sadly, 1:18th scale die-cast.