Time For Biante To Up The Ante

[Goggles Pizanno]

I was having a look at the CC Charger today and I think it is a very good model, I would go so far as to say it has the best modelled engine of any Australian produced model car produced so far. Eg Have a look at the detail, the aircleaner bodies and the throttle linkage spring etc.

Anyway, it got me thinking.

Biante produce fantastic road car models for $130 retail.
What could they do if they were making them for $195 retail - same as the CC Charger price?

The CC is $65, thats 50%, more expensive than the Biante product, so you would expect something pretty good.

I think if Biante put an extra $65 into a model car it could be mind blowing!

I don't envisage moving the entire range up to the $195 price point, just perhaps a couple of standout models a year.

Black Label, Top Shelf call them what you will, I think their would be a market for these models. The precedence has been set - no shortage of forum members handing over $195 for the Charger and Geoghegan Mustang and a lot of us forked out $300 for the Moffat Mustang.

Admin, you blew us all away back in '98 with the release of the first XY's. I think it's time to raise the bar again, move up to the next level.

As I said for $130 you already make fantastic models, for $195 I imagine the detail would be awesome.

What do people think? Would you be prepared to pay around $200 a couple of times a year for a Biante 'Super' model?

[brchi17]

Why would you want to pay $200 for a road car ???

I think the standard of vehicles we get from Biante are totally awesome for the money & I don't think they need to go down the CC route & start charging massive amounts for their models.

Anyway, what more would they need to do ???

A 50% increase in price is massive & I'm sure there are many who would still buy them, but this collectors opinion is that the price & quality, is part of the appeal of the Biante product, over the cc models.

If the price for road cars went up to $200ea, this collector would proberly stop buy vehicles in 1:18 scale !!!

Just my opinion,

cheers.

[Damian]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by brchi17
[B]Why would you want to pay $200 for a road car ???

I agree with brchi17. Would not pay that for a road car. I don't care if you can wind down the windows, open the glove box etc. To me, Biante make great road cars as they already are. There's no need to go over the top with gimmicks.
Regards
Damian

[ducksguts]

Im afraid my budget doesnt extend to paying $200 for a road car.
As it stands Biante are always improving their models anyway yet they manage to keep the prices within reach.

Ill wait for the Biante Charger.

[Aussiecollector]

The real question is with the race cars, why is it we get no engine and very little detail (engine and engineering wise) upto 5000 copies for $175.00. And the other Manufacture can make 1000 at $159.00 with massive detail to the boot, engine and interior with individual changes specific to each team.

Glenn

Get ready for the fireworks

[bev]

I think you will find that our race cars are made for individual teams and always have been from Day 1.

As for pricing, maybe for the teams that CC model, there is not as much licence fee, which is where a lot of the dollars in our cars go. Individally signed certificates are not signed for free!!, not to mention the freighting of enoumous containers of certificates to and from interstate homes of drivers.

[Highlander]

Please correct me if im wrong ,I thought That Biante Premium,Biante Classics,and Autoart were three grades of Detail reflecting the Detail and Price already charged .

The Charger model deserves respect as a fine model ,but I cant see how its worth $200 ,when i can Have a XA GT a $130.

[Richard Poole]

The name of the brand has no correlation to detail and cost.

Biante Premium- Current cars that don't fall under the 'Classic' category (a current car can not be called a classic).

Biante Classic- as it say, classic road and race.

Autoart- models produced by Autoart for Biante.

[admin]

Glenn, knowing I will get all sorts of digs by answering this, I will anyway.
Back in 97 when we released the XY it was $149.00
Road cars are now infinitely better detailled ( I am sure you would agree with that) and yet we have kept the price down so they are now $130.00.
If we made 2 road cars a year, we could put a heap of gimmicks on them and charge $195.00.
But the release schedule and with amount of models that we have , I am very wary of the cost etc. mainly for the end user..YOU.
Just for information, we currently have ALL Holdens series cars from 1968 and all Ford series cars from 1967 either made or in advanced tooling.
Just the sheer scale of that and trying to work out how to release them so not only you, but also the shops and I, can afford them, is my main reason to keep the costs down no matter what.
Accuracy as models is my main concern and sure you can pick off a few things that may not be perfect out of the 120 or so different 1:18ths we have released, but they are accurate and in my opinion, do not need immaterial items like wind down windows etc that add expense and are prone to breaking.
And I mean immaterial in respect to models....being a long time collector I am reminded of Corgi with their removeable wheels etc, which were unneccesary gimmicks that meant you lost the wheels and the model was useless. I only ever bought one!

