[MerkurKing16]

Carmodel Italy have added some Biante models to their lineup, with a bigger selection than LB mentioned above.
They also have some of the road cars, although I didn't count them.....

Thanks for the heads up! This time I did not hesitate and got a McLaughlin Bathurst Falcon.

 

[slartibartfast229]

It would seem there are a number of these Supercar models popping up in Europe.
CK have some now, and Carmodel look to have moved quite a few since they posted them.
Yet again fingers crossed for some of the older desirable OZ touring car models to appear.

 

[samx5]

It looks as though Biante has wholesaled some slow-moving stock overseas. These Supercar models are made in so many different liveries it's hard to keep up (and would send you broke if you bought every release) and then some drivers run multiple liveries during a season which further adds to the number of variations made. The good thing is that they are reasonably good fully opening models that look cool on the shelf and won't break the bank at the new prices I've seen. I'd be very surprised though if they wholesaled models such as 1990's Group A, 1980's Group C etc.... AutoArt made a lot of the Group C models and many of the road cars for Biante in diecast but AutoArt has now ceased all diecast manufacture, so I'm not sure what will happen in the future as all the molds are now redundant. AutoArt have only made one Australian model in 1:18 composite which is the Ford Falcon XB GT sedan road car in yellow and white, which is a very nice model. In the meantime Classic Carlectables (all diecast metal) and Authentic Collectables (some diecast, some resin depending on the subject matter) continue to service the Australian market with 1:18 road and race cars .

 

[samx5]

The version of the RS500 which represented the last race win by Allan Moffat was not intended to be released by Biante.
I bought the Carlectables 1988 Sandown 500 winner, and was disappointed by a number of shortcomings.
The headlight bowls are a joke - worse than what you would see on a bBurago from 40 years ago.
The roll cage doesn't fit inside the car the way it should, with the sides along the doors being visible - which they should not.
Anyone who complains about a Minichamps RS500 should get a look at one of these Carlectables efforts.
I get the feeling others have made similar complaints, and that either it has been scrapped or is to be re-engineered.

Hi Slarti, Do you mean the Apex Replicas version of the 1988 Sandown Winner? Classic Carlectables haven't made a RS500 Sierra. I agree that the Minichamps is the superior model, it also has a much better stance in addition to the shortcomings you have mentioned.

 

[slartibartfast229]

Hi Slarti, Do you mean the Apex Replicas version of the 1988 Sandown Winner? Classic Carlectables haven't made a RS500 Sierra. I agree that the Minichamps is the superior model, it also has a much better stance in addition to the shortcomings you have mentioned.

Apologies, you are quite correct.
The Minichamps is way better, more so if you get a version with covers over the headlights!

 

[BK1]

but AutoArt has now ceased all diecast manufacture, so I'm not sure what will happen in the future as all the molds are now redundant.

I wonder if AA would consider selling them off? Something tells me no as they wouldn't want to compete with their own products, but one can hope. It would be a shame if they were all scrapped.

AutoArt have only made one Australian model in 1:18 composite which is the Ford Falcon XB GT sedan road car in yellow and white, which is a very nice model.

From what I saw blue is also an option. I purchased one of the XB's so being my first resin I'm curious to see how it compares up close. Still waiting on it as they forgot to fulfill the order until I asked about it a few weeks later. 🤷‍♂️

 

[slartibartfast229]

I wonder if AA would consider selling them off? Something tells me no as they wouldn't want to compete with their own products, but one can hope. It would be a shame if they were all scrapped.

My guess would be a subsidiary.
They 'would not be going back on the composite idea', but making good use of expensive tooling which has probably long since paid for itself.

 

[BK1]

My guess would be a subsidiary.

Maybe the 'new' UT Models..... 😉

 

[samx5]

I wonder if AA would consider selling them off? Something tells me no as they wouldn't want to compete with their own products, but one can hope. It would be a shame if they were all scrapped.



From what I saw blue is also an option. I purchased one of the XB's so being my first resin I'm curious to see how it compares up close. Still waiting on it as they forgot to fulfill the order until I asked about it a few weeks later. 🤷‍♂️

Ah yes they have announced a blue version as well (it's an XA, not XB - different front and rear design) but I think it's still pending release, I've never seen one. The white XBGT is a very sharp high quality model, I prefer it to the diecast versions. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[BK1]

(it's an XA, not XB - different front and rear design) but I think it's still pending release, I've never seen one.

