Correctly specifying model names

[zeitgeist]

Hello all -

Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, but I'm trying to get a little organized.

For some time, I've been maintaining a spreadsheet of my models. As I have entered them into the spreadsheet, I haven't been consistent with the identification. One might be entered as 'LC Torana' and another as 'Torana A9X'. The Falcons suffer the same fate ... 'Falcon XC' and then 'XYGT Falcon'.

So my question is this: Is there a correct way to identify them? Even Biante's CoAs seem to jump around. If I'm going to update the spreadsheet to something consistent, I would like it to be correct.

Thanks in advance!

BC

[toddy05]

I would go the model no. that the manufacturer uses, the scale, then the tag on the end to specify it eg B180312 1:18 Torana LJ XU-1 Brock (this is not the correct part no but just an example.

[brchi17]

In my spread sheet I actually have separate columns for Make, Model, Name, Spec, Year, etc... so it doesn't really matter, but I understand. When I was doing the minicars lists, I found it easier to write them in the following order

Model # / Year / Manufacturer / Model Name / Model / Specifics

eg.

B642502A : 1978 Ford XC Falcon Cobra 5.8 - Snowhite with blue stripes

[Graeme]

zeitgeist,

I like to see things described in a uniform manner, especially when creating a catalogue format, and I tend to go along with brchi's suggestion regarding Australian cars.

Start off with the manufacturer, for example Ford or Holden ... then manufacturer build code, eg XW, XY, XA or HT, HG, HQ ... followed by model name, eg Falcon or Monaro ... followed by model variant, eg GT, GTHO or GTS, GTS 350 ... followed by body style, eg hardtop, coupe, or sedan.

Other variables, such as year of manufacture and engine options, may be important too in differentiating one similar model from another. For instance, there are quite a number of variations that define a 1972 HQ Monaro GTS from the 1973 Monaro GTS that Biante recently released, plus a range of V8 engine options. Holden also tended to describe the top-of-the-line Monaro separately as 'GTS 350'.

Then, if you want to be accurate or maybe pedantic, it pays to have access to original manufacturer documents to understand the marketing of cars at the time they were produced. Ford literature always referred to the XA/XB/XC coupes as 'hardtops', and Holden tended to go on a different tack with the HQ Monaro GTS in 1973 by describing them as '2-door' or '4-door' variants.

Other trickery relates to those important option codes that aren't featured on a car's bodywork, but are nevertheless all-important. For instance, in 1977 you could by a LX Torana SLR5000 sedan or a LX Torana SS hatchback with the optional 5.0 litre engine, and you could also buy either car in a limited edition form incorporating the A9X option. You might refer to the car as an A9X Torana or Torana A9X, but strictly speaking that is not what the manufacturer calls it.

[zeitgeist]

Great information, guys. Thanks for your excellent suggestions!

BC

[05shan]

In my spread sheet I actually have separate columns for Make, Model, Name, Spec, Year, etc... so it doesn't really matter, but I understand. When I was doing the minicars lists, I found it easier to write them in the following order

Model # / Year / Manufacturer / Model Name / Model / Specifics


Do my spreadsheet the same way. Also add sponsors and price paid and brand.

[inter]

My spread sheet has
Date of release/ how many made/Biante model No#/Biante exact name of car/ make/model/collection ie moffat/ Purchase price/ Current value/ and in hidden cells value of ecah year ie.2000,2001,2002.....