When the 1:12th is released, THAT will have everything and at that scale, so it should and it will be able to be engineered so it is a worthwhile feature, not a gimmick.

As far as your point re the race cars, and I assume you are referring to the V8super cars, we put on the car what is there firstly and then what the relevant team will allow.
By that I mean if you check out the boots, I am not sure how you put more components in there that the Lowndes car has unless you add bits that dont exist.
Same with the interior and engine bay.
If you are referring to the HRT cars engine bay, then whats there is all we can show.
Whats the point of having a removeable engine cover if we can't put the induction pipes on the top of the engine.
And we can't for the simple reason that NO team will display the shape or composition of the inlet manifold. Simple as that. And of everyone, Larry would be one of the most adamant that it not be shown accurately as he is a fine and innovative engineer and is not about to let anyone see what he is doing.
I know his thoughts on it as I was in his workshop photographing the 2000 cars the day he fitted the first 'Larry' bar and as visible as that was to become 3 weeks later at the first race, I was threatened with the removal of parts of my anatomy if I so much as let even my staff see the pictures before the car rolled out for the first race.
So, what do I do? Make any old thing up and stick on top of the engine just so you can have a "Feature" even if its totally wrong.
No one has complained about the two bars missing from the bottom of certain cars...why??? because no one is allowed to see them anyway and at nearly 1/2 an inch long, they had to be left off for obvious reasons.
Last year we only made two teams and this year only one for Holden and the cars are all the same as each other except for the VY panels on the red cars.
When we finish the real VY, it will all be there, but again, minus the technically sensitive bits we cannot show.
On the pricing, apart from Bev's short answer, you being a company director as you have pointed out, must realise that anyone can price anything how they like to stir up the market.
If we stopped making current race cars, maybe they would all cost $195.00 .
If you don't understand that, ask yourself ..............why a road car is $40.00 dearer than a race car from others, when as you point out, there is so much more detail on the race car??

[Aussiecollector]

Trevor thanks for the very long reply.

Believe it or not I was not having a dig at you or your product (this time anyway). I was simply putting up the question.

The fact that we now have two 1/18th manufacturers with good quality cars facinates me that one can produce 1000 representations of the V8supercars team for $159.00 and the other produces upto or over 5000 representations of the V8 supercar for $175.00 (without signed certifictates) Bev's reason for costs.

I do agree with you regarding the gimmick factor, its pointless, and $195.00 for a pink road car!!!. As you can tell I am not into road cars. I am into race cars and the technical side, thats why I don't find F1 boring because no matter how boring it gets on the track the off track work and testing side of things will always keep me interested.

I am a picky bloke but unfortunately that comes from being involved in the building inspection industry for 17 years searching for defects every day can be a curse in home and hobby life.

I applude you for your efforts to keep the costs down but at present the CC race cars are $20-$30 cheaper with a visual perception that their detail is at a "shall we say higher level".

The collectors and resellers are "saying that the CC has more detail" and on first appearances they do look like they have. As I am sure you know as you would have them in your collection being a collector yourself.

The level of detail in both Manufactured (cc/biante) cars is varied and as for the scale accuracies well "Ill leave that alone".

I am a fan of motorsport and will by a model regardless of what others (FF) think. As I have bought your product for many years and "yes I have had a dig at times" but mainly when biante have shot yourselves in the "quality statement foot" with silly little mistakes.

I will not take this any further as we could go on for months, I just hope that we will get a improved level of quality from all manufacturers making the models I and many others collect.

I look forward to your 2003 cars

Glenn

[historic]

The main success of the Biante model company hase been its value for dollar and quality.the affordability of any model is going to be a sign of its success once it hase provided the quality and type people are looking for.Think Biante has filled that reqiurement more than most, dont you.

[GTSCoup]

I don't know where you buy from Glen but my store has both brands for $168.00 so I guess it depends on the stores.

They still have CC Ambrose in stock and sold out of Biante Lowndes. Strange.

[brchi17]

I for one hope Biante do not make their 1:18 cars with wind up mirrors, glove boex that open, etc............

Could you imaging having to go into your local Ford or Holden trying to chase a window winder for a 1:18 Commodore or Falcon if one broke ???:D

Next, people will be wanting power windows, centrol locking & 24hr road side assistance just in case their car brakes down !!!!

