Biante Newsletter 35

Biante Newsletter - Issue 35 - Oct/Nov 2011

LIMITED EDITION OF 700 PIECES ONLY

Son of the beach!

SANDMAN 1:18 SCALE DEAUVILLE BLUE HOLDEN HJ SANDMAN *1:18 Scale Prototype Model Images Shown The Holden HJ Sandman was presented to the Australian public in October 1974 and featured some similarities to the recently released Monaro. Most notable was the design of the models very bold and straight front, which many casual observers felt suited the van far better than the Monaro.

The HJ was decked out with the same sports GTS styling that was seen on the previous HQ model including bucket seats, GTS steering wheel, sports instrumentation, GTS wheels, slotted front guards, and of course, the Sandman decals just behind the B Pillar and striping. Both the HQ and HJ Sandman models were marketed towards the younger generation, with summer, sun, sex and sand being the common theme and was wildly successful. The Sandman was certainly the beginning of a cultural change within Australian youth culture and motoring.

Biante are pleased to present our new 1:18 Scale Holden HJ Sandman in Deauville Blue, with all the features replicated from it’s real life counterpart. These features combined with our removable roof racks and surfboards work well with the Deauville Blue colour scheme, which is certainly one of the more subtle coloured Sandmans than what we are used to seeing, but will probably stand out more in your collection because of it. Orders are now being accepted for this item.

ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: A73366 Model: 1:18 Scale Holden HJ Sandman Van - Deauville Blue (1974) Pricing: RRP: $225.00 including GST

IN THE LATEST ISSUE:

Important Biante News, Updated Ordering Information, VEII, EB Falcons, V8 Supercars, Agency Features & more.

Biante News:

BIANTE ANNOUNCE A NEW APPROACH: Biante Model Cars has recently experienced a significant change in senior management which we believe will help bring about positive changes for the company and also the collectable model car market as a whole.

Andrew Whittles has been appointed Acting Chief Executive of Biante. Andrew will continue in his role as Chief Financial Officer of Biante’s parent Company, HGL. We thank Chris Roche for his contribution as Chief Executive since 2007 and wish him all the best as he pursues new business interests outside Biante and HGL. The appointment of this senior HGL executive will assist Biante improve operational and financial performance. Andrew is looking forward to adding his experience to that of the existing Biante team to continue improving the business and the brand.

A Message From Mr Whittles: Biante Model Cars is a business which has prided itself on being Australia’s premier manufacturer and distributor of model cars and that is a title we wish to continue to wear with pride well into the future. Biante has a proud history and was built on passion and enthusiasm, something which we recognise and wish to encourage moving forward.

Generally when a business the size of Biante undergoes a significant management change the first statements released to the public and in this case our stores and collectors are ones made of hopes, promises and the continued future success of the business. I refuse to make any promises. Instead I would like to be totally honest with our customers and only state the changes we are implementing.

The first action we wish to convey to the market is that we will return Biante to being a provider of collector model cars where demand exceeds supply. We will no longer be producing models that do not have sufficient orders against them, we want to play our part in reducing price discounting in the industry. We will only be producing models moving forward based on significant market interest, so the message here is if you don’t place your orders, you may miss out.

The entire Biante team are a team of passionate motoring enthusiasts and collectors. They have recently put forward their thoughts and concerns regarding the business and the market. We have also started formally meeting with several stockists across the country to gather feedback from them on not only model development, but market feedback in general. I am already excited by the feedback received.

As CEO, you won’t hear from me on a day to day basis. Biante has an experienced and highly knowledgeable group of staff, and I will be entrusting them to keep you, our stockists and collectors, informed and updated on Biante’s operations. Similarly, if you have any feedback regarding Biante, I ask you to contact our office.

We look forward to continue bringing you fantastic models that will be popular with collectors for years to come and trust that you can stick with us though this small window of transition to a better Biante for all.

First Shots: 1:18 Scale Holden VEII Limited Edition Plain Body Prototype LIMITED EDITION OF ONLY 750 PIECES.

