# blog_posts

author: ChatGPT
title: Hamilton Triumphs in Thrilling Opener: Recap of the Bahrain Grand Prix 2021
subtitle: A High-Octane Start to the F1 Season Sets the Stage for a Riveting Championship Battle
category: Formula One
created_at: 2023-12-21 10:11:31
updated_at: 2025-07-19 04:24:34
body:
  Introduction:

  The Bahrain Grand Prix kicked off the 2021 Formula 1 season with a breathtaking spectacle that left fans on the edge of their seats. The Sakhir Circuit, known for its challenging layout and unpredictable racing, delivered yet another memorable race, setting the tone for what promised to be an exhilarating championship battle.

  Hamilton's Commanding Victory:

  Defending champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes started the season in style, clinching victory in the opening race. The seven-time world champion showcased his skill and determination, navigating the challenging Bahrain International Circuit with precision. The win not only marked Hamilton's successful start to the season but also hinted at the intense competition that lay ahead.

  Verstappen's Aggressive Challenge:

  Red Bull's Max Verstappen emerged as Hamilton's primary challenger, showcasing the Red Bull team's improved performance. Verstappen's aggressive driving style and strategic maneuvers kept fans on the edge of their seats, setting the stage for what would become a season-long battle between the two titans.

  Mid-Race Drama:

  The Bahrain Grand Prix was not without its share of drama. A late-race clash between Hamilton and Verstappen added a dramatic twist to the narrative. The incident ignited discussions about racing ethics and raised questions about the intensity of competition in the pinnacle of motorsport.

  Podium Celebrations and Emerging Contenders:

  As the checkered flag waved, the podium celebrations captured the essence of the F1 season's opening chapter. Alongside Hamilton and Verstappen, other drivers and teams showcased their potential, hinting at an unpredictable and fiercely competitive season.

  Conclusion:

  The Bahrain Grand Prix set the stage for an unforgettable Formula 1 season in 2021. Hamilton's victory and Verstappen's relentless pursuit hinted at a championship battle that would captivate fans until the final race. As the F1 circus moved on to the next venue, the echoes of Bahrain lingered, promising fans a season filled with adrenaline, drama, and unparalleled racing excitement. The journey had just begun, and the Bahrain Grand Prix had left an indelible mark on the annals of F1 history.


author: ChatGPT
title: Verstappen Triumphs in Rainy Drama: A Recap of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2021
subtitle: Red Bull's Star Shines in Wet Thriller, Unleashing Chaos on Iconic Imola Circuit
category: Formula One
created_at: 2023-12-21 10:15:20
updated_at: 2025-07-19 04:24:31
body:
  Introduction:

  The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the historic Imola circuit in 2021 proved to be a spectacular showcase of Formula 1's unpredictability. With rain adding an extra layer of complexity, the race unfolded into a drama-filled spectacle, leaving fans in awe and anticipation for what was to come in the remainder of the season.

  Verstappen's Wet-Weather Masterclass:

  Red Bull's Max Verstappen emerged as the star of the day, navigating the challenging wet conditions with unparalleled finesse. His wet-weather masterclass not only secured victory for the Dutch driver but also showcased Red Bull's competitive edge in adverse conditions.

  Hamilton's Resilience:

  Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, despite a rare off-track excursion, showcased his resilience by recovering to secure a podium finish. The seven-time world champion's ability to adapt to changing conditions and salvage valuable points added another layer of intrigue to the championship battle.

  Imola's Unforgiving Nature:

  The Imola circuit, known for its tight corners and historic significance, lived up to its reputation as a demanding and unforgiving track. Numerous incidents, including high-profile crashes and daring overtakes, underscored the challenge that this iconic circuit poses to even the most seasoned drivers.

  Surprises and Setbacks:

  The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix delivered its fair share of surprises and setbacks. Unexpected retirements and bold strategic choices by teams added an element of unpredictability, further emphasizing the fine line between success and adversity in Formula 1.

  Conclusion:

  The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix of 2021 will be remembered as a wet and wild chapter in the F1 history books. Verstappen's triumph, Hamilton's resilience, and the Imola circuit's unforgiving nature combined to create a race that will be etched in the memories of fans. As the F1 season continued its journey, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix served as a reminder that, in Formula 1, every race brings with it the potential for awe-inspiring moments and unexpected twists in the championship narrative.


author: ChatGPT
title: Portuguese Grand Prix 2021: Verstappen Dominates in Portimão
subtitle: Red Bull's Charge Continues as Verstappen Secures Victory in the Rollercoaster of Portimão
category: Formula One
created_at: 2023-12-21 10:16:35
updated_at: 2025-07-19 04:24:18
body:
  Introduction:

  The Portuguese Grand Prix at the undulating Algarve International Circuit brought another thrilling chapter to the 2021 Formula 1 season. With picturesque landscapes and challenging elevation changes, the race unfolded into a captivating spectacle, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen once again asserting his dominance.

  Verstappen's Commanding Performance:

  Max Verstappen showcased his prowess with a commanding performance at Portimão. The Dutch driver's strategic brilliance and on-track finesse were on full display as he navigated the twists and turns of the rollercoaster-like circuit, solidifying his status as a serious title contender.

  Hamilton's Persistence:

  Lewis Hamilton, though unable to match Verstappen's pace, exhibited resilience, securing crucial points with a podium finish. The battle between Red Bull and Mercedes intensified, setting the stage for a season-long duel for supremacy.

  Portimão's Unpredictability:

  The Algarve International Circuit's unpredictable conditions, with varying grip levels and gusty winds, added an extra layer of complexity to the race. The drivers' ability to adapt to the changing environment became a critical factor in determining success.

  Excitement and Drama:

  The Portuguese Grand Prix delivered its fair share of excitement and drama, with wheel-to-wheel battles, daring overtakes, and unexpected strategy calls keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Each twist and turn of the race track contributed to the overall narrative of an unpredictable and fiercely competitive F1 season.

  Conclusion:

  Verstappen's dominance in the Portuguese Grand Prix showcased Red Bull's strength, signaling a spirited championship battle ahead. The unique challenges of Portimão and the thrilling on-track action added yet another memorable chapter to the unfolding story of the 2021 Formula 1 season.


author: ChatGPT
title: Spanish Grand Prix 2021: Hamilton Strikes Back in Barcelona
subtitle: A Masterful Performance by Hamilton Reasserts Mercedes' Presence in the Championship Race
created_at: 2023-12-21 10:17:05
updated_at: 2025-07-19 04:24:21
body:
  <p>Introduction: The Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya provided a pivotal moment in the 2021 Formula 1 season. With the championship battle heating up, the race unfolded as a strategic and tactical contest, with Lewis Hamilton delivering a masterclass in Barcelona. Hamilton's Tactical Brilliance: Lewis Hamilton's strategic brilliance and flawless execution on the track marked a significant rebound for Mercedes. The British driver's victory in Barcelona showcased his ability to capitalize on the team's strengths, reaffirming Mercedes' status as a formidable force in the championship fight. Verstappen's Resilience: Max Verstappen, despite missing out on the top spot, displayed resilience with a podium finish. The Red Bull driver's consistency underscored the intense competition between the two leading teams, setting the stage for a season-long battle for supremacy. Barcelona's Testing Circuit: The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya's reputation as a testing circuit added an element of familiarity for the teams. However, the dynamic nature of the race, with changing track temperatures and tire strategies, kept teams and drivers on their toes throughout the event. Strategic Duels and Team Dynamics: The Spanish Grand Prix featured strategic duels between teams, showcasing the intricate chess match that Formula 1 has become. Team dynamics, pit-stop strategies, and tire management played pivotal roles in shaping the outcome of the race, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the sport's complexity. Conclusion: Hamilton's triumphant performance in the Spanish Grand Prix reinvigorated the championship battle, highlighting the ebb and flow of competition in Formula 1. As the teams packed up and moved to the next destination, the Spanish Grand Prix left fans eagerly anticipating the twists and turns that awaited them in the remainder of the 2021 season.</p>


author: Shaun
title: Total Style
subtitle: Best Looking Car
created_at: 2024-07-06 13:44:16
updated_at: 2025-07-19 04:24:09
body:
  <p>demo <strong>123456789</strong></p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p><strong><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1725407140-lowndes-green-eyed-monster.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="225"></strong></p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: 40th Anniversary of the VK Commodore
subtitle: The HDT Era
created_at: 2024-10-04 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:05:51
body:
  <p>The mere mention of "VK" instantly brings to mind the iconic day-glo Marlboro-liveried HDT cars, dominating Mount Panorama in all their glory. It&rsquo;s hard to believe that 40 years have passed since Brock and Perkins led a historic 1-2 finish alongside Harvey and Parsons at the 1984 Hardie-Ferodo 1000, and equally, since the VK Commodore itself was first released. While our <strong><a href="../../../../blog/37/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">other blog</a></strong> dives into the VK Group C cars from the '84 Australian Touring Car Championship, here we&rsquo;re celebrating the six VK road cars produced by Biante&mdash;the only 1:18 scale VKs ever created, and a must-have for collectors.<br><br></p>
  <p>In 2008, Biante introduced their highly anticipated VK mould, kicking things off with the release of the HDT SS Group 3 in Asteroid Silver (<strong><a href="../../../../models/B182705A/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182705A</a></strong>), debuting in August of that year. The Alpine White (<strong><a href="../../../../models/B182705B/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182705B</a></strong>) version followed swiftly in September, with both models initially retailing for $144. Today, they're worth at least triple that, in direct comparison with each other, the white car leads in either condition (+11% for New and +18% for Used) despite having transacted more frequently than the silver model.<br><br></p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="B182705A vs. B182705B" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="24">[GRAPH-B182705A vs. B182705B]</x-compare-graph>
  <p><br>The final VK release of 2008 arrived in December with the HDT SS Group A, or "Blue Meanie" (<strong><a href="../../../../models/B182704A/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182704A</a></strong>) the 5th most produced 1:18 scale Holden model ever, with 8,202 units&mdash;nearly double the Alpine White Group 3 (4,200). Despite its abundance, values remain high, especially on eBay, where prices are typically around or above $800, while private sales averaged around $500 in 2024. Even after eBay fees, sellers typically see a 30% or greater profit over private sales. There's less than a 10% price difference between new and used models, highlighting its desirability regardless of condition.<br><br></p>
  <div class="mb-2 flex gap-3 empty:hidden -ml-2">
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  <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="f1b3b4f3-fbe3-4eb8-8a52-dd1a363c9397">
  <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
  <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
  <p>In June 2009, the white aero-wheeled version (<strong><a href="../../../../models/B182704G/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182704G</a></strong>) of the "Blue Meanie" hit the market at the same $215 retail price as its chrome-wheeled counterpart. With only 1,350 units produced, it is the second lowest-volume VK model&mdash;and the rarest based on sales transactions. This variant has the highest Diecast Detective Price of the trio of Formula Blue VKs.<br><br></p>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  <div class="flex items-center">
  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
  <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="901e728e-e60d-4a53-b88c-719ef38d8576">
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  <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
  <p>The third and final Formula Blue VK was released in May 2014, nearly five years after the previous model, proving that long waits for Biante releases aren't a new issue! But the wait was worth it, with the HDT SS LE Group 3 (<strong><a href="../../../../models/B182705C/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182705C</a></strong>) being exceptionally well-executed. While 1,482 units might seem like a large production run today, it was relatively modest a decade ago. Of the trio of Formula Blue VKs, this variant has the smallest variance in price between conditions at less than 5%.</p>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  <div class="flex items-center">&nbsp;</div>
  <div class="flex items-center"><x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="B182704A vs. B182704G vs. B182705C" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="26">[GRAPH-B182704A vs. B182704G vs. B182705C]</x-compare-graph></div>
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  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
  <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="d90dad6f-e5b6-49d6-9110-8aea2d42b3f5">
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  <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
  <p>The final VK street car model released was the understated HDT SS in Alpine White (<strong><a href="../../../../models/B182704N/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182704N</a></strong>), arriving in January 2020 with a $250 price tag. With only 1,002 units produced, it holds the title of the rarest VK street car. Despite its recent release, its value has nearly doubled, now matching the Group 3 models in value.</p>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="B182704N" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="27">[GRAPH-B182704N]</x-compare-graph>
  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
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  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>These high-quality models predate the production issues that have plagued recent Biante releases and have managed to avoid the paint rash affecting many of their contemporaries. While their craftsmanship and "must-have" factor among Holden fans ensure they remain prized by collectors, the real driving force behind their continued rise in value is the certainty that these six diecast models will forever be the only VK street car models ever produced, based on the assumption that the moulds are unserviceable and the industry has largely moved to resin.<br><br></p>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  <div class="mb-2 flex gap-3 empty:hidden -ml-2">
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  <div class="flex items-center">
  <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 95.66%; border-width: 1px; border-spacing: 1px; border-color: #ffffff; height: 1813px;" border="1"><colgroup><col style="width: 13.4458%;"><col style="width: 38.4908%;"><col style="width: 13.7343%;"><col style="width: 18.8703%;"><col style="width: 15.4656%;"></colgroup>
  <tbody>
  <tr style="height: 33.625px;">
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Product Code</strong></span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Image</strong></span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Model</strong></span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Colour</strong></span></td>
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>No. Made</strong></span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 354.396px;">
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/B182705A/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182705A</a></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733142127-B182705A.png" alt="" width="450" height="338"><br></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;">
  <div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HDT </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VK Commodore </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">SS Group 3</span></div>
  </td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Asteroid Silver</span></td>
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3,600</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 261.396px;">
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/B182705A/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182705B</a></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733142147-B182705B.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="245"></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;">
  <div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HDT </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VK Commodore </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">SS Group 3</span></div>
  </td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Alpine White</span></td>
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4,200</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 361.396px;">
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/B182704A/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182704A</a></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733142226-B182704A_2.png" alt="" width="450" height="345"></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;">
  <div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HDT </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VK Commodore </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">SS Group A </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"Blue Meanie"</span></div>
  </td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Formula Blue</span></td>
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">8,202</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 354.396px;">
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/B182704A/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182704AG</a></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733142272-B182704G.png" alt="" width="450" height="338"></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;">
  <div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HDT </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VK Commodore </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">SS Group A&nbsp;</span></div>
  </td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Formula Blue with </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Alpine White </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Aero wheels</span></td>
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1,350</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 201.396px;">
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/B182705C/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182705C</a></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733142324-B182705C_3.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="185"></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;">
  <div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HDT </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VK Commodore </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">SS LE Group 3</span></div>
  </td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Formula Blue</span></td>
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1,482</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 246.396px;">
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/B182704N/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182704N</a></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733142363-B182704N_2.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300"></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;">
  <div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HDT </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VK Commodore </span><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;">SS</span></div>
  </td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Alpine White</span></td>
  <td style="border-width: 1px; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1,002</span></td>
  </tr>
  </tbody>
  </table>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>


