Innehållsförteckning för August 2025 från Diecast Collector

THIS year’s 3-day Silverstone Festival of Historic Motor Racing promises something special, in that it marks the 75th anniversary of the Formula OneWorld Championship. The British Grand Prix, held on 13 May 1950, was the first race where points were awarded toward the championship, one of the pinnacles of motor sport achievement. As such the Festival promises plenty of special events and displays to celebrate this milestone. Held over the weekend 22 - 24 August, it will once again be a memorable weekend with plenty to see, do and collect for all the family. More details can be found at www.silverstone.co.uk/events/silverstone-festival.…

COLLECTORS of classic British car models have a new release to look forward to this summer, as Cult Models unveils its latest 1/18 scale creation: the 1973 Austin Allegro 4-door saloon. Known for its quirky design and distinct place in British motoring history, the Austin Allegro has long been a nostalgic favourite. Cult’s detailed 1/18 resin model captures the character of the original vehicle with remarkable accuracy and craftsmanship. It will be available in three authentic period colours: GlacierWhite, Harvest Gold, and Brazil Metallic. The model is scheduled for release at the end of June or early July, with a retail price of £174. Interested collectors can place their orders or make enquiries by contacting BHM via telephone on 01244 320761, by email at bhm-uk@talktalk.net, or by visiting the www.britishheritagemodels.co.uk.…

DOES CORGI MODEL CLUB TAKE CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG RIGHT BACK TO 1968? First seen on the big screen in 1968 and loosely based on the 1964 novel by Ian Fleming (yes, the same chap who wrote the James Bond novels), the undoubtable star of the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was the magical flying car that the movie was named after. When, in 2019, Corgi released its much-anticipated, but delayed, 50th anniversary recreation of its iconic, 1968-released No.266 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, there were a couple of obvious quibbles - namely the lack of bonnet strap (replaced by a printed representation on the engine cover) and using the same wheels for both front and back. So, when the Corgi Model Club announced it was going right back to the…

As a marque theme Solido’s coverage of Porsche is wide ranging as past reviews in Diecast Collector have, on many occasions, illustrated. From its 2025 additions to that growing back catalogue comes this latest colour variation of the 356 from the early years of Porsche’s production history. The very early 356s were hand crafted with aluminium bodies and built in Gmünd, Austria between 1948 and 1950. At that point Porsche turned to one of Germany’s long established coachwork companies, Karosseriewerk Reutter, Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart for series production of the steel bodied 356s between 1950 and 1965. Successive updating came with the 356 A in 1955, the 356 B in 1960 and finally the 356 C in 1964. The version Solido has modelled sits in the Pre-A period of 1950-1955, recognisable by…

When we published our Safari Rally story in 2017, the event had been out of the World Rally Championship (WRC) since 2003, with no hint of when, or if, it would be back to the leading series of the sport. The process that led to the Safari being banned from the WRC started with a difficulty to adapt this special event to the then 'new' standard format that all rallies had to follow. It was immediately obvious that the roughness of the roads and the endurance challenge would be very hard to keep with the new schedule. Political instability in the region did the rest and the rally, considered by many as the toughest in the world, was out of the world championship. It would take a further 19 years…

The two biggest vehicle producers in the land, Austin and Morris, amalgamated in 1952 to create the British Motor Corporation (BMC). In 1956 the business launched its first all new forward control unitary-constructed range of small commercials with a van, a minibus and a pick-up (plus a chassis/cab option). The extensive dealership networks for both Austin and Morris were not directly involved in the merger and continued to satisfy their loyal customer base, be it with Austin or Morris motor vehicles. It was therefore necessary with the new jointly developed ranges to establish a badge engineering initiative where essentially the same vehicles, built on the same production line, were given different appearances with distinct identities and badging to meet the Austin or Morris dealership, and subsequent customer, preferences and requirements.…

