AutoArt Delorean??

[MRDMC]

Hey Guys,
I remember back before DMCtalk crashed the mention of AutoArt in the process of making a 1:18 scale Delorean model.

Just wondering if anyone has any update or inside info on this? By memory, one of the forum user's Ds were being looked over, for the model to be based on it.

Cheers,
James.
P.S. Did a google search and have found some sneak peek pic's of there prototype...

http://www.autoartmodels.co.uk/delorean-dmc-12-satin-finish.html

[Domi]

Thanks for the link :)
I remember the old post on dmctalk, but did not remember any pictures of the pre production model.
Looks like it will be really beautiful with a lot a detail!
Can't wait to see it in reality.
On the other hand, I'd like to see the same in 1:12 scale like this 300sl for example:
https://ssl.kundenserver.de/modelissimo.de/Mitte.php4?SeiteAnzeigen=1&a=1&Ident=1329064416&Sprache=1&Sortierung=%20Bezeichnung&Detail=50490

[jawn101]

This is really exciting. AutoArt makes hands down the best scale models. I have looked several times in the past to see if they made a DeLorean, but this is the first time I've heard anything about plans to produce one. I will definitely be in line to get one if they become available! :)

[DMC5180]

Nice! I think I'll get on the Pre-order list. No charge till it becomes available.

I wonder what the physical size of a 1/12 scale Delorean would be.

The 1/18 scale Sunstar is 9 inches long. Would that make 1/12 scale 13.5 inches long?

[jawn101]

The D is 168" long, so 1/12 would be about 14"

[DMC5180]

Thanks for conformation. That would be impressive and really allow for Detail. We can only hope for now.

[SIMid]

Very nice and very expensive! The question will be, do I still keep the Sunstar version?

And will AA make the BTTF versions as well? I think Sunstar have pretty much covered most of the collectors, so it will have to be a fantastic model.

Looking forward to it (or them)! 8)

[jawn101]

When you see an AA model up close that question will vanish from your mind. SunStar makes very nice models, especially in the price range. But AutoArt is the gold standard in scale replicas. They have to be seen to be believed, honestly.

As for whether they'll make BTTF models... Well, I dunno. But I'd sure love to see their rendition of one.

[SIMid]

I collect 1:18s and have been for nearly 20 years, so my collection is pretty vast.

I try not to duplicate my cars as it becomes pointless having one sub-standard quality and having an awesome one. Maybe I'll modify the Sunstar one to look like mine when I get the AutoArt version. ;)

[DMC5180]

With precision models it's more like "If you build it, they will come" (collectors). Limit production to 1000 and create a feeding frenzy on Ebay. (Nike Dunks anyone)

[jawn101]

I collect 1:18s and have been for nearly 20 years, so my collection is pretty vast.


Nice! Then you must already know what the AutoArt quality looks like. I can't wait to see one of these for real.

[SIMid]

Nice! Then you must already know what the AutoArt quality looks like.

I've got a few of their models. But since buying the D, the collecting has stopped. :lol:

But I will get the AA - DMCs though. :headbang:

[dvonk]

looks awesome, but yikes, £120? im out for that price. im sure ill regret it later. :frown: but then again, if i can get my D sooner because im saving more money, then maybe not... :biggrin:

anyone notice the door & louver struts are on upside down? at least theyre attached with screws, maybe you can switch them around manually. :wink:

[DMCH James]

I happen to have a sample of it on my desk, and it is a stunning model. I was asked not to show pics, but if anyone in the Houston area wants to see it, it's on my desk. :)

James

[jawn101]

It's good to be the boss, eh? I can't wait to see one!

[DMC5180]

I happen to have a sample of it on my desk, and it is a stunning model. I was asked not to show pics, but if anyone in the Houston area wants to see it, it's on my desk. :)

James

James,

Is the interior color (cream/beige) like the one shown on that Website?

Any guess on when they might be released? Spring, Summer, fall etc. Where are they actually made? Malaysia seems to be the popular country for Precision Model making. Just curious.

Will you be a distributor or will they be direct marketed through GT AutoArt?

[Mark D]

Ken K.(I think his username is ODOC here on the board) may have some photos he can share of the auto art proto... unless he's under the same non disclosure agreement as James.

All I know is that there were a few color details they got wrong on the prototype and I believe they are working on fixing them.

[SIMid]

Any different alterations James? Interior colours or different bonnets?

[MRDMC]

Good to see AA have got the ball really rolling to get the Delorean model released.

Would love to see one with a black interior though. Every Delorean model has grey :(.

[jawn101]

Good to see AA have got the ball really rolling to get the Delorean model released.

Would love to see one with a black interior though. Every Delorean model has grey :(.

I agree but the black interior might not show detail well enough. For a company like AutoArt that would be a problem :)

One thing's for sure, that cream color isn't right. But it was pre-production, after all.

[futureDMC12owner]

Damnit...I was going to get on the pre-order list, but $200?!?! OUCH! Most of the AA models I've seen are around $120 or less! I'll have to wait till the price drops. Looks pretty good though! I'm hoping they get the rear wheel concave accurately, unlike the SunStar model. The rear wheels are pretty much flat like the front wheels. A big let-down for me. I've been waiting for this model for about a year now. I've been in contact with a guy from AutoArt and he's been giving me updates when I inquire about the car. Excited to see the pre-production car!

[Rich06]

Found these photos today. It's due out this year.10469104701047110472

[dvonk]

excellent detail.

[vwdmc16]

It looks awesome but the engine detail looks rather the same to the Sunstar no?

[Alan]

I'm kind of missing that. Is there a photo of the lower engine cover open? I didn't find one. I'm damn impressed that the lower engine cover appears to be perforated so you can see the engine through it at all.

[ramblinmike]

I'm kind of missing that. Is there a photo of the lower engine cover open? I didn't find one. I'm damn impressed that the lower engine cover appears to be perforated so you can see the engine through it at all.

http://www.autoartmodels.co.uk/delorean-dmc-12-satin-finish.html

[pezzonovante88]

I'm damn impressed that the lower engine cover appears to be perforated so you can see the engine through it at all.

Exactly what I was thinking.

[pezzonovante88]

Engine detail could be much better. Overall looks great.

[Dangermouse]

Love to see it side by side with a SunStar

[Domi]

Can't wait to see it in real :)

[DMC5180]

I decided to see what the real cost would be if I pre-ordered through the UK site.

Wholly Crap! £119.00 ($187.00) + SHIPPING to US (so called best rate). £ 99.95 ($158.00) Surely that is a mistake (I could see £10-£15 via Royal Post) Then add on 3% or so foreign transaction fee $10.45 Total Approx ($356.00)

I DON'T THINK SO SAM.

I'll wait for US availability

[SIMid]

Prices on AutoArt models have gone through the roof. You just have to pay for them now if you want any of their cars. They use to be $80-$110 each, but now pushing $200-$380. :( But compared to SunStar, it would look exquisit! :)

[Alan]

http://www.autoartmodels.co.uk/delorean-dmc-12-satin-finish.html

Thanks. I'd only looked at the pictures right in the thread here. I'm on my phone which makes for small pictures but it still looks a little better. The engine compartment detail with firewall items and such seems better. The engine doesn't appear to have more details (again, small pic on phone) but they somehow seem more 3D. The SunStar seem flat by comparison.

I'm not saying its perfect but I'll put my money on AutoArt.