author: Diecast Detective
title: The Twin Mirror Mystery: How a Legend was Born in Diecast Collecting
subtitle: Australia's Ultimate Grail Model
created_at: 2024-08-01 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:06:04
body:
  <p>Among diecast collectors, few stories are as captivating as the mystery of the Twin Mirror White XY [<strong><a href="../../../../models/22722%20(Twin%20Mirror)/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22722 (Twin Mirror)</a></strong>]. What began as a practical solution to a sold-out model evolved into one of the most sought-after collectibles in Australian diecast history.</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>In July 1998, the first XY model, the Track Red GTHO <strong>(<a href="../../../../models/22721/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22721</a></strong>) sold out in just two minutes, leaving stores with nothing to display until the official release of the Allan Moffat&nbsp;1971 Hardie-Ferodo 500 Winner <strong>(<a href="../../../../models/37181/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">37181</a></strong>) which was still 10 weeks away, meaning a temporary solution was required. Trevor Young, the founder of Biante, rang the factory and requested 900 white models for store displays and personally signed certificates of authenticity for each one. He specifically asked stores <em>not</em> to sell them, but inevitably, some found their way into the hands of collectors.</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>A curious detail soon emerged: some white XY models had two mirrors, while others had only one [<strong><a href="../../../../models/22722%20(Single%20Mirror)/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22722 (Single Mirror)</a></strong>]. The reason? Leftover red body shells, designed with two mirror holes, were mixed with newer Moffat shells, which only had one. The oversight went unnoticed until collectors began calling in, confused by the brochure showing a two-mirror car while they had received one-mirror versions. At the time, Trevor was so focused on developing future releases that it didn&rsquo;t occur to him that some of the white models might have two mirrors. When the cars arrived, he unknowingly selected a two-mirror version for the brochure photos, unaware that both one-mirror and two-mirror versions were mixed in the batch.</p>
  <div class="mb-2 flex gap-3 empty:hidden -ml-2">
  <div class="items-center justify-start rounded-xl p-1 flex"><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728178988-TwinMirrorBrochureFinal.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="638"></div>
  <div class="items-center justify-start rounded-xl p-1 flex">&nbsp;</div>
  </div>
  <p>The factory advised Trevor that 135 two-mirror red shells had been used to create the fabled "Twin Mirror" Ultra White XY GTHO models. There was also a sample held at head office for display purposes, bringing the total to 136, but only 134 with certificates. Trevor retained the office sample as part of his personal collection.<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
  <p><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728140040-mceclip1.jpg" width="500" height="402"></p>
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  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>This production quirk has elevated the "Twin Mirror" XY to legendary status in diecast folklore, igniting endless intrigue and cementing its place as Australia's diecast model "grail" car. Now, with the mystery of its production quantities finally resolved, the speculation can be laid to rest once and for all.<br><br></p>
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  <tbody>
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  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px; text-align: center;" colspan="2"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>PRODUCTION SUMMARY OF WHITE XY GTHO MODELS</strong></span></td>
  </tr>
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  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;" colspan="2">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>&ldquo;First Run&rdquo; Biante 1:18 Ford Falcon XY GTHO Ultra White</strong></span></p>
  </td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 64.7917px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Total Produced</strong></span></p>
  </td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>900</strong></span></p>
  </td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 64.7917px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">With Certificate (COA)</span></p>
  </td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">898</span></p>
  </td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 64.7917px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Single Mirror (All with COA)</span></p>
  </td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">764</span></p>
  </td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 64.7917px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Twin Mirror (Total)</span></p>
  </td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">136</span></p>
  </td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 64.7917px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Twin Mirror (Distributed to stores with COA)</span></p>
  </td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">134</span></p>
  </td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 64.7917px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Twin Mirror Samples (Without COA)</span></p>
  </td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">2</span></p>
  </td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 64.7917px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;" colspan="2">
  <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Production Biante 1:18 Ford Falcon XY GTHO &ldquo;Track White&rdquo; [sic]</strong></span></p>
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  <tr style="height: 64.7917px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Total Produced</strong></span></p>
  </td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; padding: 5px;">
  <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>4550</strong></span></p>
  </td>
  </tr>
  </tbody>
  </table>
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  <p><br>An intriguing footnote in the twin-mirror story is that the production version (as opposed to those produced for "distributors and corproate customers") of the single-mirror white XY GTHO (<strong><a href="../../../../models/22722/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22722</a></strong>), which was released in September 1998, was accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that mistakenly referred to the colour as 'Track White' instead of the correct 'Ultra White.'</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728139208-mceclip0.jpg" width="497" height="396"><br>Note: All white Biante 1:18 XY GTHOs share the same product code, 22722. To avoid confusion between the three variants under this code, Diecast Detective has added suffixes to the product codes of the two "First Run" models.<br><br></p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="22722 (Twin Mirror) vs. 22722 (Single Mirror) vs. 22722" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="20">[GRAPH-22722 (Twin Mirror) vs. 22722 (Single Mirror) vs. 22722]</x-compare-graph><br>
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  <p>The twin-mirror car stands unmatched in sale prices, as reflected in its Diecast Detective Price (DDP), currently exceeding $2,600 for New condition models. Following this is the single-mirror car with COA, boasting a DDP of over $580 for New condition. Meanwhile, the single-mirror car without COA is valued around $425 for Used condition, making the Used version the pricier option for this variant at this point in time.&nbsp;</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
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author: Diecast Detective
title: 30 Years On: Wayne Gardner Racing (WGR)
subtitle: And Other Coca-Cola Touring Cars
created_at: 2024-10-05 14:00:00
updated_at: 2025-08-11 05:28:16
body:
  <p>In 1993, Wayne Gardner joined the Australian Touring Car Championship with Holden Racing Team (HRT), driving a VP Commodore. He missed the Sandown 500 due to a sponsorship dispute, as Tom Walkinshaw attempted to leverage Gardner&rsquo;s seat to secure Coca-Cola as HRT&rsquo;s naming sponsor.<br><br></p>
  <p>Gardner returned for the Bathurst 1000, partnering with Brad Jones to claim his only Bathurst podium. The dispute was resolved when Peter Brock rejoined HRT with Mobil sponsorship in 1994.<br><br></p>
  <p>In 1994, Gardner founded Wayne Gardner Racing (WGR) with Coca-Cola backing. The team achieved its sole round win at Calder Park in 1997 but faced financial struggles, closing at the end of the year. <br><br>Gardner competed in a limited number of events in 1998 under the Wayne Gardner Racing banner before becoming a Perkins Engineering customer for the headline events of the 1999 season.<br><br></p>
  <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Cars<br><br></strong></span></p>
  <p>Unfortunately neither Wayne's debut VP Commodore nor his first Bathurst podium car were ever produced in 1:18, however the latter was immortalised by Dinkum Classics in 1:43 scale (<a href="../../../../models/HVP270A/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HVP270A</strong></a>).<br><br></p>
  <p>Only two WGR cars were ever produced in 1:18, both Bathurst cars - one by AUTOart and the other by Classic Carlectables.<br><br></p>
  <p><a href="../../../../models/89963/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>89963 </strong>- <strong>1999 FAI 1000 - Wayne Gardner / David Brabham - VT Commodore</strong></a><br>Released in January 2001 by AUTOart via Biante<br>Production run of 6000<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1736673443-89963_3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="253"><br><br></p>
  <p><a href="../../../../models/18565/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>18565 </strong>- <strong>1995 Tooheys 1000 3rd Place Finish - Wayne Gardner / Neil Crompton - VR Commodore</strong></a><br>Released in August 2007 by Classic Carlectables<br>Production run of 750<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728216497-18565-580px.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="248"><br><br></p>
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  <p>It&rsquo;s no surprise that the rarer of these two models holds greater value today. With just 1/5th the transaction volume of the '99 car, it represents Gardner&rsquo;s equal-best Bathurst result and features the iconic Coca-Cola livery. These factors more than justify its higher market value.</p>
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  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="89963 vs. 18565" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="28">[GRAPH-89963 vs. 18565]</x-compare-graph>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><br>The Other Coca-Cola Cars<br><br></strong></span></p>
  <p>The first car that comes to mind is the Moff-Stang but let's set that one aside for now - we'll do a separate write up on that given its popularity and profile. Let's instead focus on modern Australian tourings cars in 1:18 scale.&nbsp;<br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/B18H21G/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B18H21G</a><a href="../../../../models/B18H21G/view/"> - 2021 Repco Bathurst 500, Race 2 - Macauley Jones - Brad Jones Racing ZB Commodore</a><br></strong>Released in January 2023 by Biante<br>Production run of 375<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728258168-mceclip0.png" width="500" height="263"><br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/B18H21V/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B18H21V</a><a href="../../../../models/B18H21V/view/"> - Repco Bathurst 1000 - Macauley Jones / Chris Pither - Brad Jones Racing ZB Commodore</a><br></strong>Released in February 2023 by Biante<br>Production run of 310<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728258393-B18H21V_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="329"><br><br><a href="../../../../models/ACR18H22G/view/"><strong>ACR18H22G - 2022 Repco Bathurst 1000 - Chris Pither / Cameron Hill - PremiAir Coca-Cola Racing ZB Commodore</strong></a><br>Released in June 2023 by Authentic Collectables<br>Production run of 234 - the lowest production run of any Coca-Cola sponsored car<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728259236-ACR18H22G_2.png" alt="" width="500" height="304"><br><strong><br></strong><a href="../../../../models/ACD18C23CW/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ACD18C23CW - 2023 Championship Winner - Brodie Kostecki - Coca-Cola Racing by Erebus Chevrolet Camaro ZL1</strong></a><br>Released in December 2024 by Authentic Collectables<br>Production run of 906<br><strong><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733371557-ACD18C23CW.png" alt="" width="500" height="374"><br><br><a href="../../../../models/ACD18C23CW/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ACD18C23Q - 2023 Bathurst Pole Winner - Brodie Kostecki / David Russell - Coca-Cola Racing by Erebus Chevrolet Camaro ZL1</a></strong><br>Released in December 2024 by Authentic Collectables<br>Production run of 396<strong><br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1734959662-ACD18C23Q.png" alt="" width="500" height="337"><br><br><a href="../../../../models/ACD18C23CW/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ACD18C23R - 2023 Bathurst 1000 - Will Brown / Jack Perkins - Coca-Cola Racing by Erebus Chevrolet Camaro ZL1</a></strong><br>Released in December 2024 by Authentic Collectables<br>Production run of 234<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1734959839-ACD18C23R.png" alt="" width="500" height="333"><strong><br><br></strong></p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: On this day: The Final FPV
subtitle: APEX Replicas Celebrates the Iconic GT-F
created_at: 2024-10-08 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:05:27
body:
  <p><strong>8 October, 2014</strong>: On this day 10 years ago, the final Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) car rolled off the production line&mdash;a GT-F 351. This model marked the end of FPV&rsquo;s legacy as Ford&rsquo;s high-performance division in Australia. The GT-F 351 name honored the iconic Falcon GT of the 1970s, with "F" symbolizing "Final" and "351" referencing the cubic inch capacity of the renowned Windsor and Cleveland V8 engines. This final FPV sedan closed an era of Australian muscle cars.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733031543-LastGT-F.png" alt="" width="1000" height="564"><br>FPV ceased operations shortly after the release of the GT-F, as Ford Australia restructured in anticipation of the end of local manufacturing in 2016. Around the same time, APEX Replicas launched its range of 1:18 scale GT-F models, perhaps not coincidentally. In total, seven variants were produced, including a Highway Patrol Police car. These models were gradually released over 2016 and 2017, with retail prices ranging from $215 to $250.<br><br></p>
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  <p><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733032121-APEX GT-F Brochure.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="684"><br>All Australian-released models came with numbered Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) in production runs ranging from 300 to 906. An unspecified number of units were produced for overseas markets without COAs.</p>
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  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
  <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="4eddec89-bdc2-41c3-954a-864211808560" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o">
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  <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
  <p>While the standard GT-F models are highly sought after by Ford enthusiasts, the Highway Patrol variant attracts even broader interest, driven by police memorabilia collectors. Despite its larger production numbers, the police version is plagued by quality issues, including expanding windows and leeching glue, making pristine examples exceedingly rare. Many are beyond restoration, sparking a unique trend among model customisers who reimagine these flawed replicas as vandalised vehicles&mdash;further enhancing their niche appeal.</p>
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  <p><br><br></p>
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  <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 95.66%; height: 2592.52px; border: 2px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-spacing: 1px;" border="1"><colgroup><col style="width: 11.8597%;"><col style="width: 67.3368%;"><col style="width: 13.0457%;"><col style="width: 7.7747%;"></colgroup>
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  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Product Code</span></strong></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Image</span></strong></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Colour</span></strong></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">No. Made</span></strong></td>
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  <tr style="height: 408.351px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/BO907/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BO907</a></span></strong></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733032328-BO907.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="391"><br></span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Silhouette with <br>Gold stripes</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">300</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 246.361px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/AR81001/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AR81001</a></span></strong></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733032352-AR81001.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"><br></span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Winter White<br>with Black Stripes</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">360</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 317.361px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/AR80602/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AR80602</a></span></strong></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733032368-AR80602.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="300"><br></span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Kinetic with<br>Black Stripes</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">360</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 437.361px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/AR80609/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AR80609</a></span></strong></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733032406-AR80609_2.JPG" alt="" width="500" height="420"><br></span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Smoke with<br>Silver Stripes</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">462</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 397.361px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/AR80607/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AR80607</a></span></strong></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733032427-AR80607.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="380"><br></span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Victory Gold<br>with Black Stripes</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">522</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 436.354px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/AR80604/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AR80604</a></span></strong></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733032504-AR80604D_1.png" alt="" width="500" height="419"><br></span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Octane with<br>Black Stripes</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">750</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 315.347px;">
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="../../../../models/AR80603/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AR80603</a></span></strong></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733032528-AR80603.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="298"><br></span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">NSW Highway<br>Patrol "HWP152"</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">906</span></td>
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  </tbody>
  </table>
  <p><br><em><strong>Update 1 December, 2024</strong></em><br><br></p>
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  <p>Currently, the most valuable GT-F according to the Diecast Detective Price is the Highway Patrol edition. While its value has remained stable, the Winter White GT-F recently surged past the $500 mark for 'New.'&nbsp;<br><br>In contrast, the Smoke and Octane variants have seen sharp declines, with Smoke dropping 20% after a peak sale of $510 in early October, as multiple sales followed in quick succession, saturating the market. <br><br>Similarly, the Octane variant peaked at $549 in January 2024 but has since dropped 33%, with three of the last four sales falling below $300, resulting in a current Diecast Detective Price of $280, making it the least valuable GT-F. <br><br>Octane has fallen even more dramatically, down 33% since its January 2024 high sale price of $549, now sitting at $280 for its Diecast Detective Price, making it the least valuable GT-F in the lineup.</p>
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  <p><br><br><br><br><br></p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: Hurricane: Holden's First Concept Car
subtitle: Plus: All of Holden's Other Concept Cars
created_at: 2024-03-04 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:06:23
body:
  <p>The Holden Hurricane, unveiled in 1969, was Holden&rsquo;s first-ever concept car and a bold leap into the future of automotive design. Known internally as RD 001, the Hurricane featured a striking wedge-shaped design, with a futuristic canopy-style roof that opened upwards. Built with lightweight fiberglass, it stood just 990 mm tall, giving the car a spaceship-like appearance.<br><br>In 2015, APEX Replicas launched their 1:18 scale version of the Hurricane (<a href="../../../../models/AC8001/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>AC8001</strong></a>). With a generous production run of 798 models and a relatively moderate demand, many of these replicas remained available for purchase long after their initial release. Sadly, unathorised releases out of China are flooding the market with the only difference to the APEX official release being the lack of a COA. As we will investigate in a future article, unauthorised releases have a material (negative) impact on offcial releases. <br><br>Unlike the V8 Supercars released around the same time by APEX, the Hurricane was crafted to a remarkably high standard, despite being a sealed resin model.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728385719-AC8001_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728385739-AC8001_3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728385763-AC8001_4.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728385779-AC8001_5.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"><br><br></p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="AC8001" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="15">[GRAPH-AC8001]</x-compare-graph>
  <p><br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Holden's Other Concept Cars<br><br></strong></span><strong><a href="../../../../models/73431/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">73431</a> - Holden Coupe Concept (Blue/Black Metallic)<br></strong>AUTOart/Biante proudly holds the distinction of producing the first Holden concept model&mdash;the&nbsp;Monaro concept, which debuted at the 1998 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. Released in January 2001, this iconic model saw a production run of 8,520 units, making it the Holden concept model with the highest production run.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728392088-73431_1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="281"><br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/73432/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">73432</a> - Holden Coupe Concept (Mustard Metallic Gold)<br></strong>Following on from the release of the Blue/Black Metallic Monaro concept, AUTOart/Biante released the gold version in June 2001. Production quantity was slightly reduced over its predecessor with 8,004 units.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728392353-73432_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"><br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/18221/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18221</a> - 'EFIJY'</strong></p>
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  <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="323189fa-fe65-4963-829d-5ba8e7d323f7">
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  <p>Deserving of its own spotlight is arguably Australia's greatest concept car,&nbsp;EFIJY, debuted in 2005 at the Australian International Motor Show. Released by Classic Carlectables in June 2007 in 1:18 scale, its real life popularity was reflected in a production run of 6,600 units, making it the most produced Holden concept car by a significant margin. <br><br>Additionally, it was made available to members of the Classic Carlectables Club, with this exclusive version (<a href="../../../../models/18221M/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>18221M</strong></a>; just 300 produced) featuring a mounting plaque signed by Richard Ferlazzo, Holden chief designer.</p>
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  </div>
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  <p><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728387674-18221-580px.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="208"><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728387639-18221M.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="303"><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/18370/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18370</a> - Coupe 60<br></strong>Built to commemorate Holden's 60th anniversary, Coupe 60 was unveiled at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show. Classic Carlectables released their 1:18 scale version in May 2010 in a quantity of 4,550 units. It runs neck-and-neck with EFIJY for the most traded Holden concept vehicle, although its values pale next to the Soprano Purple beauty,<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728390293-18370-580px.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="217"><br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/18050/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18050</a> - Holden UTEster<br></strong>Unveiled at the 2001 Melbourne Motor Show, the UTEster was produced by Classic Carlectables and released in February 2004, marking the company's first Holden concept car. Production totalled 2,500 units.</p>
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  <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
  <p><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728391197-18050.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="227"><strong><br></strong></p>
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  </div>
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  </div>


