ARII – AR707 – Road Chaser (Galvion)

Description:

The ARII 1/72 Road Chaser, catalog number AR707, was released in the mid‑1980s as part of the Galvion Series based on Tokuso Kihei Galvion. This support mecha emphasizes swift ground maneuvering, captured in its lean frame, forward‑tilted torso, and prominent thruster pods that highlight its fast‑attack role.

Molded entirely in off‑white plastic typical for ARII at the time, the kit requires glue for assembly. Although the transformation to vehicle mode relies on simple parts swapping, the build quality is solid: panel lines are crisp and parts align well after basic sanding and test‑fitting. This model includes primitive polycaps for the joints—a feature often noted in community reviews—which gives modest poseability in its humanoid configuration.

Detail elements like cockpit canopy and thruster grills provide enough accuracy to the anime design, and the accompanying decals offer unit numbers and Galvion emblems. Painting is necessary to fully realize the Road Chaser‘s aesthetic, particularly on vents, panels, and leg armor.

Despite its simplicity, reviewers have praised the kit’s vintage charm—calling it “an otherwise alright kit when done,” albeit with less-refined plastic typical of its age. On the secondary market, sealed copies generally fetch around USD 15–20, occasionally jumping higher for rare unopened examples.

Overall, the Road Chaser stands as a solid addition to any Galvion model collection. It illustrates ARII’s mid‑1980s approach to transformable mecha: straightforward engineering, nostalgic style, and respectable fidelity to the source material.