Really, at the end of the day we collectors are the main befisheries of having 2 manfactures of Australian 1:18 cars.

I prefure the Biante, beacuse they have a proven track record of producing great cars & I can offord to collect them. As for cc they are good, but other than the 1:43 Falcon that are exclusive to them I'll stay a tried & true Biante boy.

But each to their own I suppose,

cheers.

[BATHURSTFAN]

I think value for dollar Biante wins with the road cars, but in relation to the V8Supercars we are just lucky that we have more teams to pick from now.

I could do without the "gimmicks" as long as the overall look of the car is right ( thats why I complain about the XB front so much - PLEASE FIX!)

I don't care too much about components that are obscured inside the model. I won't buy a road car for $200 while I can get them for around $135 UNLESS its one that is exclusive to one manufacturer and I really wanted it.

But as Biante stated - they will release them anyhow.

I look at the appearance of the exterior more than whats in the boot, its nice to have that detail but for an extra $60 I don't want the other extras. You could just about buy three Biante models for two CC's.

I want the 2002 Radisich Shell car and I will probably get the CC 1:18 version for a change.

[zeitgeist]

Originally posted by BATHURSTFAN
I don't care too much about components that are obscured inside the model
...
I look at the appearance of the exterior more than whats in the boot


Seriously, people. How many of us transfer newly-acquired models from the box to a sealed case? A decently-detailed engine compartment, interior and undercarriage address the demands of opened bonnets or doors and cars raised on one of those nifty lifts. In my opinon, the exterior is far more important.

Wind-up windows, while admirable, are superfluous when you don't let anyone past the display case!

BC

[diecastdude]

Oh and by the way, lets say it one more time for all future threads having a shot at the biante models
"I'm not having a shot at you"
Honestly, "I'm not having a shot at you" yeah yeah yeah.
What can I say !

[KiwiRallyFan]

Hi guys, here are some thoughts from a collector across the Tasman...

I think that if Biante want to improve the level of detail in their 1:18 models, they don't need the extra gimmicks like working window winders, opening glove boxes, fuel in the tank etc.

I would prefer that they put their efforts into improving the modelling of some of the existing details within the car. A few of the features on the race-cars look a little too 'plastic'. Examples being the window nets, the full-harness seat-belts (which in some cars appear to defy the laws of gravity), and maybe even the windows. The 2002 Green-Eye-Monster is definitely heading in the right direction, and is probably a better model than the VX Commodores.

I also think that the detail under the car is important, as this can be seen when the cars are placed in display cabinets with glass shelves. In this respect, I think the cars made by AutoArt could be greatly improved, particulary when they are compared with some of the recent Biante Classic Fords. Also, it is a shame that the white plastic underbody on the VT/VX race Commodores is visible just behind the front wheel arches.

I would be prepared to pay a few more dollars for the models if this results in better modelling of the existing details. Forget those useless extra gimmicks.

Oh...Admin and Diecastdude....PLEASE treat these comments as constructive suggestions, NOT criticisms - I do actually love those Biante models and will keep buying them.

[terrine]

it probably is true that most of us transfer the model from box to cabinet rather than push it around the sandpit but one thing i have noticed regarding "gimmicks" is.....
whenever a visitor sees my collection, and perhaps diecast 1:18s, for the first time they are amazed at the presentation and detail, but take one out and show them the "gimmicks" and they are blown away (as am i).

r/peter

[jager]

....being a long time collector I am reminded of Corgi with their removeable wheels etc, which were unneccesary gimmicks that meant you lost the wheels and the model was useless. I only ever bought one!

I'm only a 1/43 collector, so you guys have every right to shoot me down in flames. However I collect Jagermeister models and have been considering the 1:18 Exoto 'Jagermeister' Porsche with removeable wheels. I agree for 1:43 the wheels are too small to be removed and easily get lost, but I think 1:18 is a different story. My friends that collect 1:18 love to display them in workshop or race pit diorama's and I think to have removeable wheels on some racecars that shows disc brakes, shock absorbers and suspension arms would be a bonus if it could be done for a sensible price..........definitely not a gimmick.

I agree there is no point in having wind up windows, opening glove boxes or other parts that are easily broken or lost.

