Audi scale model news

[Tom Nas]

Hi all,

It's been a busy weekend... before the meeting in France, we visited a 
model car swapmeet and found that there's some interesting news on the Audi 
scal model front.
Minichamps, who have been elected 'official scale model maker' for Audi, 
have produced an excellent model of the Audi 50 and its younger sibling, 
the VW Polo. The first edition of the Audi 50 is in bright green, very much 
in fashion here in '74-'75. A superb model, made with incredible attention 
to details. Even the 'Audi 50 GL' badge on the tailgate is there, 
incredible in 1:43! The Polo is found in red, and I'm pretty sure that more 
colours will become available later on.
The equally superb model of the '70s Audi 100 Coupé S is no available in 
orange also (closely matching one of the cars present at Folembray in 
France yesterday) as well as red and beautiful blue metallic.
They've also introduced a third colour on their urquattro model- after the 
initial run of red and silver for Audi AG, there's now a beautiful black 
version also. If you want one of these, move quickly because the limited 
numbers will sell out quickly. It's an early version with four headlights 
and narrow Ronals. All these models are in 1:43 scale, an urquattro 
measuring some 4" in length. These models can be seen at www.minichamps.de

The excellent model of the Audi Avus quattro by Revell in 1:18 has been 
revised. The chrome-plated finish has been swapped for a brushed alu look 
which matches the original more closely and reduces the price of the model 
by almost 50%. The result is no less striking, if you ask me the less shiny 
finish makes it more tasteful and enhances the lines of this beautiful show 
car. I think www.revell.de has more info.

Finally, I've managed to obtain a model which I'd given up on- a 1:18 A6 
sedan, made by Checkmate models of China and commissioned by FAW (First 
Automobile Works), the Chinese licensee of Audi who build a unique, 
lengthened version of the A6 sedan. The model, though not up to the 
standards set by Minichamps at al, is excellent in detail and paintwork 
(gleaming black) is to the highest standards. Usual opening hood, front 
doors and trunklid, working steering and detailed V6 30v engine. The wheels 
are also of a unique design not fitted in Germany. I guess this model would 
be hard to obtain, though you might be able to get some info through 
www.checkmatemodels.com.hk or checkmate at checkmatemodels.com.hk.

I can provide digi-pics for those interested.

Regards, Tom

PS a chance find at the swapmeet: a 1986 US brochure detailing the European 
Delivery Programme. Great pics, sounds like an adventure!