author: Diecast Detective
title: 15 Years of Red Dust
subtitle: The Indigenous Livery that Started a Tradition
created_at: 2024-04-01 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:06:28
body:
  <p>In 2008, some 14 years before Supercars made indigenous liveries compulsory for the Hidden Valley round of the championship, the TeamVodafone Falcons of Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup's BF Falcons swapped their usual fluro red and silver for a special one-off livery, designed by Aboriginal artist Raymond Walters Japanangka. The livery was created to raise awareness for the Red Dust Role Models program, which continues to support the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged Indigenous youth in remote Australia. <br><br></p>
  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
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  <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
  <p>In April 2009, Classic Carlectables released their 1:18 scale model of Lowndes' #888 Falcon (<strong><a href="../../../../models/18372/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18372</a></strong>) in the 'Red Dust' livery. Surprisingly, they waited seven years to release Whincup's matching #88 car. At the time, Whincup had not yet won a V8 Supercars Championship, despite being a 3-time Bathurst winner and Championship runner-up, which likely influenced their decision to limit production to the Lowndes car and at 1,500 units, assuming it would satisfy demand.</p>
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  <p><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728471899-18372-580px.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="281"><br>In June 2016, Jamie's 'Red Dust' Falcon (<strong><a href="../../../../models/18588/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18588</a></strong>) was released by Classic Carlectables with a few changes over the Lowndes release:<br><br>- Addition of a third roof-mounted aerial<br>- Wheel design was subtly changed<br>- Box artwork changed from a comgen of Lowndes' car to an action photo of Whincup's car<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728471925-18588_580px.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="285"><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728472852-18372&amp;18588Boxes.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="436"><br>A production run of 1,200 units reflected a 20% decrease over the Lowndes car but a 20% increase over the scheduled production at the point of pre-orders (see poster below) which suggests it was a popular model upon release.&nbsp;<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1728471063-18588Brochure.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="713"><br>Despite Jamie's incredible success in the time between the release of the two models, it's fair to say that his popularity never matched his level of success. That's reflected in value of this model today which hovers around half that of the Lowndes car based on the Diecast Detective Price but significantly less than half when comparing peak values.&nbsp;<br><br>Given that indigenous liveries are now compulsory at the Darwin round, these model releases are now commonplace which will either mean that collectors will want a full set and go back to collect the Triple 8 cars driving up demand (and prices) or that the common nature of indigenous livery releases makes them less desirable in turn driving prices down. <br><br>The Diecast Detective Price for both models suggests a downward price trend continuing. Lowndes' popularity will ensure his model remains desirable and the model more likely to maintain or increase in value but for now it appears yet to find the bottom of the market.<br><br></p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="18372 vs. 18588" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="17">[GRAPH-18372 vs. 18588]</x-compare-graph>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p><br><br></p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: The Gore Factor
subtitle: Fast Cash, Slow Cars, Plenty of Controversy
created_at: 2024-03-18 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:06:26
body:
  <p>Craig Gore&rsquo;s venture into V8 Supercars in 2004 was as bold as the man himself. Known for high-risk investments, he founded WPS Racing under his Wright Patton Shakespeare Financial Group, entering the sport with grand promises to challenge established teams and bring fresh ideas.<br><br>WPS Racing began by sponsoring Mark Noske's AU Falcon for the last three events of the 2003 season. In 2004, Gore acquired assets from the now-defunct 00 Motorsport team, including two Ford Falcon BAs, a transporter, and equipment, alongside Noske's previous car. The team launched with Noske and David Besnard sharing driving duties under a Level 2 franchise leased from Lansvale Racing Team. By Round 4, Gore expanded to two cars after purchasing a franchise from fan-favorite David Thexton.<br><br>Despite its well-funded setup, WPS Racing struggled on track, with drivers frequently finishing in the middle to back of the pack. The team faced numerous controversies, including clashes with officials, fueled by Gore's outspoken personality. <br><br>Ironically, its most successful weekend came during the 2004 Tasmanian Round, where both cars were black-flagged for the slogan &ldquo;No money from Ford&rdquo; on their windscreens. Despite this, the team clinched a surprise victory, with David Besnard awarded the win after a disputed safety car incident. This victory marked the team's sole race win, restoring some face after it was mockingly dubbed "We Produce Safety Cars (WPS)" at the Sandown 500.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733403329-NoMoneyFromFord.png" alt="" width="1000" height="666"><br>In 2005, following Noske&rsquo;s departure, Craig Baird joined, and WPS Racing secured two Level 1 licenses from Perkins Engineering to field two cars full-time. In 2006, the team merged with Larkham Motor Sport, welcoming team manager Mark Larkham and driver Jason Bargwanna. Max Wilson took the second seat, bringing renewed ambition.<br><br>However, by 2007, financial challenges, inconsistent results, and an inner-ear injury preventing Gore from attending races took their toll. In February 2008, Gore announced his exit, with WPS Racing's assets acquired by Paul Morris, marking the end of his tumultuous journey in the sport.<br><br>Despite competing for four years, only the 2004 cars were produced as 1:18 scale models. This could be attributed to the cars&rsquo; unchanging livery or the team's revolving door of drivers, making it impractical to produce models for all variations. Plans existed to produce models for the 2005 cars, but they never came to fruition.<br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/B180702N/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B180702N</a>&nbsp;</strong>-&nbsp;<strong>2004 Ford BA Falcon WPS Racing - David Besnard</strong><br>Released in January 2005 by Biante<br>Production run of 1000<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730683899-B180702N.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="220"><br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/B180702N/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B180702P</a>&nbsp;</strong>-&nbsp;<strong>2004 Ford BA Falcon WPS Racing - Mark Noske</strong><br>Released in January 2005 by Biante<br>Production run of 1000<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730683961-B180702P_1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="266"><br><br></p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="B180702N vs. B180702P" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="16">[GRAPH-B180702N vs. B180702P]</x-compare-graph>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: 10 Years On: Triple Eight's Project Sandman
subtitle: As driven by Daniel Ricciardo... (once)
created_at: 2024-11-04 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:05:36
body:
  <p>Would Roland Dane, one of the savviest operators in Supercars history, borrow the code name of Ford&rsquo;s secret 1970s project to create a high-performance Falcon panel van and use it for his own Holden-based Sandman tribute? Coincidence or not, that&rsquo;s exactly what Triple Eight Engineering did in 2014 with "Project Sandman." Built on Jamie Whincup&rsquo;s 2013 VF Commodore Supercar, it honored the 40th anniversary of the iconic HQ Sandman Panel Van.<br><br></p>
  <p>Debuting at the 2014 Gold Coast 600 complete with roof-mounted surfboards, the Sandman started with a V8 engine but was later equipped with a twin-turbo V6. Greg Murphy showcased the engine with demonstration laps at the 2017 Bathurst 1000, aiming to gauge interest in bringing it into Supercars in 2018. However, fan resistance and Holden&rsquo;s exit from Australian manufacturing led to the project&rsquo;s cancellation.</p>
  <p><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733122082-OldandNewSandmansGC.png" alt="" width="1000" height="564"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Image courtesy of Red Bull</span><br><br>Project Sandman would go on to become a ride car for Triple Eight before being sold in 2020 to Stephen and Brenton Grove of Grove Racing. <br><br>Over the course of its life, Project Sandman sported a number of different liveries and Biante have immortalised this iconic car in its two most famous schemes: silver (shown at launch and as it appears today) and blue (from when Daniel Ricciardo drove it in 2016). Both colours were offered in two scales, 1:18 and 1:12.<br><br></p>
  <p><strong><a href="../../../../models/BR18601A/view/">BR18601A - Project Sandman Tribute Edition (Silver)</a></strong><br>Released in May 2020<br>820 made<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730696664-BR18601A.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"></p>
  <p><strong><br><a href="../../../../models/BR18601B/view/">BR18601B - Project Sandman Tribute Edition (Blue)</a></strong><br>Released in June 2020<br>1188 made<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730696859-BR18601B.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="323"><br><br></p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="BR18601A vs. BR18601B" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="29">[GRAPH-BR18601A vs. BR18601B]</x-compare-graph>
  <p><br><br><a href="../../../../models/BR12601A/view/"><strong>BR12601A - Project Sandman Tribute Edition (Silver)</strong></a><br>Released in May 2020<br>170 made<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730696952-BR12601A.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"></p>
  <p><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/BR12601B/view/">BR12601B - Project Sandman Tribute Edition (Blue)</a></strong><br>Released in June 2020<br>222 made<br><br></p>
  <p><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730696976-BR12601B.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"><br><br></p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="BR12601A vs. BR12601B" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="30">[GRAPH-BR12601A vs. BR12601B]</x-compare-graph>
  <p><br><br></p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: On this day: Ford Withdraws Sponsorship from ATCC Teams
subtitle: Works teams become privateers for 1974
created_at: 2024-01-25 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:06:21
body:
  <p><strong>25 January, 1974</strong>: On this day 50 years ago, Ford Australia made public, the surprising decision to withdraw all factory support for touring car racing. At the time Ford was deeply embedded in Australian motorsport, having achieved significant recent success with the GT-HO. In fact, 1973 was both a championship and Bathurst 1000 winning year for the marque. A combination of factors, including the global oil crisis, rising production costs, and a changing public attitude toward high-performance vehicles, influenced Ford's decision to pull the plug on its racing sponsorship.&nbsp;<br><br>In response to Ford's withdrawal, Allan Moffat and other drivers resorted to creative measures to stay competitive. Moffat, famously took on backing from Brut 33, a brand of aftershave, which led to his distinctive "Brut 33" liveried XB Falcon. <br><br>Leaning on the resources of FoMoCo USA and Moffat further developed the car he had built - reportedly at a cost of $100,000 - hoping to capture his fourth Bathurst crown. The blue Brut 33 machine had won the recent Sandown 250 but the upgraded version of that car that he shared with co-driver Dieter Glemser suffered engine failure just after halfway through the Bathurst 1000. AUTOart/Biante and more recently Classic Carlectables have produced this car in 1:18 scale.&nbsp;<br><br><a href="../../../../models/87411/view/"><strong>87411 - 1974 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 - Allan Moffat / Dieter Glemser - XB Falcon GT Hardtop</strong></a><br>Released in May 2001 by AUTOart/Biante<br>Allan Moffat Collection Release #3<br>Production run of 6000<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730716944-87411.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375"></p>
  <p><br><a href="../../../../models/18266/view/"><strong>18266 - 1974 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 - Allan Moffat / Dieter Glemser - XB Falcon GT Hardtop</strong></a><br>Released in November 2010 by Classic Carlectables<br>Production run of 1100<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730717150-18266-580px.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="187"><br><br></p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="87411 vs. 18266" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="12">[GRAPH-87411 vs. 18266]</x-compare-graph>
  <p><br>While Moffat struggled for success at the Mountain as a privateer in his new XB Falcon, the duo of John Goss and Kevin Bartlett used the outgoing XA Falcon to great success, securing victory over Forbes/Negus and Richards/Coppins in a pair of newly released LH Toranas. In similar fashion to the Moffat/Glemser car, the Goss/Bartlett Bathurst winner has been immortalised by AUTOart/Biante and latterly, Classic Carlectables.&nbsp;<br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/87412/view/">87412 - Hardie-Ferodo 1000 Winner - John Goss / Kevin Bartlett - XA Falcon GT Hardtop</a><br></strong>Released in June 2006 by AUTOart<br>Production run of 3000<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730718272-87412_.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="202"><br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/18412/view/">18412 - Hardie-Ferodo 1000 Winner - John Goss / Kevin Bartlett - XA Falcon GT Hardtop</a><br></strong>Released in January 2012 by Classic Carlectables<br>Production run of 1550<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730718306-18412-580px.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="195"><br><br></p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="87412 vs. 18412" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="32">[GRAPH-87412 vs. 18412]</x-compare-graph>
  <p><br>Sadly, these two pairs of duplicates make up four of the six 1974 ATCC Falcons that have ever been produced. The other two models are Moffat's ATCC - as opposed to Bathurst - car (AUTOart) and the aforementioned Sandown 250 Winner (by Classic Carlectables).<br><br><a href="../../../../models/87413/view/"><strong>87413 - 1974 ATCC Season - Allan Moffat - XB Falcon GT Hardtop</strong></a><br>Released in April 2008 by AUTOart as part of the Biante Allan Moffat Collection<br>Production run of 4000<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1735729563-87413_2.png" alt="" width="500" height="262"><br><br><a href="../../../../models/18783/view/"><strong>18783 - 1974 Sandown 250 Winner - Allan Moffat - XB Falcon GT Hardtop</strong></a><br>Released in February 2023 by Classic Carlectables<br>Production run of 1000<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730719407-18783.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="218"><br><br>A little known fact about 1974 is that it has proven to be Ford's last victory with a Falcon bearing the GT badge, and in doing so makes the XA the second (XR was first in 1967) and last GT badged Falcon (as opposed to GT-HO) to ever win Bathurst. The nameplate was officially retired after 1976 until 1992 when it reappeared on the EB Falcon GT street car which never raced.<br><br><br></p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: Diecast Model Expo Satin Black Releases (Cars)
subtitle: Exclusive Expo-only Releases
created_at: 2024-11-04 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:05:34
body:
  <p>To celebrate the one year anniversary of the most recent Diecast Model Expo (DME) - held on 4-5 November 2023, let's take a look at how the most special models released at each show - the Satin Black models - have faired since the first one in 2011.<br><br>The Diecast Model Expo is a quasi bi-annual (2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2021 [virtual], 2023) event the brings together diecast model collectors, industry exhibiters and enthusiasts. Organised by Dominic Comino from Motorfocus Diecast Models, the event features a number of key elements including room trading for those wishing to buy and sell pre-owned and new models, a gala dinner with guest speaker (in 2023 it was Allan Grice) and the reason for this article, exclusive show releases!<br><br>Each Diecast Expo reveals a range of new models, but in this edition of&nbsp;<em>Diecast Digest</em>, we&rsquo;re spotlighting the Satin Black car models. Historically, these models couldn't be purchased outright; they were only available to those volunteering as event staff or as special prizes.<br><br><strong>2011 Expo</strong><br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/18460/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18460 - &nbsp;Monaro 427 Plain Body (DME Pursuit Car)</a><br></strong>Production run of 60 by Classic Carlectables in 1:18<br><br>Utilsing the same mould as the Monaro 427 Bathurst 24 Hour car used for the 2002/3 Winners and 2003 2nd place cars released 6+ years prior, this model is actually based on the 2003 Peter Brock Nations Cup car (<strong><a href="../../../../models/18459/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18459</a></strong>) that was also released at the 2011 Expo, but for general release. This incredibly low run Satin Black model was given as welcome gift to volunteers and gifted to outstanding assistants at the event. An incredibly rare model with an infrequent sale turnover rate with just two confirmed sales around the $1,200 mark.&nbsp;<br><br>Given the history of the Monaro 427, the menacing look of the model and the incredible rarity, this has all the hallmarks of a model that could achieve a 'pick a number' type of price. eBay would most likely be the platform on which to generate the highest sale price and net return (after fees).<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730775013-18460.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="273">&nbsp;<br><br><strong>2013 Expo</strong><br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/18523/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18523 - VY SS Custom Sandman (DME Pursuit Model)</a><br></strong>Production run of 60 by Classic Carlectables in 1:18<br><br>Utilising the same mould as the VY SS Ute with Canopy releases from 2004/5, this VY SS Sandman is the Satin Black version of the general release model (<a href="../../../../models/18522/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>18522</strong></a>) that was also released at the Expo. In similar fashion to the Monaro 427 DME Pursuit, there have been very few recorded sales but when these model do sell, the prices are consistent at $750.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730776233-18523.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="314"><br><br><strong>2015 Expo<br><br><a href="../../../../models/18578/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18578 - XY GT-HO Super Falcon</a><br></strong>Production run of 60 by Classic Carlectables in 1:18<br><br>The Super Falcon mould, originally introduced with the 1972 Geoghegan ATCC Round 3 Winner and Grace Bros car from the Oran Park finale, was also used for a general-release model of Moffat's Calder Park Falcon (<a href="../../../../models/18573/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>18573</strong></a>), which debuted at the Expo. Similar to the previous two Satin Black releases, only two sales of this model have been reported, with a significant price variance between them: one sold for $2,351, while the other fetched $1,125 over a span of two years. A listing on Facebook Marketplace has had this model available for $1,000 since the start of the year, and it likely would have sold at that price or for around $1,155 (netting $1,000 after fees) if listed on eBay instead.</p>
