Biante Newsletter 46 by Biante Model Cars

AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER.

Biante Newsletter - Issue 46 - June 2013

*1:18 Scale Prototype Model Shown

THE 1:18 SCALE

PHANTOM BLACK HSV Y-SERIES GTS WILL BE HITTING STORES SOON Biante Model Cars are very pleased to be able to present to you the 1:18 Scale HSV Y-Series GTS in the menacing Phantom Black Colour scheme. In September 2002, Holden released a brand new incarnation of its Holden Commodore in the form of the VY series, which would replace the previous VX range. The styling of the new range, featured more angular headlights and taillights and a completely revised front grill in comparison with the previous model.

While Holden were busy releasing their new player to the Australian Automobile industry, HSV were producing their range of spine tingling performance machines based on the new base Holden VY template HSV labelled this new range of models as the Y-Series which was quite a canny marketing move and one that illustrated HSV’s desire to further set their models apart from those produced by Holden. With their new range of Y-Series vehicles, HSV’s main goal was to ensure a better driving experience and sophisticated styling that would easily compete with luxury imported brands such as BMW. The Y-Series included a range of different vehicle options for buyers, but the most ferocious option which attracted the most attention from HSV fans was definitely the new GTS. The Y-Series GTS was released in time to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the GTS Sedan and the new 4-door model with it’s aggressive styling and improved handling looked very appealing indeed. The GTS was powered by a 300KW V8 engine that had numerous HSV performance additions to enhance the package including HSV cylinder heads, valve springs, valves, throttle body, manifold and injectors. This combined with the new tuned exhaust system including stainless steel extractors and headers created a beast that was capable of running a quarter mile in 13 seconds flat. The exterior was nothing short of stunning either. The car sits on impressive 19-inch Magnesium rims, with the HSV, GTS and 300 badges combining with the aerodynamic body kit to let the world know that this car was a force to be reckoned with. The Y-Series GTS is certainly a world class four-door performance vehicle, and easily achieved HSV’s goal of producing a car that could beat it’s European counterparts. We are very pleased to be able to present the opportunity to place your orders for the 1:18 Scale HSV Y-Series GTS in Phantom Black. Please place your orders as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: A72531 Model: 1:18 Scale HSV Y-Series GTS - Phantom (2003) - Pricing: RRP: $199.50 including GST

AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER

Biante News:

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS & RISING PRODUCTION COSTS We have some fantastic new announcements in this issue of the Biante Newsletter and we are also pleased to show you images of the first decorated sample of the VN SS Group A, but firstly I must discuss an issue that isn’t one of my favourite parts of this industry, pricing and production costs. When I took on this role almost 2 years ago, we identified that keeping the prices of our models as low as we could while still maintaining our high quality standards was a key priority, and it still is. However, due to the rising costs of production in China and external factors outside of our control, we have unfortunately been forced to raise the regular retail price for 1:18 Scale models from $195.00 to $199.50. This price change will affect all models produced from the 1st of July 2013 which unfortunately means some previously announced models will be affected by this change. We have maintained the $195.00 regular retail price for as long as possible and we have actually absorbed these costs for longer than we probably should have with the well being of stores and collectors in mind. We understand that this slight change in price may be a concern and even frustrating, but we are really proud to still be able to bring you a high quality, 1:18 scale limited edition diecast model for under $200.00 which is increasingly becoming a rarity in the current market for Australian model cars. We hope our current position is understandable and we apologise to anyone who this will significantly affect, but we have tried to limit this price increase and can assure everyone that we’re still committed as ever in bringing you a

high quality collectable model, while maintaining the most competitive pricing structure that we possibly can. On a slightly more positive note, if you’re a Ford Fan we have some great announcements in this issue including the 1:43 Scale Ford XA Falcon GT Hardtop in Ultra White, the 1:18 Scale Ford Sierra RS500 driven by Allan Moffat, Andy Rouse and Thierry Tassin at Bathurst in 1987 and finally, the 1:18 Scale 1993 Australian Touring Car Championship winning Ford EB Falcon driven by Glenn Seton. For HSV fans, the 1:18 Scale HSV Y-Series GTS in Phantom featured on the cover of this newsletter is certainly an impressive road car that could easily command a place in most collections. We recently released images of the first decorated sample of the 1:18 Scale VN SS Group A in Durif Red. We’re really pleased with how this is looking and while there are still quite a few changes to be made to bring it up to production quality, it still looks like we can expect a 3rd/4th qtr of 2013 release for this model with the race car to follow soon after. Ensure you place your orders for these new announcements and the VN at your local Biante dealer to avoid missing out on them and until next time, happy collecting. William Hall General Manager Biante Model Cars

