Classic racing is the theme here, new from GP Replicas is the 1:18 Alfetta 159. Two versions of the model will be made available, each providing access to the motor bits. Examples include the Alfetta 159 #22 Winner Spain GP 1951 Juan Manuel Fangio and Alfetta 159 #20 3rd Spain GP 1951 Giuseppe Nino Farina.
Product# GP83A / GP83B
Not bad. I have the Exoto, and from this distance, that looks like a nice alternative!
This is a public service announcement to avoid buying models from GP Replicas/Top Marques directly since their website is a scam and you’ll never receive what you paid for. This site used to put a warning on Top Marques posts about this, but GP Replicas is the same company and the experience is the same. Almost every item on their site is listed as pre-order and when you make a pre-order they’ll run out the clock on your ability to file a credit dispute then simply fail to send a product and communicate once you have no recourse. This isn’t just for their pre-order items, you are not safe buying in stock items either. Most of their in-stock items have an asterick next to them that says “This model is available in our asian warehouse and will take 8 weeks to deliver” which is just another way to delay delivery and run out the clock on paypal/credit disputes. For the things that are in-stock without supposedly being in an Asian warehouse they STILL won’t send the items.
The only way you’ll get a GP Replica/Top Marques model without having your money stolen is if you purchase from a third party vendor or from ebay. If you do buy from a third party please be aware that you are enabling this criminal company, and in the end for what? An overpriced poorly done static model?
This company has a really powerful fraud structure since unlike most fraudulent companies they produce valid products which gives them the pretense of legitimacy to avoid suspicion. Someone who may have a few of their models already (purchased third party) or seen pictures of other collectors models would hardly think their website was a fraud and this company is criminal to the core.
I wish this site would stop promoting this company, I sincerely think by giving them attention you are partly responsible in keeping the cycle going of collectors being fleeced.
If we took this position there would be no brand to talk about ;)
That’s a really odd reply. Name me one other brand that runs a fraudulent website or engages in any kind of fraud?
Exoto for one. I could name a few more, but I won’t at this time. If DS team allows me to write an article about my current experience, spaning into 2021, a well-known high-end brand I will elaborate more if and when. In short, I’m sure there are many companies with a few skeletons in their closet LOL.
YES, there are many companies with a few…or more “skeletons in their closets.”
Exoto is a excellent brand, but the owner, Tony Keusseyan is a great scammer, not only with the collectors, also with the wholesalers. Since a long time ago none of wholesalers want to sell Exoto brand due their fraudulent practices. Also I was friend of the girl who attends customer service telephone and she told me the fradulent practices of Tony Keusseyan and his manager Jason Bittinger, both professional scammers and thieves. What happended to me with this scammers in 2013 was “little” comparating with other customers, as you can see at https://www.complaintsboard.com/exoto-inc-rip-off-c225265
If you want to buy an Exoto model, NEVER buy it at exoto.com. Buy it at ebay.com due your purchase are protected by ebay.
I am a big fan of GP Replicas, and I think they make fantastic models. I own the entire 1/18 collection. Sometimes it takes a little longer, but I have always received the models that I ordered and paid for.
If you’re claiming that you bought directly from their website then I have serious doubts that you are anyone but someone connected to this company. This reminds me of when Tony K used to moonlight on diecast boards under fake names when people outed Exoto for their business practices.
Is this you Peter Ross? If so, you need to spend some time in a Dutch prison.
I personally I have, though not Exoto branded, a Schuco T2A Box Van / Red – Porsche. Back in 2009. No issues here.
I know as a webmaster the more content the better, but even from a content perspective it’s not like you’re shutting down releases that people actually look forward to, such as from companies like Almost Real, BBR, Autoart etc.
To see the level of this company’s fraud look at all of the replies left by scammed collectors on Top Marques posts on this site as well as posts on other diecast collecting sites. Here’s one example: https://www.diecastxchange.com/threads/topmarques-any-feedback-or-thoughts.232715/page-2#post-4307382
For everyone who publicly posts about being scammed there’s probably hundreds or thousands who’ve been scammed.
I know you care about the hobby, at least I’m pretty sure you do, so not promoting a cancer to the collecting world is only a win, both morally and for the health of the hobby.
“I know as a webmaster the more content the better, but even from a content perspective it’s not like you’re shutting down releases that people actually look forward to, such as from companies like Almost Real, BBR, Autoart etc.”
Yes, TM doesn’t hold as much weight as the above. But they have carved themselves a niche, racing classics which are still very desired.
“For everyone who publicly posts about being scammed there’s probably hundreds or thousands who’ve been scammed. ”
In some cases you can say the opposite.
“For everyone who publicly posts about being scammed there’s probably hundreds or thousands who’ve been scammed. ”
In some cases you can say the opposite.
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I’m not 100% what you are referring to there, but If you’re insinuating that well known users across multiple forms have colluded together to try to spread lies and bring down an unimportant resin producer that’s misguided. If you have your doubts try to purchase an in stock item from TM/GPR.
If you do continue to promote them, which I assume you are, please just include the disclaimer on all Top Marques and GP Replica posts to not buy from their website. Thank you for your responses to me.
LOL, no. I think we have in the past added warning… It does depend on who actions the article.
Generally, where there is smoke, there is fire, and I would tend to believe what Rodger has written. I know that from my personal experience with TM it was bad. From a model dealers standpoint, I had dealt directly with TM, and Peter Ross. I made wholesale purchases for resale to some of my clients – 1:12 Ferrari models, and will say that the experience was NOT good, there were many problems, and we discontinued ALL business with TM after that.
On another note…. the name of this company “Top Marques” is NOT original. In fact it was for many years the company name of a specialist high end British model manufacturer, who made fabulous highly detailed hand built 1:43 models – all made by hand in England. True artisan model work. I have always wondered how Ross acquired/took the name.