By mark_benussi 18/10/2008 18:33:51

We all collected the mini racers when we were kids but my friend was quite wealthy and had the thundershot. I dont know how old I was but my parents saved for ages and got me the Avante 2001. It was amazing to construct (I cant stand these ready to run expert built ones, wheres the fun in that?) and took me ages, I remember throwing a hissy fit when my Dad had done some whilst I was in bed and cross threaded a screw.

Anyway last year my Dad had a clear out and found the Avante in the loft. It was covered in gunk and grease and grime, and was lacking in any shell. Thank god for ebay! Cost me a fortune to restore (I didnt tell my wife how much) but its back in full working order. I use it as well, its not just stuck in a box to sell in 20 years ;).

The level of detail in the construction is fantastic i.e. The wheel hub locking system, over engineered but I have only had to replaces them a few times. The man in the chassis never fits in once you have the electrics and new batteries dont fit in the body but amazingle the one from 15 years still works.

By Moosey 19/06/2007 19:51:58

A cut down cheaper version of the original 'over engineered' Avante. Still a good looking car, but far less complicated and more robust. It's like a cross between all the other 3 similar chassis cars.. Avante, Vanquish and Egress.

The suspension was never great on these cars as the travel is limited. Still a worthy collecting piece and they go for rather good money. NIB kits are very rare! So demand very high prices.