IN THIS MONTHS ISSUE... Biante Newsletter - Issue 41 - AUG 2012
1:18 SCALE
EB FALCON ALLAN MOFFAT RACING - 1996 AMP BATHURST 1000 - PAGE 6 PAGE
PAGE
3
4
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
- BIANTE NEWS: JULY UPDATE - PROJECT VN UPDATE - 1:18 LX SLR/5000 TORANA - 1:18 VOLVO 850 - 1:18 RS SPYDER FEATURE - 1:18 LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR - UPCOMING AUTOART RELEASES - COMING SOON FROM BIANTE
Visit us online: www.biante.com.au
Biante News:
JULY UPDATE It has been quite an exciting month here at Biante, we have released a few models that have been really well received and a recent trip to China was very positive. The development of the 1:18 Scale Holden VN SS Group A is coming along nicely which you can read about below and a visit to Autoart was also very fruitful. We have some images of some beautiful new 1:18 Scale models by Autoart that will be available in the coming months in this newsletter that should impress collectors out there, the black Lamborghini Aventador is particularly awesome! As you can gather by the cover of this issue, one of our new model announcements for this month is the 1:18 Scale Ford EB Falcon, driven by Klaus Niedzwiedz and Ken Douglas in the 1996 AMP Bathurst 1000 under the Allan Moffat Racing banner. This is quite an interesting model that forms part of the Biante Allan Moffat Collection, as it was the last Bathurst that Allan Moffat was involved in and while the car didn’t win the race, it still managed to finish a respectable 10th place after a poor qualifying performance which saw them 25th fastest. Included with this model will be a signed Certificate of Authenticity by Allan so to ensure you don’t miss out on this item, please place your orders at your local Biante dealer.
Another new announcement this month is something a little different in the form of the 1:18 Scale Volvo 850, driven by Peter Brock in the 1996 Australian Super Touring Championship. We understand the demand for different models in the market place and we think this is a great example of that thinking and indeed an important addition to the Biante Peter Brock Collection. You can read an in depth account of the background of this model on page 4. Our last new announcement for this month is the 1:18 Scale Holden LX Torana SLR/5000 in Chamois with Black Trim. This is another fantastic looking model and it is actually the first LX SLR/5000 road car that we have produced for quite some time. You can read more about this awesome model in the feature on the next page. That’s about it for this month, please remember to support your local Biante dealer by placing your pre-orders with them to ensure your favourite models continue to be produced and as always, enjoy your collecting. William Hall General Manager Biante Model Cars
PROJECT VN UPDATE 1
2
Well after a very busy week in China with our factories, we are very happy to report that the Project VN is right on track. Our recent trip centred around the most recent hand sample that had been prepared for our meeting. The first sample that we showed here previously had over 100 individual comments that needed to be rectified, and this latest sample went a long way to rectifying the bulk of these comments. You can see from the image one, the detailed images of the real car we use as reference material when discussing certain aspects of the project. One of the areas we are trying to replicate as accurately as possible are the bonnet hinges. In image 2 you can see in the windscreen, just next to the wiper blade, the area where the dogleg hinge first used sat, where as now, you can see (in pink) the new, more accurate hinge. Hinges are quite difficult to accurately replicate as they are quite small on a full scale car, so to make 1:18th the size makes them almost non existent, so bonnet hinges are always a slight compromise. In image 3 we can see a more accurate shot of the engine bay. There is still a little more work to be done here, but even still, for a road car this is starting to come together quite nicely.
3
4
The next step will be to modify this sample further, to correct another few issues we noted while we were there. From there the model will be 3D scanned and entered into CAD program to allow further finite adjustments before the CAD data can be used to start CNC machining of the tools used to produce the final model. One of the items that gets cleaned up in the 3D process are lines. Producing a straight line by hand is a little difficult, as you can slightly see in image 4 however in 3D it’s quite straight forward. So once the model is scanned, we have the opportunity to tidy up some of these straight edges.
