[Closed] Minichamps '38 Hispano-Suiza Xenia Dubonnet by Saoutchik. [PIC]

What a stunning model and automobile and superb photographs of it !

I second what Mike said!!

A brave and very worthy departure for Minichamps.

They have produced 1:43 models in resin for some years and it's a logical step to start in 1:18; they must have monitored the success achieved by BBR and MR, as well as Neo and seen how provident this move could be.

The two initial series of the Mulin Collection and the American Concept Cars will offer models that, if diecast, could only be dreamt about, but now are going to be available at realistic prices. I suspect that in years to come, these models may all be genuinely collectible, as they represent a new way of thinking for one of the world's leading, mass production, model makers. A unique and, I understand, limited opportunity, to collect something that is comparatively rare. We should, as model collectors, rejoice in the innovation and exhibit some genuine thanks and appreciation.

Thank you so much, Rich, for these superb photographs of Minichamps' first foray into new waters.

Well a company has produced resin models on Minichamps behalf for years ....

Spark.

What I want to know is in 1:43rd scale why are Minichamps "Mullin range" almost double the price of Spark?

Chris

An amazing image and finely replicated in 1:18th scale ....

the photos are superb Rich.

As far as I am aware this is Minichamps first venture into resin 1:18th scale models. It's success will directly respond to Minichamps issuing further resin issues in this scale.

I am delighted with their 1:43rd scale replica but price of the Mullin range in the UK is double what I can get Spark models for. Spark is the likely producer of both the 1:18th and 1:43rd scale Mullin range.

Chris

Will it be the old room elephant - licencing, Chris?

I totally agree, Paul.....

and I look at this limited edition as highly collectible. Manufacturers have shied away from this genre in large scale deeming it too Patrician for mass appeal. With the ability to turn a profit at a mere 1002 units, I could see this model selling out if offered at the annual Pebble Beach Concours event. I look at this Mullin Collection series along with Automodello's similar foray into 1/24 as a dream come true for many of us. Precision resin casting has come so far from its cottage industry roots of decades ago. Global economics have now forced the acceptance of this art form by the mainstream collecting world thereby opening up the range of offerings into areas where only 1/43 vendors feared to tread.

Succinctly put

No doubt Paul.

Great pics Rich of a stunner but the "curb side appeal" does bother me. Beautifully cast resin......

...aside, it's a static model. Period. Scale diecast replicas, with working features evolved from platic promos didn't they? Sure, platic kits have survived but "show winning" models have working features (opening doors, trunk, etc..).

Even 1/64's (now) have operating components.

I fully understand the scope of the cost bennefits that can be realized by both consumer & manufacture and I'll concede that resin "shut lines" are far superior to even the most accurate diecast replicas. In addition, I'm aware that upcomming releases will be "must haves" for some (well, Minichamps believes so) but somehow, as more 1/18 resin makes it to market, I feel it's a step backwards.

When I had learned that Minichamps was tooling up an American Dream Car Series (1955 Lincoln, Edsel's hotrod, etc..) I was excited and ready to buy. After discovering they'll all be resin releases I'm no longer interested even at half the price.

My 4-1/2 cents.
-C

If you talk to 100 hard core collectors....

You will get 100 different answers on what each looks for in a model. I look at the cars that will be in this collection as well as the upcoming Lincoln Futura, etal. as design studies noteworthy only for the coachbuilding that housed rather pedestrian engine and drivetrains so the curbside format is not an issue with me but I certainly understand and respect your perspective. Therein is a good reaon why these were never done in diecast. You would have a very expensive investment with no way of offering variants. There are no converibles, 4 door options, race versions or even multiple paint finishes to be able to produce the thousands of units necessary to recoup that investment. That's why the world will never be without quality Corvette, Porsche or Ferrari models. A custom built, one-off 1938 Hispano-Suiza just doesn't fall into that category.
(although the Lincoln Futura was once painted red for the 1959 movie "It Started With a Kiss")

I third that comment !!!

Yes. That seems to be the concensus by industry insiders.

More correctly: Minimax Import and Export Co Ltd .......

that have built them. Spark being one of their brands.

Chris