FIRST SAMPLE: VE II We recently released pictures of the first sample of our new 1:18 Scale Limited Edition Holden VE II Plain Body Prototype model, the first Holden plain body model we have produced, and the first model to arrive featuring our upgraded VE II tooling.

The VE II landed on the circuit towards the later half of 2010 with the most notable changes being primarily cosmetic. The headlights and front grille both had slight make overs, with the bottom angles of the headlights being softened ever so slightly. A slight lip was added to the back boot and new rear mounting points were also included to the new package.

*1:18 Scale Prototype Model Images Shown

ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: B18311L Model: 1:18 Scale Limited Edition Holden VE II Plain Body Prototype - White (2011) Pricing: RRP: $225.00 including GST

Product Feature: 1:18 Scale EB Falcon Debut & 1994 Bathurst Winner

CURRENTLY CALLING FOR ORDERS

THE RISE OF THE EB FALCON *1:18 Scale Prototype Model Images Shown

The 1990s saw a raft of changes impact on the Australian motor racing scene. Early in the decade, the Australian motorsport body CAMS introduced new rules which saw the popular Group A category of touring car racing, replaced with a more streamlined V8 formula. This change effectively saw many of the teams on the ‘blue’ side of the fence have to upgrade their machinery from their successful Ford Sierra RS500 race cars to the bigger V8 EB Falcons. One of the first teams to embrace the new rule changes was the Ford backed Peter Jackson Racing team, with lead driver Glenn Seton at the helm. They made their EB Debut at the 1992 Don’t Drink Drive Sandown 500, with Alan Jones also at the wheel as the teams co-driver. While their debut at Sandown wasn’t a great success, the foundations had been laid for a successful race car.

Dick Johnson Collection

It was the Dick Johnson Racing team however, who seemed to get the most from the EB’s potential. DJR’s assault on Bathurst in 1994 came after extensive development and preparation of the DJR EB5 Chassis with only one goal in mind - to conquer the mountain.

They qualified 10th fastest, and John Bowe took the wheel to start in the wet with co-driver and team owner Johnson watching from the sidelines. The race conditions were nothing short of terrible, with the wet and wild weather making life for the drivers very difficult indeed, yet Bowe and Johnson were at the front of the pack for most of the day. It wasn’t until a late race Saftey Car was called to make things truly interesting. With only a few laps to go, Bowe and a then young up and coming driver by the name of Craig Lowndes engaged in an exciting battle for the lead, with Lowndes at one stage managing to take the lead, but it was the cool and experienced Bowe who maintained calm under pressure and managed to retake the lead, and seal the victory in the 1994 Tooheys Bathurst 1000, the last Bathurst victory for the pair.

Due to the change in management and the period of time these items have been on order, we are asking for those who have these items currently on order to reconfirm their interest.

If you haven’t already placed your orders, we are still accepting new orders for these two fantastic models.

ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: BND0001 Model: 1:18 Scale Ford EB Falcon - Debut Sandown 500 - Drivers Seton/Jones (1992) Pricing: RRP: $215.00 including GST Product Code: BNF0001 (Forms Part Of The Biante Dick Johnson & Bathurst Winner Collections) Model: 1:18 Scale Ford EB Falcon - Tooheys 1000 Winner - Drivers Johnson/Bowe (1994) Pricing: RRP: $215.00 including GST

Important Update Regarding Models Currently On Order

The following models are currently being postponed or are on the verge of being postponed and/or cancelled pending on orders received for them over the coming weeks.

1:18 Holden LJ Torana XU-1

1:18 Mazda RX-7

Dick Johnson Collection

Biante are in the process of reviewing our production schedule and processes, but for your best chance to get your favorite models produced, be sure to place your orders for them.

