Auto Barn Models ?? AB models ?? 1/43 | FerrariChat

Auto Barn Models ?? AB models ?? 1/43

Discussion in 'Collectables, Literature, & Models' started by Dino 208gt4, Oct 13, 2004.

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  1. Dino 208gt4

    Dino 208gt4 F1 World Champ

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    Hello Fellow collectors,

    Normally I am in the BBR models but lately I am very impressed with the Auto Barn models. I bought 3 on eBay and I like them very much.
    Does anybody know more about this brand?? I bought the models from a Canadian seller but where is this brand comming from? Italy? Germany?

    Just curious about these very nice 1/43 modelcars.

    Many thanks in advance for your input.
    Ciao,
     
  2. Greg G

    Greg G F1 Rookie

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    Hi Roel,
    The only Auto Barn I know of is a retail shop in California. They have an extensive 1:43 inventory and a large presence on ebay.

    http://www.autobarnmodels.com/

    Are you sure the manufacturer is called Auto Barn and not just seller?

    regards,

    Greg
     
  3. GTE

    GTE F1 World Champ

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    Never heard of them, but from the site, they look very good.

    What models did you get?
     
  4. Iceman.1

    Iceman.1 Karting

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    First let me say at the outset I am a huge fan of BBR. I have more than 100 of their models.

    As luck would have it I have a BBR Ferrari 550 Maranello Olive Garden version and the same model by Auto Barn. I dug out both and here is my comparison.

    I have seen the real car. I believe that the color of the Auto Barn (AB) is more accurate. The BBR is a bit washed out to my eye. ADVANTAGE AB.

    The paint finish qualities are the same as is the level of detail..

    I carefully compared the castings. They are identical. I removed the AB from its base and to my surprise it DID NOT say BBR! But the BBR model has a unique way of mounting the radiators through a cut out in the base plate. The AB had the same method. Conclusion either BBR with the name carefully removed from the baseplate or a clone.

    The front grill on the BR is nicer looking..more refined. However in profile the AB has a much better treatment of the side exhaust and its rendition of the three position lights is more accurate. The side air vents are better on the BBR.The grill on the rear deck is far better on the AB.The rear end treatment is much nicer on the AB. ADVANTAGE AB

    The assembly quality is virtually identical I have a bit of a concern that the AB car has the glass acetate a bit less firmly attached. Will it pop off over time?

    Overall it is almost pick them with a bit of an advantage to AB.

    Now you take into account cost. The AB is the clear winner, And remember I am the BBR fan!

    Bill
     
  5. Mule

    Mule F1 Rookie Owner Rossa Subscribed

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    They are very good models and are either BBR or exact copies as was mentioned. I saw them at the Denver GP, Concorso, FCA2004 Mercato and the Historics. They show up at all the big events. I bought some books and shirts from them, so they have more than diecast.

    They make some unique racing cars, and have a lot of autographed models and displays. Well worth the investment.
     
  6. dretceterini

    dretceterini F1 Veteran

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    The Auto Barn models look like BBR's less expensive line..but I called Auto Barn in Canoga Park, California, and they said that they are made in Italy exclusively for their shop...and NOT by BBR
     
  7. Dino 208gt4

    Dino 208gt4 F1 World Champ

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    I have 4x 550 maranello from AB:

    Redbull
    Olive Garden
    Igol
    Prodrive

    I like them very much. They standing between my BBR models and look very great.
     
  8. Dino 208gt4

    Dino 208gt4 F1 World Champ

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    Hi BIll,
    thanks you very much for your investigation :)
    I totally agree with yuor conclusion.
    I am also a real BBR fan but these AB models impressed me. Even more because of price differences. I paid the same price for the AB models as some sellers ask for the red-line models. These red-line are really bad, in my oppinion :)

    Ciao,
     
  9. Dino 208gt4

    Dino 208gt4 F1 World Champ

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    Thank you very much for info.
    Ciao,
     
  10. 2MS

    2MS Formula Junior Owner Silver Subscribed

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    I know one of the owners and have been buying from them for years.

    They used to sell all types of 1:18, 1:43, 1:12, etc. and now have limited their supply to mostly handbuilt 1:43.

    Their craftmanship on these models are excellent,-like that of BBR without the price.

    If you ever are in Southern or Northern, CA...you should drop by and see what they have. They are more than willing to go the extra mile for their customers.

    Ask for Ari in N. CA.

    Regards,
    Mark
     
  11. Dino 208gt4

    Dino 208gt4 F1 World Champ

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    Hi Mark,
    Thanks for input !!
    Ciao,
     
  12. Jet-X

    Jet-X F1 Veteran

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    I believe that the AB models are in fact manufactured by MR Models
     
  13. model builder

    model builder Formula Junior

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    As a model car dealer, I have heard through several of my dealer friends that Autobarn models had some sort of problem with BBR and used there patterns without there permission. Its not hard to rip off another companies patterns in 43rd scale. Wasn't MR and BBR working together at one time?

    This information is all second hand but is very believable. Even heard BBR took some action against them. Just what I heard

    I have never seen in my hand the Autobarn models but I heard they look very nice.

