NZ Classic Driver

JUST ON MODELS

- John Bennoch

FROM THE spR MOdEls sHOp

Iwant to thank Classic Driver for giving me the opportunit­y to write this regular column on models. Each issue I will select a new release from one of our five ranges, write about the actual car, and give readers a chance to win the featured model. In this first column I’m featuring something rather special from the Australian ARMCO range - a beautifull­y detailed 1:43rd resin model of Ian ‘Pete’ Geoghegan’s #1 1967 Ford Mustang GTA, winner of three Australian Touring Car Championsh­ips. Exterior finish of this model is excellent, and it features a detailed interior. Very unusual for a 1:43rd model, it has a removable bonnet and an extremely well detailed V8 engine, complete with tiny plug leads. This is a limited edition model (only 500 have been produced) and comes with a numbered certificat­e of authentici­ty. It is mounted on a plastic plinth and protected by a clear acrylic display case.

Pete Geoghegan’s 1967 Mustang GTA started life as a humble V8 automatic road car. Initially powered by a 289 cu. in. V8 with four 48 IDA Webers, the Mustang was later updated to a 302 cu. in. equipped with Lucas fuel injection fitted to a Shelby Cobra manifold. In 1970 a rule change allowed the car to be fitted with flared wheel arches and 10” wide Minilites. Winning three consecutiv­e Touring Car Championsh­ips – 1967, 1968 & 1969 – makes the Pete Geoghegan 1967 Mustang GTA one of the most significan­t Touring Cars in Australian motor racing history.

SPR Models now has its own online store offering five brands...

Spark produce a wide range of 1:43rd and 1:18th sports and competitio­n vehicles with a strong emphasis on Le Mans cars, sports racing cars and classic F1. Racecars driven by New Zealanders are well represente­d in the Spark range, including cars driven by Bruce McLaren, Chris Amon, Denny Hulme, Howden Ganley, Andrew Bagnall, Angus Hyslop, Scott Dixon, Rob Wilson, Roger Wills, and Brendon Hartley. A large selection of McLaren F1 and CanAm cars are also listed in the Spark range.

Bizarre, as the name suggests, produce the more unusual models often overlooked by mainstream model manufactur­ers. They specialise in 1:43rd models of sports racing cars from the 1950s to 1980s. Bizarre also produce a range of Land Speed Record cars and manufactur­er prototypes. TrueScale Miniatures produce hi-quality 1:43 & 1:18 road & race car models, plus a range of accessorie­s including pit crew and driver figurines, engines, tool chests, hoists, and garage equipment.

ARMCO Model Cars immortalis­e in miniature a range of Aussie 1960s – 70s race cars; classic Holden sedans, station wagons & utes; and even a classic FJ Holden drag car and the GTR-X Concept car. Production of these 1:43rd resin models is limited to a certificat­ed 500 numbered units.

Brumm was founded in 1972, and produce a wide range of 1:43rd scale miniatures of vintage carriages; steam & vintage cars; production vehicles; sports racing & F1 cars; race transporte­rs; and pit crew & driver figurines. Being an Italian company, there are of course a large number of Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat and Maserati models in the Brumm range.

This Pete Geoghegan Mustang GTA, along with the rest of the ARMCO range, is available direct from SPR’s online store or from specialist hobby shops. For more informatio­n about the Spark, Bizarre, TrueScale, Brumm or ARMCO ranges, phone John on 09-414 5959, or visit www.spr-models.co.nz.

 ??  ?? Answer the following question. How many times did Pete Geoghegan win the Australian
Touring Car Championsh­ips in this Mustang? To enter – email your answer to models@classicdri­ver.co.nz
Answer the following question. How many times did Pete Geoghegan win the Australian Touring Car Championsh­ips in this Mustang? To enter – email your answer to models@classicdri­ver.co.nz

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