Plain Body - Red (1983) Product Code: BNM0003 - RRP: $225.00 including GST

1:18 Holden VE II V8 Supercar

1:18 Holden VE II V8 Supercar

1:18 Holden VE II V8 Supercar

POSTPONED

Jana Living Racing - Round 8 Podium - Driver: Jason Bargwana Product Code: B18311E - RRP: $215.00 including GST

1:18 Chrysler Charger E55

Hardie Ferodo 1000 - Drivers: Johnson/Forbes (1973) Product Code: A87361 - RRP: $225.00 including GST

POSTPONED

Fair Dinkum Sheds Racing - Driver: Karl Reindler Product Code: B18311F - RRP: $215.00 including GST

POSTPONED

Gulf Western Oils Racing - Driver: Warren Luff Product Code: B18311G - RRP: $215.00 including GST

1:12 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer

1:18 Ford Falcon Sprint

POSTPONED

Vintage Red (1972) Product Code: A71507 - RRP: $195.00 including GST

2011 Touring Car Masters - Driver: Jim Richards Product Code: B18502A - RRP: $149.95 including GST

1:12 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer

1:12 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer

POSTPONED

POSTPONED

Red with Gold Product Code: B12003B - RRP: $124.95 including GST

Yellow and Black Product Code: B12003C - RRP: $124.95 including GST

1:12 Norton Commando 961 Sport

1:12 Norton Commando 961 Sport POSTPONED

Silver with Black and Red Product Code: B12002D - RRP: $124.95 including GST

Black with Gold Product Code: B12003A - RRP: $124.95 including GST

1:12 Norton Commando 961 Sport POSTPONED

Yellow and Black Product Code: B12002C - RRP: $124.95 including GST

1:12 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer POSTPONED

Black with Gold Product Code: B12002A - RRP: $124.95 including GST

POSTPONED

Silver with Red & Black Product Code: B12003D - RRP: $124.95 including GST

Important Update: 1:18 Scale HSV Range

TWO MODELS IN OUR NEW 1:18 SCALE HSV RANGE HAVE BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

1:18 HSV GTS Coupe Series 2

Sting Red (2003) Product Code: A72546 - RRP: $225.00 including GST

Impulse Blue (2004) Product Code: A72541 - RRP: $225.00 including GST

1:18 HSV VY Senator Signature

1:18 HSV VX GTS Sedan

1:18 HSV VY GTS Sedan POSTPONED

Turbine Grey (2003) Product Code: A72521 - RRP: $225.00 including GST

As mentioned earlier in this newsletter, Biante are looking to change some of the aspects of our business. With that in mind, we have chosen to postpone two of the HSV’s below. We haven’t cancelled them, however we will not be looking to produce them for at least 12 months. The two Coupes listed below have been earmarked for production in the coming months, with separate release dates and we are calling for last orders on A73309 to ensure its production after the Coupe’s.

1:18 HSV GTO Coupe Series 3

LAST CALL FOR ORDERS

POSTPONED

Sting Red (2003) Product Code: A72532 - RRP: $225.00 including GST

HSV Racing Green (2001) Product Code: A73309 - RRP: $225.00 including GST

Product Feature: 1:18 Scale 2011 TCM Ford Falcon Sprint

FIRST SAMPLE: In our last issue we alerted our collectors to the fact that we would now be producing Jim Richard’s 2011 Touring Car Masters Ford Falcon Sprint, and recently the first sample arrived, and it looks very nice indeed.

This is another one for all those “Gentleman Jim” fans out there, make sure you don’t miss out by getting your orders in for this one to ensure its production.

ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: B18502A Model: 1:18 Scale Ford Falcon Sprint - #1 Driver: Jim Richards (2011) Pricing: RRP: $149.95 including GST *1:18 Scale Prototype Model Images Shown

Product Feature: 1:18 Scale 2011 Bottle O Racing Ford Falcon FG

FIRST SAMPLE: We are really pleased to be producing the 2011 Bottle O Racing Ford FG Falcon, which is a new addition to our V8 Supercars lineup this year and we have recently released images of our first sample. We think this livery is one of the nicer paint jobs that has been on track lately and it is sure to be a popular model. Orders for this item are now being accepted.

ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: B18304D Model: 1:18 Scale Bottle O Racing Ford FG Falcon Driver: Paul Dumbrell (2011) Pricing: RRP: $215.00 including GST *1:18 Scale Prototype Model Images Shown

Product Feature: 1:18 Scale 2011 Team BOC VEII V8 Supercars TWO FANTASTIC MODELS FOR BRAD JONES RACING FANS.

