Apex 2012 Bathurst ‘Retro’ Cars

Back in April, I blogged about Classic Carlectables’ 2012 Bathurst cars, including the two ‘retro’ racers from FPR and 888 (click HERE to view).

Well, the two Apex FG Falcons arrived a while back, so a direct comparison can now be made.

Put simply, the Apex version is clearly the winner… and it would want to be at about 30% more expensive; RRP is a hefty $70(!).

Apex's DJR 'Tru-Blu' Norton tribute car, which only appeared on the Sunday at last year's Bathurst 1000
Apex’s DJR ‘Tru-Blu’ Norton tribute car, which only appeared on the Sunday at last year’s Bathurst 1000
The model was based on the initial 'presentation' version, in which case the wheels should be a much shinier alloy finish
The model was based on the initial ‘presentation’ version, in which case the wheels should be a much shinier alloy finish
But then on race day it appeared like this
But then on race day it appeared like this
Apex's 2nd placed Bottle-O Falcon in dark metallic green. Metallic paint is always an issue in miniature, but the Apex factory has done a pretty good job on this one (better than what my photo is showing)
Apex’s 2nd placed Bottle-O Falcon in dark metallic green. Metallic paint is always an issue in miniature, but the Apex factory has done a pretty good job on this one (better than what my photo is showing)
While these models are far superior to the Classics version, they're not perfect. They have a really good stance on the display plinth, but when unscrewed for display in the model cabinet, I found they have fat lugs cast into the base plate (visible under the model in the pic above). This means some of the wheels don't actually touch the ground. A bit of grinding will fix the problem, but it would be good if this was addressed for future releases - perhaps the lugs should be built into the plinth (rather than the model), or have removable spacers like Spark use?
While these models are far superior to the Classics version, they’re not perfect. They have a really good stance on the display plinth, but when unscrewed for display in the model cabinet, I found they have fat lugs cast into the base plate (visible under the model in the pic above). This means some of the wheels don’t actually touch the ground. A bit of grinding will fix the problem, but it would be good if this was addressed for future releases – perhaps the lugs should be built into the plinth (rather than the model), or have removable spacers like Spark use?
The two Apex models with their Classics buddies ~ The 2012 Bathurst "Retro Scheme" Collection ~
The two Apex models with their Classics buddies
~ The 2012 Bathurst “Retro Scheme” Collection ~

Production figures for these ‘one off’ resin race versions are:

  • Moffat/Davison ‘Tru-Blu – 840 pieces
  • Reynolds/Canto ‘Bottle-O’ – 720 pieces

wixy500 rating (out of 5):

  • Collectability – 4.3 (unique one-off Bathurst cars with lowish production numbers – but neither won, and they weren’t driven by a ‘legend’)
  • Finish – 4.5 (paint is excellent)
  • Accuracy – 4.5
  • Value – 3.0 (great models, but steep at $70 each)
  • Overall – 4.1

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