A visit with fellow collector Richard Knaack

One of the things I’ve always loved about the model car collecting hobby is how it brings people together. What starts with a shared interest in tiny pieces of history often turns into lasting friendships—and my recent visit with fellow collector Richard Knaack is a perfect example of that.

A couple of months ago, Frank put me in touch with Richard, who was looking to add some models to his collection. As it happened, I had a few Victory models I was preparing to part with. A deal was struck, but as I was packaging them up, I noticed Richard’s address: Littleton, Colorado. That caught my attention, since Julie and I are preparing to relocate to Colorado next summer after we retire. We were already planning a trip to nearby Evergreen this week, so Richard and I made plans to meet in person.

Today was the day, and I’m so glad we made it happen. Richard has a truly impressive collection of white metal models, and what struck me right away was how many of them mirrored my own collection. It turns out our tastes are remarkably similar. As we explored his shelves, I felt that familiar mix of nostalgia and excitement—recognizing models I also own and admiring the pieces unique to his collection.

Collectors know that half the fun of the hobby is the stories behind the models. Over the course of our visit, Richard and I shared stories about our beginnings, our favorite models, and even the big question of what will happen to our collections someday. We also talked about the mutual friends we’ve made along the way—people like John Kuvakas, Steve Williams, Buz, Mikhail, Dale D, and many others who have helped weave this community together.

I also learned that Richard was once a Brooklin dealer in Colorado and he's built an enviable collection of early releases, color variations, and special issues.

To top it off, Richard treated us to lunch at his favorite Italian restaurant. It was the kind of meal that reminded me how much more this hobby is about people than products.

After lunch, Richard surprised us with a stop at his friend Bill’s house. Bill is a fellow enthusiast with a passion for full-size classics, and we had the pleasure of seeing two of his treasures up close: a 1930 Pierce-Arrow and a 1933 Auburn. Standing beside these magnificent cars was a thrill. They’re rolling works of art and history, lovingly preserved. It was a reminder that whether in scale or full-size, the beauty of these automobiles continues to inspire awe. And we checked out Richard's Avanti II.

Afterward, we headed back to his home where the conversation and camaraderie continued for several more hours. I came away from the day not only impressed with Richard’s collection but also deeply appreciative of the friendships this hobby has given me over the years. The models themselves are wonderful, but it’s people like Richard who make this community truly special. By the way, here's his current favorite in his collection, a 1948 Delahaye from Ilario's Chromes series.

A heartfelt thank you to Richard for his hospitality and generosity in sharing his collection and his time. Here’s to many more connections forged through our shared passion.