[DMC5180]

Prices on AutoArt models have gone through the roof. You just have to pay for them now if you want any of their cars. They use to be $80-$110 each, but now pushing $200-$380. :( But compared to SunStar, it would look exquisit! :)

It's not the model price I object too. It's the astronomical Shipping. Like I said, I'll wait for U.S. availability. Surely, they won't be available only from a UK online retailer.

[Dangermouse]

I decided to see what the real cost would be if I pre-ordered through the UK site.

Wholly Crap! £119.00 ($187.00) + SHIPPING to US (so called best rate). £ 99.95 ($158.00) Surely that is a mistake (I could see £10-£15 via Royal Post) Then add on 3% or so foreign transaction fee $10.45 Total Approx ($356.00)

I DON'T THINK SO SAM.

I'll wait for US availability

How did you find out the shipping cost?

I tried their website using a UK address, but it didn't update with the shipping. the only option I had as "Place this Order" which I wasn't about to do with out seeing a shipping charge.

[DMC5180]

How did you find out the shipping cost?

I tried their website using a UK address, but it didn't update with the shipping. the only option I had as "Place this Order" which I wasn't about to do with out seeing a shipping charge.

I initiated the order process by clicking 1 in the box. the next window to pop up was the shipping info. On the left side of page were the countries I clicked U.S. which immediately brought up the shipping option of BEST RATE £99.95 I did not go any further than that I did not "submit" an order. I did do some Google searches for Autoart models that brought up lots of US retailers for them. It should not be a problem when the time comes. I also put my name on one of the retailers "Wish list notification service" that will automatically send me an e-mail when the Delorean is available. No advance prices though. But from the pricing of many of the other models I'd guess it will be between $100-$150. There were a few PREMIUM addition models that were pushing $500 but those were the exception not the rule.

[DMC5180]

I placed a pre-order (no charge till the Item is ready to ship) with a US retailer and asked when it might be available.

They responded with: "The ETA for the first shipment from the manufacturer of this new model is Feb of 2013."

[sdg3205]

There is a big box blocking use of the page. WTF good is that?!

I feel like writing them "Hi I'd like to spend a butt load of money but your page is a POS so I can't" but I know it will disappear into the abyss that is customer service these days and nothing will change.

Denis how did you get around this?

[MRDMC]

Any news on these??

[DMC5180]

Any news on these??

See Post #37

[MRDMC]

I mean any more news ontop of that... Pics released, alternations, etc

I keep seeing "satin finish" written for these models. I hope that doesn't mean it's just gonna be a half arsed job with a dull silver as apose to a properly replicated finish of the Ds stainless steel

[Shep]

There is a big box blocking use of the page. WTF good is that?!

I feel like writing them "Hi I'd like to spend a butt load of money but your page is a POS so I can't" but I know it will disappear into the abyss that is customer service these days and nothing will change.

Denis how did you get around this?I don't think he did, hence the "with a US retailer". Underneath that big signup box is the message "There was no 404 CMS page configured or found.", basically meaning that the page no longer exists and their system isn't set up to handle that properly. The link is correct, but they removed the page for some reason...

[DMC5180]

I've seen no other updated AutoArt Marketing Photo's from the originals that were released earlier this year. I'm assuming those were of an early prototype. James also mentioned he had one or that particular one sitting on he desk for product design review and that it was quite impressive. from I can see, other than the interior color being the wrong shade of grey, everything else appeared spot on and highly detailed. You can expect the price to be in the general neighborhood of a Two hundred bucks. I've seen some of these limited Edition AutoArt models in the $400 to $500. Needless to say I wont be hoarding them like Hot wheels. I would expect these to have a similar finish as the SUNSTAR line only with more refined detail.

[Vadimzlt]

Hello!
I` d like too ask when Delorian DMC-12 will be available for purchase?
Thank you.
Vadim.

[john 05141]

Their website is indeed blocked by a registration box, su I registered just to get it out of the way. But no Delorean visible, and if you type it into the search box, it says "nothing found"
I'm very interested in this, but I'd like to see a comparisson to a Sunstar too. The difference does not seem to be so big.
Something tells me this is a dead end story.

I'm working on a 16 inch red colored model with tan interior but time.......

Jan

[Domi]

Funny things is Auto Art put some picture of this model onto their facebook page?
On the other hand, still no answer to questions...

[matt clark]

This came very close to release but for whatever reason... It hasn't. I've got a couple on preorder that were supposed to ship Q3 2012 - and we're a long way past that now. The prototypes looked perfect, so my guess is that it's either down to production problems, or licensing?

Would love to see this released, it is VASTLY superior to the horrible sunstar.

[DMCH James]

This came very close to release but for whatever reason... It hasn't. I've got a couple on preorder that were supposed to ship Q3 2012 - and we're a long way past that now. The prototypes looked perfect, so my guess is that it's either down to production problems, or licensing?

Would love to see this released, it is VASTLY superior to the horrible sunstar.

I don't know what the hold-up is on this. We've had a second round of samples and approved them - there are a few things that they said they couldn't change so we left it. I'll see what I can find out.

[Domi]

Thanks for the information ;)

[ILM1010]

I ordered a couple about a year ago. I emailed them the other day, and they said very soon.

[1batt4u]

How much will they be selling for??

[DavidProehl]

Not sure if the DMC price has been published yet, but you can get a feel for pricing on their website: http://www.autoartmodels.com/product.web.Showroom.do

Looks like most cars are in the $150-$200 range.

[jawn101]

I bought a gorgeous Subaru 22B model from them way back in the day. It was about $250.

In the right lighting a photo of that model could easily pass for the real car. I'm hoping the same is true for the D. The truly amazing thing on that 22B was the quality of exterior paint - might just as well have been painted at the Subaru factory.

[matt clark]

I don't know what the hold-up is on this. We've had a second round of samples and approved them - there are a few things that they said they couldn't change so we left it. I'll see what I can find out.

Great, thanks.

Can you shed some light on the changes they can't make? I understand if you can't. So far the model looks fantastic, so much better than the sunstar.

[D Knight]

No new news?

[Domi]

Does someone has any news on the release date?

[martydmc12]

Just received an email response from the company...

"The model will probably be available at the end of the year."

Fingers crossed.

[Domi]

Thank you for your answer!
Let's hope it will be released just before Christmas, it will be a very nice gift :biggrin:

[ALEXAKOS]

This store (http://www.mintmodels.com/deloreandmc121981stainlesssteeldetailedenginegiftb oxserialof9999-1.aspx) has it on discounted preorder for $205

Here (http://www.autoartuk.com/autoart-delorean-dmc-12-1981-silver-1-18) for us Europeans

[louielouie2000]

This store (http://www.mintmodels.com/deloreandmc121981stainlesssteeldetailedenginegiftb oxserialof9999-1.aspx) has it on discounted preorder for $205

Here (http://www.autoartuk.com/autoart-delorean-dmc-12-1981-silver-1-18) for us Europeans

I don't get how people feel this thing looks better than the Sunstar. Looks worse, to me... and 10 times the price. No thanks!

[jawn101]

I don't get how people feel this thing looks better than the Sunstar. Looks worse, to me... and 10 times the price. No thanks!

I don't get how anyone could think it looks worse :) With AutoArt, the details are everything. Keep in mind that photo is likely of a preproduction model... but when you see one of their models in person, you'll understand where the money goes.

Check out the detail on the rear window - the perfectly colored and shaped little defogger lines.. or the teeny tiny door struts that even have a gas chamber and a piston.. or the nap of the carpet. I'm sure there are hundreds more tiny details that can only be appreciated in person.