    Ed
    Island Collectibles, Inc
     
  14. dretceterini

    dretceterini F1 Veteran

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    I can understand having problems with BBR...I had MANY when BBR was distributed on an international basis exclusively by Bal-Car and BBR themselves only dealt with dealers in Italy...circa 1984-1987

    MR models WAS originally connected to BBR...but I am not sure as to what the exact nature of their agreement was.

    Auto Barn wouldn't tell me who actually made their models....but if you take one apart, the way they go together, and the sahpes of all major parts is EXACTLY like the BBRs. They appear to be a "rip-off" of BBR to me, but I have no proof of that....
     
  15. F430-Monza

    F430-Monza Formula Junior BANNED

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    Ok...here's what I heard from a reliable source for model cars...and get ready for this..AB models are made in CHINA !!!

    I once spoke to a renowned collector of handbuilt models, and he said he's aware that they ( AB Models ) are all made in China and have the Made In Italy plaque stuck on them !!!

    Ask yourself a simple question.....Italian labour cost so much more...how on earth can they turn a profit if they charge "peanuts" as compared to BBR and still make a profit in the first place ???

    And by the way...I do not side any companies, but collectors need and have the right to know the true origin of any product/s that they are purchasing.
     
  16. F430-Monza

    F430-Monza Formula Junior BANNED

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    The owner of MR models is Mr Reali is the brother of Fernando Reali of BBR models !
    Originally, Reali from MR was a partner of BBR, but there were some disagreements and he left BBR and started MR collection which is located very near to BBR !

    MR and BBR building techniques and quality is very similar in nature as they were originally one company before splitting up !
     
  17. F430-Monza

    F430-Monza Formula Junior BANNED

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    The lower end range of MR collection aka Looksmart is in fact made in China with Made In Italy plaques stuck on them !!!
    Why do u think there is such a big difference in price as compared to BBR and MR regular series ?
     
  18. dretceterini

    dretceterini F1 Veteran

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    The person I dealt with was Sandro Gallian, who was the owner of Bal-Car in Basel Switzerland. At one time, if you were anywhere other than in Italy, you had to buy wholesale through him. I had nothing but constant problems; that's part of the reason I stopped importing BBR circa 1987. At the time I was involved, BBR did models under the Bal-Car and other names, in addition to the BBR name. They even did models that were SUPPOSED to be exclusives for the shop I ran, The Mini Garage...but other dealers had them, and were able to sell them as cheaply or even cheaper than I could, as BBR was giving dealers in Italy better prices than I was getting through Bal-Car!!
     
  19. F430-Monza

    F430-Monza Formula Junior BANNED

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    You see...BBR is really screwing themselves by treating their dealers unfairly !
    Btw I remembered you once advertised in the 80's on some British magazine in regards to your models...Right ?
    I personally think AMR and Le Phoenix models are better models to buy and collect...pity Andre Marie Ruf passed away recently !

    He was one of the grand daddy of 1/43 scale handbuilt model cars creator !
     
  20. Dino 208gt4

    Dino 208gt4 F1 World Champ

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    I have heard stories from modelcarshop owners about BBR.
    When they order they have to Prepay, but do not really know what they will get. No garantees about orderes models and/or colors.
    I know 2 shops who go to Italy several times a year to buy at the factory, so the exactly know what they are buying. Ofcourse for a shop from Holland that's easier then for a shop in USA.
     
  21. Dino 208gt4

    Dino 208gt4 F1 World Champ

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    Reading all these reactiens there is still grey smoke around these AB models.
    Nobody exactly seems to know where they come from.
    I like them very much, infact I think the quality is equal to BBR.
    Still curious about these models.
     
  22. model builder

    model builder Formula Junior

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    BBR is tricky to deal woth as I still deal with them on a regulare basis.

    My biggest problem with them is the long time they take to deliver orders and when there is a damged item the very long time it takes them to send replacement parts. I will never order any 24th scale from them as they are gauranteed to be damaged. There 43rd kits do not get damaged nearly as often. It has to do with the fact that they use very brittle resin.

    My last order I received from them included kits I didn't even order! However on the plus side, they do have excellent built models and I very rarely have a problem selling anything they send me.

    Also lately they have been responding to my emails, soemthing they never used to do in the past. Maybe they will start making an effort to have some sort of customer service.

    We'll see

    Ed
    Island Collectibles, Inc
     
  23. Dino 208gt4

    Dino 208gt4 F1 World Champ

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    I saw this model for sale on eBay.
    So there is a connection between BBR ans Auot Barn.
    Somebody has this model in his collection??
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  24. dretceterini

    dretceterini F1 Veteran

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    Interesting, because one of the people at Auto Barn told me VERY SPECIFICALLY that there was NO connection! Maybe that particular model was made before MR and BBR split up....
     
  25. GTE

    GTE F1 World Champ

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    In this month's Forza Magazine, there's an add from Autobarn for a F2003 from the Indianapolis GP. They state very clearly in the add that the model is based upon a BBR
     

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