Johnson XE

[Nick Short]

I know you guys have all been worrying on my behalf :D , but fret not - I got my order in successfully this morning......despite my server deciding to cut me off 3 times during the order process. At that time of the morning I try not to swear too loudly......
Basically, you lot will all get your models some time before I do, and I was hoping to get some feedback on it when you get your sweaty mitts on it. If it's half as good as the photo then it'll be a cracker!

[KiwiRallyFan]

Hi Nick,

I had a similar problem with my server dropping out at least two times during the order process. Hopefully my order has gone through. It shows up as an unshipped order in my Collectors Club points, but I never received a confirmation e-mail.

Did anyone else have this problem?

I guess this particular DJ model was in very hot demand for a time on Friday.

[Richard Poole]

Hi guys.

We were watching for your order to come in Nick. Had a little chear when it finnaly popped up.

Kiwirallyfan, your order has been received (for the XE and the other model). E-mail me at work if you want yout order number.

Thanks.

Rich.

[KiwiRallyFan]

Thanks Richard for confirming my order. I have the order number from the Collectors Club.

[XR8]

I managed to get my order in, but it wasn't without some frustration!!!
I was at work, and had forgotten my collector club number, hence was unable to collect points..

'Beauty' I thought, I'll just get the details e-mailed.

So after refreshing my e-mail for about 30 minutes, I thought, 'Bugger it' and ordered.

The site must have been flat stick yesterday afternoon, it took a little while to get into the order screen!

I missed out last time on getting an order in, and there was NO WAY, I was going to miss this one, points or no points!!!!

I'm really looking forward to the mail man turning up this week with my latest treasure.

Congratulations to Biante on yet another hot model!

Ed :)

[mustang1966]

Congrats nick on getting the mighty Greens Tuf/Forrest Elbow XE.

Do you get AMC sent to you in the UK? Cause they had an interesting artical on the Phase 4.

[Moby58]

mmm, explains a few things :-(

OK, the email newsletter said the XE would be available for 2pm WA time. I logged on around 3.30pm to get 'Temporary out of Stock', so went out today and bought one from Games World, and missed out on my first points :(

So, when a model is becoming available sometime, can we actually order it on the day before it is posted to website?

Beed good to know when I can order the XA Coupe next week ;-)

Also, I owned a real red 4-door XA GT 20 years ago (If I only new then what I know now :(, is Biante gonna do a 4 door version??

[mustang1966]

Moby, you have the 83 XE in your hot little hands?

If so how do you rate it compared to the 84 car?

I tried top contact my model shop today but they closed at 2pm :(

[passenger]

good to see you both got your order in for the XE greens tuff.

nick short it might take a little while to get there but you will enjoy all the best :D

[ferrari fan]

Do not sweat, The model is sensational!

[mustang1966]

thanks FF

just as i expected, tuesday canot come quick enough

[BATHURSTFAN]

For anyone who has not seen it, get Dick Johnsons True Blue video as it shows the XE on that lap at Bathurst with that magic sound of the v8 and then THAT crash.

Last time I was at DJR's recently they had the video on special for $10.00

[Robbo]

Exactly the same happened to me XR8. I was so paranoid about missing out ... I checked my emails and then decided ... I can't wait anymore.

[Oh Five]

Originally posted by BATHURSTFAN
For anyone who has not seen it, get Dick Johnsons True Blue video as it shows the XE on that lap at Bathurst with that magic sound of the v8 and then THAT crash.

Last time I was at DJR's recently they had the video on special for $10.00

Memories, it was my first pilgramage to the mountain, and i happened to be just up from forest elbow when i heard the V8 #17 power out of the corner and then silence, when i saw the wreckage i thoughjt that D.J was gone, but then around came the 05 commodore and off they went.It was one scary moment.....

[Richard Poole]

Originally posted by Moby58
mmm, explains a few things :-(

OK, the email newsletter said the XE would be available for 2pm WA time. I logged on around 3.30pm to get 'Temporary out of Stock', so went out today and bought one from Games World, and missed out on my first points :(

So, when a model is becoming available sometime, can we actually order it on the day before it is posted to website?

