MPC Gangbuster Series

[gloobombking]

I first saw the Gangbusters Series cars about 1966 and somewhere around that time someone gave me the 28 Lincoln.  The box art was just wonderful and I couldn't wait to make it look just like the box art.  Well, I managed to live up to my screen name and I Gloo-bombed it to death!   I found another kit at a model show and contest in 1988 so I bought and built it like I wished I could in 1966.  I don't have very good photos of it but I will show you what I have.




Now I eventually collected up all the kits in the series but I always liked this one since it was the first one I saw and built many years ago.  So for a little fun, here is some background on the 28 Lincoln kit.  The box art shown next is the first issue I am told.  I guess this would be from late 1965 or early 66.


Now I do believe, if my antique brain is remembering this right, the artwork box art is the first Gangbusters release and the photo of the model is the second release.  


So what happened to the kit after the Gangbusters Series was discontinued?  Well, about 1968 or early 1969, MPC added some custom parts that were designed by George Barris and they came up with the TV car from "The Good Guys Taxi".  It was a short lived series that featured Bob Denver and the highlight of the show was the car, which didn't show up that much.  


I don't know what happened to all the custom parts from this release but when the kit made a return it was a stock lincoln again but was missing the Gangbusters Parts.


I think this one is from around 1974 or 75.  The next version gave us all the gangbusters parts back but did not mention it on the box art.


The Connoisseur Classics version was also released in Airfix branding and I have seen at least one example in the FROG brand.  I think the latest release of this kit is in the original box art version.  The tooling is getting a little worn but you can still build a nice example with some care and time.     I will do some more background on the Gangbusters Series of kits later.  If some of you guys would like some background or history or a specific kit let me know, I might have some information on it I can share.  

[JCON]

Cool car kit that I wish I had...

[gloobombking]

Does anyone really read this stuff?  Oh well, moving along in the Gangbusters world one of the cool ones was the 1932 Chevy panel/roadster 9 in 1 kit.  



Back in the mid 60's this kit sold for a whopping $2.49!!!  It had a pile of parts for building a panel or roadster, which was actually a cabriolet and you could build em stock, custom or Gangbusters related.  Each kit was later released solo in 1966 annual box art style.  For some reason, the panel became a 33.



Well, as time marched on and model builders changed the roadster (cabriolet) came back a few times.


I for some reason think this release was somewhere around 1973 or so.  Then in 1977 MPC gave us this one.



Now as for the panel, let us not forget the horrid butchering of the tool done around 1970-71 that gave us this mess.


Yes, that wonderful classic panel was modified into---well----you get the idea.  So the panel was to never return in stock form but only as a cartoon version of a lame TV show.  What is sad is Barnabas Collins NEVER drove or was seen in this mess during the entire run of the show.  No doubt he had better taste than to be caught dead in that thing.  Yes, pun intended.  


In 1986 AMT Ertl gave us this version.


Yes, all the kits no matter if they were branded MPC, AMT or Airfix were all same kit from the same tool.  The later versions do not include any of the Gangbusters accessories but the kits still build up pretty nice.  These kits are still pretty easy to find in the later issues and are priced reasonable so if the classics tie your panties in a knot, give em a try.  Maybe later I can put everyone to sleep running down the past of the Chrysler kits offered in this series.  

[Dukemaddog]

Having just found this, yes; I have read the whole thing. It was a thrill to read as I love history and I love cars like these. This is currently bookmarked so I hope you keep it going because I'm highly interested in reading more.

I would love to have the entire Gangbusters series, but seeing how rare they are becoming; I don't see that happening. As I mentioned in a previous Thread, I'm not that big into cars, but these kind of cars are the ones that attract me a lot. They sure built them beautifully back then!

[BUCKY]

Great thread! Keep it coming, bro! I have several of the Gangbusters kits in the stash. I even had the panel/roadster kit at one time. Seems to me that there was a 1927 Lincoln kit to go along with the 1928 Lincoln kit.

[gloobombking]

Well Shuck'ins Duke, I'll keep adding to this just for you ol buddy!!!   Bucky, relax, take yer shoes off and stay a while.  I'm getting to the 27 and all of them others.    Now, to continue.  Since we covered the 28 Lincoln Touring, I must mention there was a 27 Lincoln Roadster in the series also.  It was released in the Photo box art and the accessories were a case of booze, golf clubs, arsenal including a Thompson and Shotgun, a male and female figure.  It also included the bullet riddled windshield and radiator and a police option.  It also had the steerable wheels operated by turning the steering wheel.  A super option today but for a 10 year old kid, it was a nightmare to assemble.  The kit was reissued a number of times but the Gangbuster accessories were left out.   



Next in the series was the 1932 Chrysler Imperial Le Baron.  It included a straight 8 engine, money filled case, jewel box, a safe with working door, an arsenal including a Thompson and hand grenades.  There were also 2 Police and/or Gangster figures and the Police commissioner option.  It also first appeared as I remember it in Gangbuster photo box art and then the MPC 1966 annual  box art.  I have seen later reissues in Gangbuster non-photo box art but I never saw it back in the day.  It appeared after the Gangbuster series was discontinued as a Ma Barker Getaway car.  I think this one was a movie tie in but I must confess I never saw the movie.



Next was the 1932 Chrysler Roadster.  It came as I recall in MPC 66 Annual style box art.  There is a reissue of late in Gangbuster box art but I do not ever recall seeing that back in the day.  I believe it to be retro-style box art and it never existed in the day.  This kit was much like its Le Baron counterpart although it being a Roadster.  Accessories were two figures, a safe, jewel box, money case and a Motorcycle!  Some of the later issues refer to it as a Imperial 8 but it first appeared badged a Chrysler Roadster.  



Should some of you have images of box art I do not have please feel free to post it.  I do not know of any other classics that were part of the Gangbusters series.  I will continue to add some kits from other kit manufactures that would mix well with this series so stay tuned to this channel for further developments.  

 

[JCON]

Yup I too am enjoying these posts... I built the yellow MPC kit in the 70's! Along with lots of the early Monogram roaring 20's and 30's car kits!!!

[Dukemaddog]

Awesome! Looking forward to seeing more!