These unauthorized models have caused confusion among collectors, with some labeling them as fakes. In some cases, that’s fair — particularly the yellow, green (Spitfire), orange (Light My Fire), and red (Sting) versions, which are simply repainted white models. However, these bootlegs were produced in the same factory as the official releases — the key difference being that their production and sale were not authorised by Biante. Now, with a new factory in operation and no indication Biante has stopped the old one from producing them, it’s reasonable to assume these models will keep appearing on the market.
Biante's 'Paused' Models Back on Track
What It Means for Collectors and the Market
Jul 18, 2025
In May last year, Biante rocked the diecast community with news that key tooling for several upcoming models had been stolen from its manufacturing partners in China. While the company never formally announced cancellations, it was implied that unless the tooling could be recovered or replaced, those models would not see official release. Adding to the drama, unauthorised “bootleg” versions of some models soon surfaced on the market, leaving collectors questioning the future of the affected releases with many assuming they'd never be produced.
Now, over a year later, Biante has confirmed that some of those models will be officially released in 2026.
A Look Back: The Stolen Tooling Incident
Biante's history of delayed releases meant there was little concern until collectors who had pre-ordered the GTSR W1 in Phantom began receiving emails from Downies warning of “unauthorized and illegal” versions appearing on online marketplaces. Biante soon followed with a public notice confirming the issue and listing all 12 affected models — most notably the VS GTS in Diablo Red and the highly anticipated Glenn Seton Racing EF Falcons, all but one in 1:18 scale. While no further details were given, hundreds of these bootlegs have since been sold online.
The list of affected models is specified in this announcement.
The Official Releases: What's Confirmed So Far
Biante has confirmed they have a new factory which will produce all future models. So far, they have only confirmed three models. In order of planned release they are:
B182917D - HSV Gen-F2 GTSR - Heron (Q1, 2026)
B182703G - VL Commodore SS Group A 1987 ATCC Peter Brock (Q2, 2026)
B182817E - HSV Gen-F2 GTSR W1 - Phantom (Q3, 2026)
How will the Gen-F2 cars differ from the unauthorised versions already in market?
These official release will be GM official licensed products and with that comes some key identifiers to differentiate and authenticate them from the bootleg versions, including:
- Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
- Premium finish with etched metal HSV and GTSR badging.
- Underbody official product identifiers (likely to be GM branding)
- Enhanced black packaging with new designs on sleeve and certificate
While it's not a given since Biante have struggled in recent years with patchy quality, one can assume that quality will be improved from the unauthorised versions.
What about the other models that were originally announced?
While nothing is confirmed, Biante gave a positive response on Facebook when asked about the possibility of other releases.
With pre-orders for the three announced models closing at the end of July and the first release slated for January, we’re looking at a minimum four-month turnaround — and that’s just for the first model, with the third not due for at least a year. Unless Biante opens orders for the others soon, it’s likely we won’t see them before 2027.
Demand Forecast: Will Collectors Jump Back In?
There’s no doubting Brock’s enduring popularity — and with this being a never-before-released car (only his #05 and #10 Bathurst cars have been made), expect strong demand, likely in the thousands.
The HSVs, however, will be a tougher sell. Now priced at $299 (up from $229 when pre-orders first opened years ago), they face two key challenges:
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Many collectors already own unauthorised versions.
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The market has grown used to paying $150–250 for these models, so asking $299 — for what amounts to different packaging, a COA, and official markings — may feel like a stretch.
It’s also worth noting that even the unauthorised GTSR W1 comes with a COA, making it the hardest sell for Biante, as the official version offers little differentiation or benefit.
What This Means for Collectors
Biante securing official GM licensing is a positive step for both the market and the industry, legitimising these models and the brand. The real test, however, will be delivering them on time and to a high standard. While this announcement is just a first step, it helps rebuild confidence in Biante and restores hope that the long-awaited models may yet see official release.