Beed good to know when I can order the XA Coupe next week ;-)

Also, I owned a real red 4-door XA GT 20 years ago (If I only new then what I know now :(, is Biante gonna do a 4 door version??

Cars cannot be ordered prior to being made available on the site. They have to be made available on the site to allow bonus points to be awarded.

The XA Falcon will be available at 2pm Perth time on the 7th of February (as stated in the weekly newsletter).

It will be well worth the wait.

[Nick Short]

Pleased my efforts in getting up at the crack of dawn gave you some entertainment, Richard! I was very pleased to get confirmation that my order had got through, after all my server problems, and I'll be waiting to accost the postie every morning next week.
Mustang1966, I do have a subscription to AMC, due to a general obsession with Aussie cars, so I was very pleased when Mark Oastler told me he was running a story on the Phase IV. And wasn't it a good 'un?
I see Minichamps have just released another Sierra RS500 in 1:18 - over here at least. Does anyone know if they'll be making a road version at all? I can't find any info....

[mustang1966]

Nick and it gave us some more insight into the Phase 4 Coupe.

They said it could not be classed at a Phase 4, because of no complience plate. Well the 3 red pepper cars did not have the plate afixed either so do we still class them as a Phase 4?

I will bow down and say I was wrong, to me now if the Coupe was fitted with ALL the Phase 4 goodies, then in my eyes it a phase 4 just like the other 3 sedans with no offical HO plate.


Bathurstfan, Yes it is a great video and worth getting for any race fan.

[Nick Short]

Mustang1966, I think you're right - officially or not, if it had all the gear it can be considered the real thing, but only because the factory built it. It would certainly be possible to build something very similar now, but that wouldn't make it a Phase IV. To be honest, I prefer the look of the hardtop, and so it's a shame it didn't make it into production, as it was due to be the Phase V and much faster down Conrod. It's significant that the XA was raced under the new regs in its hardtop form, rather than the more bricklike sedan, and the Phase V would have been sensational! Now all we need to do is track down that Phase IV hardtop.....

[7Litre]

Thursday night 6:30pm, Only 3 more sleeps. It's worse than Xmas.

[ducksguts]

Took posession of my XE today and im impressed :)
Although the plastic wheeltrim covers on the front had me worried there for a minute until i realised there was indeed a real rim hiding underneath.

[wombat]

Stang and Nick

Interesting article, if not leaving it open for more discussion.

One point - the XA GTHO hardtop was always designated the phase 5. Any compliance plate would have to be as unique as the calypso green Phase 4.

[GTSCoup]

Originally posted by ducksguts
Took posession of my XE today and im impressed :)
Although the plastic wheeltrim covers on the front had me worried there for a minute until i realised there was indeed a real rim hiding underneath.

Why did it worry you? It looks accurate to me so everything should be happy shouldn't it?

[XR8]

Originally posted by ducksguts
Took posession of my XE today and im impressed :)
Although the plastic wheeltrim covers on the front had me worried there for a minute until i realised there was indeed a real rim hiding underneath.

Ducks, don't panic too much mate.
Even the real BBS alloys on the Greens-tuf Falcon at DJR have the same plastic covers.
It's just they're 18 times bigger!!

Ed :)

[ducksguts]

Yep im totally happy with it, i was just ignorant to the fact that the real XE did have the plastic covers on the front thats all, thus when i saw the model in the shop window and saw it had trims with the rim design painted on i didnt realise that they were in fact just covers.

Its true to the real thing though.. no complaints here :)

[Nick Short]

Still an impatient Pom over here waiting.....I have a space just above the Tru Blu XD set aside for it.......

Wombat, the hardtops WOULD have been used as the Phase V if the race programme hadn't been canned (and presumably would have had modifications from Phase IV spec, suitable for the different body shape). This one-off car, being a hardtop-shelled Phase IV built as a favour, would still have to be considered a Phase IV.....

[XR8]

Just been checking the auction sites..
Looks like DJR XE II will be another popular model.
Most listings are close to, or over $200 already...
There are a couple of lower ones, but they do have a reserve price, or a number of days to run..
Glad I got my order in this time!!!

Ed :)

[mustang1966]

OK for you guys who may have missed out, try Mark at Pitstop model cars in Melton 0397431100. I talked to him on the phone today and he has a car for both my Nephew and I. He also has a few spares left over.