  <p><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730778292-18578.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="244"><br><br><strong>2018 Expo</strong><br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/B182702J/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B182702J - HDT VC Commodore</a><br></strong>Production run of 102 by Biante in 1:18<br><br>Following on from the release of the <strong><a href="../../../../models/B182702B/view">Palais White HDT VC Commodore</a></strong> earlier in the year, the Expo release for 2018 was a Satin Black version. Interestingly, unlike previous Satin Black Expo releases, a small number of this model were available to purchase during the event. The Palais White versions are notorious for numerous quality related issues, typically sideskirts and wing elements being dislodged, but also poor paint quality and shut lines around aperatures. The Satin Black trades so infrequently - it's not known whether these issues afflict it. Since records began, there have been just three sales all around $1,400.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730780372-B182702J.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="301"><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730787516-B1820702J DME Mag.PNG" alt="" width="500" height="619"><br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/ACD18F15EB/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ACD18F15EB - 2015 Supercheap Bathurst 1000 Harvey Norman Supergirls Wildcard - Simona De Silvestro / Renee Gracie - FGX Falcon</a><br></strong>Production run of 102 by Authentic Collectables in 1:18<br><br></p>
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  <p>Not to be mistaken for the general release model (<strong><a href="../../../../models/ACD18F15E/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ACD18F15E</a></strong>) launched at the Expo, this version features the most subtle Satin Black detailing yet, with only the bonnet, lower/upper door sections and wing end-plates in satin black. <br><br>With Renee Gracie making a surprise appearance at the event, a special edition model was fittingly available, and many were signed by her. <br><br>Prices for this edition have ranged widely, with peaks around $900 and lows of $300, while the current Diecast Detective Price is around $450 for used and $500 for new versions of this model. It seems that the general release version is more popular with collectors, likely because it more faithfully replicates the car controversially nicknamed the &ldquo;pussy wagon&rdquo; by David Reynolds.<br><br></p>
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  <div class="flex items-center"><br><strong>Black but not Satin<br><br></strong>Though not technically satin black, the&nbsp;<strong><a href="../../../../models/%20(No%20Code)%20CC2008VKPLAINBLACKEXPO/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plain body VK Commodore</a></strong> released at the 2008 Diecast Collectors Convention holds the distinction of being the first black exclusive show model. Limited to just 50 units, it was produced by Classic Carlectables (without a product code) as a plain-body version of the Gerald Kay and Geoff Munday Jagparts car (<a href="../../../../models/18347/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>18347</strong></a>) also released at the event. <br><br>With only two reported sales, it ranks among the rarest and most valuable Australian diecast models ever produced.</div>
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author: Diecast Detective
title: Diecast Model Expo Satin Black Releases (Trucks)
subtitle: Exclusive Expo-only Releases
created_at: 2024-11-05 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-20 11:47:39
body:
  <p>To celebrate the one year anniversary of the most recent Diecast Model Expo (DME) - held on 4-5 November 2023, let's take a look at how the most special models released at each show - the Satin Black models - have faired since the first one in 2011.<br><br>The Diecast Model Expo is a quasi bi-annual (2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2021 [virtual], 2023) event the brings together diecast model collectors, industry exhibiters and enthusiasts. Organised by Dominic Comino from Motorfocus Diecast Models, the event features a number of key elements including room trading for those wishing to buy and sell pre-owned and new models, a gala dinner with guest speaker (in 2023 it was Allan Grice) and the topic for this article, exclusive show releases.<br><br>Each Diecast Expo reveals a range of new models, but in this edition of <em>Diecast Digest</em>, we&rsquo;re spotlighting the Satin Black truck models. Unlike the car models (which you can read about here), which require being a volunteer or prize winner to obtain, these trucks could be purchased at the show.</p>
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  <p><strong><br></strong><strong>ZT09080 - Kenworth C509 with 4x8 Swingwing Drop Deck Trailer &amp; 2x8 Dolly<br></strong>Production run of 100 by Drake Collectibles in 1:50<br><br>Not only is this model a rare release by virtue of its low production run but also because unlike all other Satin Black Expo models, this model isn't available in another colour or variant. This is the only C509 prime mover with a 4x8 (as opposed to 3x8 or 5x8) swingwing trailer. There's a $200 variance between the two sales that have been recorded for this model with $1,050 for a used variant and $1,250 for a new variant earlier in 2024. Considering it was offered to Expo attendees upon release for $485, it has appreciated considerably in the past 9 years.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730783075-ZT09080.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="269"><br><br><strong>2018 Expo</strong><br><br><strong>ZT09188 - Kenworth T904 with 3x8 Swingwing Trailer &amp; 2x8 Dolly - Membrey's Transport &amp; Crane Hire<br></strong>Production run of 100 by Drake Collectibles in 1:50<br><br>Affectionately known as the "Rowan Tribute" truck, this special model pays homage to Rowan Membrey, the late son of Craig Membrey, who passed away in 2011. Released in Satin Black with a matching trailer, it follows the original "Rowan Tribute" prime mover (<a href="../../../../models/Z01370/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Z01370</strong></a>) from April 2014, which was limited to just 500 units. Priced at $499 at the Expo, this model remains highly sought after by Drake collectors. While there haven't been many reported sales, the current Diecast Detective valuation exceeds $3,100 for used models, positioning this model as one of the industry's most sought-after pieces.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730784596-ZT09188_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="350"><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730784627-ZT09188.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="241"><br><br><br><strong>2021 Expo</strong><br><br><strong>Z01547 / Z0B026 - K200 "Phat Cab" with Ballast Box - Membrey's Transport &amp; Crane Hire<br>Production run of 250 by Drake Collectibles in 1:50<br><br></strong>The 2021 Expo was the expo that wasn't. Thanks to COVID, there was no Expo, rather an online release of models the following year! In terms of model releases in 2022, this Membrey's Phat Cab would've been near the top with the combination of Drake + Membrey's + Satin Black Expo release being catnip for collectors and speculators. The model became available at 10am AEST on the 19th of October and sold out immediately. What made this model extra special for collectors was that it came with a ballast box that couldn't be purchased separately. The organisers of the Expo also knew the collectability of having this and the "Rowan Tribute" truck as a pair as you can read in the email excerpt below.<br><br></p>
  <p><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730785900-mceclip0.png"><br>Prices peaked at an incredible $3,410 two weeks after release, two months later the price had dipped to around $1,000 before climbing in mid-2023 to $1,500 and holding there for a year before settling at the current level around $900 with the Current Diecast Detective Price (which takes into account price trends) sitting at $1,100/$1,000 (New/Used).<br><br><br><strong>2023 Expo</strong><br><br>After the success of the past Drake Satin Black releases, Drake Collectibles doubled down at the most recent Expo with two incredible releases.<br><br><strong>Z01618 - Kenworth T909 Director Series - Membrey's Transport &amp; Crane Hire - 50th Birthday livery (Satin Black)<br></strong>Production run of 300 by Drake Collectibles in 1:50<strong><br><br></strong>The release of this truck followed the general public release of the white version which is known as the "Birthday Truck" to celebrate Craig Membrey's 50th birthday. Just $260 at the Expo, these soon found their way onto the resale market with early sales ranging from $900-$1,500 before peaking a month later at $2,550 and then $3,000 before plummeting to $600-700 a month later after the leftover(!) stock from the Expo began to hit retailers. The price has remained at this level since.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730788160-Z01618.JPG" alt="" width="500" height="333"></p>
  <p><br><strong>Z01619 - K200 "Phat Cab" - Doolan's Transport<br></strong>Production run of 300 by Drake Collectibles in 1:50<br><br>Unlike the "Birthday Truck", the Doolan's release wasn't a Satin Black version of a general release model which makes it truly unique. There's stark contrast between early sales performance of this and the Membrey's model released on the same day. Where Membrey's peaked at $3,000, Doolan's peaked at $1,025, but that's not the whole story. Today, the Diecast Detective Prices (New/Used) of the Doolan's model sit above the Membrey's having sustained values in the $600-800 range (with a few exceptions of course) with a recent upward trend. <br><br>While Membrey's will likely remain the livery most popular with collectors, K200 Fat/Phat Cabs, are the most popular bodystyle which is likely why this model will continue to perform strongly.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730788713-Z01619.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"></p>
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author: Diecast Detective
title: Why this is Australia's Most Valuable Model
subtitle: Celebrating 2 Years as Australia's Top Model
created_at: 2025-01-15 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:03:36
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  <p>The Mapai Transport T909 sits atop the Diecast Detective Highest Value Models table with a sale of $6,200, an incredible feat that would come as a surprise to those not familiar with Drake Collectibles and their ardent collector community. What might be even more surprising to those outside of the truck collecting community is that this model, like many other truck models, is just 1:50 scale. <br><br>So how has a Papua New Guinea based transport company liveried truck become the high watermark for model values in Australia?<br><br></p>
  <p>The Mapai model (<a href="../../../../models/Z01390/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Z01390</strong></a>) was initially kept under wraps until a collector in New Zealand, reportedly connected to Mapai Transport, shared photos of the model on online. This sparked immediate curiosity and demand, prompting a wave of inquiries to Drake Collectibles. Following this, Drake released some details, but the interest only grew as collectors began contacting Mapai Transport directly, eager to purchase a model&mdash;a demand that continues to this day.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730852922-69009102_2701027176576348_4082920521463758848_n.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="301"></p>
  <p><br>Originally diecast truck models were created as marketing tools, eventually evolving into collectible items. Jacob Luke, the late founder of Mapai Transport saw their value in strengthening customer relationships and as rewards for employees. Many other companies use these models similarly. <br><br>Only 200 Mapai models were produced, but other privately-commissioned models exist in even smaller numbers, including quantities of 100, 48, and 24. It's reasonable to speculate that these ultra-rare models would surpass the Mapai model in value if ever offered for sale, due to their scarcity. Details of these releases have never been disclosed to the public as these companies have operations to run and would be overwhelmed with collector enquiries for their models.</p>
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  <p>There are potentially some high-end car models from boutique manufacturers that could challenge the Mapai truck's top spot but for two years now, nothing - as reported to Diecast Detective - has come within $2,000 of it.<br><br></p>
  <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Top 3 Drake Collectibles Sales</span><br><br><a href="../../../../models/Z01390/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Z01390 - Mapai Transport Kenworth T909</a><br></strong>Highest Sale Price: $6,200 (January 2023)<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730852592-Z01390_6.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="374"><strong><br><br><a href="../../../../models/Z01394/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Z01394 - Bill Braitling ANZAC Tribute Kenworth C509</a><br></strong>Highest Sale Price: $5,000 (January 2023)<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1740377742-z01394.png" alt="" width="500" height="398"><br><br><strong><a href="../../../../models/Z01547,Z0B026/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Z01547 / Z0B026 - Membrey's Transport K200 Phat Cab with Ballast Box (Satin Black - Expo Release)</a><br></strong>Highest Sale Price: $3,410 (November 2022)<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730852791-Z01547,Z0B026.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="329"><br><br></p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: The Fallout from Monster's Withdrawal a Year On
subtitle: Monster-sized fan response to model car exit
created_at: 2024-11-06 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-20 11:42:56
body:
  <p>In early 2023, something unusual caught collectors' attention: all Tickford Monster Energy cars vanished from the Authentic Collectables website. Initially, it seemed they might have sold out&mdash;yet sold-out models typically remain displayed on the site indefinitely. This was different. <br><br>On 28 June, 2023, Authentic Collectables released a statement explaining that Tickford Racing had directed them to stop producing model cars of the #6 vehicle in any scale moving forward. Additionally, they were asked to remove the Monster models from the website while licensing issues with Monster were resolved.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730864148-Tickford Authentic Monster Announcement.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="776"><br>It wasn&rsquo;t just model cars affected; all Monster-branded Tickford merchandise also disappeared, leaving only green-on-black Cam Waters gear that hinted at Monster&rsquo;s signature look without the branding. This licensing situation left collectors speculating about the future of the Monster models and increased demand for any remaining editions in circulation.</p>
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  <p>In the wake of this news, social media lit up with requests for satin black Gen3 Mustangs and Code 3 builders to either make cars or supply decals. The requests hit fever pitch when Cam Waters' won race 1 at the 2023 Adelaide 500 in his Monster Mustang sporting an incredible Ken Block tribute livery.&nbsp;<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730859012-TICKFORD_KB43_2-875x584.png" alt="" width="1000" height="666"></p>
  <p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Image courtesy of Tickford Racing</span><br><br></p>
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  <p>Relief was on the horizon&mdash;at least partially. On 14 September, 2024, Tickford announced that it had secured approval to resume sales of Monster Energy-branded merchandise through a new, dedicated licensing agreement. However, according to team owner Rod Nash, model cars were not included in this agreement, leaving collectors disappointed and the status of Monster-branded Tickford models uncertain.</p>
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  <p><br>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re not focused on the [model] cars at this point, it was more the merch we wanted to really get going,&rdquo; Nash said.<br><br>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re constantly dealing with model car issues, with approvals. The OEM (Ford) has to also approve model cars, it&rsquo;s just a totally different piece to what we term normal merch.<br><br>&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t know about Monster cars, we haven&rsquo;t really put any focus on that, because it&rsquo;s the merch that everyone really wants. We like the cars, but merch is the main focus.&rdquo;<br><br></p>
  <p>For now, the 2022-2024 Monster Mustangs remain an elusive addition to collectors' shelves. The last Tickford Monster model officially released was the 2016 Waters/Le Brocq Bathurst FGX Falcon (<strong><a href="../../../../models/ACD18F16M/view/">ACD18F16M</a></strong>), offered only to pre-order customers without the usual promotional fanfare.&nbsp;<br><br></p>
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  <p><br>Following Monster&rsquo;s announcement to withdraw, and with speculation that the 2016 Bathurst car might be the final Monster-branded Supercar, collectors jumped into action. Prices surged not only for the 2016 car but also across the board for all Tickford Monster models as demand skyrocketed.<br><br>Now, over a year later, with news that Monster has returned to Tickford merchandise, it&rsquo;s a fitting time to re-evaluate the market and see how prices are holding up for various Monster models. Given the enduring popularity of Monster&rsquo;s livery and its brief departure, these models have established a strong collector&rsquo;s value, with some models becoming especially coveted since the market shake-up.<br><br><br></p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: On this day: Ambrose's Wildcard Revealed
subtitle: DJR & Penske bring Marcos home
created_at: 2024-11-01 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:05:32
body:
  <p><strong>1 November, 2014: </strong>On this day 10 years ago, two-time V8 Supercars Champion, Marcos Ambrose, returned from a eight-year stint in NASCAR to unveil an Xbox sponsored FG Falcon wildcard that he would be driving at the 2014 NRMA Sydney 500 season finale. The wildcard opportunity came about (incredibly) with the help of Ambrose's arch rival, Mark Skaife who helped secure the sponsorship from Microsoft. <br><br></p>
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  <p>Little did anyone realise at the time that this wildcard entry was a stepping stone to Roger Penske&rsquo;s partnership with Dick Johnson Racing (DJR), which ultimately hinged on Ambrose joining the team as a full-time driver. The wildcard served as an early hint of Penske&rsquo;s strategic interest in Australian motorsport, leading to his transformative investment in DJR.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730879898-AmbroseXbox.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="562"><br>Ambrose would go on to finish 20th, 21st and 16th respectively in the three races, perhaps more a reflection of where DJR were at as a team than of how rusty he was.<br><br></p>
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  <p>APEX Replicas released a 1:18 sealed resin model of Ambrose's car (<a href="../../../../models/AD80611/view/"><strong>AD80611</strong></a>) in mid 2015 for $160. The quality wasn't great, partly due to being resin - a lack of clear shutlines for bonnet, doors and boot are a giveaway. However, it was the execution of the satin paint which was dull and the strangely high-profile tyres and toy-like wheels and brakes that missed the mark. Regardless, it's an important piece of DJR history and is the link between the 'old' team and the future with Penske.<br><br>Today, prices are firmly in the $200 range, with some new stock available for significantly less.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730881989-AD80611_22.png" alt="" width="500" height="303"></p>
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  <p><br>This model should not be confused with the other Ambrose Xbox car, driven by Ambrose and Scott Pye during the 2015 Enduro Cup for what would be Marcos' last ever race (Gold Coast 600). Produced by Authentic Collectables, this version (<a href="../../../../models/ACD18F15A/view/"><strong>ACD18F15A</strong></a>) was crafted to a significantly higher standard, made from diecast metal with full-opening parts (except for the boot).<br><br></p>
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author: Diecast Detective
title: On this day: Brocky's Final Bathurst
subtitle: BTCC Champions destroy the King's final race
created_at: 2024-10-10 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:05:30
body:
