Motor Max - mutated Holden ute

When is an homage an insult ? Perhaps when its an imitation that looks like it just doesn't quite carry it off. Thats the feeling I get when I look at the Motor Max utility. It has to be a Holden ute - but it just looks weird.

 The Motor Max ute

5 strange cars for $5 - where I first saw the strange ute

I first saw the Motor Max ute when I was in Toys'r'Us looking for diecast. Normally I dont even look at the rows of Fastlane cars. They are generic and designed for kids to flog to death. They are dirt cheap as well.  But the strange ute caught my eye. What was it ? I initially thought it might have been a Chev SSR. Was it a copy of the Matchbox Holden Ute ?

 Big 'M' in the grille. Bizarre headlight styling. 

I bit the bullet and forked out my $5 for the five car set and extracted the Motor Max ute. It was very light for a diecast, and the glass fitted very poorly, no interior either. The paint was pretty good though, and a nice colour too. Wheels are very over the top. 

 The base is surprisingly detailed

When you place it next to a Matchbox HSV utility the differences are obvious. While the general styling is the same, the Motor max ute is larger and more 'compressed'. It's as if the designers stretched it out and then pressed it back in with the body 'rising'. I dont even know what scale it could be - it is in the three inch category, but who knows. 

It is clear that it is not a copy or replica of the Matchbox, Motor Max have actually created their own casting. For general kid play use, this car will be fine. For an adult collector, I'd say it will be overlooked or collected as an oddity. You couldn't really place it in a Holden collection, and it looks nothing like the Falcon utility.

See also:
Matchbox Holden HSV Utility
Hot Wheels Ford Falcon FG V8 Supercar
Revolution Models Holden Torana GTR-X in white
Capital Diecast Garage Australian diecast forums - become a member today!

Revolution Models Holden Torana GTR-X in white

Revolution Models have just released their 1:43 scale Holden Torana GTR-X concept car in white. It is a very limited edition of 300, and 100 have already been sent to a UK supplier - so if you want one I suggest you contact Revolution Models quickly.  I will be reviewing this model for the next edition of Detail, but thought I'd post a few photos now. 

 Attention to detail is as always - spot on. 

Beautiful lines. This is not the same casting as the Models56 GTR-X from a few years ago. 

Nice fliptop presentation case and certificate

You can contact Revolution Models by email anthonywhanna@hotmail.com or by phone 07 5522 4741. 

See also:

A resin Revolution

Questions answered - Code 3 acquisition by a non-collector

Capital Diecast Garage Australian diecast forums - become a member today!

Questions answered - Code 3 acquisition by a non-collector

Occasionally I receive emails from people with questions about models, so I've decided to post the odd one every now and then. The first one is from 'Sarah'. 

Hi there,

I have been searching for ages for a model replica of the :
"CODE3 TRAX TR12B HOLDEN HZ PANEL VAN PETER BROCK RALLY SUPPORT VEHICLE 'MARLBORO' WITH BULL BAR AND ROOF RACK 1.43 SCALE"
And am hoping you might be able to help me.
I'm looking for it for my partner, and I myself do not know much about this sort of thing.
I look forward to hearing from you, if you have any questions please let me know.

Thanks,
Sarah

Hi Sarah,

That is a Code 3 model, which means its not an official Trax model, but one that a person has modified to be a Peter Brock support vehicle. The original Trax TR12B is a HZ Holden panel van in red with Ampol livery. 

Trax TR12B Holden HZ panelvan in Ampol livery. Released in 1993

I'm not familiar with the Code 3 model in question, but in my experience Code 3 models vary in quality from amateurish to exceptional. My advice is to actually hold it in your hand and assess the quality with the naked eye before handing over your money. Even I have been fooled with photos of a code 3 model which looked great - and when the model arrived I then saw how poor it was. 

cheers

Damien

A pair of 'Code 3' Trax TR13 Holden utes, modified to be 'Brock Support vehicles'.  

See also:

Capital Diecast Garage Australian diecast forums - become a member today!