BLUE SHARK Production: 1972-78 Catalogue: 1972-78 Box Styles: I The No.61 slot was late being filled by a Superfast version as the incredibly popular Alvis Stalwart took some time to shift due to its excellent sales figures. When it was finally bumped from the pages of the 1972 calendar, it was for a model that has become quite a legend over the 50 year history of Superfast. Blue Shark was a fictitious Can-Am style racing car. Painted a lustrous dark blue, it had an exposed rear engine and prominent headlights housed in the extended front wings. The base was bare metal, while the small windshield could be either clear or ambertinted. The engine was the stock MatchboxV8 block, which was also used in Jeep Hot Rod, Gruesome Twosome, Baja Buggy…

FORGOTTEN FORDS I HAVE just finished reading James Robertshaw’s interesting article about Lone Stars Forgotten Fords (Diecast Collector June 2025 issue). Way back in July 2004 I sent a letter with photographs of the Ford GT40 prototype to your magazine. Back in the 1970s I worked for Grand Prix Models, then based in Radlett, Hertfordshire. Radlett not being far from Lone Star in the Hatfield area we used to get some employees popping in. This is how I was fortunate enough to end up with a prototype GT40 that had been rejected. The chap who gave it to me knew I liked GT40’s so he thought I would appreciate it. It was hand painted in white and really didn't stand out so I repainted it as you now see it…

FOLLOWING on from the success of his previous three releases, all commissioned from Corgi, Professionalmania’s Tony Buller has taken delivery of the next release in his series of cars from The Professionals TV show - Bodie’s Capri Mk2 3.0 Ghia in Arizona Gold. Originally intended to coincide with the programme’s 50th anniversary in 2027, Tony decided to release this one early to follow neatly on from his other commissions. Tony is a massive fan of the show and runs a company called Professionalmania Ltd. This latest release is a limited edition of 1,000 models of the famous car, complete with the correct registration number (PNO 580R) and a replica GB sticker on the boot lid. These are going fast, just like the cars in the show, so to make sure…

COLLECTORS have something to look forward to this summer, as GLM announces the upcoming release of three new meticulously hand-built resin car models. The latest additions to the brand’s growing collection will feature iconicAmerican classics from the 1960s and 70s, each available in multiple colour variants. Leading the new lineup is the 1964 Lincoln Continental 4-door Convertible, offered in both open and closed roof options. Collectors can choose from three stunning finishes: metallic turquoise, black, or red. This elegant model captures the sleek lines and bold presence of one of Lincoln’s most celebrated designs. Joining it is the 1968 Chrysler 300 2-door Coupe, a symbol of late-60s American automotive style and muscle. It will be available in two standout colours: metallic green and metallic blue—both offering a premium look in…

THE 4th annual Whanganui Toy Fair went off without a glitch, reports Steve Brown in New Zealand. All week a cloud had literally been hanging over the event. The forecast for Sunday was for heavy rain! I was worried it was going to be a washout but, in the end, only a couple of light showers showed up. I opened the doors a little early so people wouldn't get too wet waiting. Again, the first four hundred people through the door got one of our button badges as proof of entry. There are now four different button badges to collect. Once through the doors you were confronted by a large stadium full of over 140 tables of collectable toys for sale! Toy heaven! I was told by stall holders and…

Britains’ newly tooled 9RX 830 model hits the shops as John Deere’s new 913hp 9RX, the biggest, most powerful and expensive tractor to go into series production becomes available to UK farmers. Released as part of Britains’ Prestige collectors range it’s a well-built, detailed model with metal chassis and plastic body parts. The model has good-looking decals on the bonnet, European red and white warning boards front and rear, along painted work lights. In front of the cab and detailed on either side of the bonnet are the black exhaust and air cleaner stacks. The fully glazed cab has John Deere’s latest GPS receiver detailed on the roof panel, folding driving mirrors, and on the rear window a wiper and a 40-speed limit decal. There are detailed access steps to…

There are certain cars that give me that James May “fizz” just looking at them. The current Alpine A110 is one of them. I get a child-like excitement when I see one, often accompanied by a form of automotive Tourette’s that makes me point and exclaim “ooh, Alpine!” So when Majorette released their take on the A110 towards the end of last year, there were no second thoughts about adding to my collection, and no second thoughts about sharing my thoughts in Diecast Collector. The legendary A110 moniker was revived with Alpine’s re-birth in 2017. The original A110 was produced between 1963 and 1977 and made the Alpine brand famous thanks to a string of rallying successes. A revival of the model had been toyed with for years by parent…