  <p><strong>10 October, 2004</strong>: Twenty years ago today, Peter Brock prepared to race in his final Bathurst 1000, capping an incredible 35-year span between his first and last appearances at Mount Panorama. However, the "King of the Mountain" never had the chance to take the wheel. His co-driver, British racer Jason Plato, was limping a crashed - but possibly repairable - Holden Racing Team&rsquo;s VY Commodore back to the pits on lap 31, when fellow BTCC racer, John Cleland, smashed into the side of an unsighted Plato who was dawdling on the racing line, flipping Cleland's Ozemail Falcon and destroying the famous #05 sidelining the car before Brock could make his appearance.&nbsp;<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1733823887-Platocrash04.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667">&nbsp;<br>In October 2005, AUTOart faithfully replicated the Brock/Plato car (<a href="../../../../models/80469/view/"><strong>80469</strong></a>) - but sadly never the Jones/Cleland Falcon - to a very high standard giving credibility to the claim that this was the peak era for quality Supercar models. A production run of 5,100 reflected the popularity of Brock and the significance of this being the last Supercar he would race.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731118252-80469_3.png" alt="" width="500" height="413"><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731118281-80469_3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="471"><br><br>Values of this model have fluctuated massively over the years. With a peak price of $700 and a low of $150, there is no pattern to the price movements. The current Diecast Detective 'Used' price sits at roughly half the 'New' ($510 vs $260) but there has been a sharp downward trend this year for used values while new values trend upwards following a sharp correct after a near peak price ($695) was achieved in September 2023.<br><br></p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="80469" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="8">[GRAPH-80469]</x-compare-graph>
  <p><br>Less than a year after his last Bathurst start, Peter Brock tragically passed away in an accident while driving a Daytona Cobra replica in the 2006 Targa West Rally (Code 3 collectors have used the Shelby Collectibles Daytona Coupe to build their replicas). His untimely death occurred just weeks before the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, and the event became a moving tribute to the "King of the Mountain." Emotions ran high that year, especially for Brock&rsquo;s prot&eacute;g&eacute;, Craig Lowndes, who channeled his grief into an inspired performance, capturing a breathtaking victory.</p>
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  <p><br>Lowndes' win became a defining moment in Bathurst history, leading to the creation of one of the most celebrated diecast models: the #888 Triple Eight Ford BA Falcon, which also claimed the team&rsquo;s first Bathurst triumph (<strong><a href="../../../../models/18273/view/">18273</a></strong>). This model is highly sought after by collectors as both a tribute to Brock and a reminder of Lowndes' remarkable achievement. <br><br>That model deserves its own article so we'll deep-dive it another time.<br><br></p>
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author: Diecast Detective
title: Adelaide’s Racing Revival: From F1 Farewell to Supercars’ Fan-Favorite
subtitle: 2024 marks the Adelaide 500's 25th Anniversary
created_at: 2024-11-07 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:05:07
body:
  <p>The Adelaide 500, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, remains fondly referred to by fans as the "Clipsal 500," despite its current sponsor, VAILO. This isn&rsquo;t a slight to the new sponsor but rather a testament to the lasting impact of Clipsal's 18-year association with the event from 2000 to 2017. <br><br>The race debuted in 1999 as the "Sensational Adelaide 500," then shifted to the "Clipsal 500" era, followed by a brief stint as the "Superloop Adelaide 500" from 2019-2020. VALO (now VAILO) took over in 2022, rebranding the event as the "VAILO Adelaide 500" in 2023, solidifying its place in the Supercars calendar under new branding. <br><br>Just one single model car that raced at the inaugural event has ever been produced, John Bowe's PAE Motorsports / CAT Racing EL Falcon. <br><br>While Bowe didn't win a race at the 1999 Adelaide 500, he did win one at the season's other inaugural event, the Queensland Raceway sprint round (as opposed to the 500km event later in the year). This win would bring a couple of firsts and a last for Bowe: His first win outside of Dick Johnson Racing (DJR), PAE Motorsports' first win and his 31st and last win in his Supercars career.<br><br>Bowe's Adelaide 500 model is unique beyond the fact it's the only car that's been produced from the 1999 event. It was released by APEX at the 2018 Diecast Model Expo in November 2018 and it doesn't have an official product code. For database purposes we have given it one [<a href="../../../../models/(No%20Code)%201999BOWEADL500/view/"><strong>(No Code) 1999BOWEADL500</strong></a>].<br>&nbsp;<img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730947306-mceclip0.jpg"><br>Just 360 models were produced and remains one of only two other EL Falcons released by APEX/Biante; the others being the 1998 SBR Bathurst winner (<strong><a href="../../../../models/AD81301/view/">AD81301</a></strong>)and the 1998 DJR Johnson/Johnson Bathurst car (<a href="../../../../models/B180601A/view/"><strong>B180601A</strong></a>). Unlike many other APEX releases, this was a full opening model made to a high standard with one caveat: the wax paper that was used to protect the roof of the car can get stuck to the decals leaving behind a faint golf ball dimple-like impression on the decals.<br><br></p>
  <p><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730946454-1999BOWEADL500.png" alt="" width="500" height="313"><br>John Bowe remains once of Australia's most loved motorsport indenties. Beyond his incredible CV, his engagement with fans and sponsors is what keeps him evergreen.&nbsp;<br><br>These models rarely come up for sale but it's reasonable to believe that the last sale is indicative of where this model could be headed; a used price just below $800 would indicate a new price deep into the $800s could be possible.<br><br></p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: SL/R 5000: Holden's Mid-Sized Muscle Car
subtitle: Biante/AUTOart’s SL/R 5000 Replicas
created_at: 2024-11-07 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-20 11:41:37
body:
  <p>The Holden LH Torana, released in March 1974, was a significant step for Holden as it marked the first time the Torana was offered exclusively with a larger, mid-sized body designed specifically for Australian conditions. Replacing the smaller LJ model, the LH series was developed to provide a more powerful and comfortable option for Australian drivers, particularly those who wanted a mix of performance and practicality. Unlike its predecessor, the LH Torana could be equipped with a range of engines, including Holden&rsquo;s 3.3-liter six-cylinder and two V8 options: a 4.2-liter and a high-performance 5.0-liter. <br><br>Biante/AUTOart are the only companies to have produced a street version of the LH Torana in 1:18 model form, releasing a total of seven SL/R 5000s with L34 Option, between 2002 and 2021.<br><br></p>
  <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 97.1543%; height: 2144.75px; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-spacing: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto;" border="1"><colgroup><col style="width: 6.592%;"><col style="width: 54.708%;"><col style="width: 12.7333%;"><col style="width: 5.9159%;"><col style="width: 8.00055%;"><col style="width: 12.0008%;"></colgroup>
  <tbody>
  <tr style="height: 50.2778px;">
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Product<br>Code</strong></span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Image</strong></span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Colour</strong></span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>No. Made</strong></span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Release<br>Price</strong></span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Release Date</strong></span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 322.361px;">
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73471</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1736687037-73471.png" alt="" width="500" height="276"><br></span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;Chrome Yellow</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;5000</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;$130</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;February 2002</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 256.354px;">
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73475</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730954454-73475.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="239"><br></span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;Barbados Green&nbsp;</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;5000</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;$130</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;April 2003&nbsp;</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 298.351px;">
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73476</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730954477-73476.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="281"><br></span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;Salamanca Red</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;3000</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;$135</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;June 2004</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 268.351px;">
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73477</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730956728-73477_3.png" alt="" width="500" height="251"><br></span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;Glacier White</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1260&nbsp;</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;$195</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;August 2012</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 285.347px;">
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73478</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730954932-73478.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="268"><br></span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;Azure Blue</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1200</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;$195</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;July 2013</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 310.347px;">
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73479</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730954959-73479_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="293"><br></span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;Saffron</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1008&nbsp;</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;$240</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;October 2014</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr style="height: 353.361px;">
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73472&nbsp;</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1730954974-73472.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375"><br></span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;Sable Metallic</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;750</span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;$250</span></td>
  <td style="border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 1px; padding: 1px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;April 2021&nbsp;</span></td>
  </tr>
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  </table>
  <p><br><br></p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: On this day: The Boss' First Race
subtitle: The birth of two legends
created_at: 2024-04-05 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:06:31
body:
  <p><strong>May 4, 1969</strong>: Today marks 55 years since Allan Moffat&rsquo;s iconic red Coca-Cola Trans-Am Boss 302 Mustang first took to the track at Sandown&rsquo;s Southern 60, winning all three races of the non-championship event.&nbsp;<br><br>This first appearance of the now-legendary car had some notable visual differences from the version fans are likely most familiar with. Instead of its later-famous #9, the car sported #38, ran without the signature bonnet scoop and rear wing, lacked the distinctive black Boss 302 stripes seen on street versions of the Mustang, and ran without the Minilite wheels the car sports today.<br><br></p>
  <p>Moffat would make two ATCC starts in 1969 - both ending in retirement - before competing full time in 1970 in an updated version of the car.<br><br></p>
  <p>In late 2018, ACME Trading in collaboration with Diecast Distributors Australia (DDA) released a 1:18 replica (<a href="../../../../models/A1801828/view/"><strong>A1801828</strong></a>) of this car in its debut, race-winning livery with COA signed by Allan Moffat. Production was originally plan for 1,250 units but in the end was capped at 1,000.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731026904-A1801828_11.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="647"><br><br></p>
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  <td style="border-width: 0.5px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731027214-A1801828_3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="300"></td>
  <td style="border-width: 0.5px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731027231-A1801828_4.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="300"></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="border-width: 0.5px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731027250-A1801828_5.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="300"></td>
  <td style="border-width: 0.5px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731027270-A1801828_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="300"></td>
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  <p><br>Less famous than its later #9 iteration, values of the debut car lag those of both the Welly-based Motorsport Memorabilia original release (<strong><a href="../../../../models/%28No%20Code%29%20WE1424/view">(No Code) WE1424</a></strong>) and the later DDA release (<a href="../../../../models/A1801820/view/"><strong>A1801820</strong>)</a> of the same car.&nbsp;<br><br></p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: When Volvo Shook the Establishment
subtitle: Scotty's first taste of parity complaints
created_at: 2024-11-08 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-26 12:05:02
body:
  <p>In June 2013, Volvo Car Australia announced that it would be joining the V8 Supercars series in 2014, partnering with Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM) and Volvo Car Group&rsquo;s global performance and motorsport partner, Polestar to go racing with second-generation S60 models. <br><br>For the 2014 season, standout rookie Scott McLaughlin returned and was joined by Volvo/Polestar&rsquo;s chosen driver, Swedish racer Robert Dahlgren. This would be Dahlgren's one and only year after finishing last in the series while McLaughlin was fifth.&nbsp;<br><br>It didn't take long for the established teams to cry foul of Volvo's success claiming the Swedish make had engine and aero advantages over the other three marques (remember at this time there was also Ford, Holden, Nissan and Mercedes) despite the fact a Volvo was the only brand not yet to have won a championship points paying race in 2014! In May, V8 Supercars publicly declared "No advantage" and a fortnight later, McLaughlin claimed Volvo's first race and round win at Barbagallo.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731046125-Engines Evenly Matched.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="418">&nbsp;<br>McLaughlin would go on to score another four wins that year, two at Phillip Island and one a piece at the Perth 400 and at the Sydney Motorsport Park 400. It is this car (<a href="../../../../models/AD80901/view/"><strong>AD80901</strong></a>) that APEX Replicas chose to produce to represent McLaughlin's first season aboard a Volvo. A production run of 966 makes it the most produced of all S60 models.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731043175-AD80901.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"><br><br>For Robert Dahlgren&rsquo;s 2014 season car, APEX Replicas selected his Sydney Motorsport Park 400 entry (<strong><a href="../../../../models/AD80902/view/">AD80902</a></strong>) for production. With only 150 units made, Dahlgren&rsquo;s model holds the title of the lowest production S60 in 1:18 scale.<br><br></p>
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  <p><br>The S60 scored a podium on its event debut at the Adelaide 500 in the hands of McLaughlin, fending off a fast-charging Jamie Whincup. It's a battle that will go down in Supercars history as one of the greats, bested only by McLaughlin's post-race interview, which introduced Kiwi slang word "jandal" to the Australian vernacular.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731039464-Jandal.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"></p>
  <p><br>For the next round at the Australian Grand Prix, McLaughlin's car carried a cartoon of a him wearing a gigantic jandal (thong) on the roof. It would serve as a lucky charm because in race 4 of the non-championship event, McLaughlin would score Volvo's first victory with the S60.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731040905-Jandal2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="500">&nbsp;</p>
  <p>The "Jandal" car was immortalised by APEX Replicas (<a href="../../../../models/AD80903/view/"><strong>AD80903</strong></a>) in sealed body resin form and released exlusively at the 2015 Diecast Model Expo. Total production was 586 units and with Scott McLaughlin attending that year's show, many of the models left the event with his signature on them.</p>
  <p><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731041353-AD80903.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="401"></p>
  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
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  <p><br>For 2015, McLaughlin partnered with new teammate David Wall, who, like Robert Dahlgren before him, stayed only a single season, ultimately finishing last among full-time drivers as McLaughlin ended the year in 8th without a race win. APEX Replicas released a model of his car from the Coates Hire Sydney 500, limited to just 252 units (<a href="../../../../models/AD80905/view/"><strong>AD80905</strong></a>).<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731043270-AD80905.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="263"></p>
  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
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  <p><br>After Polestar opted not to renew its contract with Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM), 2016 became Volvo&rsquo;s final year in Supercars&mdash;and the most successful one for the team. Scott McLaughlin had a standout season, finishing third in the standings (two wins; both at Phillip Island), while teammate James Moffat placed 20th. Both drivers' cars from the Phillip Island event were produced by APEX Replicas.<br><br>Scott McLaughlin (<a href="../../../../models/AD80906/view/"><strong>AD80906</strong></a>) - 570 units</p>
  </div>
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  </div>
  </div>
  <p><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731043458-AD80906_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"></p>
  <p><br>James Moffat (<a href="../../../../models/AD80907/view/"><strong>AD80907</strong></a>) - 204 units</p>
  <p><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731043497-AD80907.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"><br><br></p>
  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
  <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="e0a14ae7-6dd6-4bb8-a548-25eaca36edec" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o">
  <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
  <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
  <p>APEX Replicas also produced Bathurst models for 2015 and 2016, focusing solely on McLaughlin&rsquo;s cars and both with a production run of 666 units.<br><br></p>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  <div class="mb-2 flex gap-3 empty:hidden -ml-2">
  <div class="items-center justify-start rounded-xl p-1 flex">
  <div class="flex items-center">2015 - Scott McLaughlin / Alex Premat (<a href="../../../../models/AD80904/view/"><strong>AD80904</strong></a>)</div>
  <div class="flex items-center"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731044872-AD80904_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="264"></div>
  <div class="flex items-center"><br>2016 - Scott McLaughlin / Alex Premat (<a href="../../../../models/AD80908/view/"><strong>AD80908</strong></a>) <br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731044997-AD80908.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="266"><br><br>The Jandal car remains - by far - the most valuable S60 model. In fact, it is the most valuable Scott McLaughlin model as well. The Sydney Motorsport Park 400 race winner is emerging as the second most valuable model. The Robert Dahlgren car, owing to its incredible rarity (just 3 sales recorded) could challenge for the podium with its current Diecast Detective Price sitting above that of the McLaughlin Phillip Island race winner which should based on its race-winning cred, be the third most valuable S60 model.<br><br><em>NB: All models featured are 1:18 scale</em><br><br></div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>


