THE ICONIC SEAWITCH SANDMAN! AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER. *1:18 Scale Prototype Model Shown
Biante Newsletter - Issue 52 - April 2014
THE SEAWITCH INTRODUCING THE 1:18 SCALE SEAWITCH HOLDEN HZ SANDMAN PANEL VAN Biante Model Cars are extremely excited to present the 1:18 Scale Holden HZ Sandman Panel Van in the iconic “Seawitch” paint job. The Holden Sandman is a car that is uniquely Australian, representing our free spirited and beach loving surf lifestyle that was at the height of its popularity during the late 60s and 70s. Available in a range of striking colours and bold decal options, the Sandman quickly became a fan favourite for the Australian public and has since become somewhat of a cultural icon, something that not even Holden would have dreamed of when they released the original HQ in 1974. The HZ represents the last series of the Sandman produced commercially for sale between 1977 to 1979. Released with a V8 engine and Radial Tuned Suspension as standard and features such as bucket seats, GTS components including the dash, steering wheel, rally rims and front lower scoop, the HZ has since become one of the more popular Sandmans to have been released. The popularity of the Sandman increased further when the Seawitch started appearing in Holden marketing material at the time. It could be argued that the Seawitch is one of Holden’s most impressive concept / marketing cars ever produced and it may well have been responsible for starting the surfer panel van craze during the seventies with many free spirited wave riders using the sides of their vans as mobile murals, painting them in all kinds of colours, designs and slogans reflective of the era. The Sandman was effectively the Australian answer to the Volkswagen Kombi in terms of offering a vehicle that could be driven up the coast, slept in and had plenty of room on the sides for some custom paint work! The Seawitch model is very impressive and quite difficult to produce. It uses various paint sprays, masks and a complicated decal to replicate this iconic decoration which has increased the retail price ever so slightly to account for the extra work required to produce this model effectively. Like our previously released Sandmans, the Seawitch will include a separate set of roof racks and surfboards as an additional display feature which is quite fitting for this model. If you’re a Sandman fan, Holden collector or just simply love unique Australian cars then please place your pre-orders for the Seawitch as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out.
ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: A73347 Model: 1:18 Scale Holden HZ Sandman Panel Van - The Seawitch Pricing: RRP: $230.00 including GST Current ETA: 4th QTR 2014
AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER
Biante News:
COTF V8 DEVELOPMENTS & NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS It has been a very exciting time for everyone at Biante recently with the arrival of the first shot sample of the 1:18 Scale Holden VF Commodore Car of the Future V8 Supercar which we have been developing for over 12 months now. It is unbelievable how much time and effort goes into the development of these models, even I didn’t fully appreciate it until I took on the GM role at Biante. Every piece is intricately researched, prepared and produced and while modern advancements with CAD data and similar applications have eased the process in some instances, the amount of fine tuning required to produce our models to the high standards we pride ourselves on is phenomenal. With that being said, the development of our COTF Holden and Erebus models has taken some time, but we’re starting to see some impressive results. We have no doubt that when we release them to the market that collectors will be impressed with the die-cast quality, the attention to detail with their opening parts and most importantly, the lower price point of $150.00 for the 1:18 scale versions. Check out some exclusive images of the 1st shot sample in this newsletter or visit our Facebook page in the near future to view a full gallery of development images. Since we’re on the topic of our new V8 Supercar range, it would be remiss of me not to throw a few congratulatory shout-outs to a few teams who we’re producing models for who have been performing well of late. Well done to Team Tekno VIP Petfoods and Shane Van Gisbergen for a dominant showing at the 2014 F1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix with three race wins across the weekend, it’s a shame that round wasn’t for points! We also had a couple of teams perform strongly at the Winton 400 with Lockwood Racing and Fabian Coulthard taking out Race 7 and a maiden V8 Supercars win for Erebus Motorsport with Lee Holdsworth taking out Race 8, so well done guys. It’s great to see a range of teams and drivers on the winners list so far this year, it can only make the sport stronger. Our latest range of new model announcements have been released in this issue as usual and I think there are three genuinely exciting models that we’re currently developing in this batch.