This is the same guy who sold me the DJR Sierra for $168 a week after the were released.

[ferrari fan]

What is going on ;there are 7620 of these and over 5000 of the other one!
One could say that there are enough to go round with out the usual bottom dwellers getting in on the act.
Or these must be very popular and rightfully so, sensational model together with the rest of them a great asset in the display. and not a Completly Cactus model to be seen!

[Graeme]

Those BBS wheel covers on the green XE's were there to provide a source of cooling air through to the front disc rotors.
Rear brakes always run cooler, however Dick was known to run the same type of covers on the rear wheels of his 1982 RED ROO XE. I'm not certain, but someone will no doubt sound me out on this one..... Dick's 1983/84 XE's ran larger diameter rear rims than those in 1982, and hence perhaps no further need for rear wheel covers ?

As to the Phase V stories, who knows what may have eventuated ? The XA Hardtop was never going to appear at Bathurst in 1972 in any form, and was not part of the official Phase IV program. If there had been no Supercar Scare and racing regulations hadn't changed for 1973, then perhaps we may have seen a Hardtop-based GTHO Phase V sometime that year.

In the end, the choice of Hardtop versus Sedan for 1973 did I understand relate mostly to two perceived advantages... lower overall vehicle height and commodious rear wheel arch openings.

And, the way history stands, in my opinion there exists only one fair dinkum Ford production XA GTHO (Phase IV), and two rather special Ford Special Vehicles Division race-prepared sedans built to XA GTHO (Phase IV) specifications - the third ex-Hodgson car now effectively dead and gone.

Has anybody out there made an interesting dental appointment in Sydney? I'd give my eye teeth for a Calypso Green.... oops, dreaming again !!!

[Three_o_seven]

Gotta love those sheepskin seat covers:D....the detail is even better than the 1984 green machine and thats saying something.

Jeremy

[7Litre]

I've got it,
Took some some time off work to go and get the Green Monster and I'm at home now at home compare the different details between the both Green XE's. Your right Three-O-Seven those seats are really sheepish. There is a few little differences, but another "Great Job" done Biante.

Regards 7Litre.....

[brchi17]

It a great looking model & I can't wait until I get mine to compare it to the pre-production version sitting on the shelf at home. As I've said before its' a fantastic model & one all DJr fans should be prould of.
cheers.

[XR8]

Originally posted by brchi17
It a great looking model & I can't wait until I get mine to compare it to the pre-production version sitting on the shelf at home. As I've said before its' a fantastic model & one all DJr fans should be prould of.
cheers.

Brchi17,

If you decide that the pre-production car isn't up to scratch, I promise I will look after it for you!!!!

I get my production car tomorrow, just as soon as I get to the post office!!!

Ed :)

[XR8]

Here's a bargain for an enterprising Biante collector!!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3112872408&category=27157

This shop is selling the latest DJR XE for $165, buy-it-now on
E-Bay..

Do they get them cheaper than us collectors, or are they just
losing money on the sale???

Ed :)

[Nick Short]

Presumably as a dealer they would get a considerable discount on normal retail. As a Pom (I guess to compensate me for the unfortunate fact) I get GST knocked off and I imagine they would get it a lot cheaper than I do! Still waiting for mine though......

[BATHURSTFAN]

If I had my choice between the 84 & 83 model, I would say the 83 model has it, the Channel 7 "rainbow" around the No 17 really makes it look good.

I only got the 84 model because of sentimental value as I saw that car race at Surfers Paradise in 84 and have photos of it on the grid with Moffat (RX7) and Brock.

My dealer has 37 or so models stacked behind the counter - all sold & waiting to be picked up.

[XR8]

Yippee!!!
Got mine this arvo, we got sent home early because the road was flooding... We've had over 500mm of rain since Tuesday..
The dam has risen 10 metres and still going..
Hope the bushies out west get some too!!

The Greens-tuf Falcon is excellent!! Detail is first class as usual, and I'm stoked to have it in the display with all my other DJR models. Thanks again Biante, another job well done.