New Announcement: 1:18 Scale Holden LX Torana SLR/5000 OUR FIRST 1:18 SCALE LX SLR/5000 SINCE 2002 IS AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER.
*1:18 Scale Prototype Model Shown
A WINNER ON TRACK & ON THE ROAD The Holden LX Torana SLR/5000 was made famous by being dubbed as the street legal version of the successful Torana race cars of the time. The Torana’s on track success in the 1975 Manufacturer’s Championship and at Bathurst proved to be the basis of an exceptional marketing campaign for the Torana. While the popular tagline of the time was “Holden Torana - the winningest car in the country”, our personal favourite was used in one of Holden’s early promotional films for the model “If this one doesn’t turn you on, you better have your timing checked”! And a turn on was exactly what the SLR/5000 proved to be. The LX SLR/5000 was designed by General Motors Holden to be tough and feature a race winning performance package that you could drive down to the local milk bar in. A 5 Litre V8 could be found under the bonnet, while the heavy duty coil springs and shocks, front and rear stabilizer bars and the power assisted front disc brakes were all touted to improve stability and performance. The interior featured a standard transistor radio, full instrument panel and the full foam European style bucket seats were designed for comfort and extra stability for those fast corners. The exterior is where the SLR/5000 starts to sing though, with the bold rear wing, SLR/5000 decals and bold black paint outs contrasted nicely against an array of beautiful colour schemes. It is without a doubt that the Holden LX Torana SLR/5000 is one of Australia’s most iconic road ready sedans, and we are very pleased to be announcing the opportunity to place your orders for this particular 1:18 Scale version in the subtle but striking Chamois colour scheme. This is the first 1:18 Scale 4-door LX SLR/5000 we have announced since the Mandarin Red version which was released 10 years ago in 2002, so to ensure you don’t miss out on this iconic road car, please place your orders with your local Biante dealer.
ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: A73463 Model: 1:18 Scale Holden LX Torana SLR/5000 - Chamois with Black Trim (1976) Pricing: RRP: $195.00 including GST
NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER
New Announcement: 1:18 Scale Volvo 850 - Driver: Peter Brock CURRENTLY SCHEDULED FOR A 1ST QTR 2013 RELEASE. ENSURE YOU DON’T MISS OUT BY PLACING YOUR ORDERS NOW AT YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER.
*1:18 Scale Prototype Model Shown (Incorrect wheels pictured)
THE SUPERTOURING VOLVO PETER Brock driving something other than a Holden during the course of his illustrious career was not as much of an eyebrow raiser as some may think. He drove BMWs and even Ford Sierras in between stints aboard a General Motors product, but it was his decision to drive a Volvo 850 Super Tourer in the 1996 two-litre series that got plenty of attention – particularly from his superiors given he was a Holden Racing Team V8 pilot at the time! The nine-time Bathurst winner combined his programs for the year, though it caused some serious distress and politicking. But racing was what fuelled the ‘King of the Mountain’ and for the ’96 season he was armed with an ex-British Touring Car Championship Volvo 850 sedan run by George Shepheard, who had masterminded the Repco Round Australia Commodore 1-2-3 that Brock led home in 1979. The Tom Walkinshaw Racing-built, five-cylinder howler was up against the works Diet-Coke BMWs of Paul Morris and Geoff Brabham as well as the fourwheel drive Audi A4s of Brad Jones and Greg Murphy and a handful of strong privateer entrants. After debuting in the non-championship events at Albert Park and at the Gold Coast Indy, Brock and the distinctive red #05 850 made their championship debut at Amaroo Park and, despite a new aero kit that arrived from Europe that week, the Volvo was down on pace and finished sixth in Race 1 and retired from Race 2 with a failed front wheel bearing. Round 2 took the teams to Lakeside in Queensland and luck was not on Brock’s side. Oil left on the road from Jones’ blown Audi sent him straight off the road, and copping a hit from Geoff Full’s Peugeot that arrived behind him. Repaired for Race 2, Brock was able to salvage sixth place but sat a distant ninth in the points. Round 3 was back at Amaroo Park in Sydney and things started to improve, with a fourth place in Race 1 behind Jones, Morris and Brabham, but another retirement in the second race with suspected CV joint failure. “Last time here I kept going and it literally cost thousands of pounds for a new part so this time I wasn’t going to take any chances,” Brock told Motorsport News magazine post-race. The halfway mark of the season came at Mallala but more mechanical gremlins would cut down the improving pace of the ex-Rickard Rydell machine. After
launching to a great start in Race 1, he was pit-bound on the opening lap with a failing fuel pump, though would recover for fifth in Race 2. Round 5 was at Winton and the tight rural circuit wouldn’t see a change of luck for the 850. After finishing seventh in Race 1, Brock found himself caught up in an opening corner multi-car pile-up in Race 2, and again the Volvo was damaged and a retirement. The wide and sweeping curves of Phillip Island hosted Round 6 with Brock eighth in Race 1 and a much stronger fourth in Race 2, though he still was lagging seventh in the points and 100 behind leader Jones’ Audi.