Firstly, you can’t go past the 1:18 scale Holden HZ Sandman Seawitch which is featured on the cover of this issue. This is the first time this model has been developed in 1:18 scale and I can safely say we have been attempting to get this produced for well over a year now, but the extensive artwork decoration proved to be a challenge to replicate accurately and then of course, applying it to the model. We think the hard work has been worth it though because it looks pretty awesome and will certainly be a great addition to collections. Second up we have another first for us, our first GTHO Street Machine. This customised XW Falcon has been designed and developed in house by our R&D team and it looks pretty special with the Aluminium Silver and Orange Stripes colour scheme working nicely with the trademark engine and blower leaping out from underneath the bonnet. For those of you wondering about us producing some Street Machines from a brand other than Ford then stay tuned in the near future as we’re working on a few little gems. Last but not least, our third new model announcement is another impressive one being the 1:18 scale Holden VK Group A driven by Peter Brock, Allan Moffat and John Harvey in what was perhaps one of the most prestigious touring car races in the world at the time, the 1986 Spa 24 Hour. We have added some new tooling to this model to accurately replicate it and it will form part of both the Biante Peter Brock and Allan Moffat Collections with a signed Certificate of Authenticity from Allan. That’s it from me for this issue, I hope you enjoy the development pics of our VF V8 Supercar and are pleased with our new model announcements. Don’t forget to place your pre-orders at your local Biante dealer or shop online with us at www.biante.com.au. William Hall General Manager Biante Model Cars
COMING SOON: THE NEW CAR OF THE FUTURE V8 SUPERCAR RANGE FROM BIANTE: Holden VF Commodore. Erebus Motorsport V8. 1:18 Scale die-cast, opening parts, detailed engine bay and racing interiors. RRP: $150 1:43 Scale die-cast. RRP: $59.95 NOW AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER OR VISIT WWW.BIANTE.COM.AU FOR MORE INFO
New Announcement: 1:18 Scale Ford XW Falcon GTHO Street Machine AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER.
THE BEAST GTHO *1:18 Scale Prototype Model Shown
CHECK OUT OUR FIRST 1:18 SCALE FORD XW GTHO STREET MACHINE
Biante Model Cars are very pleased to present the 1:18 Scale Ford XW Falcon GTHO Street Machine in Aluminium Silver with Orange Stripes. For those of you familiar with our street machine or custom range you will know that this will be the first GTHO street machine that we have produced for collectors and it certainly looks like a beauty. Similar to our previously released street machines, the engine block and blower are a real stand out feature on this model and it could be considered the sister car to the Passion Purple XR Falcon which we released a while ago. Under (and partially through) the bonnet is a 351 Windsor V8 engine including a 6:71 Supercharger with twin four barrel Holly carbs and a bug catcher scoop. The impressive custom engine featured in this model is only surpassed by the design of the exterior and interior features which combine to make a striking combination. The Biante R&D team have worked closely with the factory to produce an eye catching colour combination that works nicely and enhances the overall look of the car. Using the classic Silver and Orange GTHO colour scheme as a base to work from, we have customised this striking look to feature an “Aluminium Silver� paint job featuring the Orange side and bonnet stripes which look incredible against the Silver paint job. To match the exterior, on the inside we have added Orange panels to the dashboard and doors which match the Black and Orange seats to give the model a true customised feel. We have even included an additional tacho sitting on top of the dashboard for true street machine appeal. Overall, this is another really impressive addition to our growing street machine range. The level of craftsmanship and the attention to detail featured in this model is very hard to ignore with every piece and part meticulously prepared, painted and assembled to produce an exceptional limited edition collectable model car. Please place your pre-orders for our latest street machine as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: A72866 Model: 1:18 Scale Ford XW Falcon GTHO Street Machine - Aluminium Silver with Orange Stripes Pricing: RRP: $215.00 including GST Current ETA: 3rd QTR 2014
AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER
New Announcement: 1:18 1986 ETCC Spa 24HR VK Commodore
THIS MODEL WILL FORM PART OF BOTH THE BIANTE PETER BROCK & ALLAN MOFFAT COLLECTIONS ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: B182704L Model: 1:18 Scale Holden VK Commodore Group A - 1986 ETCC Spa 24 Hour Drivers: Peter Brock / Allan Moffat / John Harvey (Forms part of the Biante Peter Brock & Allan Moffat collections with signed COA) Pricing: RRP: $225.00 including GST Current ETA: 3rd QTR 2014
NOW AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER
INCLUDES A SIGNED CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY BY ALLAN MOFFAT AVAILABLE TO PRE ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER
TWICE ROUND THE CLOCK *1:18 Scale Prototype Model Shown
