Newsletter 694: 1/43 CollectingDecember 18^th, 2025

Assembled collector's model at 1/43 scale that reproduces the version of the Porsche 935/78 that achieved victory in the fourth round of the 1978 World Championship for Makes season, the 6 Hours of Silverstone.

Assembled collector's model at 1/43 scale that reproduces the version of the Group 5 BMW 3.5 CSL that achieved victory in the third round of the 1978 World Championship for Makes season, the 6 Hours of Silverstone.

Assembled collector's model at 1/43 scale that reproduces the version of the Porsche 935/78 that achieved third position in Division I in the first round of the 1981 season of the German Touring Car Championship (DRM) held at the Zolder circuit.

Assembled collector's model at 1/43 scale that reproduces the version of the Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo that achieved fifth position, third among Group 5, in the eighth round of the 1979 World Championship for Makes season, the 6 Hours of Brands Hatch.

Assembled collector's model at 1/43 scale that reproduces the version of the Kremer Racing team's Porsche 935 K3 version that achieved second position in the fourth round of the 1981 German GT Championship (DRM) held at the Nürburgring circuit.

Assembled collector's model at 1/43 scale that reproduces the Fiat Ritmo 75 Abarth driven by Attilio Bettega and Maurizio Perissinot in the 1979 Monte Carlo Rally, where they were forced to retire due to engine trouble. This model includes the auxiliary lights on the front used during the night stages.

Assembled collector's model at 1/43 scale that reproduces the Vauxhall Chevette 2300 HSR driven by Pentti Airikkala and Risto Virtanen in the 1980 Rally Lombard RAC, where they were forced to retire due to transmission problems.

Assembled collector's model at 1/43 scale that reproduces the Peugeot 504 Coupe V6 that won the 1978 Rally Bandama Ivory Coast, driven by Jean-Pierre Nicolas, with Michel Gamet as his co-driver. It was a great rally for the Esso Peugeot team, as another of their cars finished second, while two more 504 V6s finished in the top eight.

Assembled collector's model at 1/43 scale that reproduces the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 Evo version that, driven by Jan Kopecky, with Jan Hlousek as co-driver, achieved victory in the 2021 Bohemia Rally.

Assembled collector's model at 1/43 scale that reproduces the version of the Toyota GR DKR Hilux T1 that, driven by the South African duo of Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings, obtained the fifth final position in the Dakar Rally in 2023.

It had been a while since Model Factory Hiro delighted us with one of their fantastic scale model kits of a classic motorcycle, but the wait for lovers of these treasures is finally over. Resin parts, white metal, nuts and bolts, cables, rubber parts, spoked rims to assemble one by one... and countless small details to build one of the most beautiful motorcycles of the 1920s, manufactured by Norton, and winner of multiple speed events of the era.

Meng Model's 1/9 scale pre-painted version of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, finished in Kawasaki's classic lime green. This pre-painted version is designed for modelers with a less "complicated" approach to the hobby, saving them the time and effort of painting many parts, especially the most visible part: the motorcycle's fairing. This scale model kit accurately reproduces its aerodynamic and aggressive design. Its special 998cc inline four-stroke engine with titanium connecting rods and VAI variable intake system has also been precisely replicated, as has the twin-spar frame, which masterfully combines strength and lightness. Its exclusive seven-spoke Marchesini forged rims, which are one of the elements that differentiate the ZX-10R from the RR, have also been reproduced in minute detail. The front and rear shock absorbers, as well as the steering damper, are movable. The kit includes seats and tires made of soft vinyl, which realistically reproduce the texture of the real parts. The stainless steel brake discs are not only highly detailed but also offer a texture similar to the authentic ones. The mirrors and Kawasaki emblem have been recreated with metallic decals, providing a completely realistic finish.

New reference for Meng's kit of the Audi R8 LMS GT3, already spectacular for the modeller as it allows the doors to be opened and has the V10 engine fully reproduced under the rear hood, which can be removed. Now it is the turn of the most modern version of the R8, the GT3 Evo II, and the kit replicates in detail with new parts all the aerodynamic changes, even on the floor of the car. The kit includes stainless steel photo-etched parts, seat belts made of a special textile material and pre-cut masks. The kit also comes with two decal sheets, with the second sheet including different patterns of carbon parts for several of the kit's parts, such as the spoilers and fenders or the front apron. Once assembled, the model measures 190 mm long, 51 mm wide and 83 mm high.

New reference for Meng's kit of the Audi R8 LMS GT3, already spectacular for the modeller as it allows the doors to be opened and has the V10 engine fully reproduced under the rear hood, which can be removed. Now it is the turn of the most modern version of the R8, the GT3 Evo II, and the kit replicates in detail with new parts all the aerodynamic changes, even on the floor of the car. The kit includes stainless steel photo-etched parts, seat belts made of a special textile material and pre-cut masks. The kit also comes with two decal sheets, with the second sheet including different patterns of carbon parts for several of the kit's parts, such as the spoilers and fenders or the front apron. Once assembled, the model measures 190 mm long, 51 mm wide and 83 mm high.

Based on the molds of Fujimi's kit, Italeri has released a scale model kit of the Fiat 500 Abarth. A little "bomb", this car, with its low weight and 135 hp thanks to its 1.4 Turbo engine, was capable of exceeding 200 km/h and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under 8 seconds. It's a simple scale model kit with just the right number of parts for an easy and enjoyable assembly.

