Archive for January, 2005
AUTO Wonders
AUTO wonders
Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy
Modelart offers an exhaustive range from vintage to classic to modern.
FERRARIS, LAMBORGHINIS, Jaguars, Porsches, BMWs, Austin Healeys, Alfa Romeos, Audi Quattros, Callaways, Panoz, McLarens, AMG, Hummers and other special makes. And if one says all are available under a single roof you will be surprised for sure. Of course we’re talking about scaled-down real models of all the cars available at Modelart.
Modelart is India’s most exclusive chain of shops for die-cast metal scale model cars and bikes. Through its shops at Inorbit Mall in Mumbai and The Forum in Bangalore, this store seeks to offer the serious collector possibly the best range of models in the most popular scales from the premier manufacturers in the world today. From 1:43, 1:24, 1:18, 1:12 to 1:10 scale, all models are authentic replicas licensed by the original manufacturers and a few are even limited editions.
For collectors
The concept of this unique store is the brainchild of model-car enthusiasts Avinash Agrawal and Amar Patel. As one speaks to Avinash, one can feel his passion for cars and it is infectious. The store itself is very tastefully done up and showcases the range effectively. “The store has an international range housed in an atmosphere that is specially designed to reflect the quality of the products,” says Avinash. Its USP is its selective display, subdued lighting, personalised attention, and relevant model information.
And if you love automobiles this is the place for you. “Car collectors can choose from an exhaustive range from vintage to classic to modern and concept; from limos to super cars to race and rally specials, off-roaders and cult cars,” explains Avinash.
Best in the world
These masterpieces are manufactured by AutoArt and Maisto, two of the best in the world today. The quality of finish, attention to the smallest detail, authentic replication in every possible way including interiors with dashboard elements and upholstery, engines, tyre tread patterns, paint jobs, fabrication and direct printing of model logos and sponsors logos on race cars, laser etched metal parts all have to be seen to be appreciated. In fact the doors, bonnets and other opening parts work in the exact way the originals do!
There’s more. Bike lovers will find their dream machines… from Harley-Davidsons to Ducatis to Suzukis, Hondas and Cagivas; Superbikes to Street Legals, Cruisers to Moto-Cross. And the best part really is that this is how authentic it can get. Each piece is detailed from engine blocks to working suspensions and steerable handlebars, tyre patterns, decal styling, paint jobs and chrome parts. Most bikes also come with display stands. Race bikes are detailed with each rider’s personal styling. “And don’t miss Valentino Rossi’s 2004 winning Yamaha and Dodge’s awesome Tomahawk and our nostalgic range of cult Vespa scooters,” says Avinash.
You can also find the widest range of high performance, original licensed, digitally proportional scale model Radio-Control Formula 1 cars. Schumacher and Barrichello’s Ferraris, Montoya and Schumacher’s BMW Williams, Mercedes-McLarens of Raikkonen and Coulthard — all from the leaders in professional RC Carisma are available in 1:10 and 1:14 scale. The top speed of these models is almost 30 kmph and can be upgraded as well.
Radio control cars are available with the MARC range of fabulously detailed and built WRC models including Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6, Le Mans Audi R8s, BMW Z8, Mercedes SLR McLaren and DTM. So sure is Avinash of the product standard and quality that he says that Modelart will even provide after-sales service for these cars!
You can find a few pieces of roadrunners for small children as well. You will also be able to choose from a range of vintage WWII warplanes like Spitfires, Hurricanes, Mustangs and Messerschmitts.
These are some of the most finely crafted metal planes available. And are manufactured by AeroArt. Maisto models include the modern fighter and bomber aircraft. And if you thought this was just a store with models, think again. Here is where you could lay your hands on some stunning designer accessories: personal, home and office, created exclusively with auto parts as the motif by AutoArt Design. The range includes key rings, clocks, lamps, watches, tabletops all of which are beautifully crafted, ingenious and absolutely stylish.
So whether you are a passionate collector of die-cast scale model cars, an occasional buyer or looking only for a gift, this is one store that’s worth a dekko. Modelart is at 206, The Forum, Hosur Road, Ph: 51120305.
BINDU GOPAL RAO
Hindu On Net
Head Over Wheels
Golf: BMW Becomes Euro Golf Tour’s Biggest Sponsor
WENTWORTH, England : The PGA Championship, European golf’s biggest tournament outside of the British Open is to be renamed the BMW Championship, under a new deal that makes the German car giant the tour’s biggest backer.
BMW had invested a minimum of 16 million euros to acquire title rights to the event, staged during May at the Wentworth club in Surrey, England from 2005 to 2008.
The prize fund for this year’s tournament will be four million euros, up from 3.76 million euros last year with 666,600 euros available to the winner.
The company is already the title sponsor of three other European Tour tournaments - the Asian Open in Shanghai, the Russian Open in Moscow and the International Open in Munich and is also a backer of the Heineken Classic in Melbourne, the Dubai Desert Classic and the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.
The partnership announced on Tuesday also involved BMW becoming the official car supplier to the tour and means the company takes over from its rival Volvo as the tour’s biggest backer.
The Swedish group decided last year to end its long-running sponsorship of the PGA Championship as well as ceasing to be the official car supplier and title sponsor of the tour’s money list, the Order of Merit.
It remains a backer of the lucrative end of season Volvo Masters which has been held over the last few years in southern Spain.
Explaining the major increase in BMW’s golf-linked marketing, the company’s marketing director, Torsten Muller-Otvos, said the sport shared the “exclusiveness, aesthetics and search for perfection” embodied by the brand.
The PGA Championship was established in 1955 and past winners have included Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, Severiano Ballesteros and Colin Montgomerie.
Scotland’s Scott Drummond is the reigning champion having sealed victory last year with a final round 64 on the famous West Course.
- AFP
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