Gulf DBR9 Here In Time For Le Mans!
Today’s main news story was the arrival of the absolutely magnificent AUTOart/Prodrive 1:18 2008 Aston Martin DBR9 Le Mans showcar in the Gulf livery (AA80800). It is the 009 car that has been replicated.
The specification has changed slightly since it was originally announced; it still comes in commemorative packaging and includes an individually numbered limited edition certificate, but it does not come mounted on a carbon fibre effect base. However, the good news is that the limited edition number has been slashed; it was originally going to be in the region of 8,000 pieces, but the final number is just 2,500.
The rumour at the moment is that AUTOart will NOT be replicating the race car in 1:18, so this could be the only 1:18 Gulf version released. I have to admit that I was going to wait for the race car, assuming that it would eventually be replicated, but on hearing this story have decided to grab myself one of the showcars. It will go nicely with my 2005 Le Mans version and 2006 Mugello Red Bull example!
Although someone may eventually pick up the rights for the race car, in these times of licences not being renewed, I wouldn’t bet anything on it. Not when there’s a limited edition showcar up for grabs right now!
Other news today was that Oxford Diecast have announced the three Vauxhall Vectras from this year’s British Touring Car Championship in 1:43 scale. These will be Giovanardi (OXF2008A), Neal (OXF2008B), and Onslow-Cole (OXF2008C).
Finally, three more 1:43 Formula One cars have crept onto next week’s Minichamps release schedule. These are the two 2008 Toyota showcars of Jarno Trulli (DC28411P) and Timo Glock (DC28412P), and Nico Rosberg’s 2008 Williams pre-season testcar (DC28407T).