author: Diecast Detective
title: Copy of When Volvo Shook the Establishment
subtitle: Scotty's first taste of parity complaints
created_at: 2024-11-10 12:34:02
updated_at: 2025-07-19 04:14:10
body:
  <p>In June 2013, Volvo Car Australia announced that it would be joining the V8 Supercars series in 2014, partnering with Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM) and Volvo Car Group&rsquo;s global performance and motorsport partner, Polestar to go racing with second-generation S60 models. <br><br>For the 2014 season, standout rookie Scott McLaughlin returned and was joined by Volvo/Polestar&rsquo;s chosen driver, Swedish racer Robert Dahlgren. This would be Dahlgren's one and only year after finishing last in the series while McLaughlin was fifth.&nbsp;<br><br>It didn't take long for the established teams to cry foul of Volvo's success claiming the Swedish make had engine and aero advantages over the other three marques (remember at this time there was also Ford, Holden, Nissan and Mercedes) despite the fact a Volvo was the only brand not yet to have won a championship points paying race in 2014! In May, V8 Supercars publicly declared "No advantage" and a fortnight later, McLaughlin claimed Volvo's first race and round win at Barbagallo.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731046125-Engines Evenly Matched.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="418">&nbsp;<br>McLaughlin would go on to score another three wins that year, two at Phillip Island and one at the Sydney Motorsport Park 400. It is this car (<a href="../../../../models/AD80901/view/"><strong>AD80901</strong></a>) that APEX Replicas chose to produce to represent McLaughlin's first season aboard a Volvo, with a production run of 966 making it the most produced of all S60 models.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731043175-AD80901.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"><br>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>For Robert Dahlgren&rsquo;s 2014 season car, APEX Replicas selected his Sydney Motorsport Park 400 entry (<strong><a href="../../../../models/AD80902/view/">AD80902</a></strong>) for production. With only 150 units made, Dahlgren&rsquo;s model holds the title of the rarest S60 produced.<br><br></p>
  <div class="mb-2 flex gap-3 empty:hidden -ml-2">
  <div class="items-center justify-start rounded-xl p-1 flex">
  <div class="flex items-center"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731042679-AD80902.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"></div>
  </div>
  </div>
  <p><br>The S60 scored a podium on its event debut at the Adelaide 500 in the hands of McLaughlin, fending off a fast-charging Jamie Whincup. It's a battle that will go down in Supercars history as one of the greats, bested only by McLaughlin's post-race interview, which introduced Kiwi slang word "jandal" to the Australian vernacular.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731039464-Jandal.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"></p>
  <p><br>For the next round at the Australian Grand Prix, McLaughlin's car carried a cartoon of a him wearing a gigantic jandal (thong) on the roof. It would serve as a lucky charm because in race 4 of the non-championship event, McLaughlin would score Volvo's first victory with the S60.<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731040905-Jandal2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="500">&nbsp;</p>
  <p>The "Jandal" car was immortalised by APEX Replicas (<a href="../../../../models/AD80903/view/"><strong>AD80903</strong></a>) in sealed body resin form and released exlusively at the 2015 Diecast Model Expo. Total production was 586 units and with Scott McLaughlin attending that year's show, many of the models left the event with his signature on them.</p>
  <p><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731041353-AD80903.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="401"></p>
  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
  <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="25953203-a404-4751-b4fa-f4505b9fd3d9" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o">
  <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
  <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
  <p><br>For 2015, McLaughlin partnered with new teammate David Wall, who, like Robert Dahlgren before him, stayed only a single season, ultimately finishing last among full-time drivers as McLaughlin ended the year in 8th without a race win. APEX Replicas released a model of his car from the Coates Hire Sydney 500, limited to just 252 units (<a href="../../../../models/AD80905/view/"><strong>AD80905</strong></a>).<br><br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731043270-AD80905.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="263"></p>
  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
  <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="dd7311b5-a06a-4e0d-a8cb-f7f1fdf26b5d" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o">
  <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
  <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
  <p><br>After Polestar opted not to renew its contract with Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM), 2016 became Volvo&rsquo;s final year in Supercars&mdash;and the most successful one for the team. Scott McLaughlin had a standout season, finishing third in the standings (two wins; both at Phillip Island), while teammate James Moffat placed 20th. Both drivers' cars from the Phillip Island event were produced by APEX Replicas.<br><br>Scott McLaughlin (<a href="../../../../models/AD80906/view/"><strong>AD80906</strong></a>) - 570 units</p>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  <p><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731043458-AD80906_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"></p>
  <p><br>James Moffat (<a href="../../../../models/AD80907/view/"><strong>AD80907</strong></a>) - 204 units</p>
  <p><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731043497-AD80907.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="250"><br><br></p>
  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
  <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="e0a14ae7-6dd6-4bb8-a548-25eaca36edec" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o">
  <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
  <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
  <p>APEX Replicas also produced Bathurst models for 2015 and 2016, focusing solely on McLaughlin&rsquo;s cars and both with a production run of 666 units.<br><br></p>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  <div class="mb-2 flex gap-3 empty:hidden -ml-2">
  <div class="items-center justify-start rounded-xl p-1 flex">
  <div class="flex items-center">2015 - Scott McLaughlin / Alex Premat (<a href="../../../../models/AD80904/view/"><strong>AD80904</strong></a>)</div>
  <div class="flex items-center"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731044872-AD80904_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="264"></div>
  <div class="flex items-center"><br>2016 - Scott McLaughlin / Alex Premat (<a href="../../../../models/AD80908/view/"><strong>AD80908</strong></a>) <br><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731044997-AD80908.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="266"><br><br>The Jandal car remains - by far - the most valuable S60 model. In fact, it is the most valuable Scott McLaughlin model as well. The Sydney Motorsport Park 400 race winner is emerging as the second most valuable model. The Robert Dahlgren car, owing to its incredible rarity (just 3 sales recorded) could challenge for the podium with its current Diecast Detective Price sitting above that of the McLaughlin Phillip Island race winner which should based on its race-winning cred, be the third most valuable S60 model.<br><br><em>NB: All models featured are 1:18 scale</em><br><br></div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>