TWO HISTORIC BJR MOMENTS *1:18 Scale Prototype Model Images Shown

Jason Bright’s signing to replace the retiring Cam McConville, for the 2010 season placed Brad Jones Racing in one of the strongest positions the team had been in since its inception in 2001. With Bright manning the number 14 car and Jason Richards arming the number 8 car, everything was in place for the team to finally secure that ever elusive first race win.

The 2010 season was a successful time for BJR. Leading V8 Supercar race engineer Phil Keed joined the team and reunited with Jason Bright. The two had shared a winning partnership previously at PWR and FPR. Jason Richards continued to show incredible speed with his fastest qualifying position at the Hidden Valley round and possibly the drive of the year at Phillip Island where with co driver Andrew Jones fought back from issues to finish on the podium in third position. BJR’s other car was also finding form in the second half of the season with Jason Bright scorching around Bathurst to post the fastest qualifying time and following up the effort with a 4th place finish. Jason Bright’s great car speed and qualifying form continued late into the year with a third place podium finish at the Symmons Plains round in Tasmania and finally a second place finish in the opening race at the season ending Telstra Sydney 500. The team’s on track success was tinged with sadness late in the year with the news that Jason Richards had been diagnosed with cancer. Richards drive for the last two rounds was handed to co driver Andrew Jones.

After an emotional, yet competitive year in 2010, the 2011 season got off to a fantastic start when Jason Richards took a special Team BOC machine to a podium finish at the Australian Grand Prix, all while continuing to be treated for his illness - a truly remarkable feat and a fine day for the team. The momentum continued into the Perth leg of the Championship where Jason Bright finally delivered the team their first race win. A win which took a decade of hard work to produce.

Biante are pleased to present these two historic Brad Jones Racing Prepared Team BOC models in 1:18 Scale. Orders for these two items are now being accepted.

ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: B18311D Model: 1:18 Scale Holden VEII Commodore AGP Podium - #14 Driver: Jason Richards (2011) Pricing: RRP: $215.00 including GST Product Code: B18311C Model: 1:18 Scale Holden VEII Commodore Race 8 Winner - #8 Driver: Jason Bright (2011) Pricing: RRP: $215.00 including GST

Agency Feature: Do Any Of These Belong In Your Collection?

CHECK OUT THESE FANTASTIC AGENCY MODELS THAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED BUT ARE STILL AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ONLINE AT BIANTE

THE LATEST MODELS DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX! Never miss out on your favorite models or latest news. Sign up to the Biante Collectors Club for weekly info, special offers and lots of fantastic extra features: http://www.biante.com.au/collectors-club.htm

Biante Model Cars have an extensive range of popular international models that are available to view and purchase via our online shopping facilities. We receive order forms from our suppliers each week, so we always have exciting new additions to our site which you can easily track by signing up to the Biante Collectors Club to receive weekly newsletters which will notify you of any new models available to order, being released or other special promotions.

Each issue of the Biante Newsletter will now feature a dedicated feature page for our agency models which you may have missed out on, forgotten about or simply weren’t even aware were available.

These models range in their price and detail levels, and are available only while stocks last.

1:18 Ferrari 375 Plus - Street Version

Red Product Code: HE180002 - RRP: $392.00 including GST

1:18 Ford Cortina Mk1 GT

East African Safari - Drivers: Hughes / Young (1964) Product Code: A86428 - RRP: $176.00 including GST

1:43 Nissan GTR R35

Dark Metal Grey (2008) Product Code: 03741DG - RRP: $69.00 including GST

1:18 Ferrari 365 GTB/4

LeMANS 24hr (1972) Product Code: KYO 8164G0 - RRP: $204.50 including GST

1:18 Ferrari 575 GTC Plain Body Version

Yellow (2005) Product Code: 08392C - RRP: $152.00 including GST

1:43 Lister Storm GTL

Drivers: Bailey / Erdos / Skaife - LeMANS 24hr (1997) Product Code: S0634 - RRP: $76.00 including GST

1:18 Porsche RS Spyder

Carbon Fibre Livery (2007) Product Code: A80773 - RRP: $142.00 including GST

1:43 BMW E30 M3

Plain Body Version White Product Code: A69147 - RRP: $69.00 including GST

1:64 Ford GT

Speed Yellow (2004) Product Code: A20352 - RRP: $27.00 including GST

Agency Feature: Ferrari 375 Plus 1954 Carrera Panamericana Winner A SIMPLY AMAZING MODEL. ONE FOR THE TRUE HISTORIC MOTORSPORT ENTHUSIASTS.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO...