FIRST DECORATED VN SAMPLE IMAGES RELEASED The wait is almost over! Biante Model Cars are extremely pleased to show you images of the first decorated sample of the 1:18 Scale Holden VN SS Group A in Durif Red. This model is officially available to order from your local Biante dealer, with stores set to return their final order quantities early this month. If you are yet to place your order in store, please ensure you do so as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on this iconic model, the first of its kind for the Australian market. The first paint test sample arrived from the factory and whilst it still needs more work until it is ready for production, there has been many steps taken forward over the last couple of months. We are very excited to finally see it in the iconic Durif Red paint work with colour detail added throughout the entire model. Scores of tooling issues have also been corrected with still more to come. Biante is pushing the factory hard on obtaining a standard that all our collectors will be happy with, and with a further 90 odd improvements and corrections yet to be made to this sample, we think we are well on the way to achieving this. A few of the areas worth special mention are the authentic bonnet hinges and gas struts that are close to the final production layout; The extremely fine flocking on the seats (and still yet to be added to the door skins) that does an excellent job of replicating the velour in the real car. On the other side of the coin, some important areas that are being improved as we speak are to correct the finish of the wheels, a high quality deep consistent paint finish, more distinct dispersion lines through the head lights and tail lights, and scores of paint and colour corrections throughout the entire model. We even have another Australian diecast first on the way which will see raised “Goodyear Eagle” text on the tyre side walls just like the real thing. A feature normally only reserved for extremely expensive high-end diecast models. All of these issues and more that only the most avid VN Group A fans will notice were analyzed and discussed in person at the factory in China recently. Each point given the utmost attention and clarification to ensure these last few steps before production are met to an above acceptable standard. We are really excited to see this project gathering momentum towards release and with the order form for this model now officially released, we can share this excitement and anticipation even more with our stores and collectors. We hope that collectors are pleased with the progress that has been made with this model and to ensure you place your orders with your local Biante dealer as soon as possible. Check out the feature spread in this issue for a closer look at the VN in all its glory.

ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: B182706A Model: 1:18 Scale Holden VN SS Group A - Durif Red (1991) Pricing: RRP: $199.50 including GST

New Announcements: 1:43 Scale Ford XA Falcon GT Hardtop - Ultra White

ENSURE YOU DON’T MISS OUT BY PLACING YOUR ORDERS AT YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER

ULTRA WHITE XA HARDTOP *1:43 Scale Prototype Model Shown

A NEW 1:43 SCALE GEM FOR FORD COLLECTORS The Australian arm of the Ford Motor Company has one of the world’s most enviable reputations for producing the unique ‘Australian’ brand of motor vehicle. Many punters would argue that the GTHO’s were the defining point of the Australian produced muscle car, but there are others who believe that the makings of Ford Australia becoming a truly unique local brand was the inception of the Ford XA Falcon. Up until the 1970’s, Ford was still run with very close ties to Ford America, with many of the cars being designed with heavy American influences. The XA Falcon bucked this trend because it was a fully Australian designed model. This new car was introduced to the Australian public in 1972, and was a totally new shape and style in comparison to the previous XY Falcon. Featuring a larger body and a longer list of options than what was previously available in the market, the XA was an entirely different beast. The introduction of the two-door hardtop XA was the first time that this body style was available in Australia on a Falcon since the XP was released in 1965. The longer, sleeker doors with frame-less windows were an unmistakable feature for this model and ensured that the XA was definitely a new breed of Falcon for the Australian consumer. Powered by a 351 Cubic Inch 5.8 litre Cleveland V8 with gorgeous paint combinations, the XA 2-door Hardtop was certainly a desirable car for the motoring enthusiast of the time and was always destined for on track success. Biante Model cars are very pleased to present the opportunity to place your orders for the beautiful 1:43 Scale Ford XA Falcon GT Hardtop in Ultra White. This is another beautiful replication of this iconic Australian muscle car in 1:43 Scale, to ensure you don’t miss out on this model please ensure you place your orders as soon as possible.

ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: A52736 Model: 1:43 Scale Ford XA Falcon GT Hardtop - Ultra White (1973) Pricing: RRP: $66.00 including GST

AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER

New Announcement: 1:18 Ford EB Falcon

DON’T MISS OUT ON ANOTHER IMPORTANT ADDITION TO YOUR ATCC COLLECTION.

ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: BNC0001 Model: 1:18 Scale Ford EB Falcon - 1993 Australian Touring Car Championship Winner Driver: Glenn Seton Pricing: RRP: $199.50 including GST

NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER

ENSURE YOU DON’T MISS OUT BY PLACING YOUR ORDER AT YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER

1993 ATCC WINNER *1:18 Scale Prototype Model Shown

The introduction of five-litre regulations for the 1993 Australian Touring Car Championship saw the return of a V8-powered Falcon to the series for the first time since 1984. But it was in late 1992 that the first winged Falcons and Commodores appeared as a prelude to the new rules that would eventually morph into V8 Supercars. Glenn Seton’s Peter Jackson Racing squad was the first to race one of the new-specification Falcons at the 1992 Sandown 500 in Melbourne and, while brake problems sidelined the car in its first event, it helped put Seton’s team a few steps in front of other teams heading into what would turn out to be a very successful 1993.

For the new season the team built two new cars for Seton (driving GSR3) and Alan Jones (GSR2), who had signed late the season before and drove the #35 entry in ’93. The chase for the championship began at the now defunct Amaroo Park in Sydney and, while John Bowe claimed the honours of being the first to win in the ‘new V8 era’, Seton finished third just three points behind. The next round at Symmons Plains saw Seton lose ground, his Falcon failing to finish the second race with power steering pump problems. But he bounced back in brilliant fashion in the next round on his home track at Phillip Island, and the opposition didn’t see which way he went. The #30 Falcon driver qualified fastest (though was pipped for pole in the Dash for Cash by Dick Johnson) and went on to claim both race wins in style. A fourth place at Lakeside was off-set by the fact teammate Jones won the round, before Seton clean-swept both races at another Victorian venue, Winton, and then took another clean sweep in the next round at Eastern Creek in Sydney. All of the Commodore teams had modifications to their aerodynamics package at the Eastern Creek round and for the remainder of the season the Gibson Motorsport-run Winfield Commodores of Jim Richards and Mark Skaife were the form cars.

Seton and Skaife shared the race wins at Mallala though Seton claimed the round and was inching closer to his first Australian Touring Car Championship. He would seal the title in the second race of the penultimate round at Barbagallo in Perth given both his title rivals had problems. John Bowe was eliminated in a first corner accident and buried in the sand, while teammate Jones struggled to finish sixth.

The fact that Seton ran off the road on lap four and was buried in the sand didn’t change things and he could not be beaten for the championship heading into the final round at Oran Park. However, a pre-Oran Park testing accident at Phillip Island destroyed Jones’ car (with former works Toyota touring car driver Drew Price at the wheel), forcing the team to move him into Seton’s title winner (GSR3) and Seton to debut a new chassis (GSR4). Seton finished fourth for the round and Jones sixth, though it was enough for the former F1 World Champion to claim second in the championship and give the Peter Jackson team a 1-2 finish to round out the sprint season. All up, Seton won seven of the 18 races in the 1993 championship, four of the nine rounds and did it all without claiming a pole position for the entire season! The championship was his first of two for the second-generation racing star, the Hall of Famer going on to claim another title in 1997. Biante Model Cars are very pleased to present the opportunity to place your orders for the magnificent 1:18 Scale Ford EB Falcon, driven by Glenn Seton to take out the 1993 Australian Touring Car Championship. Ensure you don’t miss out on this iconic model which represents yet another historic chapter in Australian motorsport history.

New Announcement: 1:18 Ford Sierra RS500

THIS MODEL FORMS PART OF THE BIANTE ALLAN MOFFAT COLLECTION ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: A88712 Model: 1:18 Scale Ford Sierra RS500 - 1987 James Hardie 1000 Drivers: Allan Moffat / Andy Rouse / Thierry Tassin (Forms part of the Biante Allan Moffat Collection) Pricing: RRP: $199.50 including GST

NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER

ENSURE YOU DON’T MISS OUT BY PLACING YOUR ORDER AT YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER

RETURNING TO THE BLUE OVAL *1:18 Scale Prototype Model Shown

Biante Model Cars are very pleased to present to you the 1:18 Scale Allan Moffat Enterprises Ford Sierra RS500, driven by Allan Moffat, Andy Rouse and Thierry Tassin in the 1987 James Hardie 1000.

