Collectable
Kimi: Cool diecast model cars by Minichamps
Minichamps model cars are made by 'Minichamps' (Paul's
Model Art) - a German company specialising in diecast metal miniatures.
Their Formula One cars are mainly available in two sizes: 1/18th scale
and 1/43rd scale, although they also produce a few models in larger scales
such as 1/12th and 1/8th, as well as F1 drivers' helmets in 1/8th.
Each year the company
produces pretty much the entire F1 grid with a model representing each
driver, and also tends to produce a set of "Showcars" (these
are also variously known as "launch cars" or "presentation
cars" - and may differ in bodywork stylings and sponsorship / branding
from the main 'race' cars for that year, generally being based on the
mould for the previous year's car). Minichamps does not produce McLaren "Showcars" sadly.
These models are amazingly detailed both in form and in paint and decals,
even down to the liveries on the drivers' helmets and overalls. Over
the years the company has produced many thousands of models and some,
due to the stature of the driver or novelty or fame of the car or team,
become major collectors' items.
(Above: Kimi 1/43 "1st Win" limited edtion:
becoming very collectable)
They also produce certain limited editions of particular cars to commemorate
particular races etc, and these too can really bump in value. For instance
two Kimi Raikkonen 1/43rd scale Minichamps that were issued at a slightly
raised price (as they were limited editions) now regularly reach prices
around £90 to £100+ on eBay: they are the 2001 Sauber C20 "1st
Point" edition - a limited run of 1512 pieces (Serial No.400 010217)
which comes in special packaging and Australian GP livery, and the 2001
Sauber C20 Malaysian GP edition - a limited run of 2222 pieces (Serial
No. 400 010117) where the team runs an altered livery including the Malaysian
flag.
Another one to look out for is Kimi's McLaren MP4-17D "1st Win" model,
which features him standing in the cockpit - this was a limited edition
of 5544 pieces (Serial No. 530 034326) and is gradually gaining higher
bid prices whenever one appears on eBay - undoubtedly something that
will become very collectible
Kimi Raikkonen Minichamps Listings
(Standard Releases & Team Editions)
On our Minichamps listings we include our own
KIMI::STUFF Rating.
The star ratings are as follows:
* Good basic model
** A must-have for any Kimi fan
*** More interesting offbeat model for the growing collection
**** Rare but definitive model: important for a comprehensive Kimi collection
***** Very rare and expensive: a serious collector's piece.
Minichamps 1/43 Standard Releases
Serial
No.
Description
/ Notes
Year
Rating
400 010017
Sauber Petronas C20
2001
*
400 010117
Sauber Petronas C20, Malaysian GP
(Limited Edition - 2222 pcs)
The opinions on this page are those of the site
owner: they do not constitute any formal advice on buying or selling
Minichamps cars or of trading on eBay. Any
quoted prices have been observed as stated, and may be viewed as "guide" prices,
though they are no guarantee of an actual price in any instance of
sale. This page simply seeks to inform and interest users, and guide
them to further information and trading resources.
