I’m a collector. Not sure what it is about my personality, but there are number of items (other than Porsche) I like to collect (watches, bourbon, guns, RC Cars, pens, cufflinks, etc.). Well, the other day HPI sent us a care package that, amongst other things, included a 1/43 scale model of a Porsche 956 LH. At first I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. Obviously, I recognized it as a Porsche. How could I not? Even at 1/43 scale the detail seemed quite remarkable. However, it’s not like an RC car, you can’t really play with it and unlike larger scale models it doesn’t have a ton of working parts. So, I put it on the corner of my desk and just kind of forgot about it.
Fast forward three weeks and I’m a man obsessed. I can’t stop looking at it and I keep picking it up. This neat little model has piqued my curiosity to the point where I’ve researched the history of this particular 956 (Jackie Ickx and Derek Bell won with it at Le Mans in 1982. Which also happens to be the same year Porsche placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the 956.) and Porsche die-cast models in general.
The rear-engine cover comes off to expose a highly detailed engine and exterior details include things like radiators, disc brakes, brake calipers, mirrors, wings, exhaust, headlight buckets, tow hooks, radio antennae and sponsor logos (unfortunately, it’s missing it’s original Rothmans logos due to restrictions on Tobacco advertising. Silly if you ask me when it comes to model cars).
If you’re not familiar with die-cast scale models, 1:43 scale is a smaller size but apparently a very popular one. As an aside, for those not familiar with how scale works, it’s an indication of relative size. A 1:43 scale die-cast Porsche is one 43th the size of the real thing. Look at it the other way, and the real Porsche is 43 times larger than the model. From largest to smallest the most common size die-cast seem to be 1:18, 1:24, 1:43 and 1:64 (the size you most likely associate with Matchbox Cars). HPI makes die-casts in 1:43 and 1:18 (combined, the two most popular collector sizes).
I like the display case it comes in. Makes for easy stacking as I start to collect more.
When we inquired to HPI about their ability to recreate the car with such accuracy, we were told they use drawings and plans from the manufacturer to reproduce an incredibly detailed model. While we’re new to the hobby, we agree with them. Because of their convenient small size, the 1:43 scale is perfect for my office and I’ve already started researching my next purchase. I figure each time I get a new scale model Porsche I’ll learn that much more about the history of my favorite marque. If you’re interested in one of these HPI Porsche die-casts (this one is $99) you can learn more on their site or purchase your own via one of their authorized retailers or on Amazon.com
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View Comments (14)
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
You are beginning a slippery slope. When I was a kid, I had about 150 of the 1:24 AMT plastic kits, customized with upholstered cloth interiors and "wired" engines, Fortunately, I outgrew that. But about a decade ago I began dabbling in model cars. At first it was only production cars in which I was interested, but as I started shopping and studying the cars, I got more and more into race cars. Now I have about 1100 of them, most bought through ebay from all over the world. Since I was mostly into BMW's when I started, over half of my miniatures are of that marque and about a quarter are Porsches.
If you want really fantastic Porsche race cars, Exoto is the place to go, especially in 1:18--you won't believe the detail of the models, and Exoto provides great history on each. For the ultimate 901, check out CMC. It has removable hubcaps and individual lug nuts with a small wrench, and the rear engine grill is made of individually welded metal bars. A guy advertises in Pano who will custom build Porsche models.
I like to collect the same car in multiple scales. Since my favorite Porsche is the 1973 Carrera RS, white with red stripes and wheels, I have the same car in 1:18, 1:24, 1:43, 1:64, 1:87 and 1:100. Again, a slippery slope.
Thankfully, it is a fun hobby and you meet some great people all over the world. Congratulations on sticking a toe in the water.
If your serious about getting into the die-cast, you should check out Design's in Motion in St Louis. They supply the die-cast that are in the goody store at the PCA Parades.
Thanks, Dan. We will definitely check them out!
Very good model and feedback!
Welcome to my Subaru Collection!
Best regards!
Nice detail - I have a couple of GMP models that size that are of comparable quality. As far as the missing logos go – you could always search for hi-res versions on line, reduce them and have them printed on a suitable paper. Voila - authenticity!
Thanks, Lesley,
Glad to see you're checking out our stuff! That's a great idea. We will definitely give it a shot! Paula
Word to the wise - When my wife, knowing that I have about 100 Porsche and racing posters nicely rolled and stacked due to a lack of wall space, saw my second (yes, #2) 1:43 scale model Porsche come through the door she started running around the house shrieking "WTF?, WTF?" like some tropical bird and I knew that my collection was already complete.
@Chuck ....You have a lot of company. It can become very addictive (Look up Dr. Henry Hammer's vast Porsche toy/miniature collection in Texas). I began collecting posters and racing calendars (Remember the Paul Oxman stuff?) decades ago, and today I have many tubes of posters parked in my den closet, and a flat tub crammed full of posters stuck beneath the bed. Simply put, it is artwork that I have no space to display. My den walls are filled with my glazed and framed favorites. My wife suggests that I should put up some new ones, but the cost of proper framing and UV protection is prohibitive. Then there's the miniatures. I have a few 1/18s, which offer great detail but take up way too much room. 1/43s are a great size to collect and you can display a good many on bookshelves. Bottom line: Like those potato chips, "Bet you can't eat just one!"
Peter, I have been looking for a specific Porsche poster for quite a while. Perhaps you have one in your large collection tucked away and would like to convert it to cash? Please contact me if you'd be willing to discuss it. thank you.
One of my favorite Porsches is the 956/962 in the Rothman's livery...but know one has done it. In this age of PC I guess someone thinks tobacco useage will be promoted. Sad.
Tim,
It's not that they haven't, it's that they can't. The current laws regarding tobacco advertising don't allow it in the US (at least that's how it was explained to us by HPI)...
@ Jerry - What precisely are you looking for? I am flying down to LA in the morning and I'll attend the Porsche Lit Show. I'll be happy to look for it if it's something I don''t have.
Please let me know by 8:30 AM PST Weds, since I'm going to be without email on my trip.
linsky911@comcast.net
Don't get me started with scale, because attached link is but a small percentage of what I currently own:-
http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=105865&sid=29766
That truly is one of the most beautiful models ever, Rothmans has always been one of my favorites.
Thank you Pepper Girl.