Yes, $205 is steep. But I'll probably get one eventually anyway... :)

Edit: I do however have my fingers crossed that the released model at least has a correct interior color. That does seems like a big oversight for a company so obsessed with detail. Black or grey. What's with the beige?

[Michael]

I don't get how people feel this thing looks better than the Sunstar. Looks worse, to me... and 10 times the price. No thanks!

I have to agree, the Sunstar is pretty nice for 30 bucks on ebay, I just don't see 170.00 worth of improvement with this one. Besides, my Sunstar is pretty detailed ;)
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9028&d=1331946665
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9026&d=1331946662
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9033&d=1331946674

[DMC5180]

I don't get how people feel this thing looks better than the Sunstar. Looks worse, to me... and 10 times the price. No thanks!

The difference is that the auto art model has much greater detail and is considered a precision model. This model has details like lift struts.

Precision models are not cheap $$$
Even if they are made in Malaysia.

[jawn101]

I have to agree, the Sunstar is pretty nice for 30 bucks on ebay, I just don't see 170.00 worth of improvement with this one. Besides, my Sunstar is pretty detailed ;)


That is pretty detailed, but I guarantee the quality of the detail on the AutoArt will be far nicer. For example, look at the headliners on the doors. And the sort of ill-fitting side louvers. No question at all that the SunStar is the go-to model. I personally have 5 or 6 of them! But I have compared AutoArt models to SunStar ones side by side before and the difference is seriously night and day!


The difference is that the auto art model has much greater detail and is considered a precision model. This model has details like lift struts.

Precision models are not cheap $$$
Even if they are made in Malaysia.

Exactly.

[louielouie2000]

I don't get how anyone could think it looks worse :) With AutoArt, the details are everything. Keep in mind that photo is likely of a preproduction model... but when you see one of their models in person, you'll understand where the money goes.


The difference is that the auto art model has much greater detail and is considered a precision model. This model has details like lift struts.

Precision models are not cheap $$$
Even if they are made in Malaysia.

I get that- I own a couple of the Kyosho models myself. But this Auto Art DeLorean still has some issues which I feel are unacceptable given it's price. Look at the "dish" of the rear wheels... it's all wrong- it's not concave enough. The "stainless steel" finish is nowhere near as convicing as the Sunstar. Look how sloppy the inside of the gullwing doors are. The door headliners aren't properly concave, either. The Sunstar is more accurate in regards to the door jambs/door sills/underbody, too. The Sunstar's side ground effects are also better. It also appears that Auto Art modeled their car after someone's DeLorean who had a recovered/stitched binnacle. I could go on... but y'all get my drift. For 1/10th the price, it seems Sunstar got a lot more right than Auto Art appears to have.

[Michael]

This model has details like lift struts.

The diff. between the Sunstar and the AA model is about 170 dollars. 140 bucks buys you a complete set of real struts....and you have 30 bucks left over to buy the Sunstar model. I'm not knocking the model, just keeping it in perspective.

The one thing I have learned about D owners....they will shell out obscene money for pretty much anything as long as it is Delorean related, so no doubt this one will fall into many owners' hands.

[thirdmanj]

The one thing I have learned about D owners....they will shell out obscene money for pretty much anything as long as it is Delorean related, so no doubt this one will fall into many owners' hands.
:aniclap:

[martydmc12]

On the official AutoArt Facebook page, they've got a description about how they're starting to market their models in high-end retail stores in Japan.

"AUTOart model cars are displayed at the men's section of major department stores in Japan. Traditionally, model cars are only displayed at toy section. In a move to change the perception that collectable model cars are no longer treated as toys, department stores in Japan are making a trial to place the model cars at men's section together with watches, leather goods and accessories."

It's an interesting idea. I think that strategy will take off in Japan and Europe, but not in North America. Remember the mini-champs DeLorean, both stock and BTTF. They were somewhere in the range of $150.00, and I think they sold well overseas, but not in North America.

In comparison to the Sunstar, there are definitely some things that are better on the Sunstar, especially the stainless steel body. It looks brushed, the way a DeLorean should be. The AutoArt car looks off; I can't quite place it, but there's just something not right about it at all. Then again, based on some the photos I've seen, it's hard to tell unless it's seen up close. That goes for the interior as well. Maybe the interior does look better in person, rather than under display cases and poor lighting.

One thing that I hope is a vast improvement over the Sunstar, is having the gullwing doors actually stay up. I know you can take the Sunstar apart and tighten the screws so that the doors do stay up, but that only works for so long before they start drooping down; just like our real cars!

The headlights are definitely an improvement as well. The Sunstar has those little black dots in the center of each light, which must be the thing that holds them in place.

One thing I don't like on either car, is that the DMC logo inside the door and DeLorean logo on the rear bumper stand-out with what would be after market stickers. It would be really nice to get a model DeLorean that's really more of factory original then the add-on's. I know, it's a minor issue, but I'm not a fan of it.

[matt clark]

I get that- I own a couple of the Kyosho models myself. But this Auto Art DeLorean still has some issues which I feel are unacceptable given it's price. Look at the "dish" of the rear wheels... it's all wrong- it's not concave enough. The "stainless steel" finish is nowhere near as convicing as the Sunstar. Look how sloppy the inside of the gullwing doors are. The door headliners aren't properly concave, either. The Sunstar is more accurate in regards to the door jambs/door sills/underbody, too. The Sunstar's side ground effects are also better. It also appears that Auto Art modeled their car after someone's DeLorean who had a recovered/stitched binnacle. I could go on... but y'all get my drift. For 1/10th the price, it seems Sunstar got a lot more right than Auto Art appears to have.

Except that the sunstar's body shape is entirely wrong, so it's kind of fallen at the first hurdle. The rear 3/4 section is hilariously misshapen.

[ILM1010]

I love this thread. I ordered 2 of these AA bastards and have waited sooooo long. I know they will be amazing. Sunstar is cheap, low in detail and quality but i have 8 of them, i don't care! it's fun to collect anything delorean. I am very curious why it has taken AA so long to make a little model car though.

[john 05141]

What surprises me is that the prime target customers for these models are people who have a real one in the garage. Why are we so keen on little replica's as we have one we can see for real, sit in it and drive it?
I will probably buy one of those models too, so I play the game too, but go figure....


Jan

[RammJaeger]

I have to agree, the Sunstar is pretty nice for 30 bucks on ebay, I just don't see 170.00 worth of improvement with this one. Besides, my Sunstar is pretty detailed ;)
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9028&d=1331946665
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9026&d=1331946662
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9033&d=1331946674

Where did you find one of these with a black interior? I've looked all over and all the ones I find have a gray interior. I'd like to find one with a black interior to match my car.

[Mark D]

Those black seats look to be custom, along with the flocking on carpet/headliner and a bunch of other details.

[Dangermouse]

Those black seats look to be custom, along with the flocking on carpet/headliner and a bunch of other details.

Note whose model it is. ;)



From the people who brought you:

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?6839-The-Millennium-Falcon-cutaway-model-I-m-working-on

[RammJaeger]

Note whose model it is. ;)



From the people who brought you:

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?6839-The-Millennium-Falcon-cutaway-model-I-m-working-on

So the one with the black seats is custom?

[Michael]

So the one with the black seats is custom?

And the only automatic Sunstar known to exist. :driving1:

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9030&d=1331946668

[RammJaeger]

And the only automatic Sunstar known to exist. :driving1:

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9030&d=1331946668

I'm insanely jealous, my car is black with an automatic :)

[thirdmanj]

And the only automatic Sunstar known to exist. :driving1:

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9030&d=1331946668

I'm assuming you did this yourself?

