All diecast 1:43 scale cars that have raced and placed at Bathurst

Thanks to 'Tim' I am able to offer a complete list of all existing 1:43 scale diecast cars raced at Bathurst since 1963 that have achieved a podium place. If it's raced there, had a placing, and is in 1:43 it should be in this list!. Tim supplied the original list in a spreadsheet format, but I have converted it to a PDF document. It's an impressive piece of research. 

All 1:43 scale diecast cars that have raced at Bathurst

If you see an error, or know of a car that should be there - please leave a comment below. 

That list is a little long and complex, hence the PDF. I also have a much shorter list of 1:43 scale 'castings' from various diecast manufacturers of cars that have raced at Bathurst. I did not create this list, and found it at the Biante forum. 

1:43 scale castings of cars that have raced at Bathurst

1960 - Vauxhall Cresta - Vanguards 

1961 - Mercedes 220 - Australian Motoring Minatures

1962 - XL Falcon - Australian Motoring Minatures

1963 - Cortina - Australian Motoring Minatures

1964 - Cortina - Vanguards / Classic Carlectables

1965 - Cortina - Classic Carlectables / Dinkum

1966 - Mini - Vanguards / Biante 

1967 - XR Falcon - Classic Carlectables / Trax

1968 - HK Monaro - Biante (Autoart) / Trax

1969 - HT Monaro - Biante (Autoart) / Trax

1970 - XW Falcon - Biante 

1971 - XY Falcon - Biante / Classic / Trax

1972 - LJ Torana - Dinkum / Trax

1973 - XA Falcon - Biante (Autoart) / Dinkum

1974 - XA Falcon - Dinkum

1975 - LH Torana - Biante (Autoart) / Dinkum

1976 - LH Torana - Biante / Classic / Dinkum

1977 - XC Falcon - Biante / Dinkum

1978 - LX Torana - Biante (Autoart) / Dinkum / Australian Model cars / Automodelli

1979 - LX Torana - Biante (Autoart) / Dinkum / Australian Model cars / Automodelli

1980 - VC Commodore - Dinkum / Classic

1981 - XD Falcon - Biante (Autoart) / Dinkum

1982 - VH Commodore - Dinkum

1983 - VH Commodore - Classic / Dinkum

1984 - VK Commodore - Dinkum / Biante 

1985 - Jaguar - Biante / Dinkum 

1986 - VK Commodore - Biante / Dinkum

1987 - VL Commodore - Biante / Dinkum

1988 - Sierra - Dinkum / Model Cars Australia / Automodelli / Apex (Coming)

1989 - Sierra - Dinkum / Model Cars Australia / Automodelli / Biante (Coming)

1990 - VL Commodore - Biante / Dinkum

1991 - Skyline - Biante / Dinkum 

1992 - Skyline - Biante / Dinkum / Apex (Coming)

1993 - VP Commodore - Dinkum / Galaxy

1994 - EB Falcon - Dinkum / Galaxy / Biante(Coming)

1995 - VR Commodore - Dinkum / Galaxy

1996 - VR Commodore - Classic / Dinkum

1997 - BMW 320 - Onyx 

1997 - VS Commodore - Classic 

1998 - Volvo S40 - Onyx 

1998 - EL Falcon - Classic 

1999 - VT Commodore - Classic 

2000 - VT Commodore - Classic 

2001 - VX Commodore - Biante 

2002 - VX Commoore - Biante 

2003 - VY Commodore - Biante 

2004 - VY Commodore - Biante 

2005 - VZ Commodore - Biante 

2006 - BA Falcon - Classic

2007 - BF Falcon - Classic 

2008 - Hogster - Classic 

2009 - VE Commodore - Classic 

2010 - VE Commodore - Classic  

Dinkum Classics EF Ford Falcon Allan Moffat HO Special

The EF Falcon is a largely under represented car in Australian diecast. It had a couple of contemporary releases, but few of late. Even this era of V8 Supercar racing and associated releases is a sparse area. One diecast company that did offer the EF Falcon was Dinkum Classics. And the version they offered is a rather curious choice - Its an Allan Moffat HO Special.

Dinkum was never big on over detailed cars, but for the time the detail was pretty good. HO and Ford badges are clear and distinct. Im pretty sure the Moffat HO's had vents on the bonnet, but they seem to be missing on the Dinkum Classics version. 

Allan Moffat signature and HO Special badge look good, as do the special 17 inch rims, not common in the early 90's. 

That rear wing was controversial and Australia hadnt seen anything like this on a road car before. Its not quite a Dodge Daytona wing, but it really makes this car. 

Very sparse base

This is a low run for any diecast model. The HO Special was also offered in other colours.

The EF was the pinnacle of design for this particular body, although with the grille and bonnet being so aerodynamic, there were serious problems with under bonnet heat. The bonnet vents introduced on the GT's were soon seen on everything from the GT to taxis in an attempt to get the heat out of the engine bay.

