As bombshell stories go, only one other in Australian touring car history has gripped fans like today’s announcement—Triple Eight’s shock return to Ford after 15 years with GM. The only comparable moment was Craig Lowndes’ stunning switch from HRT to Ford-backed Gibson Motorsport for the 2001 season. Even WAU’s 2022 decision to join Ford in 2023 didn’t shake the sport like the news that Supercars’ top team is moving from Chevrolet to Ford.
With this scarcely believable story now confirmed, it’s the perfect time to revisit some of Triple Eight’s most significant 1:18 scale models.
The First Triple Eight Models
While Triple Eight officially entered the sport at the 2003 Sandown 500, the models from that year aren’t exclusively from September onward, meaning they can’t be considered true Triple Eight cars. Instead, the 2004 models hold the distinction of being the team’s first official race cars.
Produced by Biante in quantities of 1,000 each, both models are currently valued at just over $150.
B180702L – Paul Radisich
B180702M – Max Wilson
The 2006 Bathurst 1000 remains one of the most emotional in recent memory, following the recent passing of Peter Brock. His protégé, Craig Lowndes, alongside Jamie Whincup, claimed victory, becoming the first recipients of the Peter Brock Trophy. This historic win cements the #888 BA Falcon (18273) as the most significant Triple Eight model ever produced.
Produced by Classic Carlectables in a run of 5,250 units, it remains one of the most sought after Ford models and has a current Diecast Detective Price in the $550-600 range.
The Most Valuable
Not a V8 Supercar! The title belongs to the Project Sandman in silver (BR18601A).
Released by Biante in 2020 with a limited run of 820, this model surfaces occasionally—six sales in 2024. The current Diecast Detective Price is around $650, depending on condition (New/Used).
Read more about this model release here.
The Best Looking
Looks are subjective, but it’s hard to top the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Bathurst 12 Hour (18SP078) in its striking Vodafone throwback livery—driven to 4th place by Lowndes, Whincup, and van Gisbergen.
Produced by Spark in a limited run of 548, this highly sought-after model once peaked near $1,200 but now holds a Diecast Detective Price of $430–$520.
The Forgotten One
Remember when Casey Stoner swapped two wheels for four? His 2013 V8 Supercars experiment was short-lived and fell short of expectations, but it remains a fascinating chapter in motorsport history.
To commemorate his Dunlop Series debut at the Adelaide 500, Classic Carlectables released a 1:18 scale model (18533) in a limited run of 1,000 units.
Expect to pay early-to-mid $200s for one today.
The Random One
Launched at the 2023 Diecast Model Expo, the Triple Eight ZB Commodore Gen2 Development Car (B18H17X) was produced by Biante in a striking camouflage livery. Like many Expo-exclusive releases, its limited production run of just 300 units makes it a rare find.
Since its launch, only four sales have been recorded, underscoring its exclusivity. It also stands as the only prototype model of a Triple Eight supercar, ahead of the highly anticipated 2023 Test Livery Gen 3 Camaro.
While no used sales have been reported, you can expect to pay around $350 for a new version based on the current Diecast Detective Price. However, due to its rarity, a seller could potentially ask much more.