[Mark D]

The fabric seat belts look nice also. Did you sand down molded belts that are typically part of the seat?

Nice touch with the cargo net too, and the knee pad vent

[Michael]

This was a little project I did a few years ago. I regrained and re-cleared the body, reworked a lot of the exterior details, Fixed the headlights' black centers, and of course concentratred on the interior. I wanted a scale model of my own DeLorean which is an automatic, so I had to scratch the center console. My car also had the Alpine stereo package from DMC, so I added a CD changer in the bonnet, along with power cables. I carpeted the bonnet area and the interior cabin and headliners. The seatbelt detail was too prominent to sand down like I wanted to, so I used nylon seatbelt material and just affixed it over the molded seatbelts, and ran them to the scale locations. I added seatbelt latches and slots. I also added pull straps and the cargo net. The dash was painted with my Alpine head unit in place. I added some plumbing on the engine(notice the AC Compressor wire?) I didn't go overboard as I knew that it would never be a true scale model, the construction of the Sunstar errs more on the toy side than a model, so I took that into consideration when deciding how far to go with this little project. I think I spent about 10 hours on it, but it really looks nice on my desk. Here is the album, I actually had a thread about this build but like many cool things, was lost at .com
http://dmctalk.org/album.php?albumid=125&attachmentid=9029

PS: My take on the looks of the Auto Art car...
I think that they cleared the body too glossy, it no longer looks like brushed stainless. After I regrained the Sunstar with a more finer(scale) grain, I knew that it would tarnish if I left it bare, so I had to clear it. I used a thin coat of specially mixed clear with just the right amout of dulling agent in it to keep it from being glossy like the Auto Art car. If I ever did drop 200 on that thing, I would stay awake at night trying to talk myself out of super-detailing it and even adding exterior and interior lights and door marker lights.

If they offer it at a more reasonable price(maybe a group buy?) I just still may do that. Really, how cool would door marker lights look in 1/18 scale?

[thirdmanj]

This was a little project I did a few years ago. I regrained and re-cleared the body, reworked a lot of the exterior details, Fixed the headlights' black centers, and of course concentratred on the interior. I wanted a scale model of my own DeLorean which is an automatic, so I had to scratch the center console. My car also had the Alpine stereo package from DMC, so I added a CD changer in the bonnet, along with power cables. I carpeted the bonnet area and the interior cabin and headliners. The seatbelt detail was too prominent to sand down like I wanted to, so I used nylon seatbelt material and just affixed it over the molded seatbelts, and ran them to the scale locations. I added seatbelt latches and slots. I also added pull straps and the cargo net. The dash was painted with my Alpine head unit in place. I added some plumbing on the engine(notice the AC Compressor wire?) I didn't go overboard as I knew that it would never be a true scale model, the construction of the Sunstar errs more on the toy side than a model, so I took that into consideration when deciding how far to go with this little project. I think I spent about 10 hours on it, but it really looks nice on my desk. Here is the album, I actually had a thread about this build but like many cool things, was lost at .com
http://dmctalk.org/album.php?albumid=125&attachmentid=9029

PS: My take on the looks of the Auto Art car...
I think that they cleared the body too glossy, it no longer looks like brushed stainless. After I regrained the Sunstar with a more finer(scale) grain, I knew that it would tarnish if I left it bare, so I had to clear it. I used a thin coat of specially mixed clear with just the right amout of dulling agent in it to keep it from being glossy like the Auto Art car. If I ever did drop 200 on that thing, I would stay awake at night trying to talk myself out of super-detailing it and even adding exterior and interior lights and door marker lights.

If they offer it at a more reasonable price(maybe a group buy?) I just still may do that. Really, how cool would door marker lights look in 1/18 scale?

"Incredible"
21081

[Dangermouse]

I want to order a MichaelArt one :)

[Domi]

Any update on the release date?
Can you hope it will be available before Christmas?

[D Knight]

We need to talk Mike into modding the SS ones!


-D Knight-

[SIMid]

I want to order a MichaelArt one :)

+1

Incredible work! Must find myself another one for mods in case I make a hack of it.

[martydmc12]

So I emailed AUTOArt again today, in hopes of getting some new information about where they're at with the DeLorean. In their last email, they told me to contact them again in October/November, as they would have a better idea for a target release date. This was today's response...

"Our capacity is full. The production of the DeLorean is postponed."

So considering we've been watching them with their incredibly slow development of this high-end die-cast model for well over a year now, I would safely assume that it's more than likely dead. It's too bad, I was looking forward to this model. Maybe they'll turn it around, but I think it's just wishful thinking at this point.

My understanding is that Sunstar is no longer producing the 1/18 scale stock DMC-12. With Hot Wheels ramping up the release of their 1/18 BTTF DMC-12, it wouldn't surprise me if Hot Wheels decides to do a 1/18 stock DMC-12 in the near future.

[Domi]

Thanks for the news.
Well, seems we won't be able to order this one for Christmas :bawling:
I don't understand why it takes so more time to do it as they already released a lot of new cars?....

[DMC5180]

All the the other models that AutoArt does are Painted. The Faux SS finish on the Delorean is quite unique and may be one of the primary reasons for the delay. It's one of those major details that has to be just right and they may not have perfected the production process for it. It's one thing to make prototypes and quite another for production models. To this day I still wonder how Sunstar did it. I suspect the AutoArt version, if released, will not have the brushed pewter finish.

[MML]

This is probably old news but I just stumbled across it today. Will be picking one of these up for sure!
http://www.bttf.com/hot-wheels-elite-delorean-preview.php

[pezzonovante88]

This is probably old news but I just stumbled across it today. Will be picking one of these up for sure!
http://www.bttf.com/hot-wheels-elite-delorean-preview.php

Nice, I didn't know about that. I can't wait! Hopefully they end up making a regular DeLorean, as well.

[MML]

Nice, I didn't know about that. I can't wait! Hopefully they end up making a regular DeLorean, as well.

I only recently found out about the Hotwheels 1:18 Elite series. They have Ecto 1 & 1A, the A Team van, KITT, and others. I actually ordered an Ecto 1 a couple of nights ago, it looks amazing.
http://www.hotwheels-elite.com/model-cars-miniature/572/cult-classics-collection.php

[papanoel]

I only recently found out about the Hotwheels 1:18 Elite series. They have Ecto 1 & 1A, the A Team van, KITT, and others. I actually ordered an Ecto 1 a couple of nights ago, it looks amazing.
http://www.hotwheels-elite.com/model-cars-miniature/572/cult-classics-collection.php


The KITT looks pretty awful. Not accurate at all.

[ccurzio]

The KITT looks pretty awful. Not accurate at all.

Where are you seeing pictures?

[louielouie2000]

Where are you seeing pictures?

It's on page 2:

http://www.hotwheels-elite.com/model-cars-miniature/cult-classics-collection/744/kitt-knight-industries-two-thousand.php

[ccurzio]

It's on page 2:

http://www.hotwheels-elite.com/model-cars-miniature/cult-classics-collection/744/kitt-knight-industries-two-thousand.php

Ah, okay. Thanks.

So as someone who is intimately familiar with KITT (as I am working on a full-size replica), I'm not sure where papanoel gets the idea that it looks "awful" and "not at all accurate." Looking at the pictures, the attention to detail and accuracy is pretty painstaking. The nose and two-display dashboard place it in season 1 or 2.

The interior is spot-on. They even went as far as to include the PMD decal on the seats.

