One Final Fling
Moffat Ford Sierra RS500
Biante Model Cars has a long and successful relationship with Allan Moffat. As we all know, Allan is now 80 years old and, like many people his age, is facing a battle with dementia. While Allan is happy, comfortable and being well cared for by family and friends, it is gradually becoming more difficult for him to work his way through signing each individual certificate for each model we release. With this in mind and out of respect and care for Allan, Biante has announced that this next release in Biante’s Allan Moffat Collection will be the final model that comes with a hand-signed certificate. In a very fitting end to this phase in the collection, Biante has chosen the car which, alongside Klaus Niedzwiedz, Allan drove to his final win in his final race, the 1989 Fuji 500. It uses Biante’s own diecast tooling, with opening doors, bonnet and hatch. This release does not mean the end of the Allan Moffat Collection overall, though. There are still interesting items left to be produced and added to the Collection and Biante is working with Allan’s management on how best to continue the Collection in the most respectful way for both Allan and his fans. This model should sell very quickly – so get in as soon as you can at www.downies.com
Holden Commodore VFII SS V Redline
Holden’s last locally built (and locally designed) Commodore, the Series 2 VF SS V Redline was at the very least a fitting tribute to the now-deceased marque. With a 6.2-litre, 304kW LS3 V8 engine, 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo performance brakes and a raft of other features, this is an exceptional example of a modern, tough road car. Biante’s new 1:18 SS V Redline models have been produced in die-cast (with fully opening parts), which should be welcome news for many die-cast model car collectors. Additionally, the models will have numerous features including, faithfully replicated interiors, nicely replicated 19-inch staggered wheels with road going tyres, photo etched parts, beautifully presented detailing and outstanding finishing all round. It’s an exceptional model of an exceptional car – one that will one day be considered an absolute classic and one for the history books. But get in quick – with only 1000 or so they will go quickly. Check them out at www.downies.com
Valiant Charger E38 R/T ‘Big Tank’
Who doesn’t love a Charger? Chrysler’s underdone big coupe suffered from a lack of gear ratios in this form, but you can’t tell from the 1:18 scale model. Finished in Vitamin C (‘orange’ to the rest of us), this model captures the wonderful proportions of the sexy coupe. The 160-litre fuel tank (for which the car is named) fills a large portion of the boot, there is also a jack and removable spare tyre. The front end features engraved headlights, finely moulded two-tone grille and visible radiator mesh. Detailed interior replicates vinyl seats that tilt, material seatbelts with chrome buckles, three-spoke steering wheel and comprehensive dash instrumentation. The 265ci Hemi engine is well replicated with magnificently detailed triple Weber 45DCOE Carburettors and etched metal air intake filters. Just on 1000 of these will be made, with release due later this year. See more at www.classiccarlectables.com.au
Holden VP Commodore 1994 Bathurst 3rd Place
Classic Carlectables have shown us this prototype of the 1:18 scale Larry Perkins/Gregg Hansford Bathurst car. Yet again, their research and development people have done wonders, as you can see in the pictures. In the cabin interior below the centre dash board sits the large console switch box with exposed wiring harness nicely replicated. Amazing detail, like the drivers drink bottle with clear drink tube. Note the individual buckles hand threaded on racing harness webbing. The boot is a tangle with fuel pumps, oil pumps, catch tanks hidden behind two huge fuel filler pipes. Every model features an etched metal limited edition production number plate on the chassis. There will be just 1000 of these released, just in time for Christmas, they tell me, see more at www.classiccarlectables.com.au
Holden HQ GTS Monaro coupe in Sunburst Metallic
Holden’s HQ Monaro was an iconic shape, wasn’t it? This 1:18 scale model replicates the shape of the ‘70s legend and would look great in your collection. The GTS wheel rims are an outstanding feature on this model with their chrome trim rings. The interior includes monogrammed steering wheel and turned polished silver instrument cluster. The chassis has full detail and working suspension. The front wheels even steer! Press a button on the chassis to assist opening the bonnet, which uses sprung metal hinges for strength and to stay open. Just over 1000 of these cars will be available near the end of the year – see more at www.classiccarlectables.com.au