To celebrate the one year anniversary of the most recent Diecast Model Expo (DME) - held on 4-5 November 2023, let's take a look at how the most special models released at each show - the Satin Black models - have faired since the first one in 2011.

The Diecast Model Expo is a quasi bi-annual (2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2021 [virtual], 2023) event the brings together diecast model collectors, industry exhibiters and enthusiasts. Organised by Dominic Comino from Motorfocus Diecast Models, the event features a number of key elements including room trading for those wishing to buy and sell pre-owned and new models, a gala dinner with guest speaker (in 2023 it was Allan Grice) and the reason for this article, exclusive show releases!

Each Diecast Expo reveals a range of new models, but in this edition of Diecast Digest, we’re spotlighting the Satin Black car models. Historically, these models couldn't be purchased outright; they were only available to those volunteering as event staff or as special prizes.

2011 Expo

18460 -  Monaro 427 Plain Body (DME Pursuit Car)
Production run of 60 by Classic Carlectables in 1:18

Utilsing the same mould as the Monaro 427 Bathurst 24 Hour car used for the 2002/3 Winners and 2003 2nd place cars released 6+ years prior, this model is actually based on the 2003 Peter Brock Nations Cup car (18459) that was also released at the 2011 Expo, but for general release. This incredibly low run Satin Black model was given as welcome gift to volunteers and gifted to outstanding assistants at the event. An incredibly rare model with an infrequent sale turnover rate with just two confirmed sales around the $1,200 mark. 

Given the history of the Monaro 427, the menacing look of the model and the incredible rarity, this has all the hallmarks of a model that could achieve a 'pick a number' type of price. eBay would most likely be the platform on which to generate the highest sale price and net return (after fees).

 

2013 Expo

18523 - VY SS Custom Sandman (DME Pursuit Model)
Production run of 60 by Classic Carlectables in 1:18

Utilising the same mould as the VY SS Ute with Canopy releases from 2004/5, this VY SS Sandman is the Satin Black version of the general release model (18522) that was also released at the Expo. In similar fashion to the Monaro 427 DME Pursuit, there have been very few recorded sales but when these model do sell, the prices are consistent at $750.



2015 Expo

18578 - XY GT-HO Super Falcon
Production run of 60 by Classic Carlectables in 1:18

The Super Falcon mould, originally introduced with the 1972 Geoghegan ATCC Round 3 Winner and Grace Bros car from the Oran Park finale, was also used for a general-release model of Moffat's Calder Park Falcon (18573), which debuted at the Expo. Similar to the previous two Satin Black releases, only two sales of this model have been reported, with a significant price variance between them: one sold for $2,351, while the other fetched $1,125 over a span of two years. A listing on Facebook Marketplace has had this model available for $1,000 since the start of the year, and it likely would have sold at that price or for around $1,155 (netting $1,000 after fees) if listed on eBay instead.

2018 Expo

B182702J - HDT VC Commodore
Production run of 102 by Biante in 1:18

Following on from the release of the Palais White HDT VC Commodore earlier in the year, the Expo release for 2018 was a Satin Black version. Interestingly, unlike previous Satin Black Expo releases, a small number of this model were available to purchase during the event. The Palais White versions are notorious for numerous quality related issues, typically sideskirts and wing elements being dislodged, but also poor paint quality and shut lines around aperatures. The Satin Black trades so infrequently - it's not known whether these issues afflict it. Since records began, there have been just three sales all around $1,400.




ACD18F15EB - 2015 Supercheap Bathurst 1000 Harvey Norman Supergirls Wildcard - Simona De Silvestro / Renee Gracie - FGX Falcon
Production run of 102 by Authentic Collectables in 1:18