Review: Russell Ingall’s 2014 VF Commodore by Apex

Apex AR40705 – 2014 Holden VF Commodore Russell Ingall

THE CAR:

This is Russell Ingall’s last full-time V8 Supercar ride, the Repair Management Australia backed Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport entered VF Commodore.

Many considered the livery on this thing as not particularly exciting, however I reckon it works ok. Apex has modeled a 2014 ‘season’ version of this car (ie, not from a specific race), which is not what Apex usually do with their contemporary race cars.

Russell Ingall's final full-time V8 Supercar ride
Russell Ingall’s final full-time V8 Supercar ride

Ingall finished the 2014 championship a dismal 18th after a lackluster final year in the category.

THE MODEL:

On a white base, decoration is all decal and the gradient fade of the blue and grey bands is actually small dots, presumably due to printer constraints with the decal manufacturer. The bands look fine from a distance, but are a bit clumsy if you get up close.

Apex V8Supercars I’ve purchased in the past have generally been pretty good with regard to build quality. In comparison, this one’s a bit on the lemon side of the ledger.

There are several QC issues by the hands of the assemblers on this one with some clumsy decal application and assembly. Granted, it’s only when you get up close that these things are noticed, and several of them I will be able to fix. But still…

vf commodore 2014

Decal 'overspray'(?!) on the tyre and poorly positioned vent
Decal ‘overspray'(?!) on the tyre and poorly positioned fender vent
This chip is right through to the resin casting. Note the fine decal on the brake caliper
This chip is right through to the resin casting. Note the fine decal on the brake caliper

The black rims look great and there is brake caliper and disc detail inside the wheel. The Dunlop tyre markings are there, but need to be more vibrant.

Amazingly, only 204 pieces have been manufactured. For a multi-time Bathurst winner and the 2005 ATCC champion, I really would have thought there would be more demand for this model, particularly as it is of his last full-time ride. I’m tipping this will be a sought after piece in years to come.

RRP is $80 (plus shipping) and Apex still have stock on their website HERE.

Mirror does not sit in its recess
Left-side mirror is messy and does not sit in its recess

wixy500 rating (out of 5):

  • Collectability – 4.4
  • Finish – 2.9 (the actual finish is pretty good, but lots of QC issues on my example)
  • Accuracy – 4.4
  • Value – 3.2
  • Overall – 3.7
It's a bit hard to see here, but the front undertray is drooping below the splitter on the driver's side
It’s a bit hard to see here, but the front undertray is drooping below the splitter on the driver’s side
Rear wing is bowed and not even attached on one side. Uneven decoration exaggerates rear tunnel difference
Rear wing is bowed and not even attached on one side. Uneven decoration exaggerates rear tunnel difference. Nice bit of neg camber on the rear wheels.
Wonky decoration on the side skirt
Wonky decoration on the side skirt
Broken top strut? Right front wheel is way out of whack
Broken top strut? Right front wheel is way out of whack
Complex decal work to fit the contours of the front of the car sits down quite nicely
Complex decal work sits down quite nicely to fit the contours of the VF

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