A Resin Revolution - Revolution Models

'Detail' magazine Issue 2 - new online diecast model car magazine

Code 3 - A short guide to diecast car codes

 

Revolution VT HSV Commodore - Detail Magazine preview

As one door closes another one opens, so when I enquired about the publishing date of the latest Detail Magazine (this Sunday) I was told my Hot Wheels FG Falcon Race Car article had been shelved, so I enquired whether there was time for an article on the Revolution VT Commodore range.... there was. I had one day to write that article! I present these images of Revolutions 1:43 resin VT Commodore range as a teaser. There are only 100 of each of these models - if you want one order it quickly as they will be snapped up. No one else will do these cars in this scale again. 

Clubsport, GTS and SV99 Commodores  $85 each with only 100 pieces of each car made. 

If you would like to place an order, you can contact Revolution Models by email anthonywhanna@hotmail.com or by phone 07 5522 4741. Revolution are also looking for retail outlets to carry their range. 

 
See also:
Revolution Models Torana GTR-X and Holden Hurricane
Hot Wheels FG Falcon V8 Supercar (coming soon)

Pre-production shots from ARMCO/Models56 - Brock GTR-X, Ford Landau and Geoghegan Mustang

While I was writing the reviews of the ARMCO FC Holden and GTHO Super Falcon for Detail magazine, I emailed a few questions to Models56. They shared with me some of their upcoming products - and have given me permission to post a few photos here. 

This is a 1:43 resin Torana GTR-X in 'what if' brock bathurst livery. I believe its endorsed by the Brock Foundation. This is a test shot for the decals. 

A more complete pre-production test example. With rear spoiler, racing wheels. This version will have an opening bonnet, and an engine. A first for 1:43 resin in Australia. 

This is a resin test shot of the pattern for the Pete Geoghegan 67 Mustang. Note the open bonnet and highly detailed engine bay. I dont know how far away this model is. 

A very early pattern of a 1:43 Ford Landau. Once again, I do not know how far away this car is from delivery, but am looking forward to it.

If you collect high quality 1:43 Australian cars, I'd recommend visiting the Models56 website.

See also:

Armco Models - FC Holden Station Wagon and McCormack racing Charger

Interview with John Pisani of Models56

Revolution Models Holden Hurricane and Torana GTR-X

Revolution Models Holden Hurricane and Torana GTR-X

A sneak preview of the Revolution Models Holden Hurricane and Holden Torana GTR-X, in resin in 1:43 scale. My full reviews of both models will be in the next issue of Detail magazine. They are both available right now from Revolution Models. 

Coming soon in Detail Magazine Issue 2

A teaser for those who are waiting for the next issue of Detail. Two of the cars I have written reviews of in Issue 2. 

 Hot Wheels Ford Falcon Race Car

Revolution Models Holden Torana GTR-X (in 80's guise)

Matchbox Holden VE Commodore

One of the most keenly awaited diecast models from Matchbox in 2010 was the VE Holden Commodore Ute SSV. It was announced back in 2009, but didn't appear on the pegs until very late in 2010. It has been almost as keenly anticipated as the Hot Wheels Falcon XB Coupe! Today I found it and indeed it is a car to acquire for your diecast garage. It is a beautiful casting, and the initial colour it has been released in is a lustrous metallic green. Even the wheels suit it. 

 From all angles this is an attractive model. Even the small vents behind the front wheel arches have been modelled.

 Tampo printing is fairly good, with accurate lights, emblems and even a number plate. The rear taillight tampo painting doesn't quite wraparound, but its a small flaw.

 

The car has a nice stance and looks great. It will be interesting to see how many variants Matchbox squeeze out of this casting. They did a Holden ute back in the 70's which came in every shade and colour imaginable, and also with different loads like motorcycles etc in the tray. I believe they even did a monster truck version. 

 Blister pack front

Blister pack rear

This car is very popular and is already being sold in Ebay at prices above 40 dollars. I'd urge people to actually visit their local diecast supplier, and flip the pegs. It will appear to you at some point. I found three in Toys'r'Us today, right on the front of the pegs. The hunt for the elusive car is also part of the fun.

To the rating:

Matchbox 2008 Holden Commodore VE Ute SSV 

Quality  9

Design    9

Colours   9

X-factor  9

Rating: 36/40

Update: I have two of these spare, which I will trade or sell. I am selling one on Ebay, but would trade it. See my wants list here.