Makinen Subaru WRC Prodrive model.

[Richard Poole]

We have now managed to secure some of the 1:18 scale Prodrive limited edition Rally of Germany Impreza models driven by Tommi Makinen.

This is the first 1:18 rally car we have seen with both driver and navigator figure inside the cars. Along with the figures the model is supplied with a display case, drivers signiture etched into the base, individually numbered plaque and is limited to 1500 pieces world wide.

We were only able to secure a few and cannot gaurantee supply of stock once this initial shipment is sold out so if you are interested I suggest you don't delay as this is one very special model. Advanced orders are currently being taken and the models will be ready to be shipped next week. Item number PRO1802.

[lachlan]

Excellent!

Admin, Will any of these be going out to retailers or should I order one now?

[KiwiRallyFan]

Lachlan...if you really want one, I think you should grab one as fast as you can...I have...:)

[lachlan]

KiwiRallyFan, I know I should get one as soon as I can but the problem is that my Model car shop said that they were getting one in for me. So if I buy from Biante and then the model shop gets me one I 'll be stuck with two, and at 240 bucks I won't have that kind of dough. Maybe I should just order one and if I get two try and sell the other????

By the way for any body who's interested, the rally Australia will be going ahead!!!!!

[Glen Alexander]

Got mine today. Bloody awesome. I'm surprised there's still some left in stock. A must have for the rally fans out there, I know it's a bit pricey, but well worth it, coming from a Subaru/SWRT fan.

[Glen Alexander]

Isn't there many WRC fans out there? I'm a bit surprised to still see this car In Stock. It is by far the coolest looking WRC car in my collection.

[KiwiRallyFan]

There are a few WRC fans out here in Biante-forum-land....:)

I'm also surprised the model hasn't sold out quicker. Perhaps a combination of the price and a difficulty finding the model on the Biante web-site are to blame.

I'm still waiting for my model to arrive here in NZ, and I can't help wondering......does the driver figurine look anything like Tommi Makinen?

[Glen Alexander]

I haven't had a look under a magnifying glass, but after the quick look I had inside, I have to say it isn't a perfect replication of his face, but that'd probably be really difficult I'd imagine.

[rex555]

Caviat Emptor! Let the buyer beware!

Just got back from Rally NZ. Yay!

SWRT had merchandise for sale. Yay!

Found the 1/18th Rally of Germany Car with 0001/1500 on the base plate. Big Yay!

Got Tommi and Kaj to sign the box and the perspex cover at the Rally Show. Biggest Yay!

Went to put it away and noticed a certificate in the box (not seen before) with 0930/1500. Went back and enquired about my supposed coup. Apparently they were all manufactured with 0001/1500 on the plaque. They were all supposed to have been changed but this one apparently 'slipped' through.

Just be carefull if you are purchasing this model (off of the net or elsewhere) where it is advertised as Number 1 of. (Unless of course it is signed by Tommi and Kaj in which case it is genuine, just don't look at the certificate :^) )

Very disapointing that the only reason I bought it was the fact that I was under the impression that it was number 1. I will enquire from Subaru as to how this may be remedied.

[Glen Alexander]

Mine doesn't have 0001/1500 on the plaque, I have 0835/1500 on mine. It sounds a little funny to me. I attached a pic for you to see.

[KiwiRallyFan]

My one (brought thru Biante) also has a number which matches the one on the certificate, and it isn't 0001/1500.

Rex555....can I ask how much they were being sold for at RallyNZ...I never saw them for sale while I was there.

BTW...that driver figure doesn't look much like Tommi, and I think he had better look up otherwise he's going to crash on the next corner..:D

[rex555]

They were asking $NZ225 but then converting to UK pounds for charging so I have no idea what it actually cost. They had a tent at the Rally Show at Aotea Square and at each of the service parks. Doing quite good trade but expensive compared to the SRT merchandise.

I wouldn't have bought it if I hadn't thought that it was No. 1 since I am not a fan of "Ol' Bug Eyes".

I have asked the question of SWRT and am waiting for a reply.

[KiwiRallyFan]

Wow Glen, that's a beautifully sharp photo. My compliments on your photography skills...:cool:

[Glen Alexander]

I just realised when I looked at the pic again that Germany is spelt wrong! It is spelt Germamy on the plaque!! You'd think these things would get thorough checks wouldn't you?

Credit goes to the great Nikon coolpix 995 for the photo, it has a macro setting that is excellent for close up photos.

[rex555]

Glen (et al)

I just got the plaque checked on mine and it also is Rally of Germamy. The only differance is that the font size and spacing of the 0001 matches exactly the size of the /1500.

Still waiting to hear back from SWRT.......