The championship then paused for a non-points paying event at the Bathurst 1000 as support to the V8s with Jim Richards filling in for Brock, who elected to focus on his HRT commitments. Richards would prove successful, winning the wet final race on Sunday morning prior to the beginning of the main race. The title chase resumed for Round 7 at Lakeside and a switch from Dunlop to Michelin tyres allowed Brock to get even closer to the dominant BMWs and Audis. Fifth in Race 1 was a nice entrée to Race 2, where Brock survived a start line accident and subsequent restart to lock onto the back of Morris and fall short of his first Super Touring win by less than a second. The change in rubber had re-vitalised Brock and the Volvo and given it a real sniff of further strong results come the final round on the short track at Oran Park under lights. While Jones and Audi were claiming their first title, Brock picked up third and seventh to round out the 1996 season, which placed the Volvo driver sixth in the championship behind Jones, Morris, Murphy, Brabham and top privateer Steve Richards. Brock would focus on his HRT V8 program in 1997 and Jim Richards would take the wheel of the Volvo 850 for the new season. But there was no doubt that a single season of Brock racing with the Swedish manufacturer had given it ‘street cred’ it could have only ever previously dreamed of. Biante are pleased to present the opportunity to place your orders for the 1:18 Scale Volvo 850, driven by Peter Brock in the 1996 Australian Super Touring Championship. This model will form part of the Biante Peter Brock Collection so ensure you place your orders to avoid missing out on this great model.
THIS MODEL FORMS PART OF THE BIANTE PETER BROCK COLLECTION
ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: A89694 Model: 1:18 Scale Volvo 850 - 1996 Australian Super Touring Championship - Driver: Peter Brock (Forms Part Of The Biante Peter Brock Collection) Pricing: RRP: $195.00 including GST
NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER
New Announcement: 1:18 Scale Ford EB Falcon
THIS MODEL FORMS PART OF THE BIANTE ALLAN MOFFAT COLLECTION
ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: BNG0001 Model: 1:18 Scale Ford EB Falcon 1996 AMP Bathurst 1000 Allan Moffat Racing Drivers: Douglas/Niedzwiedz Pricing: RRP: $195.00 including GST (Forms Part Of The Biante Allan Moffat Collection)
NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER
THE LAST TIME ALLAN MOFFAT RACING WOULD BE SEEN ON THE GRID AT THE GREAT RACE
*1:18 Scale Prototype Model Shown
ALLAN MOFFAT RACING EB Since he first debuted his distinctive fluro yellow and black Cenovis Falcon at Bathurst in 1993, Bathurst legend Allan Moffat never had the budget to run the car full-time in the Australian Touring Car Championship. But each year through the mid-1990s, the four-time winner made sure his car was on the grid each October for The Great Race.
