September 2015
Carrera 1/32nd Scale Analog Chevrolet Dekon Monza
"No. 14" 1978 - #27490
Home racing enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the return of this classic and it has finally pulled into HRW HQ. Newcomer or veteran, this is a slot car you will want to look very closely at.
It is sort of unbelievable how our hobby has changed so much in just a short span but it truly has. Seeing older models being return is not a common sight in our hobby, but Carrera seems to be very aware of the popularity some of these models. The first run of this Monza was back in 2008 and although not the same paint scheme, the model did not seem to be a hit among enthusiasts. THEN. Fast forward to today and you find out how some of these older molds are now among the top of many enthusiasts wish lists.
So why the change of heart? There are many factors I suppose; better selection of after-market tires and other parts if by chance they are needed. But perhaps the biggest reason is for myself is the appreciation for seeing any American Iron come our way. That may seem like a small thing to some, but for me it is a playmaker. When you also factor in the release of the VW Käfer as a prime rival to run with it, this car just has more appeal than ever.
Although the case indicates 1978, this model looks to be based on the car Al Holbert piloted in the IMSA Camel GT series of 1977. Regradless, it is a true icon of it's day. Click HERE for a quick history. Certainly isn't the Monza you might have remembered. Click here to learn about the Dekon Engineering effort as well.
Product Review Video
The model itself looks very well done overall. Paint and markings are crisp and clean throughout. I did notice some paint lifting near the mounts of the rear wing, but nothing really glaring. You might need to check the wing to make sure it is seated fully before racing. Mine was a little loose out of the box.
Detail level is more than enough for me. Carrera utilizes a half tray type interior but with the added details and paint, it looks pretty impressive to me.
The wheels are not the ideal design for this model, but look well enough. The 1:1 used a BBS type wheel and it would have been nice to see it on here. On the other hand, once the car starts rolling it mimics the effect well enough. Carrera has changed tire compounds since the first issue of this car and the "Decent Decade" branding looks well enough for me.
The fit of the tires seems to be the issue. Given the large inner rib on the wheel, these tires are on the small side causing a noticeable high center. This can be addressed with some tire sanding of course, but for some newcomers who just want to grab the car and go, the performance isn't going to be optimal.
Underneath we see that the chassis is identical to the ones from years past. Standard inline configuration with dual magnets and a polarity switch for reversing direction.
Removing the 4 screws that secure the chassis to the body allows us a closer look inside. Standard 9/27 gearing with our stock Carrera motor.
Box
Stock Testing
MIDMO
International Speedway
4 x 16
Routed MDF 3 Lane -
Satin Latex Paint Surface
Slot
Car Corner Braid -
Pyramid 26KX Power Supply
Difalco
Control - Trackmate
Timing
The performance of this car was actually expected. Since we are non-magnet on wood, the car did have some chatter/hop to it. Nothing out of the ordinary and certainly nothing to complain about.
Paul Gage has the right tire for this car. I sanded the wheel first to remove any flash molding and then installed the tire.
You will still need to sand the tire to get that perfect contact patch, but we do this on ever car. Once this was finished it was back to the track to see how much we improved the car.
Never ceases to amaze me how much you can improve on a slot car with just the smallest amount of tuning. Just a little time spent sanding the wheels and changing tire blends is all that was done. The results were just as smooth as it looked. Happy? You bet I am.
Anyone interested in this era of motorsports should not wait long on this one. With the popularity this model has had preceding it, it would not surprise me if stock runs low faster than usual. Carrera has made a very smart decision bringing back this classic racer. It not only stands on it's own very well but fits right in with the other models in the series. I can't help but suggest it for your collection.
- Harry
Feel free to CONTACT ME about this review or just the hobby in general.
Thanks go to Carrera of America for sponsoring this review.
