Dick Johnson’s collision with an errant rock while leading the 1980 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 at Bathurst in his Tru-Blu Ford Falcon XD is one of the most famous moments in Australian motorsport history. The collision wrote off his car, leaving the Queenslander devastated and facing financial ruin. This unbelievable moment, televised around the nation, saw a remarkable outpouring of emotion and financial support from the Australian public, which was matched by Ford and thus Dick Johnson Racing was born.
The rest, as they say is history. Johnson returned in 1981 with a new car and won the Australian Touring Car Championship, as well as Bathurst with John French, and never looked back. The team became known as DJR Team Penske in 2015 and in 2020 the famous Queensland-based squad celebrated its 40th anniversary. A total of 76 drivers have raced for the team in some of the sport’s most iconic Falcons, Sierras and Mustangs, enjoying some incredible highs across four decades followed by a legion of passionate fans.
Authentic Collectables are extremely proud to be releasing this very special print to mark such a significant milestone for fans of this iconic team. A range of iconic cars raced by the team since 1980 are featured, starting from Johnson’s Tru-Blu Ford Falcon XD right through to Scott McLaughlin’s Mustang GT along with additional imagery of both Johnson and various key drivers who played important, winning roles in the team’s success. Full statistics are also included which perfectly highlight the longevity and achievements enjoyed by this incredible racing team.
Printed on 250gsm matte paper stock using offset print technology, it measures a large 1000 X 590mm and includes Pantone Gold Metallic Ink for a special finish.
Officially licensed by Dick Johnson Racing / DJRTP, this limited edition print will be individually numbered and signed by Dick Johnson.
Dick Johnson Racing Tru-Blu Ford Falcon XD 1981 Bathurst 1000 Winner – Blue Limited Edition Signed Illustrated Print
When you think of Australian motorsport icons, Dick Johnson is a name that instantly springs to mind. With 5 Australian Touring Car Championships, 3 Bathurst 1000 victories and many other accolades against his name, the 2001 V8 Supercars Hall of Fame inductee is quite simply, a legend.
The legend of Dick Johnson was born in 1980 after his collision with an errant rock while leading the Hardie-Ferodo 1000 at Bathurst in his Tru-Blu Ford Falcon XD in one of the most famous moments in Australian motorsport history.
The collision wrote off his car, leaving the Queenslander devastated and facing financial ruin. This unbelievable moment, televised around the nation, saw a remarkable outpouring of emotion and financial support from the Australian public, which was matched by Ford and thus Dick Johnson Racing was born.
Johnson returned to Bathurst the next year in 1981 with a new Tru-Blu XD and repaid the public’s faith by winning the Bathurst 1000 alongside co-driver John French, the first of Johnson’s career and the rest, as they say, is history.
Authentic Collectables are proud to be releasing this limited edition illustrated print of the car that started it all by designer / illustrator Tristan Groves.
Printed on 250gsm matte paper stock using offset print technology, it measures a large 594 X 841mm. Officially licensed by Dick Johnson Racing, each copy will be individually numbered and signed by Dick Johnson and the artist.
Dick Johnson Racing Tru-Blu Ford Falcon XD 1981 Bathurst 1000 Winner – Metallic Gold Limited Edition Signed Illustrated Print
Printed on 250gsm matte paper stock using offset print technology, it measures a large 594 X 841mm. This edition features a Pantone gold metallic ink used in the background to give this print an extra special finish. Officially licensed by Dick Johnson Racing, each copy will be individually numbered and signed by Dick Johnson and the artist.
Classic Carlectables are proud to announce their latest project, the Holden EH Panel Van.
Brand new tooling is being invested to replicate the Panel Van in 1:18 scale. The model will feature opening doors, bonnet and tailgate, with full interior, engine and chassis detail. The Panel van will feature the ’Standard’ level of trim, as it was the only trim available for the Panel Van. The engine will also feature the 149cui with the manual transmission, as almost all of the Panel Vans sold had this configuration.
The initial release will be an “Arnotts Biscuits” based model, and this will form part of a “Taste of Australia” collection.
The model number is 18732 and it is priced at $285.
It is not due for release until 4th quarter 2021.
Place your preorders now and please include your phone number.
The Wellington Street Races ran on one of the most challenging and demanding circuits in the world with some of the biggest stars of world touring car racing including Aussie heroes Peter Brock and Dick Johnson.
Between 1985 and 1996, the races brought some of the world’s top teams and drivers to New Zealand. They also played a major role in the development of the Wellington waterfront as a public space.
The race track ran through central Wellington streets and along the edge of the waterfront. The races were dramatic and attracted huge crowds and also kick started Wellington becoming New Zealand’s events capital.
Organised and run by a small group of passionate and professional sports marketers, the street races served as the blueprint for the first World Touring Car Championship – a unique series that saw events take place in 10 different countries in 1987.
This is the first time that all of the stories about the creation – and the ultimate demise – of the Wellington Street Races have been brought together, along with photos and race information that all motorsport and sports fans will enjoy.
This 272 page hardback book has been written by Richard McGee and is published by Bateman Books.