Come 1996 and the EB Falcon wasn’t the latest specification car on the grid, but Moffat had put together another solid line-up for the AMP Bathurst 1000, which would turn out to be his team’s last assault on the race he’d made his life mission for nearly three decades. After a few years of false starts and late withdrawals, German ace Klaus Niedzwiedz was finally confirmed for his first Bathurst start in six years and was paired in the #9 Falcon with MoTec electronic guru and handy steerer Ken Douglas. Under the preparation hand of Ballarat’s Ted Robinson, the car hit the circuit for Wednesday practice and had a rear hub seal fail, though it gave Douglas and Niedzwiedz – both having their first race in a V8 – some Mountain running. On Thursday an exhaust system problem plagued the team and in the afternoon brake failure very nearly sent the German careering into the wall at Griffins Bend. Eventually the 1990 pole-sitter clocked a 2m17.2706s in Friday qualifying to put the car 25th on the grid. Come race day and rain arrived to turn the circuit into a treacherous ice rink. Douglas was given the opening stint for the 161-lap marathon and played it steady to work his way up to 16th spot. He pitted under a Safety Car on lap 29 and swapped to slicks, bolting in Niedzwiedz for his first Bathurst race stint aboard a Falcon after four starts in Sierras between 1987 and 1990. The 1989 Bathurst runner-up then turned in a drive typical of the Group A gun
of the time. He sliced his way around the circuit and, despite limited running time in the car, had lifted himself to fourth spot by lap 50 as he ran out of pit sequence with the leaders. “That was the greatest experience of my life, to drive here on slicks in the wet,” he beamed to Chevron’s ‘The Great Race’ annual book. “I nearly went off when I lost my drink bottle. I looked up and I was on the grass!”
Douglas would have a heart-stopping moment in his next stint on lap 73 when he spun at the exit of the Dipper. Amazingly, he was able to perform a neat ‘flick turn’ in front of the oncoming traffic and get the Cenovis Ford running again, pitting on lap 96 to hand back to Niedzwiedz. The stop dropped them to 12th place and off the lead lap, but there were other small problems starting to rear their head. The exhaust was heating up the floor and causing the cabin to fill with smoke, while the temperature gauge was also running high. Removing some of the blanking tape from the front spoiler cured the later and Klaus pushed on. Down on engine power in comparison with the top Level 1 teams, the drying conditions meant that the #9 Falcon found it more difficult to keep pace once the rain disappeared, but the duo would eventually cross the line 10th, four laps down on winners Craig Lowndes and Greg Murphy. It would be the final appearance of an Allan Moffat Racing entry in the Bathurst 1000, but the unique-looking Cenovis Falcon remains a favourite in the hearts of Australian motor racing fans around the country. Biante are pleased to present the opportunity to place your orders for this addition to the Biante Allan Moffat Collection. A signed Certificate of Authenticity by Allan Moffat will be included with the model, so please place your orders to ensure you are in pole position to get your hands on this fantastic looking model.
Product Feature: 1:18 Scale Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1 CURRENTLY SCHEDULED FOR A SEPTEMBER RELEASE AND IS AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER.
A DEBUT ON THE MOUNTAIN The 1:18 Scale Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1, driven by Bob Forbes and Dick Johnson in the 1973 Hardie Ferodo Bathurst 1000 has been announced for quite a while now, but with the model getting closer to it’s release date we thought it would be a good opportunity to remind collectors about this significant model. 1973 was a year of firsts for the iconic race at Mount Panorama. It was the first time the race would be held over the now famous 1000 kilometre distance, and it was the first time Dick Johnson would race at the event. A race he would eventually win 3 times, forever etching his name into Australian motorsport folklore. Co-driving with Bob Forbes, Johnson’s debut at the mountain in 1973 has to be credited as quite successful, managing to finish in 5th place, just behind Bathurst heavyweights such as Allan Moffat, Peter Brock, Colin Bond and Bob Jane. It was the start of a long relationship between Dick Johnson and Mount Panorama, and this model is a fantastic tribute, forming part of the Biante Dick Johnson Collection. This model is currently scheduled for a release around September. To ensure you don’t miss out on this pretty special model, place your orders with your local Biante Dealer.
ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: A87361 Model: 1:18 Scale Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1 - 1973 Hardie Ferodo 1000 Drivers: Bob Forbes / Dick Johnson (Forms part of the Biante Dick Johnson Collection) Pricing: RRP: $195.00 including GST
NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER
Available Now: 1:18 Scale Porsche RS Spyder AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW ONLINE AT WWW.BIANTE.COM.AU
2007 CARBON FIBRE SPYDER At the Paris Motor Show in October 2006, Porsche unveiled the latest incarnation of the RS Spyder in an absolutely stunning carbon fibre livery that looks as elegant as it does menacing.
For those of you unfamiliar with this particular car, the Porsche RS Spyder is an in house designed race car that was developed by Porsche in 2005 to compete in LeMans Prototype Class 2 racing events around the world, including the famous LeMans 24 hour. Since 2005, the RS Spyder package has undergone various upgrades and modifications by the manufacturer in order to increase performance output and to adhere to new rules and regulations. The 2007-spec RS was developed to adhere to the rules and regulations of the French Automobile Club de’l Ouest racing organisation in order to be eligible for competition in the European Series. Wind tunnel tests provided the basis for an updated chassis and aero package while the output from the 3.4L V8 was increased slightly to 370kW at 10,300rpm, which was substantial enough given the weight of the car coming in at 775kg. If you’re a fan of LeMans class racing or Porsche, then this is definitely a model that deserves to be in your collection. The carbon fibre detailing and finishing looks extraordinary and the removable engine cover certainly adds to the package, especially when you discover the beautifully crafted engine underneath it. This model is available to purchase now at your local Biante Dealer or online at www.biante.com.au.
ORDERING INFORMATION: Product Code: A80773 Model: 1:18 Scale Porsche RS Spyder - Carbon Fibre Livery Pricing: RRP: $109.30 including GST
AVAILABLE NOW IN STORES AND ONLINE AT WWW.BIANTE.COM.AU
Available To Order Now: Upcoming Releases From Autoart
THE LATEST TRIUMPH FROM LAMBORGHINI REPLICATED IN THE FINEST DETAIL BY AUTOART
1:18 SCALE LAMBORGHINI
AVENTADOR LP700-4 Autoart have some beautiful new models that they will be making available for collectors soon, none more-so then the absolutely amazing 1:18 Scale Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. For 50 years Lamborghini has been the worlds quintessential supercar producer. Such is their dedication to their craft, in that time they have only released 4 flagship Supercars, the Muira, the Diablo, the Countach and of course most recently, the Murcielago. While the Murcielago has been Lamborghini’s flagship vehicle for the last decade, in 2011 Lamborghini unveiled its replacement in the form of the Aventador. Historically speaking, Lamborghini’s are renowned for their heart stopping acceleration and top speeds while handling and drive-ability was always regarded as less important to the whole Lamborghini package. The Aventador is the exception to this rule. With their new model, Lamborghini not only wanted to further define their signature look, but also create a supercar that was not only extremely fast, but could also handle just as effectively. In an age where many of the worlds biggest car manufacturers are looking at smaller engines as a way of “moving with the times” the new Aventator boasts a brand new in house developed 6.5L 700hp V12 engine, capable of a top speed of 217mph (349kmh) which makes it faster than the previous Murcielago. A single clutch semi automatic transmission forms part of the impressive package with gear shifts taking no longer than 50 milliseconds and the four
wheel drive system ensures increased traction and handling. Adding increased reliability to the handling is the Aventador’s use of push rod suspension which is rare technology for a road car to feature and is more likely to be found in a Formula 1 car. The Aventador’s styling more then matches its performance characteristics. While the signature Lamborghini low, wide profile look remains, the exterior styling looks far more intimidating and angular compared to the Murcielago. Many attribute the Lamborghini Reventon as being quite influential in the styling of the new model. You would be hard pressed to find a better supercar in the market today, and the 1:18 Scale models certainly do this amazing piece of machinery justice. All of the features you would expect to find in an Autoart model are present and as always the finishing and paintwork on both the Matt Black and White editions are second to none. The two Aventador models and the gorgeous 1:18 Scale E-Type Jaguar in Red and the Lexus LFA in Orange that you can view on the next page are available to order now from your local Biante Dealer. You can also keep an eye out for their release online at www.biante.com.au by adding them to your watchlist and we expect these models to be available in the coming months.