HOLDEN & AUSTRALIAN RACING ROYALTY TAKE ON THE REST OF THE WORLD Biante Model Cars are very pleased to present a new addition to both the Biante Peter Brock and Allan Moffat driver collections, the 1:18 Scale Holden VK Commodore Group A driven at the 1986 European Touring Car Championship Spa 24 Hour by Brock, Moffat and John Harvey. The mid-1980s saw the height of international touring car racing with the Group A rules of the time opening the door for teams, drivers and manufacturers to apply their trade up against the best from all over the world. In the case of Australian teams, the factory Mobil Holden Dealer Team spent 1985 (the first year of Group A rules) coming to grips with the new version of the VK Commodore. An evolution model was produced in time for the 1986 season, which saw team boss Peter Brock and his HDT squad (as well as privateer Allan Grice) plan a Commodore attack on the European Touring Car Championship and the jewel in its crown, the Spa 24 Hour on August 2/3. The ‘Bathurst’ of European touring car racing, the Spa ‘twice around the clock’ classic would prove the toughest test imaginable for the V8 Commodore as well as the team running it. After competing in ETCC rounds at Monza, Donington and Hockenheim with Brock and Allan Moffat driving, the Mobil team debuted a brand new car for the Spa event with Brock’s long-time HDT right-hand-man John Harvey joining as third pilot in the #5 entry. The car used in the earlier ETCC rounds was re-numbered #6 with Kiwis Neal Lowe, Kent Baigent and Graeme Bowkett taking on the driving duties. The lead Mobil entry qualified 13th overall in the 60-car field with Brock setting the time. The #5 Commodore’s lap of 2m41.95s was just over four seconds slower than the polewinning lap recorded by the factory Rover of Tom Walkinshaw. Up against the might of the Volvos, Rovers, BMWs and Fords it was going to be a tough race, let alone the challenging, high-speed Belgian track and the sheer length of the event. Brock began the race aboard the #5 Commodore and slowly worked his way forward, lying in seventh place at the end of the opening hour. But the good start would soon come to naught as the King of the Mountain wheeled into the Spa pit lane with a blown head gasket. It would take near on two hours for the Mobil HDT crew to get the car back out onto the circuit, rejoining in a heart-breaking 52nd position. From this point on all hopes of victories, podiums or even top 10 results were gone, the team instead simply focused on finishing the race. The #5 entry was 47th at the six-hour mark and Brock later survived a spin in the dark that left the VK with some damage to the left rear and a few front-end dents, though nothing that hampered the mechanicals. The Spa race would prove to be a test of the HDT pit crew as much as it was of the drivers and car for the Brock/Moffat/Harvey car would be back in the pits again with a flooded carburetor, though this only delayed them a handful of minutes, rather than the hours that the head
gasket had cost them. An alternator problem would strike in the morning, though by the 18-hour mark they would have worked their way back up to 29th place outright. The final six hours, effectively the same distance as a Bathurst 1000, would see further drama for the Commodore brigade, with another head gasket letting go in the #5 car at 1.00pm. The accident during the previous night had meant the car lost an oil cooler, one of the ones mounted horizontally, which meant it was by-passed (as would occur later in the year at Bathurst) rather than being disconnected. Moffat had noticed the car’s temperatures were ok during the evening but had been creeping up once the new day had broken. He was behind the wheel and back on the track after another hour and a half in the pits while the problem was attended to. The King’s Cup manufacturer’s award became the focus for the Holden runners with all three Commodores that started still running, albeit delayed by a range of problems. But just as the #5 entry was returning to the fray, the Kiwi-driven #6 car had the death rattles, another head gasket problem. Lowe was sent back out onto the circuit and instructed to park at the exit of La Source hairpin before the start/finish line as the clock counted down to the end of 24 hours. Moffat and Grice collected the all-but dead third Commodore and the three of them rolled across the line three-abreast to the roar of the crowd to claim a prestigious prize for Holden; the King’s Cup. Come the end of the Spa classic, the #5 Commodore was classified 22nd overall and had completed a total of 412 laps, 87 behind the winning Schnitzer BMW 635 CSi of Dieter Quester, Altfrid Heger and Thierry Tassin. “Sure, we were disappointed but we can sit down and say, ‘Well that was a hell of an experience. Let’s have a few beers and be thankful that we ever came here,’” said Brock post-race. While they had not claimed overall victory and had been forced to concede defeat to the Europeans on their home turf, the Australians had claimed a special trophy and written a unique chapter in local touring car racing on the world scene that will never be repeated again. This is another exceptional replica from Biante Model Cars featuring three iconic drivers and a car that competed in what was perhaps the most prestigious touring car race in the world at the time. Featuring highly detailed features, opening parts and new tooling additions including the spotlights, night driving lights and air ducting through the window, this is one limited edition model that touring car fans definitely don’t want to miss. Available with a signed Certificate of Authenticity by Allan Moffat, please ensure you place your pre-orders as soon as possible to avoid missing this impressive model.
