Tell us what this hobby means to you? 13 questions answered by you, Gianni Lucca from Naples, Italy

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1) What first got you collecting diecast? How long have you been collecting? What is your total model count as of today?

The passion for sports cars led me to collect models in 1:18 scale. I was 12 when I started collecting models. Currently I own 42 models in 1:18 scale but about 50 other models I sold them because of poor quality.

2) What was your first diecast or memory?

Ferrari 550 Maranello 1:18 Red with Beige interior.

3) What is your favourite scale, and why?

1:18, because it is the right size to put in good exposure and simultaneously observe carefully the details inside and out.

4) What are some of your favourite models to date? Did you share any photos with us?

I really like the XJ13 from AUTOart, the 300 SLR of CMC (which is not in the picture) and the Countach and the F40 Kyosho.

5) Is there a model that has eluded you, a holy grail of sorts?

I was hoping so much that came out a 1:18 model of the legendary Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale … I dreamed at night and fortunately has produced the AUTOart but as you can see in the photo, I have a particular devotion for the McLaren F1, the ultimate supercar!

6) What is your favourite brand/manufacture, and why?

I Prefer AUTOart because even if not the best ever, is that which produces a greater number of sports cars (classical and modern) mid-engine with excellent quality and cheap.

7) Describe your current theme and what your overall goal is?

After collecting a lot of sports cars, lately I have reserved my collection only for classical and modern supercar mid-engine (produced as standard). In this way my collection becomes more difficult and exciting. Also for me the car mid-engine have a great design and a unique charm!

8) Do you display your collection? If yes, how?

Now I have the furniture designed specifically for my collection in my bedroom, but in the future, hopefully soon I want to dedicate a room exclusively for my collection.

9) Do you have any other hobbies, passions or addictions?

I have a passion for architecture, often updating me on the latest works of architecture built in the world, in fact I own many monographs of famous architects to study and inspiration for my work. I am an Architect.

10) What do you think about the diecast hobby as it stands today?

If you have a specific order, it becomes very exciting hobby but also long-lasting because it becomes a continuous research and specific over the years and with a definite sense that surely will give emotions.

11) If you could change one thing about the diecast hobby what would that be?

For us, the model is a passion, but for manufacturers often becomes simply a business … I wish vendors would produce their models to a passion, and that consequently there may be a careful attention to detail, because I think some models are pieces of history, therefore, the model errors are not allowed!

12) Do you modify cars? If yes, what are some examples?

The White McLaren F1 you see in the picture is an example, but the Jaguar XJ220 was completely repainted and improved in the internal details.

13) What is your 1:1 daily driver?

Currently driving an MG TF “80th Anniversary” also mid-engine, but lately I often dream of a Lotus Elise S1…