1:18 Scale Jaguar E-Type Roadster
1:18 Scale Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
(Red) Product Code: A73601
(Bianco Isis / White) Product Code: A74663
1:18 Scale Lexus LFA Nurburging Package
1:18 Scale Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
(Orange) Product Code: A78836
(Nero Nemisis / Matt Black) Product Code: A74661
ORDER NOW FROM YOUR LOCAL BIANTE DEALER OR ADD THESE MODELS TO YOUR WATCHLIST FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR RELEASE ONLINE AT WWW.BIANTE.COM.AU
Coming Soon From Biante 1:18 Holden Torana L34
1:18 Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase III LIMITED EDITION OF
LIMITED EDITION OF
1350
1976 Hardie Ferodo 1000 - Drivers: Brabham/Moss INCLUDES SIGNED CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED Product Code: A87660 - RRP: $195.00 including GST
1:18 Holden LH Torana SLR/5000 L34
Rothmans 250 Winner - Driver: Allan Moffat (1971) PART OF THE BIANTE ALLAN MOFFAT COLLECTION ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED Product Code: A87113 - RRP: $195.00 including GST
1:43 Holden EH Special Wagon
Plain Body - Red (1983) Product Code: BNM0003 - RRP: $195.00 including GST
1:18 Team BOC Holden VEII Commodore LIMITED EDITION OF
800
Fowlers Ivory (1963) BIANTE RESERVE COLLECTION Product Code: B43402E - RRP: $69.00 including GST
650
AGP Podium (2011) Driver: Jason Richards PART PROCEEDS DONATED TO THE RICHARDS FAMILY Product Code: B18311D - RRP: $195.00 including GST
1:18 BMW M3
1:18 BMW M3 - ATCC Winner
LIMITED EDITION OF
LIMITED EDITION OF
TBA
Hardie Ferodo 1000 (1973) Drivers: Johnson/Forbes PART OF THE BIANTE DICK JOHNSON COLLECTION Product Code: A87361 - RRP: $195.00 including GST
500
LIMITED EDITION OF
1260
1:18 Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1
LIMITED EDITION OF
1140
LIMITED EDITION OF
Glacier White (1974) ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED Product Code: A73477 - RRP: $195.00 including GST
1:18 Mazda RX7 Limited Edition
LIMITED EDITION OF
TBA
Tooheys 1000 - Drivers: Peter Brock / Jim Richards (1988) PART OF THE BIANTE PETER BROCK COLLECTION Product Code: A88847 - RRP: $195.00 including GST
TBA
ATCC Winner - Driver: Jim Richards (1987) Product Code: A88745 - RRP: $195.00 including GST
Stay Connected With Biante Model Cars LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR DAILY UPDATES, MODEL FEATURES & ANNOUNCEMENTS WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BIANTEMODELCARS
SIGN UP TO OUR COLLECTORS CLUB FOR WEEKLY RELEASES & FOLLOW THE BIANTE BLOG CLUB: WWW.BIANTE.COM.AU/COLLECTORS-CLUB
BLOG: WWW.BIANTEBLOG.COM.AU
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER TO BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION ABOUT MODEL CARS WWW.TWITTER.COM/BIANTEMODELCARS
JOIN THE CONVERSATION #BIANTEMODELCARS
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