The Carrera Panamericana was a notorious sports car racing event which is said to have been initially created to advertise the opening of the new Mexican section of the Panamerican Highway in 1950 in order to attract international business into the region.

While the initial running and organisation of the event was labelled amateurish, the event quickly transformed into a highly organised race meeting, which counted towards the World Sportscar Championship in 1953 and 1954.

Despite the race becoming relatively organised, the Carrera Panamericana was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous races in the world for numerous reasons, the primary ones being the evolution of the speed the sportscars could produce and their lack of safety features and the sheer length of the course (over 3000 kilometers) over dangerous terrain meant that many crashes could potentially go unnoticed for hours.

Over the 5 years the race was run, 27 people lost their lives, giving the event one of the highest mortality rates per race in the history of motorsport.

The 1954 running of the event saw an amazing race from Italian driver Umberto Maglioli in his Ferrari 375 Plus, clocking up amazingly consistent race speeds over the various stages, which would see him claim out right victory of the event. This model by BBR is a magnificent example of this machine, and is of the highest quality. It features a removable bonnet and passenger cover, fine details such as the bonnet straps and the wheels are made up of over 147 parts, taking the total part count for this model over 800.

This is a fine example of a historic sportscar and it’s ability to conquer one of the worlds most feared races and is an absolute must have for any motorsport enthusiast. This model is available online now only while stocks last.

ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: HE180004 Model: 1:18 Scale FERRARI 375 PLUS - 1954 Carrera Panamericana Winner Pricing: RRP: $400.00 including GST

Coming Soon From Biante

IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING MODELS COMING SOON FROM BIANTE:

LIMITED EDITION OF

We also acknowledge that the market can no longer afford to have multiple versions of the same model released in close proximity of each other. This is an issue we are correcting as a matter of urgency.

Any orders taken after the initial order form deadline are on a first in, first served basis until they are sold out.

LIMITED EDITION OF

450

750

White With Cobra Decoration Product Code: BR18307D - ORDER ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

1:18 HSV 20th Anniversary Maloo Ute

Plain Body Protoype (White) Product Code: B18311L - ORDER ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

1:18 Holden HX Monaro GTS

LIMITED EDITION OF

As Biante move forward we are going back to basics. We have made a decision to only produce models that have market interest and we will be basing production numbers on orders received from our customers - a plan which the business was founded on many years ago.

Due to the nature of our business, these changes will take a few months to come into effect. In the meantime most of the models we release to the market will have production numbers fully exhausted and allocated across our dealer network. A small number of each run will be available on our website only after the initial release has been distributed to our dealer network.

1:18 Holden VEII Limited Edition

1:18 FPV Cobra Ute

LIMITED EDITION OF

450

Hazard (2010) Product Code: BR18401D - ORDER ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

1008

Papaya (1976) Product Code: A73331 - RRP: $225.00 including GST

1:18 Chrysler Charger VH E55 SE

1:18 Ford XW GTHO Phase I LIMITED EDITION OF

LIMITED EDITION OF

708

Diamond White (1969) Product Code: A72875 - RRP: $195.00 including GST

500

Limelight (1972) Product Code: A71508 - RRP: $195.00 including GST

1:43 Ford EB Falcon ‘94 Bathurst Winner

1:43 FPV 40th Anniversary GT

LIMITED EDITION OF

LIMITED EDITION OF

900

1994 Tooheys 1000 Winner - Drivers: Johnson / Bowe Product Code: BR43602A - ORDER ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

250

Black With Gold Stripes Product Code: BR43307A - ORDER ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

1:43 FPV Cobra Sedan

1:43 FPV Cobra Ute LIMITED EDITION OF

250

White With Cobra Decoration Product Code: BR43307D - ORDER ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

LIMITED EDITION OF

250

White With Cobra Decoration Product Code: BR43307B - ORDER ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

Product Feature: 1:43 Scale 1980 Ford Falcon XD Limited Edition Art Car

While Biante Model Cars are extremely committed to producing high quality, limited edition collectable models of Australia’s favorite road and race cars, every now and then we like to produce something a little different for our collectors.

