New releases from Minichamps this week bring forward some memories of the past. Based on the feature model, the 1:18 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W198) 1955. This Dark Red release pales in comparison to their previous offering of a full 360 access specimen, this one provides the famous gullwing doors only. Here a review from November 2016. Will Minichamps’ next evolution be a fully sealed version? We truly miss the days when we were excited about a new Minichamps release!
Scale 1:18:
BENETTON FORD B193 – MICHAEL SCHUMACHER – GERMAN GP 1993
BMW 635 CSI – 1982 – BLACK METALLIC
BMW M8 GTE – DE PHILIPPI/FARFUS/HERTA/ENG – CLASS WINNERS 24H DAYTONA 2019
Scale 1:43:
ALFA ROMEO RACING C38 – KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN – VALENTINES DAY TEST – 2019 L.E. 1019 pcs.
SMART BRABUS ULTIMATE 125 – BLACK
SMART BRABUS ULTIMATE 125 – BLUE
Product# 110037218 / 510932805 / 155028104 / 155192925 / 417199007 / 437036200 / 437036201
I have haven’t been thrilled with minichamps quality control. I’ve had several paint issues and don’t even try to get any kind of customer service. I bought the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black series (new), the paint rash was so bad I sent it back to DMW for an exchange. I bought the Mercedes SLS gull-wing ( new on EBAY ), it had numerous paint chips. Then I accidentally cracked the rear windshield. I tried contacting them to see if I could get a replacement windshield, I got one email from some company saying they would look into it, but never heard anything more. That was almost a year ago. So I am very Leary about buying Minichamps products. I really wish all these model companies would step up there customer service. Especially considering the price of models now.
Yes, Minichamps have become abysmal.Long time since their hayday.
Minichamps used to make great models. However, I can’t remember the last time I got excited about one of their models. It is very disappointing that they cannot innovate any more and produce interesting subjects. In fact it is really sad.
Ive got a Escort mk1 from “old” Minichamps, and i absolutely love it. I’ve seen the e9 beemer (non-CSL) from “old” minichamps and it also seemed great. Seems like the e9 is one of the few molds that they still use nowadays with openable parts.. Is it good now? Been considering it for a while, but havent seen in person.
Also been considering the M1 street one, with openable parts, but it looks suspiciously similar to Norev. Same mold?
ILKA –
I have the Norev M1 and the Minichamps M1 Procar (plain yellow). The Norev is easily the better model, though the subjects are different. I wasn’t aware that Minichamps was making the roadcar. Even more surprising if it actually has opening parts!
The Norev M1 has more opening parts than the Procar, working pop-up headlights (well done mechanism and sturdy feel) and a carpeted interior. Wheels are well done and there is working suspension – mine had Q/C issues. Engine detail is OK.
The Minichamps Procar wins on engine and underbody detail because there are more exposed individual parts (also because it’s a racecar), but the finish is lacking.
The blue Norev M1 looks like a later release. The box looks cheaper and I assume that’s why mine had Q/C issues (front suspension was not installed properly). But still, the finish is better than the Minichamps M1 Procar. If you can find the Norev for around 100 USD, it’s worth it.
pls take a look at “Minichamps” M1 street car pics, to me it seems the same model as Norev.
I think the only update is carpeting in the “froot”, which seemed lacking in Norev’s model, but maybe it’s just the photos…
How about e9 CSL?