author: Diecast Detective
title: Moff turns 85
subtitle: Milestone Birthday for Blue-Oval Legend
created_at: 2024-11-15 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-05-12 21:37:02
body:
  <p>Today, we celebrate the 85th birthday of Allan George Moffat OBE&mdash;four-time ATCC and Bathurst champion. Known for his fierce determination and legendary association with Ford, especially the Falcon GT-HO, we&rsquo;re spotlighting another Blue Oval icon: the car that brought him victory in his final race&mdash;on his 50th birthday weekend!<br><br></p>
  <p>The race was the 1989 InterTEC 500 km at Japan&rsquo;s Fuji Speedway, with Moffat behind the wheel of a Rudi Eggenberger-prepared Sierra RS500 Cosworth, co-driven by German sports car ace Klaus Niedzwiedz.<br><br>Released by Biante in December 2021, this model (<a href="../../../../models/B18501F/view/"><strong>B18501F</strong></a>) is the last (and likely final) entry to the Biante Allan Moffat collection, which began in 1998 with the release of his iconic 1971 Bathurst 500-winning XY Falcon GT-HO (<a href="../../../../models/37181/view/"><strong>37181</strong></a>); a model that has played a key role in shaping the rising value of what has become one of the true holy grails of Australian collecting (you can read more about that <strong><a href="../../../../blog/9/view">here</a></strong>).<br><br></p>
  <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 99.9989%;" border="1"><colgroup><col style="width: 49.9453%;"><col style="width: 49.9453%;"></colgroup>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
  <td><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731674856-B18501F_3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335"></td>
  <td><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731675938-B18501F_4.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335"></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731675964-B18501F_5.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335"></td>
  <td><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731675984-B18501F_6.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335"></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731676002-B18501F_9.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335"></td>
  <td><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731676019-B18501F_8.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335"></td>
  </tr>
  </tbody>
  </table>
  <p><br>Biante announced prior to the model's release that due to Allan's declining health, it would be the last release in the Allan Moffat Collection to feature a hand-signed certificate. Unfortunately that didn't eventuate and the certificates ended up being printed with Allan's signature in blue pen.</p>
  <p><br>A total production run of 726 units seemed low for what was likely to be the last Allan Moffat model but three years on, these models remain readily available with prices at or below the release price. The combination of not being a Falcon model, it looking similar to the three other Moffat ANZ Sierras released by APEX/Biante and not having a signed COA have held the model back from being truly collectable and desirable despite it being the car in which Moffat achieved his last professional win some 35 years ago.&nbsp;<br><br>Let's take a look at how this model is performing against Moffat's other ANZ Sierras.<br><br><a href="../../../../models/88712/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>88712</strong></a> - 1987 Bathurst (Thierry Tassin, Andy Rouse co-drivers)</p>
  <p><a href="../../../../models/B18501E/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>B18501E</strong></a> - 1988 Sandown 500 Winner (Gregg Hansford co-driver)</p>
  <p><a href="../../../../models/103888009/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>103888009</strong></a> - 1988 Bathurst (Gregg Hansford co-driver)<br><br></p>
  <x-compare-graph chartborderwidth="0px" charttitle="88712 vs. B18501E vs. 103888009" chartwidth="1000px" chartborderradius="0px" chartbackgroundcolor="#ffffff" id="31">[GRAPH-88712 vs. B18501E vs. 103888009]</x-compare-graph>
  <p><br>When comparing current Diecast Detective prices for all four models, there's very little to separate them with only the used value of 1988 Sandown Winner breaching $300... by $0.03! Most fall in the range of $220-260, with used prices outstripping new values due to volume of sales favouring used condition models.<br><br></p>
  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
  <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="8e3d71c6-9a9c-4e5e-acfa-50074f245cb8" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o-mini">
  <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
  <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
  <p>It&rsquo;s unlikely that the value of these models has peaked. Alongside Dick Johnson, Moffat remains one of the most beloved living legends of Australian motorsport, and there will inevitably come a time when collectors seek to complete the Moffat collection as a tribute to the great man. <br><br>While the 1989 last-race-winning car may not come with a signed certificate, it&rsquo;s likely to be the first to see a significant price jump. Fortunately for collectors, these models are still widely available, so now is the perfect time to grab one before prices rise.</p>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  <div class="mb-2 flex gap-3 empty:hidden -ml-2">
  <div class="items-center justify-start rounded-xl p-1 flex">
  <div class="flex items-center">&nbsp;</div>
  </div>
  </div>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: Copy of Moff turns 85
subtitle: Milestone Birthday for Blue-Oval Legend
created_at: 2024-11-16 01:11:51
updated_at: 2025-07-19 04:14:22
body:
  <p>Today, we celebrate the 85th birthday of Allan George Moffat OBE&mdash;four-time ATCC and Bathurst champion. Known for his fierce determination and legendary association with Ford, especially the Falcon GT-HO, we&rsquo;re spotlighting another Blue Oval icon: the car that brought him victory in his final race&mdash;on his 50th birthday weekend!<br><br></p>
  <p>The race was the 1989 InterTEC 500 km at Japan&rsquo;s Fuji Speedway, with Moffat behind the wheel of a Rudi Eggenberger-prepared Sierra RS500 Cosworth, co-driven by German sports car ace Klaus Niedzwiedz.<br><br>Released by Biante in December 2021, this model (<a href="../../../../models/B18501F/view/"><strong>B18501F</strong></a>) is the last (and likely final) entry to the Biante Allan Moffat collection, which began in 1998 with the release of his iconic 1971 Bathurst 500-winning XY Falcon GT-HO (<a href="../../../../models/37181/view/"><strong>37181</strong></a>); a model that has played a key role in shaping the rising value of what has become one of the true holy grails of Australian collecting (you can read more about that <strong><a href="../../../../blog/9/view">here</a></strong>).<br><br></p>
  <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 99.9989%;" border="1"><colgroup><col style="width: 49.9453%;"><col style="width: 49.9453%;"></colgroup>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
  <td><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731674856-B18501F_3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335"></td>
  <td><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731675938-B18501F_4.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335"></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731675964-B18501F_5.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335"></td>
  <td><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731675984-B18501F_6.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335"></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731676002-B18501F_9.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335"></td>
  <td><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731676019-B18501F_8.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335"></td>
  </tr>
  </tbody>
  </table>
  <p><br>Biante announced prior to the model's release that due to Allan's declining health, it would be the last release in the Allan Moffat Collection to feature a hand-signed certificate. Unfortunately that didn't eventuate and the certificates ended up being printed with Allan's signature in blue pen.</p>
  <p><br>A total production run of 726 units seemed low for what was likely to be the last Allan Moffat model but three years on, these models remain readily available with prices at or below the release price. The combination of not being a Falcon model, it looking similar to the three other Moffat ANZ Sierras released by APEX/Biante and not having a signed COA have held the model back from being truly collectable and desirable despite it being the car in which Moffat achieved his last professional win some 35 years ago.&nbsp;<br><br>Let's take a look at how this model is performing against Moffat's other ANZ Sierras.<br><br>88712 - 1987 Bathurst (Thierry Tassin, Andy Rouse co-drivers)</p>
  <p>B18501E - 1988 Sandown 500 Winner (Gregg Hansford co-driver)</p>
  <p>103888009 - 1988 Bathurst (Gregg Hansford co-driver)<br><br></p>
  <p><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731677267-B18501F.png" alt="" width="1700" height="944"><br>When comparing current Diecast Detective prices for all four models, there's very little to separate them with only the used value of 1988 Sandown Winner breaching $300... by $0.03! Most fall in the range of $220-260, with used prices outstripping new values due to volume of sales favouring used condition models.<br><br></p>
  <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
  <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="8e3d71c6-9a9c-4e5e-acfa-50074f245cb8" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o-mini">
  <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
  <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
  <p>It&rsquo;s unlikely that the value of these models has peaked. Alongside Dick Johnson, Moffat remains one of the most beloved living legends of Australian motorsport, and there will inevitably come a time when collectors seek to complete the Moffat collection as a tribute to the great man. <br><br>While the 1989 last-race-winning car may not come with a signed certificate, it&rsquo;s likely to be the first to see a significant price jump. Fortunately for collectors, these models are still widely available, so now is the perfect time to grab one before prices rise.</p>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  </div>
  <div class="mb-2 flex gap-3 empty:hidden -ml-2">
  <div class="items-center justify-start rounded-xl p-1 flex">
  <div class="flex items-center">&nbsp;</div>
  </div>
  </div>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: Celebrating 50 Years of Sandman
subtitle: Half a Century of an Australian Cultural Icon
created_at: 2024-11-16 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-05-12 20:43:41
body:
  <p><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731757754-Sandmanlogored.png" alt="" width="991" height="168"><br>The 1970s were a wild time in Australia&mdash;surfboards on roofs, bell-bottoms on hips, and the Holden Sandman cruising down the coast. Part panel van (or ute), part party machine, the Sandman was more than just a car; it was a cultural phenomenon.<br><br></p>
  <p>Launched in 1974 with the HQ series, Holden took a humble workhorse and gave it a makeover worthy of a rock star. Bright paint jobs, bold decals, and "shaggin' wagon" interiors made it a hit with the young and carefree. Whether you were chasing waves or just a good time, the Sandman was your ticket to freedom.<br><br></p>
  <p>Today, the Sandman is a sought-after classic, a nostalgic reminder of an era when life was simple, the beach was always calling, and your car was more than transport&mdash;it was a lifestyle.<br><br>Immortalised in 1:18 scale by Biante via AUTOart, the Sandman collection totals 18 models comprising 14 panel vans and 4 utilities across 15 different colours. All but four of the panel van releases included surfboards. Those that missed out were:<br><br></p>
  <ul>
  <li>HQ Barbados Green</li>
  <li>HJ Mandarin Red</li>
  <li>HX Royal Plum</li>
  <li>HZ Windsor Blue</li>
  </ul>
  <p><br>Here, on the 50th anniversary of this cultural icon, we take a look at all the Sandman models across the HQ, HJ, HX and HZ series of Holdens. If you wish to read about the modern reimagining of the Sandman, you can do so by reading the Project Sandman article here.<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Panel Vans</strong></span><br><br></p>
  <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 96.5525%; border-spacing: 1px; margin-left: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); margin-right: auto;" border="1"><colgroup><col style="width: 3.62838%;"><col style="width: 69.903%;"><col style="width: 8.95757%;"><col style="width: 9.86466%;"><col style="width: 7.65362%;"></colgroup>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 1px; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Product Code</span></strong></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 1px; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Image</span></strong></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 1px; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Model</span></strong></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 1px; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Colour</span></strong></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 1px; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">No. Made</span></strong></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/72451/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">72451</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731738816-72451_3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332"></span></td>
  <td class="col-model   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HQ Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Chrome Yellow</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1410</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/72452/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">72452</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731736368-72452.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332"></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HQ Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Orchid Metallic</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1200</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><a href="../../../../models/73384/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73384</span></a></strong></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731736483-73384.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HQ Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Barbados Green</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">804</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73366/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73366</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731741052-73366_2.png" alt="" width="500" height="305"></td>
  <td class="col-model   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HJ Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Deauville Blue</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">702</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73367/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73367</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731736597-73367.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="363"></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HJ Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Contessa Gold</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1044</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73368/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73368</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731736610-73368.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="314"></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HJ Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mandarin Red</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2802</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73335/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73335</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731736625-73335.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="319"></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HX Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Royal Plum Metallic</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">750</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73336/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73336</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731736658-73336.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="257"></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HX Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mint Julep Green</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1500</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="73337" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73337</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731736678-73337.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="302"></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HX Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mandarin Red</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2802</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73338/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73338</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731736692-73338.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334"></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HX Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cotillion White</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1008</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73346/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73346</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731757224-73346_2.png" alt="" width="500" height="396"></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HZ Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Valencia Orange</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2500</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73347/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73347</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731738119-73347_3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332"></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HZ Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"Seawitch"</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2500</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73348/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73348</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731736983-73348_1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HZ Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tuxedo Black</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1404</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73349/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73349</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731736996-73349.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HZ Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Windsor Blue</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 1px; text-align: center; border-width: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">948</span></td>
  </tr>
  </tbody>
  </table>
  <p>&nbsp;</p>
  <p><br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Utes<br><br></strong></span></p>
  <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 96.5525%; border-spacing: 1px; margin-left: 0px; border: 2px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); margin-right: auto;" border="1"><colgroup><col style="width: 3.62838%;"><col style="width: 69.903%;"><col style="width: 8.95757%;"><col style="width: 9.86466%;"><col style="width: 7.65362%;"></colgroup>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Product Code</span></strong></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Image</span></strong></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Model</span></strong></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Colour</span></strong></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">No. Made</span></strong></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73361/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73361</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731755856-73361_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="372"></span></td>
  <td class="col-model   " style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HJ Sandman Utility</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cotillion White</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1600</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73333/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73333</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731756139-73333_4.png" alt="" width="500" height="398"></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HX Sandman Utility</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Aquarius</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1800</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73334/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73334</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731756347-73334_4.png" alt="" width="500" height="379"></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HX Sandman Utility</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mandarin Red</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1800</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/73341/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">73341</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731756626-73341.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375"></td>
  <td class="col-model   " style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">HZ Sandman Utility</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jasmine Yellow</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2304</span></td>
  </tr>
  </tbody>
  </table>
  <p><br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The 'Other' Sandmans</strong></span><strong> (by Classic Carlectables)<br></strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><br></strong></span></p>
  <p><br><br></p>
  <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 96.5525%; border-spacing: 1px; margin-left: 0px; border: 2px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); margin-right: auto;" border="1"><colgroup><col style="width: 3.62838%;"><col style="width: 69.903%;"><col style="width: 8.95757%;"><col style="width: 9.86466%;"><col style="width: 7.65362%;"></colgroup>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Product Code</span></strong></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Image</span></strong></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Model</span></strong></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Colour</span></strong></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">No. Made</span></strong></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/18051/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">18051</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731764319-18051-580.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="248"></span></td>
  <td class="col-model   " style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VU Sandman Concept</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mambo</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3000</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/18560/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">18560</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731764363-18560-580px.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="233"></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VU Custom Panel Van</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Barbados Green</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1100</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/18522/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">18522</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731764407-18522.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="355"></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VY SS Custom <br>Sandman Panel Van</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Devil Yellow</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1000</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><a href="../../../../models/18523/view/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">18523</span></strong></a></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731764438-18523.png" alt="" width="500" height="314"></td>
  <td class="col-model   " style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VY SS Cutom<br>Sandman Panel Van<br>(DME Pursuit Model)</span></td>
  <td class="col-colour   " style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Satin Black</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; text-align: center; border-width: 2px; border-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">60</span></td>
  </tr>
  </tbody>
  </table>
  <p><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></p>
  <p><br><br></p>