This June marked the 55th anniversary since the launch of the original Range Rover and last month we discovered many of the smaller scale toys and models produced of this iconic car. This month sees us explore the examples that are around 1/43 scale (or the ‘medium’ size). Just as before I am going to separate the cars roughly by age. DINKY First released in 1971, Dinky’s Range Rover appeared in a number of different colours and liveries during its 11-year lifespan. As well as the common bronze seen here, there are yellow and black versions plus fire, police and ambulance liveries. There are a number of variations to be found; interior colour, wheel type and jewelled headlights or solid lights are the most common, with the bronze being the…

To conclude with the letter P we have Paragon. Well, that’s not strictly true, since Jadi Modelcraft is the name behind the brand – but since we’ve passed the letter J, we’ll cover Paragon here. Please bear with me! In terms of output, 1/18 and the popular 1/43 scales are entertained but there are also releases in 1/64 for those for whom space is at a premium. This latter scale covers the widest range of vehicles and within certain marques, such as Audi, there is a choice between road and race car variants. Most of the smaller models depict modern types although there is a de Tomaso Pantera thrown into the mix. The 1/43 range is much narrower but then you’ll probably be seduced by the biggest scale, which has…

As a school boy I had an interest in buses as I used them to get to school and some of them were war time Guy utility buses. Then new buses began to appear on the city bus routes. All these buses had rear open platforms which allowed you to get on or off the bus. You could use this even if the bus was not at a bus stop. Perhaps not totally safe but at times rather convenient despite warnings from the conductor! When the front entrance buses arrived, you had to wait for the driver to open the doors. The Sheffield fleet had front entrance Leyland Atlanteans and Daimler Fleetlines from the late 1960s. Up to the 1970s, most of the Dinky Toy buses had been the rear…

AFTER more than two years in the making, Pocher, known for its premium 1/8 scale model kits, has launched its first Pagani model kit, the Utopia Coupé. Horacio Pagani’s Utopia Coupé represents the pinnacle of automotive artistry and innovation, and this new complete diecast model kit embodies the beauty and engineering of the legendary hypercar and offers around 30 hours of building. A must-have for collectors and supercar enthusiasts alike, this luxury kit features: • Over 556 precisely designed parts crafted from premium, lightweight materials, along with over 200 screws • Working elements such as opening doors, steering, and suspension • The same exquisite artistry and innovative design for which Pagani is known including the intricacies of theV12 engine, to the elegant interior, and aerodynamic bodywork. The Pocher Pagani Utopia…

MODEL maker Look Smart has announced a new series of 1/43 scale replicas, celebrating Ferrari’s entries in the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans. The highlight of the quartet is the #24 Ferrari 330 P4, which secured a podium finish in third place, driven by Willy Mairesse and Jean Beurlys. The other three models represent Ferrari 412Ps, each with its own story of mechanical misfortune. The #22 car, driven by Jean Guichet and Herbert Müller, retired due to a failed piston. Pedro Rodriguez and Giancarlo Baghetti’s #25 also bowed out with engine trouble. Lastly, the #23 of Richard Attwood and Piers Courage ended its race early with an oil pump failure. Each detailed replica is priced at £105.00 and caters to collectors and motorsport fans alike.…

Cars and other pastimes… David Wright looks back at his life of cars and driving, brings each to life, and shows us how they look in 1/43 scale! ON SALE 1 AUGUST …or download the digital edition 7 days earlier! PLUS… ■ Safari Rally in miniature ■ Coventry Diecast anniversary ■ A-Z of diecast collecting ■ Models 'Little & Large' ■ Auction results ■ All the latest news ■ Extensive selection of new model releases ■ And much more… Please note: These planned editorial contents may be subject to change where necessary.…