[Three_o_seven]

Biante have steadily improved from a great XY model to an outstanding XA model and have refined, enhanced and added detail with no extra cost...CC have finally added detail at a hell of a cost increase and everyone raves....big deal.
Biante had ''upped the ante'' in 1997 when they astonished model collectors with the first 1:18 XY, its taken CC 6 years to catch up.....we owe a lot to Biante as we would more than likely still be collecting blacked out windowed garbage with no detail.

Jeremy

[GTSCoup]

Originally posted by jager


I'm only a 1/43 collector, so you guys have every right to shoot me down in flames. However I collect Jagermeister models and have been considering the 1:18 Exoto 'Jagermeister' Porsche with removeable wheels. I agree for 1:43 the wheels are too small to be removed and easily get lost, but I think 1:18 is a different story. My friends that collect 1:18 love to display them in workshop or race pit diorama's and I think to have removeable wheels on some racecars that shows disc brakes, shock absorbers and suspension arms would be a bonus if it could be done for a sensible price..........definitely not a gimmick.

I agree there is no point in having wind up windows, opening glove boxes or other parts that are easily broken or lost.

I think it is a real gimmick. I have the Martini 935 which also has removeable wheels. I took one wheel off to have a look (because I could) and haven't touched the wheels since. All of my models are lined up along the shelves in the cabinet with wheels on so the 935 would look strange with a wheel or two off. It is a nice enough model without removeable wheels, they are an unnecessary inclusion (IMO).

[texan]

I think if Biante put an extra $65 into a model car it could be mind blowing!

I don't envisage moving the entire range up to the $195 price point, just perhaps a couple of standout models a year.

.What do people think? Would you be prepared to pay around $200 a couple of times a year for a Biante 'Super' model? [/B][/QUOTE]

I think everyone has missed the point Goggles was making.
He's not advocating that Biante apply this to every car, just one or two special releases every year. He makes a good point that people will pay the extra money for a bit more detail (although I don't see the value in the CC Charger. As much as the engine bay does look good, the wheels look terrible) Models such as the CMC range do take modelling to the next level (and no, I'm not talking about opening glove boxes etc), and serious model collectors will pay the extra dollars for this.
Therefore, whilst Biante do currently supply exceptional models for exceptional value, why not up the ante, and every so often supply a model that is at the next level. I am of course referring only to 1:18 scale.

[Leigh]

Originally posted by texan
... I am of course referring only to 1:18 scale. [/B]

Why restrict this to 1:18

Wouldn't it be more affordable to have a $100 1:43 with everything that opens and shuts?:)

And opening doors and bonnets on the 1:64's. The little tacker would love that...Hotwheels used to do it!:D

Leigh

[drof]

Trevor, This could be a bit of a tricky question for you, but never the less I'll try my luck and ask you.
You only produce the Teams that are licenced to Biante, you yourself collect diecast cars of many forms and various manufacturers, as Trevor the collector, do you buy any of the new CC's that are licenced to Southern Models? I mean you surely must like some of those other V8 Cars that aren't made by you, or is it to sensitive information that a Company owner is buying from the opposition. You surely aren't going to miss out on the fantastic Team Kiwi car or the Great Geoghegan Mustangs because you don't make them.
As for a previous post about the sensitive nature of the trumpets under the air box, ÃÂ*sn't it possible to do like CC's did and do a universal configuration that is not HRT's or DJR's but just a standard set-up?

Got you thinking?

Regards

Dave from Kiwiland!!
ps Team NZ lost again today and is 4-nil down, broke its mast in rough seas.

[texan]

Leigh,
I only said 1:18, as cars of this calibre are already available on this website in larger scales.
You're right though, there's no reason why it should not apply to smaller scales. 1:43 Jouef models were amazing in their detail. I have two Jouef 1:43 Ferraris that have as much, if not more detail than Biante 1:18 models. They only cost me $60 each, back in the pre Biante days. At the same time the original Kyosho 1:18 models were going for $99.

[Xcesiv308]

For my 5 cents worth,, I think the one thing that Biante need to UP THE ANTI on that CC have taken on board is the wheel camber, the new CC's look like race cars.. But for the rest,, it's good competitive marketing..

TYS

[brchi17]

Originally posted by Three_o_seven
Biante have steadily improved from a great XY model to an outstanding XA model and have refined, enhanced and added detail with no extra cost......Biante had ''upped the ante'' in 1997 when they astonished model collectors with the first 1:18 XY, its taken CC 6 years to catch up.....we owe a lot to Biante as we would more than likely still be collecting blacked out windowed garbage with no detail.