The car that this is modelled on is a curious choice. Ford dropped the V8 in the XE model and it didn't return until the EB sedan. Many people had a go at turning out performance versions of the sedans that were used in Group C, group A and then V8 Supercar racing. Brock and HDT were the most successful. Dick Johnson also had a shot, as did Allan Moffat.

The first Moffat HO special was an EB and they came in supercharged six and supercharged V8 versions. Attention was paid to suspension and trim, but the main reason to select the Moffat HO was the name and the extra performance - which exceeded the XR options from the Blue Oval. It also came with 17 inch alloy wheels, high performance tyres, and a serious body kit: front spoilers, side valances, bonnet scoops  and a rear wing. All aimed at making the ordinary Falcon into something approaching the racing version - at least to the eye! Sadly, very few of these cars were ever made - the run from EB to EF seeing perhaps as few as 15 sold in total. 

I think it is important to assess all diecast cars in comparison to their contemporaries, and Dinkum Classics are no exception. This car is less toylike than the Trax of the day, and more of a collectors model. This car is nearly 20 years old and still looks good. Produced in Australia and nicely presented, this is an important car to have in your collection. Allan Moffatt was a major figure in Australian Motorsport, and small chapters in his motoring biography represented by this Dinkum Classics offering are nice place markers. It was a niche product then - with this being one of 20 produced - and is scarce now. Although its rating is not as high as other cars, this car will stay in  my collection. 

Ratings

Dinkum Classics Ford EF Falcon HO Moffat Special 1/43 

Quality  7

Design    6

Colours   7

X-factor  6

Rating: 26/40

See also:

Dinkum Classics BA Falcon V8 Supercar prototype
Biante 1976 Allan Moffat Bathurst XB Falcon Coupe   

Dinkum Classics FBA472 - BA Bathurst Falcon V8 Supercar prototype

Dinkum Classics were the company that began the modern era of Australian diecast collecting with a wide range of modern Australian cars, all in diecast, with a high degree of accuracy and finish. Sadly, they ceased operating around 2001 for several reasons - including increased competition from Australian companies that had outsourced manufacturing to China, but the main reason was a fire that destroyed the moulds Dinkum used to produce their models.  I am researching Dinkum and will post a more indepth article when that research is complete. 

One of the last hurrahs of Dinkum was this car - the BA Falcon V8 Supercar prototype in 1:43.  To the best of my knowledge Dinkum did not produce a range of Falcon V8 Supercars, only this prototype model for the 2001 season. 

This is a very attractive model and has been reproduced fairly accurately, with a striking colour scheme. The wheels are fairly accurate for racing vehicles, and the model has an accurate racing stance, although there is no negative camber on the front wheels! Curiously the front headlights are diecast, not clear plastic, which would make sense as most racing teams use the headlights for advertising/sponsor purposes. 

Im not sure from which angle this car is best viewed! The distinctive BA bonnet bulge, which is becoming as iconic as the XB bonnet nostrils, look great from the front, but the satin silver and blue colour scheme and bold Ford signage makes it enjoyable (for a Ford fan) from many angles. The grille is also nicely moulded and representative of performance Falcons. 

There are a few problems however, the glass is flimsy and not robust like Biante/Trax model glass. It is more like the moulded clear plastic you get in a resin kit. It also doesnt fit that well, if you look closely. The rear door, and that heavy treatment of the door channel between the two panes also looks a little out of scale. Small quibbles I know, so lets look at a few more positives - the interior is clearly specific for a racing car and not a road car, with a single moulded racing seat inside, sadly the tint on the glass makes the interior difficult to view in a photo. No rollcage inside though, Dinkum weren't at the level that Biante are today. 

Flipping it over you can see that the base plate is very basic, but the wheels are nice and wide, and the racing exhaust is also moulded in. Typical of the era in diecast models. The handwritten sticker is a nice touch from a small company. When new this model cost $130 and I do not know what the current value of it could be. Many Dinkums are listed at high 'Buy It Now' prices on Ebay, but they stay there for a long time.  The person who I bought this from, who had many Dinkums, tells me this is 1 of only 2 produced. I do know from talking to people close to Dinkum manufacturing, that although many runs were claimed to be limited to 99, as few as 20 could be made, sometimes less. So is this 1 of 2 made or 1 of 20 ? In either case - its a rare model. 

Packaging is very basic, a cardboard box with a white cardboard slipover. The car itself is wrapped in a tissue, then bubblewrap. Safe and secure but nowhere near the level of presentation that a car in a little clear plastic box arrives in. I dont  think it matters though, at least its not secured with infernal wires! I do recall the thrill I had when carefully unwrapping the bubblewrap and tissue - so maybe some Steve Jobs style packaging psychology was used.  

This model is very nice, and will stay in my collection. Its scarcity and striking looks secure its place.  

To the rating:

Dinkum Classics FBA472 - BA Bathurst Prototype

Quality  7

Design    7

Colours   8

X-factor  9

Rating: 31/40