The Nissan Silvia was a series of small sports cars produced by Nissan, of which the S15 was the final variant - manufactured from January 1999 to August 2002. Production of the Silvia was ended amidst Nissan’s efforts to reduce its myriad of platforms and the S15 Silvia was the last Nissan-developed sports car to use a true front-engined, rear-wheel-drive (FR) layout. The S15 and earlier S12 models have become hugely popular amongst the custom car and drift fraternities. Auto Finesse, an Essex-based company, have taken a single, highly-modified S15, fitted with an outlandish LibertyWalk body kit, and produced a series of three stunning show cars. Auto Finesse started its journey in 1999 as a 'man with a van' car valet service and was founded by James Batty. In 2005,…

Collectors of British cars, particularly those of the 1930s, will be delighted with the recent model from Matrix Scale Models; the 1934-1935 Rover 12hp. The name Rover Twelve was given to several medium sized cars from the Rover car company between 1905 and 1945, the first 12hp being the fourth model produced by Rover, following the 6hp, 8hp and 16hp. Rover first produced cars in 1904, having previously manufactured bicycles the first being a tricycle. Motor cycles were also part of the Rover portfolio but poor sales brought to an end to their production in 1924 and Rover just concentrated on the manufacture of motor cars. During the 1930s, the company wasn't very successful with substantial losses between 1923 and 1928, in which year Frank Searle was appointed Managing Director…

THE NEW FIAT ARRIVES - the hard way!' claimed the press ad for the 850 Saloon when it landed on UK shores in autumn 1964. Referring to the 630,000 miles driven over three continents that Fiat’s test drivers had covered to prove the reliability of the 850, so important was the new model to Fiat’s future. First appearing to the motoring press in May 1964 it was a development of the successful 600 featuring a four-cylinder 843cc water cooled engine based on its 600 sibling and mounted at the rear like all small Fiats. Originally intended to replace the 600, the 850 slotted into the range just above the 600 and both cars were produced side by side until 1969. Although successful straight away the 850, code number Tipo 100G, had…

The original Ford Fiesta Mk1 was launched to the general public across Europe in September 1976, although in the UK we had to wait until February 1977 for it to be available. The Fiesta was Ford’s answer to the rising popularity of small front wheel drive hatchbacks. Project ‘Bobcat’ had ' to take on and beat more established competition from Fiat and Renault, while sticking firmly to Ford’s values. Although front wheel drive (a first for Ford), the vast array of engine and trim level combinations available ensured they had a sales success. success. By the time it was replaced in 1983 by the restyled Mk2 version, Ford had sold over 2 million Fiestas worldwide. Although I only owned my Mk1 Fiesta for 6 months, the fascination and interest has…

Before Tri-ang introduced their Minic range, tinplate vehicles often tended to be either cheap caricatures or expensive replicas of road going vehicles. Added to this, their comparative scales were often incompatible even within their own manufacturers range. Tri-ang, being an already established manufacturer of pressed steel and wooden toys, seemed have looked to Meccano for inspiration. Meccano’s recently introduced Dinky toys presented a homogenous world and a successful one at that. LAUNCH Tri-ang launched their Minic range in 1935. Initially it was a small but varied selection of road vehicles. The vehicles were painted, rather than lithographed tinplate, making them appear quite realistic in comparison with other makes. Every model was fitted with a strong running clockwork motor, a feature of the range. Added to this, the advertising extolled that…

■ Dinky Pre-War Hornby Series Modelled Miniatures 22c Motor Truck, blue cab and chassis, red dropside body, tinplate radiator surround, wheels have silver-green colour wash. Condition is good to good plus. Sold for £190, Vectis Auctions, June. ■ Dinky Toys 23g Cooper-Bristol Racing Car, green body and ridged hubs with black treaded tyres, white figure driver and racing number 6. Generally good in good to good plus box. Sold for £35, Vectis Auctions, June. ■ Dinky Toys 23h Ferrari Racing Car, blue, yellow nose and rigid hubs with grey treaded tyres and racing number 5. Condition is good plus in good plus to excellent box. Sold for £60, Vectis Auctions, June. ■ Dinky Toys 23j HWM Racing Car, pale green, mid-green ridged hubs with black treaded tyres, silver trim, yellow…