Jeremy

Could not have said it better myself !!!!!!

[Xcesiv308]

Yes must agree ... Biante have definately forced CC into lifting their detail... like I said good competitive marketing production..
:)

[admin]

Originally posted by drof
Trevor, This could be a bit of a tricky question for you, but never the less I'll try my luck and ask you.
You only produce the Teams that are licenced to Biante, you yourself collect diecast cars of many forms and various manufacturers, as Trevor the collector, do you buy any of the new CC's that are licenced to Southern Models? I mean you surely must like some of those other V8 Cars that aren't made by you, or is it to sensitive information that a Company owner is buying from the opposition. You surely aren't going to miss out on the fantastic Team Kiwi car or the Great Geoghegan Mustangs because you don't make them.
As for a previous post about the sensitive nature of the trumpets under the air box, ÃÂ*sn't it possible to do like CC's did and do a universal configuration that is not HRT's or DJR's but just a standard set-up?

Got you thinking?

Regards

Dave from Kiwiland!!
ps Team NZ lost again today and is 4-nil down, broke its mast in rough seas.

Quick answer...no I have none of those in my collection. I used to go to all the rounds back in those days and have so many photos and memories etc of the actual cars that is sufficient.
I will not make "universal configurations" (whatever that means) of anything. Boss of Minichamps calls this sort of things "phantom models" ie they don't exist, so as a model maker, how do you make something that doesnt exist??

[admin]

Originally posted by texan
Leigh,
I only said 1:18, as cars of this calibre are already available on this website in larger scales.
You're right though, there's no reason why it should not apply to smaller scales. 1:43 Jouef models were amazing in their detail. I have two Jouef 1:43 Ferraris that have as much, if not more detail than Biante 1:18 models. They only cost me $60 each, back in the pre Biante days. At the same time the original Kyosho 1:18 models were going for $99.
I was the distributor for these cars back then and knew the marketing manager really well.
They sold around 1.7 million of each of these models!!! If I could sell the same amount of each Aussie car, they would be about $10.00 each!!
Think about it..I am making cars to a population of 19 million..the world has 6000 million people.
Australians know what a Ferrari is..NO ONE outside Australia knows what a Holden or a Falcon is!
It ain't that easy guys.

[admin]

Originally posted by Xcesiv308
For my 5 cents worth,, I think the one thing that Biante need to UP THE ANTI on that CC have taken on board is the wheel camber, the new CC's look like race cars.. But for the rest,, it's good competitive marketing..

TYS

The real cars have between 4 and 6 degrees of negative camber on the front. The rear have NIL . its a bit hard with a live axle and locked diff.
Another gimmick??

[texan]

Originally posted by admin

I was the distributor for these cars back then and knew the marketing manager really well.
They sold around 1.7 million of each of these models!!! If I could sell the same amount of each Aussie car, they would be about $10.00 each!!
Think about it..I am making cars to a population of 19 million..the world has 6000 million people.
Australians know what a Ferrari is..NO ONE outside Australia knows what a Holden or a Falcon is!
It ain't that easy guys.

Admin, would you happen to know roughly how many were sold in Oz?
Also, just out of interest, this website aside, do you actually do much marketing of the Aussie cars to the rest of the world?

[KiwiRallyFan]

Originally posted by admin

..NO ONE outside Australia knows what a Holden or a Falcon is!
It ain't that easy guys.

Hey Admin, you haven't taken over NZ yet! There are a few Falcons and Commodores over here, and we're stilling buying those Biante models......:D

[ferrari fan]

Originally posted by admin


Australians know what a Ferrari is..NO ONE outside Australia knows what a Holden or a Falcon is!
It ain't that easy guys.

Aghhhhhhhh Music to my ears , and next week Ferrari is going to put up another great show (I hope)
The rest of the world does know what an OPEL/VAXHAULL is!
Comodes are known in some area's as OMEGA ,I believe,.And in day's of old as OPEL, RECORD/KAPITEIN.

[Odin]

Originally posted by ferrari fan


Aghhhhhhhh Music to my ears , and next week Ferrari is going to put up another great show (I hope)
The rest of the world does know what an OPEL/VAXHAULL is!
Comodes are known in some area's as OMEGA ,I believe,.And in day's of old as OPEL, RECORD/KAPITEIN.