[NightFlyer]

Dude, there's a picture of David Hasselhoff on the box - what more could you possibly want? :cool1:

[pezzonovante88]

They should do the Harold & Maude E-Type hearse and a Cannonball Run 'Hawaiian Tropic' Countach

Also, I was looking at some of their other "collections". Pretty cool stuff - they have Ferraris of famous musicians, actors, TV shows, etc. including the Miami Vice Testarossa and Eric Clapton's 250 GT Lusso.

Check 'em out!

[awildermode]

Ah, okay. Thanks.

So as someone who is intimately familiar with KITT (as I am working on a full-size replica), I'm not sure where papanoel gets the idea that it looks "awful" and "not at all accurate." Looking at the pictures, the attention to detail and accuracy is pretty painstaking. The nose and two-display dashboard place it in season 1 or 2.

The interior is spot-on. They even went as far as to include the PMD decal on the seats.

Thanks, Accipiter. The designer of Hot Wheels Elite KITT, Brendon Vetusky, did a lot of research, and is a huge Knight Rider fan. I can assure you that the details he put into it are dead on. Sure, there are issues with manufacture tolerances (material thickness, draft, etc.), but everything that is suppose to be there is in there.

Also, I suggest that the Hot Wheels discussion be moved to its own thread or in the Hot Wheels thread. I see a new post here and I think AutoArt is finally putting the DeLorean in full production. Thanks.

[matt clark]

Any news at all from those in the know? It's been almost 2 years since the first pre-order page went up.

[Domi]

Does anyone has any update on the release date?
They released some others cars, but not our beloved DeLorean...

[Domi]

Looks like we won't be able to buy this one for Christmas yet, still no news, not even on their facebook page :(

[MML]

This is the one Delorean model I've been most eagerly awaiting... wish they'd just release it already.

[Domi]

This models was at Nuremberg 2015, maybe we will be able to see it soon???
32773

[DMC5180]

Nice! Any specifics on it?

[MML]

This models was at Nuremberg 2015, maybe we will be able to see it soon???
32773

About damn time!

Where did you find the photo Domi?

[ILM1010]

woah, is this real?

[Domi]

About damn time!

Where did you find the photo Domi?

See the pic on their facebook page and some other people whom share it.

[martydmc12]

AutoArt finally updated their website and Facebook pages, and has officially announced the 1/18 DMC-12.

AutoArtModels.com (http://www.autoartmodels.com/web/product/en/2343?antiCache=14365176825678FA934636B46F9360E162F E9F78B2DE4)

AutoArt Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1040530259305340&id=172028929488815)

I can see some people gawking at the idea of paying $200 for a die-cast car, but we are living in an age where higher end collectibles are certainly becoming the norm.

Not too crazy about the interior, a little light not the color grey for my taste. The finish looks more aluminium than brushed stainless. It's still not 100% accurate, but neither is the SunStar or the more recent Hot Wheels Elite Time Machine. Regardless, as a collector of all things DMC, it's definitely going in my collection.

[Alan]

I'd given up on this. This is good news... and I agree on the cost. It's more than I want to spend but I will. AutoArt makes good die-cast.

[DavidProehl]

It's still not 100% accurate, but neither is the SunStar or the more recent Hot Wheels Elite Time Machine. Regardless, as a collector of all things DMC, it's definitely going in my collection.

Agreed. It isn't perfect, but it is surprisingly close compared to the other models out there. Very excited to pick this one up once available.

[Domi]

Let's hope it will be available before Christmas this years :thinkin:

[Alan]

Let's hope it will be available before Christmas this years :thinkin:
+1

[MML]

AutoArt finally updated their website and Facebook pages, and has officially announced the 1/18 DMC-12.

AutoArtModels.com (http://www.autoartmodels.com/web/product/en/2343?antiCache=14365176825678FA934636B46F9360E162F E9F78B2DE4)

AutoArt Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1040530259305340&id=172028929488815)

I can see some people gawking at the idea of paying $200 for a die-cast car, but we are living in an age where higher end collectibles are certainly becoming the norm.

Not too crazy about the interior, a little light not the color grey for my taste. The finish looks more aluminium than brushed stainless. It's still not 100% accurate, but neither is the SunStar or the more recent Hot Wheels Elite Time Machine. Regardless, as a collector of all things DMC, it's definitely going in my collection.


Ohhhh yes!!! About damn time!

[Mario]

They need to regrain their stainless! I've never seen a car so bad! :)

http://i.imgur.com/WPFUPV8.jpg

Really, really cool model, though. I'd buy one. I do hope they get that brushed look to look a bit straighter, though.

[MML]

Best of all, it's a grey manual with non-gas flap hood. The perfect combination! Although I may be slightly biased. :thumbup:

[refugeefromcalif]

Best of all, it's a grey manual with non-gas flap hood. The perfect combination! Although I may be slightly biased. :thumbup:

+1!

George

(Although I now have a gas flap hood that I'm going to install on 6599 soon)... :rock_on:

[DMC5180]

It should be noted that the original auto art prototype is likely still used for images. I recall James E. Saying that auto art sent them a prototype to review and make corrections of which I know the interior color was supposed to be addressed.

Fwiw: My take on the long delay in releasing the model likely had to do with waiting for the intellectual property lawsuit to be resolved. Just speculation on my part.

[DavidProehl]

Still no release date listed, but I now see "preorder" as an option on the AUTOart website for the model (link (http://www.autoartmodels.com/web/product/en/2343?antiCache=14365176825678FA934636B46F9360E162F E9F78B2DE4)). Accepting preorders must mean they are a little closer to setting a release date right?

[Domi]

A seller in Italy says it will be released in October...

[Domi]

On the other hand, this seller says he will have the car in 2 weeks only???
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Autoart-DELOREAN-DMC-12-SATIN-FINISH-in-1-18-Scale-New-Release-/201413187986?hash=item2ee5295992

[DMC5180]

I would be Leary to jump in on that until they show up other places too.

I would also be expected that the DMC vendors will also carry a limited supply once they are truly released.

I've had a standing pre-order with a third party vendor for almost three years. I have not gotten an update from them since my last inquiry a couple years ago. I'll have to contact them to see what updated info they have.

[Alan]

I would be Leary to jump in on that until they show up other places too.

I would also be expected that the DMC vendors will also carry a limited supply once they are truly released.

I've had a standing pre-order with a third party vendor for almost three years. I have not gotten an update from them since my last inquiry a couple years ago. I'll have to contact them to see what updated info they have.
Me, too. I don't even recall with whom any more... that'll make it difficult for me to follow up.:(

[SIMid]

I wonder if the earlier version will be released? Don;t really want to spend $300+ and then I will have to spend even more to get one that matches my 1:1.

[ILM1010]

Just received an email from AutoArt that my Deloreans have shipped on UPS and have a tracking number. So I guess they do exist!

[DavidProehl]

Just received an email from AutoArt that my Deloreans have shipped on UPS and have a tracking number. So I guess they do exist!

Nice! The website still says "preorder" but they are apparently shipping them? Be sure to post photos of what is actually delivered!

[DMC5180]

All the the other models that AutoArt does are Painted. The Faux SS finish on the Delorean is quite unique and may be one of the primary reasons for the delay. It's one of those major details that has to be just right and they may not have perfected the production process for it. It's one thing to make prototypes and quite another for production models. To this day I still wonder how Sunstar did it. I suspect the AutoArt version, if released, will not have the brushed pewter finish.