Biante Model Cars are very pleased to be able to announce an exciting first for the company, the 1980 Ford Falcon XD Limited Edition Art Car in 1:43 Scale. This hybrid road/race car diecast model has been designed entirely in house and features one-off custom artwork which is presented on the model, across the packaging material & Certificate Of Authenticity.

The artwork featured on this model is a throwback to 1980’s Australian rock n roll, movies and popular culture, which we think suits the tough, uncompromising XD model perfectly. This model has been created purely with fun in mind, and we hope it might even catch the eye of some of our younger fringe collectors and ignite their passion for our great hobby.

The packaging and Certificate of Authenticity have been designed to compliment this model nicely, and when presented together, form a very unique collectors piece. With a very limited production number of only 500 pieces, this model could form a rare addition to your collection.

Orders are now being accepted for this very unique collectable item.

LIMITED EDITION OF 500

ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: B43303S Model: 1:43 Scale Ford XD Falcon - Limited Edition Art Car (500 Pieces) Pricing: RRP: $69.95 including GST *1:43 Scale Prototype Model Images Shown

Available Now From Biante

ALLAN MOFFAT Finally in this Biante Newsletter, we wanted to bring to your attention a number of models that we still have available for sale. We have a range of 1:18 and 1:43 Scale Allan Moffat models still available.

These Biante items are available both on our retail and Dealer websites.

1:18 Ford EB Falcon

1:18 Mazda RX7

Allan Moffat Collection

Bathurst (1994) - Drivers: Miedecke/Allam (Allan Moffat Enterprises) Product Code: BNB0001 - RRP: $215.00 including GST

1:43 Ford XY GTHO Phase III Twin Set

1:18 Mazda RX7

Allan Moffat Collection

Daytona 24hr (1985) - Drivers: Moffat/Hansford/Bartlett/McLeod Product Code: BNF0003 - RRP: $215.00 including GST

1:43 Ford Falcon XW GTHO

Allan Moffat Collection

Third Place - James Hardie 1000 (1984) - Drivers: Moffat/Hansford Product Code: BNC0003 - RRP: $215.00 including GST

1:43 Ford Falcon XY GTHO

MOTOR RACING LEGENDS

MOTOR RACING LEGENDS

Vermillion Fire Road Car & Bathurst Winner (1971) Product Code: B43401A - RRP: $129.95 including GST

1:43 Holden LX Torana A9X

Hardie-Ferodo (1969) - Drivers: Moffat/Hamilton Product Code: BL66911 - RRP: $59.95 including GST

1:43 Ford Falcon XA 1973 Bathurst Winner

MOTOR RACING LEGENDS

Amscar (1979) - Driver: Allan Moffat Product Code: BL67964 - RRP: $59.95 including GST

MOTOR RACING LEGENDS

Hardie Ferodo 1000 Winner (1973) - Drivers: Moffat / Geoghegan Product Code: BL67313 - RRP: $54.00 including GST

ATCC Winner (1973) - Driver: Allan Moffat Product Code: BL67312 - RRP: $59.95 including GST

1:43 Mazda RX7

MOTOR RACING LEGENDS

Third Place - James Hardie 1000 (1984) - Drivers: Moffat/Hansford Product Code: BR43601F - RRP: $90.00 including GST

For more information contact:

Biante Model Cars PO BOX 185 BELMONT WA 6984

Phone: 08 9479 5130 Fax: 08 9479 5165 Email: info@biante.com.au Web: www.biante.com.au