AMT-Ertl 1:25 1996 Ford Mustang GT



AMT-Ertl made some impressive plastic promo models, and while some can be excessive (like the never-ending C4 Corvette promo's; I actually saw a guy at a flea market one day trying to sell a case of 1992 gold C4 Corvette promo models!) others are a rare charm.  The Intrigue is one even if we really don't think about it at first, and the older versions are becoming harder to find each day (the ones from 1950's to 1980's), and then there's this Ford Mustang.  Sure they have made plenty of 1994 and 1995 GT coupe's in a few nice colors, but I wanted this 1996 GT in moolight blue, and I finally got one!






The 1994 Ford Mustang was a big thing back then as it was the first (nearly) all new Mustang since the original 1979 with the new Fox platform.  Notice I said nearly as this Mustang still uses the original Fox platform, but outside of that everything else is new.  By 1996 a new engine replaced teh 5.0 pushrod with the 4.6L SOHC V8 from the Crown Victoria that produces 215 horsepower through a five-speed manual transmission.  Also new were vertical tri-tailights more faithful to the original Mustang and much better to see as well.  A new double 5-spoke aluminum wheel design was also offered on the GT.  Styling of the Mustang was smooth and unique, while tracing history back to the original Mustang.  The interior has a neat twin-pod design that gave the Mustang a stylish interior long-needed.  In 1999 Ford sharpened the styling, but lost some of the charm of the earlier fourth-generation Mustang's.






Moonlight blue looks more purple than blue, but it is one sharp color on this Mustang!  This model was also offered as a skill-level one snap kit in red, but again the moonlight blue is the way to go.  Also unlike the 1994 and 1995 editions this blue is the only promotional color as no other 1996, or 1997, or 1998 Mustang promo's were offered (and considering the short length of time for the Olds Intrigue sedan introduced at the same time it's probably because of the end of mass-promotional model production at AMT/Ertl).  The front has flush chrome headlights with signal lights on the sides where I added some orange for the amber color, round grille with prancing pony in the center, and lower bumper with grille slats and foglights to the sides.  The side profile shows off the long hood and short deck of the Mustang with GT 4.6 badges on the front fenders, rear fender scoops join the hood side scoops, and a sharp lower rocker design between the chrome double 5-spoke wheels on rubber tires.  At the rear is a decklid spoiler, red tri-taillights, 1996 plate, and Mustang GT carved into the rear bumper.  Adding detailing to the dual exhausts adds more interest at the rear.








The lower base shows great depth in details that starts with the front with the front lower A-arm suspension, engine oil pan, and transmission, then leads to the dual exhaust with a cross-over H-pipe, rear live axle with coil springs and track bars, and ends at the dual exhaust tips outside of the fuel tank.  Inside the interior has that nice two-pod dashboard layout where the upper portion is black and leads to the side door panels to separate from the gray interior.  The 4-spoke steering wheel has an airbag and detailed controls, detailed gauges, center stack with radio, HVAC controls, and on top is the duct for the clock.  The 5-speed manual shifter is surrounded by the  black center stack trim and is nicely done, while the center console sits between two bucket sets wtih thick bolsters and hoops for the seat belt track.  The rear seat is a plain bench, but you do get some cool speakers just behind them.








I like the color, I like the wheels, and especially I like how the adaptation of proper vertical taillights finally brings together this sleek design that is one of the most impressive Mustang models that I remember from my childhood.


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