I found this on their official website. It pretty much backs up my statement I made 2 years ago Post #88 quoted above. http://www.autoartmodels.com/article.web.ViewArticleDetails.do?articleId=131&localeId=en

[Domi]

Good news, I hope it's for real :)

[ILM1010]

So let me get this straight, it took them 2 years to figure out how to replicate the stainless steel look on a scaled down model, and a worker hand does it and it takes over an hour per car...and yet in the pictures it just looks like scratched metal. Sunstar seems to have gotten it right to me anyway, hope these pics aren't final, I'll post pictures of the cars when they come.

[MML]

Just received an email from AutoArt that my Deloreans have shipped on UPS and have a tracking number. So I guess they do exist!

Fantastic. Please post lots of pics!

[papanoel]

wonder if the finish is better on the production models. if not time to make a flapper wheel dremel attachment lol. i'm kidding of course but maybe one of you will do this...

[MML]

I found this on their official website. It pretty much backs up my statement I made 2 years ago Post #88 quoted above. http://www.autoartmodels.com/article.web.ViewArticleDetails.do?articleId=131&localeId=en

"The chrome plating of the complicated body shape must be flawless, but tiny bubbles or rashes often appear in some areas of the body after the plating, which means the body must be scrapped as rework is impossible. Because of this, more than 40% of the metal bodies are scrapped after chrome plating, making the production cost extremely high"

40% Whoa!

[Gregadeth]

36864368653686636867

Just found these new pics posted online. Looks very good! Here is the link to all the pics:
https://instagram.com/ranger_hans/

[DMC5180]

Nice!!!!!

The photo perspectives in some of those shots make it appear almost as a full size real car.

[ILM1010]

it has arrived....

[DMC5180]

Well c'mon where's the unboxing video? The anticipation is killing us. 😉

[Domi]

+1 we need more pictures please :)

[Domi]

Looks like Autoart is planning to release two different models, a stainless one & a black one.
See pictures below:
3688236883

[MML]

36864368653686636867

Just found these new pics posted online. Looks very good! Here is the link to all the pics:
https://instagram.com/ranger_hans/

Oh that's excellent. I'm definitely going for one of those!

[MML]

Oh that's excellent. I'm definitely going for one of those!


Bagged one on Ebay! 180 dollars plus shipping.

[ILM1010]

Sorry I haven't posted pics yet, but I can tell you its everything you wanted!! Comes with a COA and is numbered, extremely detailed like you see on their site. The grain is better than what the site shows. Even comes with a tool so that you can open the rare engine cover with ease. Only 200 bucks, i ordered 1 more...gotta have one out of the box for display!

[ILM1010]

Looks like Autoart is planning to release two different models, a stainless one & a black one.
See pictures below:
3688236883

sweet! where did you find this out?

[DMC5180]

Nice photoshop😜

[Domi]

sweet! where did you find this out?

On a French website, here is the link:
http://www.littlebolide.com/dmc-de-lorean-dmc-12_fr_p72207.html

[MML]

Had a nice little surprise waiting at home today!

I cannot praise this model enough. It's by far the best Delorean model out there, by a mile. The attention to detail is incredible. It has little tiny gas struts (Grady's? ;) ) on the doors, hood and louvres. They actually operate, they're not just solid rods of plastic! They even included the cargo net and seat belts. The brushed stainless is incredibly well done, you can imagine a little 1:18 scale Chris Nicholson doing it with a wolfhead wheel. All the underside detail is faithfully reproduced, from the LCAs to the suspension springs to the engine. The carpet is present in the boot, all the mesh grilles are photoetched metal.
If anyone is on the fence thinking about one of these, I would say go for it. It is expensive but it oozes quality.

Oh and there's no rust on the frame! :smile:




http://i.imgur.com/DHNU9cC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/y0JKNOS.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MTbXCrP.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/u3KsDPe.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/xd8EiJ7.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dQfTP8v.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/saKGtMr.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4T87XOR.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ZdWg6Ya.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/B0YnPCc.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/C3vuTQP.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/AL7DuWs.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/2DkQvvt.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/jYiKS1m.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QEU7GZD.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/cZMamrF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WAmscfS.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/VXS3UNM.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/kswIKiz.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/VP3Oxw7.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/M28Crul.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hkW5tYz.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1JFh9X8.jpg

[DMCH James]

As the licensor, I can guarantee you that it doesn't have "Grady struts on it. :p

[Dangermouse]

need to change out that plastic header bottle, martin :). You don't want a tiny spillage.


Looks great with the lace doily.

[Domi]

Looks like a very nice scale model, even if they forgot the orange light on the door :disapprove:

[ILM1010]

excellent model, my rear view mirror snapped off as i lifted the passenger door but I glued it back in place, so you have to be a little careful. I now own 4, and they are worth it!

[Michael]

Looks awesome but one thing. The rear wheels don't look to have a dish to them. Could just be the pics though.

Oh yeah, orange markers missing. I may have to buy one, disassemble it and build it back right with working lights.

[Domi]

Oh yeah, orange markers missing. I may have to buy one, disassemble it and build it back right with working lights.

Very good idea, too bad it doesn't work in the first place!

[maragni1985]

WOW!! it looks so beautiful! but sadly,..I can't buy it or anything else because all my money is spoken for by paying off my Parent's Doctor visit bills and their Medication and so I can't buy anything anymore.. I know it sucks to be me... :frown:

[DMC5180]

Well, mine arrived today. Initial unboxing was pretty cool. Overall I love the crisp detail. Unfortunately, the driver door won't stay up. Where do I order replacement struts? 😕
Then the passenger side mirror fell off onto my kitchen floor. I picked up the mirror housing only to see the mirror foil had fallen out too. I searched for 10 minutes trying to find that piece of glitter foil. I did find it thankfully. It's good thing for superglue. I quickly put it up on my shelf of D collectibles before something else lets go😜

The other thing I thought kind of odd was gray trunk carpet.
No worries though. I have a matching gray trunk carpet for my car. Go figure.

[Michael]

Well, mine arrived today. Initial unboxing was pretty cool. Overall I love the crisp detail. Unfortunately, the driver door won't stay up. Where do I order replacement struts? 
Then the passenger side mirror fell off onto my kitchen floor. I picked up the mirror housing only to see the mirror foil had fallen out too. I searched for 10 minutes trying to find that piece of glitter foil. I did find it thankfully. It's good thing for superglue. I quickly put it up on my shelf of D collectibles before something else lets go.

Sounds like it's more scale than anyone thought. They not only made it cosmetically true to the cou terpart but mechanically as well.

[DMC5180]

Yeah, that's what I thought to myself too.

I think I know why though. It's VIN 0568. We all know VIN 500 cars had lots of early production 😜

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/25/f90845826c85200ea38e0e7468b861d9.jpg


Dennis

[mluder]

So... is it sold out... I can't seem to find it in the showroom on their site though an external Google search takes me to the page on their site. Weird.
Any way - no way to add to cart so it seems as though it's no longer available for sale from them.

Steve

[DavidProehl]

So... is it sold out...

It does look that way, but they are still available on eBay and Amazon. I bought one on Amazon that is to be delivered this afternoon.

[DMC5180]

I would be very surprised if Dmch doesn't start offering a limited supply fairly soon. After all it is an officially licensed product, albeit an expensive one to hold a high inventory quantity of.

However, if they wait to long the early buyers needs will be fulfilled via 3rd party sellers.


Dennis

[ILM1010]

Yes, make sure you put it on high on your shelf and don't handle too much. The spent 2 years to get the grain right, but only 20 min on toughness. Don't get me wrong, it's neat, but handle it like glass.

