Trax TR10C - Ford Falcon XC Hardtop Bathurst Edition

I think it is no secret among my friends that the XABC Falcon Hardtop is my favourite car, and as such, I have attempted to acquire as many diecast examples as possible. I would like nothing more than to have a 1:1 scale Black XA GT version to gaze at. Not even drive, just admire as art. One of my favourite versions is an older Trax, TR10C - the XC Falcon Hardtop Bathurst Edition, in black and gold.

This particular diecast car was a surprise when it appeared, but why did it appear ? The answer is in money. What could Trax do with the XC Cobra casting after doing a run of road Cobras, and a run of Moffat Cobras ? This was the answer. It is simply the Trax XC Falcon Cobra with a different paint job, or in scale model parlance - a recolour. 

In my opinion it looks better than the Cobra. I dont know why, as I really like the Cobra paint scheme - striking blue stripes, with a tiny contrasting stripe highlighting the change between blue and white, stark white body, muscular mag wheels. The shape of the car adding an extra element that is undeniable. An artists canvas that needs no paint to draw an admiring eye.

The model itself is nicely delivered, with very good quality paint, accurate representation, and good detail for the era in which it was made. Trax sometimes has problems in the grille area, but not in this model. The XC grille, strongly influenced by the Ford Granada, added a modern touch to the last of the XABC line. Trax capture it well. The headlights also look accurate, which is sometimes difficult n 1:43, even on recent releases. Interior detail is not high, but  in the price bracket, not unusual. 

Not  detailed, but enough to satisfy when you briefly flip it over.

Packaging is the older Trax style, which I prefer to the modern style. Sadly Trax has recently returned to wire ties on their Opal range, but thats a subject for another post. Now to the all important rating:

Trax TR10C Ford Falcon XC Hardtop Bathurst Edition

Quality  7

Design    7

Colours   9

X-factor  9

Rating: 32/40

Classic Carlectable 1:43 AU Falcon V8 Supercar- Dick Johnsons last race

Every racing driver knows that one day they will stop racing. Some bow out gracefully. This is how Dick Johnson retired, racing in a car with his son at the Queensland 500 in 2000. Although he had officially retired at the end of 1999...

Classic Carlectables captured this car and the 'Johnson Johnson' on the window in 1:43 scale in their V8 Supercar series of cars in 2001. It has sat proudly in my collection, and I'm not a big V8 Supercar fan (Give me a Group C 'Big Banger' any day!).  

At this stage of his career, Dick Johnson Racing had gone through ups and downs, but was strong, with his son racing and being successful. Group C had given way to V8 Supercars. Dick raced in the V8 Supercar season in 1999, then retired. His son Steven continued racing in his number 17. 

Father and son are quite different racers, but there were some consistencies - the map of Queensland on the roof, the famous number 17 on the doors, and a competitive Ford racing car.  

Now we come to the model of the car. Classic Carlectables did a very good job on this diecast version, which was based on their standard V8 Supercar Falcon moulding for that season. The livery is special, and accurately captured. Although oddly, TAA is on the roof, which had been superseded by Australian Airlines.

The baseplate is not accurately detailed, but the model does sit well, with  a good racing stance. The spoilers are accurate to this car, and although there is no interior detail, it is a nicely presented car. From Classics infamous 'brick' range, the model features dark glass and no  interior. This enabled this range to be offered at a lower price point than other V8 supercar models. When new the car retailed for $33, and they can be found on ebay at around that price, or lower. 

Packaging is colourful, and nicely displays the car. This model is not as famous as the Tru Blu XD, but as his final car, it is a must have and deserves a place in a Dick Johnson collection. Now to the all important rating. 

Classic Carlectables - Dick Johnson V8 Supercar Ford Falcon - Qld 500 2000

Quality  7

Design    7

Colours   7

X-factor  7

Rating: 28/40

You can read more about Dick Johnson at Wikipedia.

Biante 1:43 - Dick Johnson Tru Blu XD Falcon 1980 Bathurst

In 1980 Dick Johnson went to Bathurst in a roaring snorting 351 cubic inch powered XD Falcon Sedan, sporting his famous number 17, and a map of Queensland on the roof,  to have a crack at the greatest trophy in Australian motor sport. Biante have reproduced this famously unsuccessful car with great success in 1:43.

Sadly for Dick Johnson in the 1980 race, someone rolled a rock onto the track, which he hit, destroying this car, the famous Tru Blu XD Falcon, and his chance of winning. 

From this disaster, something very special happened. He generated enormous good will and importantly - cash. Ford announced they would match dollar for dollar any donation. He raised 70 thousand dollars, and attracted new sponsors and official Ford factory support. This placed Johnson in the big time, up there with Brock and Moffat. It made his career. 

The diecast scale model is very nice. Biante have reproduced the famous DJR Ford Falcon XD Tru Blu in 1:43 in their Motor Racing Legends series. It is an outstanding model, with excellent detail and accurate racing livery. The interior is detailed with racing seats, roll cage and even the harness. 

The base plate is highly detailed, with the advanced XD leaf spring suspension, the racing drop tank and enormous fire snorting side exhaust. The tyres and wheels are reproduced in fine detail. 

How do you display this car, it has so many excellent angles. The roof features the famous map of Queensland that was on all Dick Johnson racing cars, with the famous number 17. 

The packaging is plain, but the car is not. This model is essential in any collection of Australian Motor Sport cars, not because of its lack of success, but because of the future it created.

Biante - Dick Johnson Racing XD Ford Falcon - 1980 Bathurst

Quality  9

Design    9

Colours   6

X-factor  9

Rating: 33/40

You can read more about Dick Johnson at Wikipedia.