Ed :)

[Oh Five]

XR8 do us "mexicans" a favor and push the rain down here will ya!!!;)
P.S, sorry to go off the thread subject..

[BATHURSTFAN]

XR8, is that (flooding) near the Gladstone area?

[brchi17]

Originally posted by XR8
Brchi17,
If you decide that the pre-production car isn't up to scratch, I promise I will look after it for you!!!!

I'm going to get mine tomorrow night after work but I wouldn't hold my breath about the pre-production one.

cheers:D :D

[XR8]

Originally posted by BATHURSTFAN
XR8, is that (flooding) near the Gladstone area?

Yes, I've sent you a PM with more details..
It's spreading right through CQ as we speak...
No major damage yet, though one bloke at Gracemere died trying to save his horse.....a legend in my books.

Anyway, back to the original topic!!!

Ed :)

[brchi17]

XR8,
I hope you've got all of your models in a dry place.
Good luck surviving the 'big wet' & how about sending some of that precious rain down south to where they're stuggling with the 'big dry'
cheers
:D

[Nick Short]

You can have some of ours if you like......it comes with free sleet.
The XE is sat in a postal warehouse about a mile from my house.....very frustrating.

[brchi17]

Just got my real 83 XE tonight & it looks fantastic !!!

Just like the pre-production one. To be honest, if I ever take both of them out of the box at the same time you wouldnt know which one was which.

Another fantastic model Biante.

Now, what can we expect to be the the next car in the DJR collection ???
cheers.

[Acj428]

I say we all vote for Dick's Nascar version.......:D

Or what about doing some of Dick's XE road going specials ( Turbo Grand prix in green and Blue) wouldn't take much for Biante to do these, the basic body is already in production....

[Nick Short]

Finally got my XE this morning, and it's even better than I expected! Fantastic interior, thick glossy paintwork, stunning livery - what a great model! One thing bothers me though - the bonnet opens even with the bonnet pins wired shut. Surely that's a major safety concern.....

[passenger]

well its about time , sounds like it was worth the wait good to see you enjoy it .

P.S. funny bit about the bonnet pins yours must be faulty youll have to send it back for a replacement he he he .......:D

[Nick Short]

Thanks passenger, it definitely was worth the wait! And I think the bonnet will be safe enough at low speeds.....
Can anyone post a good pic of the Red Roo Falcon, as I can only find very poor shots.

[ZORAK]

Try this (http://ebay1.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_EBAY_2abbbea2 ecb952e8cb3e66c28dbebac0/i-1.JPG) for size Nick.

[Nick Short]

Thanks Zorak! I could only find head-on shots - it's good to see the side as well.....It'll make a good model in the series.

[Nick Short]

Can anyone give me a a pointer as to where I can get the Dick Johnson video - the one with the "crash through the trees"?

[ZORAK]

I haven't looked but they may sell it at www.djr.com.au

[frosty]

Nick,
Try www.chevron.com.au they are the company that produce most of the Australian Motorsport Books, Videos and DVDs.

Look for Dick Johnson - True Blue.

They have it in VHS or DVD for A$35, I don't know how much for postage.

[BATHURSTFAN]

DJR had a recent sale and the video (True Blue) was $10.00, I think they had a few left.

Its been said before but the SOUND of that car was captured brilliantly on that footage.

[7Litre]

If you eventually get the DVD Nick Make sure you play it through your stereo. Great Sound of the 351 Cleveland. There is even a quick glimps of the Red Roo XE in it.

Regards 7Litre....

[8713]

Bathurstfan

Are you anywhere near DJR - if you are would you consider picking up one of the True Blue video's and sending it to Perth (will cover your costs ofcourse). I have had a look on the DJR site and it doesn't list the video. If not could you email me an address/phone no - to contact them direct.

Appreciate any help

Regards Frank

[ZORAK]

I would be in on that one too if anyone was interested in going down there!

Z :D

[Nick Short]

Yes, I couldn't find the video on the DJR website, but I'll give Chevron a go - thanks, Frosty! And yes, 7 Litre, I'll crank the sound up (as long as my wife's out...)!

[brchi17]

Try K-mart, Target, etc..., & the like before you get it from Chevron.

I've found that your national chain stores tend to have it for sale around the mid 20s rather than the premium price you'll pay if you get it from Chevron.