Biante News: Holden VF Commodore COTF V8 Supercar Sample FIRST IMAGES: 1ST SHOT SAMPLE OF OUR 1:18 SCALE COTF HOLDEN VF COMMODORE V8 SUPERCAR.
BIANTE COTF V8 SUPERCAR RANGE
DIECAST ALLOY - OPENING PARTS - RRP $150.00 As you’re most likely aware, late last year we announced the development of our new range of the Car of the Future V8 Supercars including the Holden VF Commodore and the Erebus Motorsport Mercedes-Benz E-63 AMG in 1:18 and 1:43 Scale. With any new model project, the research and development phase is a long, time consuming and expensive process but after a lot of work we’re pleased to show you images of the first shot sample of our upcoming 1:18 Scale VF Commodore V8 Supercar with the Erebus range to follow shortly. As the images suggest, our 1:18 V8 Supercar range will be produced using die-cast alloy and will feature opening parts (excluding the boot) with detailed engine bay and racing interiors carrying a RRP of $150.00, while our 1:43 Scale range will be $59.95. This sample is quite impressive overall but it still needs significant attention from the Biante research and development team to meet our high standards and to prepare it for production which we’re expecting to happen later this year. From here our R&D team will examine this sample in close detail and inspect all aspects of the model, photographing the relevant areas of concern and preparing notes and instructions for the factory to carry out to improve or correct any visible deficiencies. After the R&D team are satisfied that the sample is correct, the factory will proceed with creating a new sample with full decoration which will again be thoroughly inspected before we sign off for production. Checkout the Biante Facebook Page for a full gallery of this latest sample and don’t forget to place your pre-orders with your local Biante dealer for our new COTF V8 Supercar range if you’re yet to do so. Checkout the list of our currently announced range below: EREBUS MOTORSPORT V8 - #4 LEE HOLDSWORTH - IRWIN RACING (2013) EREBUS MOTORSPORT V8 - #47 TIM SLADE - HHA RACING - 2013 TOWNSVILLE 400 EREBUS MOTORSPORT V8 - #9 MARO ENGEL - SP TOOLS RACING (2013) HOLDEN VF COMMODORE - #14 FABIAN COULTHARD - LOCKWOOD RACING - 2013 TASMANIA 365 WINNER HOLDEN VF COMMODORE - #8 JASON BRIGHT - TEAM BOC - 2013 ITM 400 AUCKLAND JR TROPHY WINNER HOLDEN VF COMMODORE - #19 JONATHON WEBB - TEKNO / DARRELL LEA (2013) HOLDEN VF COMMODORE - #97 SHANE VAN GISBERGEN - TEKNO / VIP PETFOODS - 2013 CLIPSAL 500 WINNER HOLDEN VF COMMODORE - #21 DAVID WALL - WILSON SECURITY RACING (2013) HOLDEN VF COMMODORE - #66 RUSSELL INGALL - SUPERCHEAP AUTO RACING (2013) HOLDEN VF COMMODORE - #80 SCOTT PYE - EKOL RACING (2013) HOLDEN VF COMMODORE - #88 DEAN FIORE - DODO INSURANCE RACING (2013) Models will be produced in 1:18 & 1:43 Scale die-cast. Model production subject to order numbers. Visit www.biante.com.au for more information and place your pre-orders with your local Biante dealer.