#9 ANZ Ford in the lead-up to the race, took the controls for the single ‘hot lap’ dash. He lapped in 2m18.468s to book a spot on the front row alongside the pole-winning Ludwig in the #7 Texaco car.

Allan Moffat and Ford are synonymous with the history of Australia’s Great Race at Mount Panorama. With four victories in the classic race in 1970, 1971, 1973 and 1977, Moffat built his career on his deeds at the public road course, but there was a time during the 1980s where he drove Mazdas and – shock! – even a Peter Brock Mobil Holden Dealer Team Commodore at the Mountain.

The concerns with the Sierra runners on race day revolved around whether the fast turbo cars would be able to last the 161-lap distance. There was no doubt about their pace, but reliability, in particular the Rouse-built car, was questionable. The Dunlop-shod #9 Sierra made the best of the starts as Niedzwiedz crept away slowly from pole in a bid to save the driveline of his #7 Sierra. Rouse led Steve Soper, Andrew Miedecke and Allan Grice come the end of the opening lap, running up front for the opening two laps before Soper slipped by to take the lead at Murray’s Corner on lap three. Rouse settled into second before losing that spot to Miedecke’s locally-built OXO Sierra on lap 19 and then slipping out of third on lap 26 as Niedzwiedz started his charge back through the field.

After last competing in a Ford at Bathurst in 1980, Moffat returned to the Blue Oval’s product for the 1987 James Hardie 1000, which also counted as a round of that year’s controversial inaugural World Touring Car Championship. After competing in an HDT-built VL Commodore in the early rounds of the WTCC (including a surprise win in the opening round at Monza in Italy), Moffat felt that if he was to be successful at the Mountain he needed to be aboard one of Ford’s new turbocharged Sierra RS500 rocket ships. A deal was done with noted British Sierra expert Andy Rouse and Moffat leased his car for the race, with Belgian Thierry Tassin part of the deal as third driver. Repainted in white and blue ANZ colours, the #9 Sierra was crewed by a combination of Rouse team members and Moffat’s crew, including long-time loyal crew chief Mick Webb. Things started very nicely on Wednesday practice with Rouse nailing the fastest time, but it didn’t come without incident given he hit a stray dog that was on the circuit halfway up Mountain Straight. Only at Bathurst!

But the ANZ Sierra would not make its first scheduled pit stop as Rouse, running fourth, rolled to a crawl on Pit Straight at the start of lap 32. He parked it in the escape road at Hell Corner with gearbox problems and a ‘box full of neutrals’ and, just like that, Moffat’s return to the Mountain in a Ford was over without the four-time winner even taking the controls on race day. Post-race inspection revealed the teeth had been stripped off second gear. Moffat would return to the Mountain in a Sierra again in 1988 sourced from Eggenberger and stepped up to two cars a year later. His team would continue to make the annual trip to the Mountain to run the turbocharged cars from 1988 to 1992 before Group A was phased out in Australian touring car racing.

The pace of the #9 Sierra was again strong on Thursday as Rouse backed up his Wednesday form with a 2m18.12s lap which was faster than both Texaco Eggenberger cars. On Friday afternoon the Brit was bested only by the #7 Klaus Ludwig/Klaus Niedzwiedz car, setting up an exciting Hardies Heroes Top 10 Shootout on Saturday morning. Rouse, the fastest of the drivers in the

Biante Model Cars are very pleased to present the opportunity to place your orders for this latest addition to the Biante Allan Moffat Collection. Coming with a signed Certificate of Authenticity, please place your orders as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on another iconic model from the illustrious career of Allan Moffat.

VN SS GROUP A THE LAST OF THE RACE BRED ROAD CARS Product Code: B182706A Model: 1:18 Scale Holden VN SS Group A - Durif Red (1991) Pricing: RRP: $199.50 including GST 1:18 Scale First Decorated Prototype Sample

1:18 SCALE HOLDEN VN SS GROUP A

THE HOLDEN VN SS GROUP A IN DURIF RED The last Group A produced by General Motors Holden due to changes in CAMS regulations. Built by HSV under contract for GMHA, the VN SS Group A was released in November 1990 with a price tag of $68,950. With well under 500 cars in total being produced, cult status was inevitable.

