Leigh’s Diecast Diary

Today we received sample images of Spark’s first modern Formula One car replicas. They are the 2010 Virgin VR-01s of Timo Glock (DC210424) and Lucas di Grassi (DC210425). We think they look really impressive, and can’t wait to see them released!

HPI also announced a few new 1:43 replicas today, including Colin McRae’s winning Subaru Legacy RS from the 1993 New Zealand Rally (HP8184), and the #15 McLaren F1 GTR from Suzuka in 1998 (HP8215). You can click here to see HPI’s latest announcements.

Today we received Spark’s latest delivery, headlined by the #1 Peugeot 908 from the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours (SPK1291).

We also received the very cool looking Mercedes SLS GT3 (SPK1024), and the Lotus 26R (SPK264). You can click here to see Spark’s latest releases.

Today we received the latest Minichamps delivery. It had a heavy Moto GP feel to it with Nicky Hayden’s 1:12 2008 Honda RC212V (PO81169) and Valentino Rossi’s 1:8 2002 helmet from Mugello (PO20876).

Also on the delivery was Minichamps’ first 1:43 2009 DTM car, Bruno Spengler’s Mercedes C-Class (P093909), and the 1:18 Bugatti Veyron in black and grey (PG110820). You can click here to see all of Minichamps’ latest releases.

Today we were able to source just another 24 examples of the sold out Minichamps 1:43 Jenson Button 2009 Australian Grand Prix Brawn BGP001 (DC29422A). This is the version that comes with the Button driver figure standing in the cockpit.

We also activated some further reductions in our diecast sale. Several of our 1:18 sale replicas were reduced by a further £10 and several of our 1:43 sale replicas were reduced by a further £5. You can click here to see everything that has been further reduced. If there’s anything you like the look of then don’t leave it too long!

Today we received a new delivery from Mattel, headlined by the first release in their ‘Elite In Music’ collection; Jay Kay’s Ferrari Enzo (HW6255). We are also offering this model signed by Jay Kay himself in a limited edition of just 50 pieces worldwide (HW6255S).

Other new Mattel releases included the #26 Ferrari 250 LM that finished second in the 1965 Le Mans 24 Hours (HW9901), the Ferrari FXX Evoluzione in red (HW6247), and the Super Elite Ferrari Dino 246 (HW2080).

It was a rather quiet day in Diecastland today, as we concentrated on putting the finishing touches to the October issue of Diecast Monthly!

Kyosho did announce two new 1:18 subjects though, in the form of the Lamborghini Urraco Rally in white (KY8442W) and red (KY8442R). These will both be £119.99, which seems to be the common pricepoint these days for Kyosho’s 1:18 replicas.

The headline piece of diecast news today is that we are running our greatest offer ever! Until 9am tomorrow morning (Thursday 23rd September) we are offering a 3 for 2 deal on all our in-stock replicas, so buy three and get the cheapest one free of charge! You can click here for full details of this amazing diecast offer.

Away from that, we also received Minichamps’ latest delivery today. New releases included the 1:18 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport in grey and purple (PG110830), the 1:8 Valentino Rossi helmet from Phillip Island 2004 (PO40896), and the re-release of Keke Rosberg’s 1982 Williams FW08 in the Minichamps World Champions Collection (P820106).

Today AUTOart confirmed what we will see from them on their next shipment at the beginning of October, and it looks like it will be a very exciting delivery indeed.

For starters we will see their 1:18 Signature Collection McLaren F1 in silver (AA76001). The final RRP is actually going to be £189.99, so £10 lower than we had estimated. We will of course amend all of our backorders accordingly.

We will also receive all three colourways of the Porsche 959; silver (AA78081), red (AA78082), and white (AA78083).

For race cars we will see Jim Clark’s winning Lotus Cortina from Crystal Palace in 1964 (AA86438), and the beautiful Porsche 908/02 of Siffert and Redman from Watkins Glen in 1969 (AA86971).

You can click here to see everything that is due on the next AUTOart container.

Today we received the new Sun Star delivery, headlined by their latest 1:18 classic rallying Ford Escort; Pentti Airikkala’s car from the 1976 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland (SS4447). It is a limited edition of only 1,500 examples worldwide.

Also released in 1:18 were Kris Meeke’s Citroen Xsara WRC from the 2008 Bologna Rallysprint (SS4472), and Bernard Darniche’s Lancia Stratos from the 1980 Tour de France (SS4515).

We also received a new 1:12 Sun Star car, the original Morris Mini Minor saloon (SS5301).

Today Norev announced some new subjects that we will see released early next year.

My highlight was Sebastien Loeb’s 1:18 2009 Citroen C4 WRC from the Rally GB (NV181550). The main reason for this is that we can offer this signed by Sebastien Loeb (NV181550S), extending our run of signed World Rally Champion models to nine years in a row!

Other 1:18 race cars announced were Mattias Ekstrom’s 2009 DTM Audi A4 (NV188332), and the 2009 Renault Megane Trophy racers of Enjalbert (NV185107) and Verschuur (NV185108).

For 1:18 road cars the highlights were the Renault Super 5 GT Turbo in metallic blue (NV185203), and the Italian police Lamborghini LP560-4 (NV187963).

You can click here to see all of Norev’s latest announcements.