Models Just Arrived: Check out some of the recent model arrivals from Biante, Autoart, Kyosho, Sun Star and Vitesse. These models are available to purchase online at www.biante.com.au or from your local Biante dealer only while stocks last.
Biante 1:43 Ford EB Falcon
1994 Tooheys 1000 Winner - Drivers: Johnson / Bowe Product Code: BR43602A - RRP: $77.00 including GST
Sun Star 1:18 Ford Falcon
Philadelphia Police (1963) Product Code: S4553 - RRP: $80.50 including GST
Kyosho 1:18 Bentley Flying Spur W12
Peacock (Dark Blue) Also comes with a polishing cloth with the Bentley logo Product Code: 08891PC - RRP: $246.00 including GST
Biante 1:18 Ford XY GTHO Phase III
Onyx Black (1971) Product Code: A72776 - RRP: $215.00 including GST
Autoart 1:18 Jaguar E-Type
Series 1 Roadster 3.8 - Silver Product Code: A73602 - RRP: $234.50 including GST
Sun Star 1:18 Lancia Delta Integrale
1989 RAC Rally - Drivers: Eklund / Cederberg Product Code: S3128 - RRP: $97.20 including GST
Kyosho 1:18 Lamborghini Urraco
Rally Orange Product Code: 08444P - RRP: $152.50 including GST
Vitesse 1:43 Chevrolet Impala
Gray (1959) Product Code: V36229 - RRP: $44.00 including GST
Autoart 1:18 Honda S800 Roadster
Yellow (1966) Product Code: A73277 - RRP: $153.50 including GST
Sun Star 1:18 Pontiac Chief
I Love Lucy - Nautilus Blue / White Mist (with accessories) Product Code: S5057 - RRP: $174.00 including GST
Kyosho 1:18 Rolls Royce Phantom
Extended Wheelbase Black Product Code: 08841BKU - RRP: $238.50 including GST
Biante 1:18 Holden HR Premier
Satin Silver (1967) Product Code: A72446 - RRP: $230.00 including GST
Autoart 1:18 McLaren MP4-12C
Bed Product Code: A76008 - RRP: $272.00 including GST
Autoart 1:18 Bugati Veyron Super Sport
Dark Blue with White doors and side panels Product Code: A70939 - RRP: $272.00 including GST
Coming Soon From Biante 1:18 Holden HQ Monaro GTS350 Sedan
1:18 Holden VK Commodore SS LE Grp 3
LIMITED EDITION OF
LIMITED EDITION OF
378
1350
Bundaberg Racing - 2011 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Drivers: Coulthard / Baird Product Code: B18311P - RRP: $215.00 including GST
Warrigal Black with Houndstooth Interior (1969) Product Code: A73414 - RRP: $215.00 including GST
1:43 Ford XA Falcon GT Hardtop LIMITED EDITION OF
1:18 Ford Sierra RS500 LIMITED EDITION OF
324
Sprint Gas Racing - 2008 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Drivers: Murphy / Richards Product Code: B18311Q - RRP: $215.00 including GST
LIMITED EDITION OF
LIMITED EDITION OF
1404
1:18 Holden VE Commodore V8SC
1974 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 - Drivers: Ron Dickson / Pat Crea Product Code: A87462 - RRP: $215.00 including GST
1:18 Holden VEII Commodore V8SC
1:18 Holden HT Monaro GTS350
Tuxedo Black (1977) Product Code: A73348 - RRP: $215.00 including GST
800
1482
Formula Blue (1985) Product Code: B182705C - RRP: $215.00 including GST
1:18 Holden HZ Sandman Panel Van
LIMITED EDITION OF
LIMITED EDITION OF
1200
Purr Pull With White Stripes (1973) Product Code: A73389 - RRP: $215.00 including GST
1:18 Holden HQ Monaro GTS350 Sedan
LIMITED EDITION OF
1200
1974 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 Winner Drivers: Goss / Bartlett Product Code: BL67412 - RRP: $66.00 including GST
1110
1990 Tooheys 1000 - Drivers: Brock / Rouse Forms part of the Biante Peter Brock Collection Product Code: A89010 - RRP: $215.00 including GST
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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