You're right, my bad. I didn't see the A. I like the blacked out hood look. And based on the picture its stance looks better than CC's. The CC one seems to be sitting too low.

 

[samx5]

In my eyes the CC one has an incorrect side profile at the rear, the boot is too droopy, it just doesn't look right to me at all. The new composite Biante ones look spot on, the only criticism I have is that the ride height is a little too high and/or the wheels are a little too large in diameter.

 

[slartibartfast229]

I have been keeping an eye on the stores that have the Supercar models on special offer.
There has been no shortage of uptake, many of the models are now sold out.
Assuming that the price is a big draw and that most of the models have been sold into Europe, it speaks volumes about the desirability of Biante models outside OZ/NZ.
Any opinions?

 

[MerkurKing16]

I bought from Italy to ship to the States, so I was definitely interested. I just need some ATCC/V8 Mustangs!

 

[BK1]

Assuming that the price is a big draw and that most of the models have been sold into Europe, it speaks volumes about the desirability of Biante models outside OZ/NZ.

There are certainly some interesting and unique cars that came from the region and if priced right I'd imagine there's a market for it outside its core both for race and street cars.

The brands down under make some excellent products with high quality details and finishes. I know I'm sold having bought some already!

I bought from Italy to ship to the States, so I was definitely interested. I just need some ATCC/V8 Mustangs!

Is the pricing better from Europe? I'm curious as the pricing never works out for me once I add conversion (mind you I'm at a higher disadvantage in relation to the USD). I find it more affordable to import directly from AU as the CAD is worth slightly more than the AUD and shipping is relatively the same from either side of the world.

 

[MerkurKing16]

There are certainly some interesting and unique cars that came from the region and if priced right I'd imagine there's a market for it outside its core both for race and street cars.

The brands down under make some excellent products with high quality details and finishes. I know I'm sold having bought some already!



Is the pricing better from Europe? I'm curious as the pricing never works out for me once I add conversion (mind you I'm at a higher disadvantage in relation to the USD). I find it more affordable to import directly from AU as the CAD is worth slightly more than the AUD and shipping is relatively the same from either side of the world.

Shipping from Germany/Italy is usually like $30-35ish USD and they remove the included VAT from the price so it ends up not being too bad. Australia it is usually north of $45 to ship (maybe I'm just not looking in the right places).

 

[BK1]

If you order directly from Biante they drop the GST and charge roughly 18 AUD for shipping and handling (I bought from them recently and that's the price on the invoice).

With shops/ebay it's a bit of a hit and miss, but I've found some that automatically deduct GST (I confirm pricing on their website to see if there's a difference) and charge around 30-35 AUD for shipping which was reasonable. Others may drop it if you order directly from them, but you may have to ask for an adjustment.

I bought my HZ directly from a shop that automatically deducted the GST when I chose CA and charged 45, but they lowered the value on the customs declaration so I wasn't taxed upon entry nor Canada Post's handling fee so YMMV.

I'd be happy to share the shops if interested.

 

[MerkurKing16]

If you order directly from Biante they drop the GST and charge roughly 18 AUD for shipping and handling (I bought from them recently and that's the price on the invoice).

With shops/ebay it's a bit of a hit and miss, but I've found some that automatically deduct GST (I confirm pricing on their website to see if there's a difference) and charge around 30-35 AUD for shipping which was reasonable. Others may drop it if you order directly from them, but you may have to ask for an adjustment.

I bought my HZ directly from a shop that automatically deducted the GST when I chose CA and charged 45, but they lowered the value on the customs declaration so I wasn't taxed upon entry nor Canada Post's handling fee so YMMV.

I'd be happy to share the shops if interested.

Interesting, yea you can share them with me. I have a bunch of other things on my wishlist coming out this year, so the Aussie stuff isn’t super high on my list, but I like browsing. Thanks

 

[BK1]

 

[BK1]

Well this is interesting:

That explains why all of a sudden there were so many available via Chinese sellers on ebay selling for less than MSRP. Although I wouldn't say they are counterfeit as the quality of it is just as good as the HSV Senator I have. But they likely are not authorized anymore. I wonder if Biante had a dispute with the factory who then decided to offload what they've produced to local sellers?

 

[slartibartfast229]

The whole Biante business model seems completly cockeyed to me.
This also includes the other OZ manufacturers.
Buyers outside OZ/NZ are keen to buy through official channels - which is impossible.
Now moaining about buyers buying their products whichever way they can....