Proton announces Grand Prix Vip contest

To celebrate Proton’s collaboration with the Lotus Renault Grand Prix (LRGP) which is competing in the current season of the FIA Formula One World Championship, Malaysian car manufacturer has launched the ‘Grand Prix VIP Challenge’ - a global online competition to give away an all-expenses paid trip for two to watch the Brazilian Grand Prix in São Paulo between 25th and 27th November 2011.

With iconic sports car manufacturer Lotus, wholly-owned by Proton, being the title sponsor of the competing team, the competition is open to motorists who service a Proton between now and 15th October 2011.


In addition to the star prize, Proton is also giving away two iPad 2 plus 50 other attractive prizes each month between 15th July 2011 and 15th October 2011 for its existing and potential customers worldwide who participate in its global online contest.

To enter, motoring fans simply need to visit www.proton.com/grandprix and answer five random questions in the fastest time about Proton, Lotus or LRGP in order to become eligible to win the montly prizes. With over 90 dealerships based throughout the UK, customers who service their Proton during this period with an official dealer will receive a scratchcard that will award them with additional chances of winning, by improving their previous score.

The contest is being run in 21 countries: Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Mauritius, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

“Our association with Lotus Renault Grand Prix (LRGP) provides us with a unique way of sharing our excitement with our existing and potential customers. Above all, it allows us to express our gratitude for the continued and growing support as well as acceptance the brand has received worldwide,” said PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director Dato’ Seri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

LRGP is currently fifth in the Constructor Standings.

Log on now to www.proton.com/grandprix, for your chance to witness the adrenalin-packed action of Formula One racing at the final round of the 2011 championship in Brazil.

| Proton

New Cartrix GP cars coming

A new Lancia and Vanwall Cartrix cars are coming soon to North America.

New Cartrix GP cars coming

A new Lancia and Vanwall Cartrix cars are coming soon to North America.

BUB 1/87 Mercedes-Benz W196 and Blue Wonder Race Transporter

My local automobilia store (Mini-Grid in Toronto) carries more than just slot cars: they've got books, videos, magazines, and die-cast. Since getting into slots I've sold off my modes die-cast collection. Many of the cars I had collected were available as slot cars and I didn't really see myself adding to what few pieces of diecast were left in my collection. Since then, I've made a small addition to my die-cast collection thanks to the interesting offerings of German manufacturer BUB. Granted, the company may be German, but these models are made in China.

The first additions to my 'small' collection was their Mercedes W196 GP Streamliner (Art. No. 06652) and Renntransport (Art. No 07100). The 1:1 W196 was introduced to the Grand Prix world in 1954 and looked quite unlike any other car on the grid. This car featured many innovations such as its streamlined bodywork, inboard drum brakes, and direct fuel injection. The model depicted competed at the non-championship race held at AVUS in 1954 and was driven by Karl Kling. In order to get this technological marvel from race to race, Mercedes had a tranporter hand built. It was dubbed the 'Blue Wonder' - a tribute to the speed at which this hauler could get it's precious cargo to the track. Its top speed of 105 mph and soft curves caused almost as much of a stir as its cargo! After Daimler-Benz withdrew from Formula 1 racing at the end of 1955, the Blue Wonder was not seen in public again and was eventually destroyed in 1967. At the beginning of the 1990's a replica was commissioned by Mercedes-Benz and it has since made the rounds at European vintage motorsports events.

What drew me to the BUB models was the unusual subject matter. These models are 1/87th scale so there's not a lot there in terms of fine details. Though, BUB did include loading ramps with the transporter. Still, the lettering on the truck and roundels on the race car are surprisingly crisp. The only shortcoming for me is the generic wheels on each car, and lack of 'glass' in the cab of the transporter. Paint finish is excellent and these models have a surprising hefty feel given their tiny size. These models will be fun to push around my desktop when I'm combating writher's block while trying to come up with new review or article ideas.