I got the video & it's a must for all DJR fans.

enjoy.

[BATHURSTFAN]

I'll give DJR a call and check it out and get back.

[BATHURSTFAN]

I phoned DJR at 12:30pm Sat and spoke to Kelly and she advised that there a few still there at $10.

DJR (07) - 3287 1234

[ZORAK]

DVD or VHS?

Do you have PayPal?

Z!

[BATHURSTFAN]

$10 is for the VHS-Video, give them a call on the above number or email.

[8713]

Bathhusrtfan

Your time and help greatly appreciated. I have searched most video outlets here in Perth and haven't been able to find a copy.
Once again, thanks.

Frank:)

[BATHURSTFAN]

No worries, let me know how you go.

$10.00 is cheap, I got mine months ago and when I was there recently they were still selling at the same price, but then again they had a big clean out of everything.

Car panels, books, caps, shirts (even the actual WORN team members shirts) etc.

I noticed some DAMAGED panels were being sent over to NZ for the DJR fan club or something

Glenn

[mic]

For those who missed this car, Hobby Co. in Sydney city still has some left. Good price too!

[8713]

Bathhurstfan

Ordered my copy of the True Blue video today - should be here in a couple of weeks - hopefully signed by DJ as well. For those interested they still have some copies left and still at $10.

Cheers Frank:)

[brchi17]

Does the $10 price relate to the DVD as well ???

For $10 I would love to have the DVD to go with my VHS copy for when it wears out.

cheers.

[8713]

brchi17

I don't know if that is for dvd as well but ring Liz at DJR on 0732871234, she was very helpful.

cheers Frank

[The real OZ GP]

I picked up the True Blue DVD at Toys-R-US in Rundle mall in Adelaide last Saturday for $20. very glad I did it is excellent. There was at least one more copy there.
May be worth a look interstate as well .

Cheers

[Nick Short]

Just a quick one - is there supposed to be an apostrophe after the S in "Greens" on the side of the XE? Did it appear on the real car, and if so I can't work out why!

[7Litre]

Hello Nick,
Yes there is an apostrophe after the word GREENS' TUF on the real car, because it is bad Grammer to illustrate Greens's Tuf like this.

Regards 7Litre...

[Nick Short]

So who or what is Greens? If it was somebody Green then it should be Green's, not Greens'........Dontcha just love these pedantic and pointless questions?:D Thing is, I don't actually know who the sponsors were, so I was puzzled.....

[admin]

The sponsor was Ross Palmer who ran a steel tubing business.
Products included Red Roo and Greens Tuf tubing.

[Graeme]

Diehard Dick Johnson fans will be aware that before the advent of big money from Shell, DJ's driving career really developed from special relationships and support from three men, the late Bryan Byrt - a Ford Dealer, Doug Jacobi of Motorcraft (Ford Parts), and childhood mate Ross Palmer, who established an extremely successful steel products business called Palmer Tube Mills.

Palmer's business processed steel tubing and piping, and his products were known by innovative names such as those promoted in sponsorship with Dick's racing Fords.
Initially, it was "TRU-BLU" tubing followed by "RED-ROO" pipe, and through to the Mustang era with "GREENS' TUF" tubing.

The various grades and strength of steel used in Palmer's products were identified by these colour-reference names and the corresponding colour that the product was painted in production.

Mass colour-coding of steel products is in wide use today, and the re-structured Palmer company continues to operate primarily out of Queensland with something like a 40% share of the steel tube business in Australia.

[timbo333]

Thanks for the info Graeme.....interesting.

Has the new release XE had any effect on the ridiculous prices of the 1st model??

Anyone been watching eBay or SOLD.COM?

[brchi17]

Don't forget about the Redkote association (US division that Palmer Tube Mills purchased) that allowed Dick to go over & have a go at NASCAR (Ford Thinderbird) & the mighty Sierra he took over & spanked the poms in, at Silverstone.

From memory, didn't Dick have some sort of bust up/tiff with Ross Palmer in the early 90's, which is why he (Palmer) went off to what became Procar & Nations Cup & whcih saw the removal of Palmer Tube Mills from DJ's race cars ???

cheers.