author: Diecast Detective
title: On this day: Gymkhana 7 and the launch of the "Hoonicorn"
subtitle: Ken Block's Iconic AWD 1965 Mustang let loose
created_at: 2024-11-17 00:00:00
updated_at: 2025-06-20 14:34:30
body:
  <p><strong>17 November, 2014</strong>: On this day 10 years ago, Ken Block unleashed&nbsp;<em>Gymkhana Seven</em>, a tire-shredding masterpiece starring the now-iconic <strong>Hoonicorn</strong>. This custom 1965 Ford Mustang, purported to be the "world's first all-wheel drive Mustang", was powered by a 6.7 litre 845-hp Ford-Roush V8 and in the hands of Block, became an instant legend. <br><br>Some of the most iconic car scenes ever filmed happened on that shoot on the streets of Los Angeles. From the four-wheel burnout opener to the breathtaking drifts at Randy's Donuts, a dip in the LA River, and precision circlework beneath a low-rider, Block's awe-inspiring driving culminated in a thrilling climb to the Hollywood sign&mdash;sealing this as a definitive moment in automotive culture.</p>
  <p><br><img src="data:image/png;base64,[encoded data, 3601932 characters]"></p>
  <p><br>The Hoonicorn RTR - the first version 'V1' being naturally-aspirated and later the 1,400hp twin-turbo 'V2' - was a monster (pun-intended based Monster Energy sponsorship) in both sight and sound so it's unsurprising that collectors clamored for model versions, and Top Marques stepped in with a range of 1:18, 1:12, 1:43 and 1:64-scale variants (we'll focus exclusively on 1:18). <br><br>However, their release wasn&rsquo;t without controversy&mdash;stories abound of pre-orders that never arrived, damaged models with no recourse, and frustrated collectors left empty-handed. For those lucky enough to secure an undamaged piece, the models are undeniably spectacular, capturing the essence of this legendary car. <br><br>The models feature a sealed-body resin design but are crafted without windows, offering a clear view of their impressively detailed interiors. While the resin is fragile and best left untouched, and some decal inconsistencies are present, the overall aesthetic is striking and nice change from a sea of Supercars in one's collection.<br><br></p>
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  <p>An unusual aspect of these models is the questionable "limited" production run noted on their mounting plates. Without a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying numbers is impossible. Top Marques has also re-released each model, modifying the product code by adding a "0" and changing mounting plate materials&mdash;early versions featured grey suede-like bases, while later ones shifted to brown or black leatherette. <br><br>With the Hoonicorn's legend growing, especially after Ken Block&rsquo;s passing, it seems Top Marques will continue production as long as demand remains strong.<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Hoonicorns<br><br></strong></span></p>
  <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 96.55%; border-width: 2px; border-spacing: 1px; border-color: #ffffff;" border="1"><colgroup><col style="width: 6.79668%;"><col style="width: 48.3899%;"><col style="width: 14.4234%;"><col style="width: 22.4813%;"><col style="width: 7.91701%;"></colgroup>
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  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Product Code</strong></span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Image</strong></span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Model</strong></span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Event</strong></span></td>
  <td style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>No. Made*</strong></span></td>
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  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">TOP48A</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731933808-TOP48A.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"></span></td>
  <td class="col-model   " style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mustang RTR "Hoonicorn V1"</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Gymkhana Seven</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1000</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">TOP048A</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731933881-TOP048A.JPG" alt="" width="500" height="256"></span></td>
  <td class="col-model   " style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mustang RTR "Hoonicorn V1"</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Gymkhana Seven</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1000</span></td>
  </tr>
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  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">TOP48B</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731933900-TOP48B.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mustang RTR "Hoonicorn V2"</span></td>
  <td class="col-event   " style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2017 Climbkhana: Pikes Peak</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1000</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">TOP048B</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731933956-TOP048B.JPG" alt="" width="500" height="263"></span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mustang RTR "Hoonicorn V2"</span></td>
  <td class="col-event   " style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2017 Climbkhana: Pikes Peak</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1000</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">TOP48C</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731933999-TOP48C.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"></span></td>
  <td class="col-model   " style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mustang RTR "Black Edition"</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;">&nbsp;</td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">150</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">TOP048C</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731934015-TOP048C.JPG" alt="" width="500" height="259"></span></td>
  <td class="col-model   " style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mustang RTR "Black Edition"</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;">&nbsp;</td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">500</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">TOP48E</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731934061-TOP48E.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333"></span></td>
  <td class="col-model   " style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mustang RTR "Hoonicorn V2"</span></td>
  <td class="col-event   " style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2020 Gymkhana</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1000</span></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">TOP048E</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="../../../../storage/blog_images/1731934076-TOP048E.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="296"></span></td>
  <td class="col-model   " style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mustang RTR "Hoonicorn V2"</span></td>
  <td class="col-event   " style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2020 Gymkhana</span></td>
  <td style="padding: 5px; border-color: #ffffff; text-align: center; border-width: 2px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">500</span></td>
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