THE FIRST 1:18 SCALE VN DIECAST MODEL

The 1:18 Scale Holden VN SS Group A in Durif Red is the first high quality scale model VN produced not only by Biante, but in the world model car market altogether. Just like the 1:1 version, this model will be a special collectors item for many years to come.

ALMOST 24 MONTHS OF DEVELOPMENT

Countless hours of research and development have been dedicated to replicating the VN. Over 2000 images and measurements of the 1:1 version, countless hours of comments, visits and discussion with the factory to ensure the 1:18 Scale model is a fitting tribute to this iconic car.

WWW.BIANTE.COM.AU

202 PARTS & 185 STEPS OF DECORATION With specific attention paid even to the finest details, the model is made up of 202 parts and 185 steps of decoration including 62 tampo prints, 110 masked and free sprays, 13 flocked sprays, 4 chrome parts and 1 sticker. The VN is shaping up to be one of Biante’s finest limited edition models.

GETTING READY FOR PRODUCTION

While the first decorated sample pictured here is looking pretty good Biante R&D have submitted a further 90 comments and corrections to be made before production. One of the more noticeable comments was that the finish of the wheels needs to be corrected. We don’t want to miss a thing.

DON’T MISS OUT. PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW.

With orders from Biante Dealers due to be returned in early June, now is your last chance to pre-order this model with your local Biante Dealer to ensure you don’t miss out on this iconic model when it is released later this year. Use the product code when ordering: B182706A or visit www.biante.com.au for more information.

Coming Soon From Biante 1:18 Holden VL Commodore SS Group A

1:18 Holden HK Monaro GTS350

LIMITED EDITION OF

1074

1987 WTCC Monza Winner - Drivers: Moffat/Harvey Product Code: B182703D - RRP: $195.00 including GST Forms part of the Biante Allan Moffat Collection

1:18 Ford XR Falcon GT Street Machine

Bright Blue Metallic (1968) Product Code: A72445 - RRP: $195.00 including GST (ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED)

1:18 Ford XB Falcon GT Hardtop LIMITED EDITION OF

LIMITED EDITION OF

1008

2nd Place - Hardie Ferodo 500 (1968) Drivers: Palmer/West Product Code: A86862 - RRP: $199.50 including GST

1:18 Ford Sierra RS500 LIMITED EDITION OF

1200

1977 Hardie Ferodo 1000 - Drivers: Johnson/Schuppan Product Code: A87715 - RRP: $199.50 including GST Forms part of the Biante Dick Johnson Collection

1:18 Holden VN SS Group A LIMITED EDITION OF

504

Phantom Black (2003) Product Code: A72531 - RRP: $199.50 including GST

504

Sting Red (2003) Product Code: A72532 - RRP: $195.00 including GST

1:18 Holden HK Monaro GTS327

1704

1:18 HSV Y-Series GTS Coupe

LIMITED EDITION OF

1620

LIMITED EDITION OF

Passion Purple Pearl with Orange GT Stripes Product Code: A72892 - RRP: $199.50 including GST (ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED)

1:18 HSV Y-Series GTS

1200

LIMITED EDITION OF

TBA

1988 ETCC RAC Tourist Trophy, Silverstone - Drivers: Johnson/Bowe Durif Red (1991) Product Code: A88813 - RRP: $199.50 including GST Product Code: B182706A - RRP: $199.50 including GST Forms part of the Biante Dick Johnson Collection (ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED)

Stay Connected With Biante Model Cars LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR DAILY UPDATES, NEWS, PICTURES, MODEL FEATURES & ANNOUNCEMENTS WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BIANTEMODELCARS

CHECK OUT VIDEO CONTENT FROM BIANTE INCLUDING PRODUCT VIDEOS HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/BIANTEMODELCARS

VISIT US ONLINE FOR MORE INFO, JOIN THE COLLECTORS CLUB & TO FIND YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER WWW.BIANTE.COM.AU

For More Information Contact: Biante Model Cars: 8B Baling Street, Cockburn Central WA Phone: 08 6397 5110 / Fax: 08 9417 2757 / Email: info@biante.com.au / Web: www.biante.com.au