1. The Commodore was based on the omega, however now it is its own car in its own right. So its not the same. The only thing the opel omega and the holden commodore share is from my recollection the bottom door sills.

2. The commodore is sold in the middle east and brazil, south africa, but as Chevrolet Luminas. So they arnt really known outside Aus.

3. The falcon? that isnt sold outside of Aus NZ and a few FPV/ tickford cars to South africa.

[admin]

Originally posted by KiwiRallyFan


Hey Admin, you haven't taken over NZ yet! There are a few Falcons and Commodores over here, and we're stilling buying those Biante models......:D

My apologies...I meant to say Australasia. We do appreciate all our Kiwi collectors.
Actually, we also sell a few to Singapore and Malaysia, but beyond that there is virtually zero market

[ferrari fan]

To Odin;
I was only talking / awnsering the statement re: BRANDNAME .
not if they are the same!
they are all made out of metal/plastic and the company IS fully owned by GENERAL MOTORS.
holden is only a small part of this conclomorate.

[zeitgeist]

Originally posted by admin
Think about it..I am making cars to a population of 19 million..the world has 6000 million people.
Australians know what a Ferrari is..NO ONE outside Australia knows what a Holden or a Falcon is!


Well, 19,000,003. You've got at least one guy each in the U.K., the U.S. and Canada! (Zorak doesn't count 'cause he's Aussie by birth)

I'm sure we'll greatly affect your production plans!

BC

[7Litre]

If you purchase a $200 model and you are totally satisfied with it then don't wory what others think, because it will always gain value because of it's originality.

Remember: There is no need to keep up with the Jones'.

[brchi17]

I just hope the Chinise jump on board when the V8 race in China next year. I hear that there is something like 100 million in China & can you imagine what we'd be paying if they do get interested in our Falcons & Commdores ?????:D

First up admin, you'd need to make a hell of a lot more models to cater for their interests which could see enought volume be made to make our belovered 1:18 scale vehicles to cost something like $50 !!!!

Well one can dream & I'm sure if this happens admin would end up a billionaire !!!!! :D

cheers.

[zeitgeist]

Originally posted by brchi17
. I hear that there is something like 100 million in China & can you imagine what we'd be paying if they do get interested in our Falcons & Commdores ?????:D


I think it's more like 1.3 BILLION. Heck you could double your market by heading to Mexico City! The hitch is, or course, that hardly any one in those places could afford these cars at ANY price.

I'm still wondering if the imminent GTO release will spark any US interest in OZ muscle (new or classic). Probaby not.

BC

[xa351gt]

Originally posted by admin

I was the distributor for these cars back then and knew the marketing manager really well.
They sold around 1.7 million of each of these models!!! If I could sell the same amount of each Aussie car, they would be about $10.00 each!!
Think about it..I am making cars to a population of 19 million..the world has 6000 million people.
Australians know what a Ferrari is..NO ONE outside Australia knows what a Holden or a Falcon is!
It ain't that easy guys.

Actually quite a few Yanks and Canucks know these cars pretty well. As 60 of us have gone to the expense of importing and restoring Falcon coupes back to glory. In fact we will have the largest gathering of Aussie Falcons and a Marquis outside of Oz in June at Ford's 100th celebration. We are in partnership with Ford Oz for this show.There will also be several Aussie media outlets covering the show. So they may not be known real well ,but they are known outside of Oz. By the way people here are blown away by the cars and can't figure out why they were never imported here in the 1st place. Same goes with the curent Falcon. The Monaro our new GTO has been making quite a splash on the motoring circuit here and looks to be the 1st car to stir excite in GM dealerships in a long time.Everyone now know what great muscle cars Australia produces. It's no longer Holden? Who is Holden
By the way Aussie collectors take this to heart . Biante gives you the best 1/18 muscle cars going. US manufacterers could stand to learn from their attention to detail. Our cars lack in detail badly by comparison although not in price. At the current .60 on the dollar the XA cost me about $90 US = shipping A American Muscle Car from AMT/ERTL will cost about $50-75 depending on model and color. These cars are nice,but aren't even close detail wise. So why pay 50% more ? If detail matters to you ,you'll pay it. It all comes down to getting what you pay for. If I felt Biantes cars were not worth 50% more than AMT I wouldn't pay it. Collect what you like and what you can afford. But Collect just the same.

[wacpt]

way to go XA351GT.