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Topic starter
16/03/2026 9:47 pm
Back in the days of Sinclair's Auto Miniatures mail-order catalogs, I used to pore over the pages and make wish lists of models I never really thought I’d be able to afford. But they were beautiful to look at, and dreaming was part of the fun.
One model in particular stood out for my peculiar taste: the 1910 Brooke Swan Car, commissioned by Phil Alderman for his One43 line. It was announced as a limited series of 200 models. Even with the hefty price of $280, I summoned up the courage to place an order.
Months later it arrived, and it did not disappoint.
Over the years, though, I’d occasionally heard a story repeated among collectors that the run never actually reached 200 pieces. Some said the number might have been closer to 50 models. Supposedly the Ukrainian model maker responsible for assembling them decided they were simply too labor-intensive to produce and stopped before the full run was completed.
For a long time I wasn’t sure whether that story was fact or just another bit of collector folklore.
That question finally found its answer last weekend when John Kuliak brought along an old Auto Fare catalog to the 1/43 show. Leafing through those familiar pages again felt like stepping back in time... and right there in print was the confirmation that revealed the truth behind the Swan Car.
Sometimes the hobby doesn’t just preserve miniature cars.
It preserves the stories around them, too.
16/03/2026 10:02 pm
It is an incredible model and was on my grail list for years. Thanks to Steve Williams, I was able to add one to my collection last year.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
16/03/2026 10:34 pm
It looks like an amazing model - not my thing, but to know there are so few out there, that's fantastic.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
16/03/2026 11:40 pm
Not my collecting era but it sure screams "something just a bit different."
Tony Perrone and Geoff Jowett reacted
17/03/2026 3:44 am
1910 Brooke Swan Car, commissioned by Phil Alderman for his One43 line. It was announced as a limited series of 200 models. Even with the hefty price of $280, I summoned up the courage to place an order.
first of all - congratulations: you own a unique piece of modelling art. This model was created in early nineties by Ukrainian maker EMC by Volodimir Pivtorak, that still produces great models today in battling Ukraine. And btw this model costs four-five times more today than you've initially paid
Tony Perrone reacted
17/03/2026 6:04 am
Well John, Randy.... is it? Is it the finest 1/43 model you've ever seen... as others claim? 🤔 🤔
HOBBYDRAGON and Tony Perrone reacted
17/03/2026 6:58 am
Did the 1:1 ever really drive on the roads/streets? I'd be fearful that every other driver would gawk so much that they'd run into it!
Christopher Moroni reacted
17/03/2026 7:24 am
Thanks Chris, I knew I saw more of this here before. I'd use it as a grocery getter - especially at Thanksgiving to see what looks it would get.
Christopher Moroni reacted
17/03/2026 7:29 am
@perrone1 I like the brushes on all four wheels to prevent elephant & horse poop from gathering on the tires..... now that's thoughtful engineering. 😉
17/03/2026 1:22 pm
@chris I don't think there is such a definition as the “finest” or best ever model. There are several makers, that definitely produce great 1/43 models, and there are many great models from each of them.
Tony Perrone and Christopher Moroni reacted
17/03/2026 1:48 pm
As far as the "finest," it's hard to say. However, EMC would certainly have several models in the running. Their series of 1903 Cadillacs is amazing, as have been their recent releases.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
17/03/2026 4:59 pm
Phil's vision for European car models with taste and flair was outstanding. In the day, frequent visits to his 'Autofare' web site were a must.
Tony Perrone and Randy Rusk reacted