[DMC5180]

excellent model, my rear view mirror snapped off as i lifted the passenger door but I glued it back in place, so you have to be a little careful. I now own 4, and they are worth it!

Pete,

What serial VINs do you have?

I had a second one show up today from the original company I had pre-ordered from nearly 3 years ago out of NY. Serial 577

The other one came from WA. Serial 568

I'm very surprised how close the numbers are considering they were shipped from 2 different retailers from opposite ends of the country.

[DavidProehl]

I have 548. Any idea how many were made?

[DMC5180]

No clue, it will be interesting see more numbers as people start getting there's.

If I was guessing, somewhere in the neighborhood of 1000.

I'd guess, James E. probably knows what the run count was supposed to be though.

[MML]

Mine is 988.

[Jonathan]

How much were these when available?

I saw the same link to the "showroom" website, but no price listed anywhere. I would expect that whatever the original price was, that won't be the same amount you see them on eBay selling for.

[Domi]

Did the Autoart team said it was a limited edition?
I thought it will be available for many years to come?

[ILM1010]

I've got 0579 and 0658 and 2 unopened cars


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MML]

Looks like they might be pulling the plug on this...

http://www.diecastsociety.com/rumor-mill-autoart-delorean-dmc-12/

[Domi]

So, no more diecast DMC12?

[Mario]

Glad I bought one early. The prices have already gone up $100-200 on eBay!

[ILM1010]

I emailed them and asked about this, and received this response:

"We are going to upgrade the tooling to re-launch another version in the near future."
Regards
AA

[Dangermouse]

It's just like the real thing - painted cars hiding damaged panels, that's awesome :wiggle:

[Domi]

Let's hope it won't be in another 2 years or more :hmm:

[ILM1010]

Got my Matte Black Deloreans today, very interesting. No numbered COE..the booklet it comes with does have the black delorean in the pictures but no mention of the black color in the description. So they took the time to update the pictures but not the words of the booklet as to why this delorean is black. Very weird release, but very cool model.

Just like the real company!! Painted to hide flaws and to attract more interest

[DMC5180]

Photo's please.


Dennis

[Domi]

Photo's please.


Dennis

+1 :thumbup:

[ILM1010]

Much better photos on the site...one thing I noticed is the doors don't stay up very well

Art imitating life

382733827438275

[ILM1010]

fixed the doors

38278

[ILM1010]

[QUOTE=ILM1010;185438]Much better photos on the site...one thing I noticed is the doors don't stay up very well.

Art imitating life

3827338274

[ILM1010]

[QUOTE=ILM1010;185438]Much better photos on the site...one thing I noticed is the doors don't stay up very well

Art imitating life

3827338274

[Domi]

Thanks for sharing :)

[DMC5180]

fixed the doors

38278

How?


Dennis

[ILM1010]

Pinching the rubber end of the Pistons with a pliers a tiny bit


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Andy]

Am I the only one who thinks it doesn't look very good? Maybe it's the lighting in the pictures, I don't know, but I'm not very tempted to buy one .... It doesn't look right to make a model in a color the real one couldn't be delivered in in the first place, isn't it? And matt black?? Anyway, what happened with the SS ones?

[DavidProehl]

Am I the only one who thinks it doesn't look very good? Maybe it's the lighting in the pictures, I don't know, but I'm not very tempted to buy one .... It doesn't look right to make a model in a color the real one couldn't be delivered in in the first place, isn't it? And matt black?? Anyway, what happened with the SS ones?

In my mind it doesn't look bad in the same way a full size painted D doesn't look bad. They look good, but not as good as a stainless one. It is hard to compete with stainless.

The story I've read on the SS ones is that they were having difficulty getting the finish to look right and created a lot of waste in the process, making it too expensive to continue.

[Andy]

In my mind it doesn't look bad in the same way a full size painted D doesn't look bad. They look good, but not as good as a stainless one. It is hard to compete with stainless.

The story I've read on the SS ones is that they were having difficulty getting the finish to look right and created a lot of waste in the process, making it too expensive to continue.

I agree that some colors do fit a DeLorean, but not matt black (personal opinion offcourse) .... I've never been a fan of matt black colors on any car in real life, so I wonder why they used this color ; wouldn't it been better if they used a 'normal' (by that I mean 'not matt') color?

Just an opinion offcourse, but that does mean that the existing 'normal' Autoart Deloreans will go up in value very quickly ...

[ILM1010]

Im sure the stainless version will make a return once they figure out the tooling. So for now they are selling all the wasted parts by painting them. It's very bizarre to market a stainless steel car but in a black body

[louielouie2000]

Am I the only one who thinks it doesn't look very good? Maybe it's the lighting in the pictures, I don't know, but I'm not very tempted to buy one .... It doesn't look right to make a model in a color the real one couldn't be delivered in in the first place, isn't it? And matt black?? Anyway, what happened with the SS ones?


I agree that some colors do fit a DeLorean, but not matt black (personal opinion offcourse) .... I've never been a fan of matt black colors on any car in real life, so I wonder why they used this color ; wouldn't it been better if they used a 'normal' (by that I mean 'not matt') color?

The matte paint fad on cars/motorcycles/etc needs to die already. It's the pop-up headlights/louvers/body cladding/fake fender vent/etc automotive scourge of this decade, and it's awful.


Im sure the stainless version will make a return once they figure out the tooling. So for now they are selling all the wasted parts by painting them. It's very bizarre to market a stainless steel car but in a black body

No doubt. Odds are AutoArt has way too much invested in the tooling for their DeLorean model to just give up on it after making such a small batch. I have no doubt they'll be making more "stainless" ones soon.

[mluder]

I agree that some colors do fit a DeLorean, but not matt black (personal opinion offcourse) .... I've never been a fan of matt black colors on any car in real life, so I wonder why they used this color ; wouldn't it been better if they used a 'normal' (by that I mean 'not matt') color?

If memory serves, I saw a DeLorean at DMC Houston a couple years ago that had a matte black wrap on it. It looked pretty cool and I'm not normally a fan of painted cars.
I've got a picture somewhere...

Cheers
Steven

[Soundkillr]

I have heard, there was only supposed to be a run of about 5000 models. They made about 1000 stainless, and stopped production. They are now using the wasted parts (painted) to try and sell the remaining batch of the 5000. I have heard they are not going to make anymore in the stainless, and I have heard they are going to give it another try later. Either way the early runs on these will be collectible to true autoart collectors. I've been watching some of the early autoart cars in limited runs bring big money. Autoart also does weird things from time to time. They spend money on tooling, just to make a very limited run of a model. I doubt this will happen with the delorean but you never know.

[ILM1010]

They told me they would release more after new tooling but that could be false. Honestly the car isn't that well made. It's full of detail, but easy to break, and the doors don't stay up great. AutoArt, we don't need perfect stainless!! Just Quality! Im guessing Sunstar is laughing

Now we just a documentary about the Car Crash of the AutoArt Delorean

[Michael]

I went from 0 AUTOart DeLoreans to 3 in about a week after reading the gossip. I got two in stainless and one in matt black all BNIB. The rumors are that if AUTOart does do another batch in stainless, the body will not begin life as a metal body. There are also rumors that AUTOart has had it's fill with DeLoreans and no more will be made. Either way the original stainless will be very collectible by dicast collectors especially since it was released in such small numbers.



As for me, I'm displaying one of the stainless models in my office, keeping one in the box, and taking the matt black one and converting it to a stainless model with full lights and superdetailing it. As for quality, after completely "re-kitting" one I can't believe the mirrors are so easy to come off, yet some other parts are glued so well...too well. Don't think of this as a Sunstar diecast but a very detailed scale model. It must be handled as such. Some of the things I hate like the cargo net and lack of detail painti g will be fixed by me on the rebuild but still even in stock stainless trim it's a damn nice looking model for being mass produced. I really like the dimensions as well as the overall appearance. Here is a pic of my project after about 90% disassembled.

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And one on display:
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[Michael]

Told ya I would do it. Just got to detail the engine bay and find a way to put all this crap together....oh and paint it in a convincing stainless finish
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZHNItuk_3c

[Soundkillr]

Told ya I would do it. Just got to detail the engine bay and find a way to put all this crap together....oh and paint it in a convincing stainless finish
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZHNItuk_3c

That looks like crap. I know what will make you feel better, I will trade you my sunstar for it right now, plus cash on your end. :)
Looks awesome!

[mr_maxime]

That looks pretty damn awesome. For the stainless maybe try brushing on vallejo liquid silver with a thick wide brush. Ironically enough, it has real metal in it which will rust in contact water.

[Michael]

I already have worked on a technique when I started this project. Took several tries but I was able to get the proper reflection, sheen, and grain using a multi step process and some laquer based buffing metalizers. I think I got it pretty close

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[Rich_NYS]

That's awesome.....

I was dumbstruck when I first saw your Millenium Falcon....I'm sure this'll be amazing as well.

[Domi]

Amazing project, that's the way it should be in the first place!
Keep up the good work :)

[Michael]

Got sick last night so didn't get anything done but I was able to sit in front of the computer and draw up some scaled down labels and print them off on decal paper
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[Michael]

I think I may start a new thread on this build after all.

Engine is plumbed and wired up and dry fitted into place. It's not glued in yet because I still need to install and wire up the engine bay light and figure out how I'm going to activate it with the cover.

Didn't go to overboard with it because it is still a die cast model in stand off scale and I wanted to save my expensive detail wire for other builds (I'm still not sure how this one will turn out). What really sucks is I even wired up the relay below the resistors and you can't even see it with the other wires and hoses in the way.

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[Rich_NYS]

Nice!

[mluder]

I think I may start a new thread on this build after all.

Engine is plumbed and wired up and dry fitted into place. It's not glued in yet because I still need to install and wire up the engine bay light and figure out how I'm going to activate it with the cover.

Didn't go to overboard with it because it is still a die cast model in stand off scale and I wanted to save my expensive detail wire for other builds (I'm still not sure how this one will turn out). What really sucks is I even wired up the relay below the resistors and you can't even see it with the other wires and hoses in the way.

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You should think about replacing the heat stove pipe with a cold air intake. Boost your performance a bit.

JK - Amazing work as always, Michael.

Cheers
Steven

[Michael]

Nahhh, this one's a stocker. I am going to give it a bit of a brownish tan wash though

If this one actually makes it to completion with no issues I'm doing a factory steel next as it will be much easier and no fascia painting or wheels. Just a quick regrain and on to detailing.

I still may light the hvac, radio and dash but I'm not sure it there is any more room. Just playing by ear with this build.

[Michael]

Could not be happier with the way the Metalizer paint turned out!

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[Michael]

From now on I will post updates and pictures here since this really isn't the thread for a custom model and it chronicles the build from the very beginning. Should be done in a few more weeks.

http://dmctoday.com/showthread.php?2107-Turning-the-AUTOart-DeLorean-into-a-scale-model

[Rich_NYS]

Could not be happier with the way the Metalizer paint turned out!

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"Metalizer"....ya, right. The perfection of a Chris N. re-grain is easily recognizable.....'fess up mister!

[Michael]

http://us.autoartmodels.com/web/product/en/2557?antiCache=150687226849705A75CBFAAEAEE534CB3AF 8BAD118DBD

And I read that a yellow and red version is in the works.

[Domi]

It could be nice if the silver could be available again...

[Michael]

It could be nice if the silver could be available again...

I don't know if it has been mentioned in this thread, but from everything I have read, stainless is not coming back. Autoart said the plating process was too complex and they were scrapping 4 out of 5 bodies (which is why you saw the poorly done matt black cars, and now other colors). I used a matt black car for my project and they painted over all the previously painted gray fascias, the silver part of interior door panels, and silver wheels were redone in black which I had to sand down and redo.

There was one snippet about a silver version coming out with the colors, but not much info. If I had to guess, they are just going to use a silver paint. On my black car, I used 100 grit sand paper and really got some deep scratches in the body panels, then thin coats of a 3 part metalizer model paint system buffed to the correct sheen, then clear coated in semi dull clear sealer.

[Michael]

https://www.tomotorsports.com/index.php?route=product/search&filter_name=delorean

There is no mention whatsoever on Autoart's site about this but apparently someone is in the loop. A yellow, red, and apparently a stainless are all on preorder from at least one seller now, however the dates are past due. Not sure I would trust them until I heard definitive news from the horse's mouth,

[Michael]

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[Dangermouse]

And it says it’s “composite”

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Autoart-DELOREAN-DMC-12-METALLIC-RED-1981-Composite-model-in-1-18-Scale-New/152883859517?_mwBanner=1

[Michael]

And it says "composite"

And I think if there is ever another stainless model offered, it will be some type of plated "composite"(aka plastic) too.

At one time I had 4 stainless models and one matt black. I sold 2 of my stainless ones and kept the other 2 just in case they really go up.

[itatwork]

From 12/2018 there's probably another satin finished edition.
Search term: AUTOart 79916
But the new one will be made out of painted composite, unlike the first version (AUTOart 79911) that was made in steel.

[dodint]

So it's painted and has a light tan interior? As much as I'd like a 1:18 I'll stick with my Sunstar for now.

[Michael]

It will be interesting to see how they replicate stainless with paint. When I did my black car, I thought I nailed it pretty well but it was a lot of careful prep and I used paints that are not meant to be handled regularly. Even with a protective top coat, I handle mine very carefully. To get realistic results, it was worth it.


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[dodint]

https://www.modelly.shop/modelcars/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/7/9/79916-05/1-18-autoart-delorean-dmc-12-79916-15.jpg

Seems like some stuff they did really well, and others got it completely wrong (tan interior, those tail lights, etc.) I'd have a hard time dropping $200 on it. Hoping the production version corrects the interior part as that's pretty glaring which is so strange because it's just molded plastic.

[Michael]

If that's the painted model and not a reused pic of the metal version then they did well. Never understood the decision to go with a tan interior or to lose the front door marker light lens.

[dodint]

I sourced the pic from this pre-order page: https://www.modelly.shop/modelcars/autoart-delorean-dmc-12-1981-satin-finish-1-18-79916

[Michael]

Was looking at Autoart's site and the new composite models have an approx. shipping weight of 1kg where the diecast versions were 2kg. Even with packaging that's a substantial difference in weight of a model this small. I have yet to put mine on scales but I would guess my dicast versions come in somewhere around 28oz. (Without packaging) which would make the composite version very lightweight..not that they will be handled a lot but still I would like a little heft to a model like this.

It does look like they nailed the painted surface much better than the metal versions which are just too reflective. Graining looks perfect too. I still have 2 original satin versions along with the black one I stripped, painted and lighted. I am going to watch values of the original and if they drop (currently selling around 4-5 hundred), then I will take one apart and regrain it properly. I am positive that 600-800 grit will put a beautiful scale and realistic grain on the model. I know from experience there is more than enough plating to withstand several passes.

Edit: Just weighed my original. Comes in at 21oz. I bet the new composite models don't break 11oz.