Assembled model that reproduces the version of the Ferrari 375 Plus with which Froilán González and Maurice Trintignant raced in the 1954 24 Hours of Le Mans, achieving nothing less than victory. Surely its impressive 5-liter V12 engine had a lot to do with this victory. The model includes the "removable" cover to cover the co-pilot's seat when only the driver was in the cabin.

Indicators and "Ahæng" plates, such as the ones used in Denmark on all kind of trucks and trailers.

Spring-type hood latch set for all types of racing cars. The set includes 10 latches. The design replicates those of spring-type latches where the fixed end, bolted to the body, is hidden, as only the spring and buckle portions of the latch that anchor the hood or trunk lid are shown.

It's rare for a team these days to not have access to and mount cameras in the most unexpected places on a car to capture the most spectacular shots. Some of these cameras can be mounted directly on the body with different types of mounts. This reference includes up to seven GoPro-style cameras of different designs and with different bases so you can mount your own on your model.

Released by Tamiya in 1981, this scale model kit hadn't been available in their catalog for 26 years. Now, we can once again enjoy this kit, which allows you to recreate the Mazda Savanna RX-7, a vehicle that attracted attention not only for its aerodynamic design but also for its rotary engine. The kit realistically reproduces the bodywork, the passenger compartment, and the underside of the chassis. Some parts of the kit are movable, such as the sunroof and the retractable headlights, which can be opened and closed. The instruction manual and decals have been updated, and masks for painting the rear side window frames are also included. The kit includes also a driver figure.

Transparent display case with a black base. The external dimensions are 299 x 145 x 106 mm, while the internal dimensions are 287 x 132 x 92 mm. It has been designed by Tamiya to accommodate your 1/20 scale model cars.

Tamiya has just announced the reissue of this scale model kit as a preview of the new products that will be presented at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2026.

Tamiya has just announced the reissue of this scale model kit as a preview of the new products that will be presented at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2026.

Tamiya has just announced the reissue of this scale model kit as a preview of the new products that will be presented at the 2026 Nuremberg Toy Fair. A classic scale model kit of a true classic: the Mini Cooper 1275S in its road-going version. A very complete and easy-to-assemble kit that also includes a detailed engine and a full interior. Looking forward to its arrival on SpotModel's shelves.

Tamiya has just announced the reissue of this scale model kit as a preview of the new products that will be presented at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2026.

Tamiya has just announced the reissue of this scale model kit as a preview of the new products that will be presented at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2026. This reference of the classic Mini Cooper reproduces the track version, so it incorporates elements such as wide wheels or roll bar.

Tamiya has just announced the re-release of this scale model kit as a preview of the new products to be presented at the 2026 Nuremberg Toy Fair. The kit will retain the same features as the original edition, such as the roll cage, the modified racing interior, the highly detailed chassis and suspension, and a photo-etched sheet with grilles, pedals, air intakes, and other parts. The decals will likely continue to be printed in Italy by Cartograf and will include, among others, the Vaillant logo (including the rabbit logo) and the Goodyear logo.

There are several decorations that the Porsche team has been using on their 911 GT3 RSR as a tribute to some of their successes, such as this one recalling the successes of Bob Akin, with his famous Porsches sponsored by Coca-Cola. This decal sheet will allow you to reproduce this exclusive version, which was only used on the occasion of the last race of the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech Championship held at the Road Atlanta circuit. Don't you think it's beautiful?

Complete photo-etched parts sheet to enhance the detailing of your Tamiya Porsche 934 scale model kit. Among other elements, you'll find the front fender grilles, instrument cluster gauges, wiring harnesses, brake discs, windshield wipers, and front radiator grilles. A great help in improving your model!

Extensive photo-etched parts set for detailing the Tamiya Honda RC213V scale model kit, including radiator grilles, brake discs, and chain, among other parts. Essential for enhancing your kit!

This re-edition of the photo-etched parts for the Tamiya Nissan Calsonic Skyline GT-R BCNR33 scale model kit is going to be a lifesaver! They haven't been available for quite some time. The set includes various radiator and air intake grilles, different side panels for the rear wing to allow for various configurations, as well as the wing mounts, instrument panel, pedals, windshield wipers, hood latches, fuel fillers... and many other details. A must-have!

This is a limited edition decal.

Up to three sheets of decals have been necessary to be able to incorporate all the carbon fiber frames and parts to cover the bodywork of the Tamiya McLaren Senna model. Over 150 decal pieces! All included in this Studio27 reference. You can't stay without them!!

In its third season in Formula 1, the Shadow DN8 was no longer a very competitive single-seater, but thanks to the quality of its drivers, it managed to score points in three Grands Prix during the season and finish eleventh in the Constructors' Championship. In Brazil, at the Jacarepagua circuit, the team achieved its first two points of the season thanks to Clay Regazzoni's fifth-place finish. This scale model kit is designed as a curbside model, with the complete bodywork made of resin, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit, suspension, gearbox, and other mechanical elements. Added to this is the complete decal sheet and a sheet of photo-etched parts. The Cosworth engine is fully reproduced, and once the model is assembled, its finished appearance can be enjoyed by removing the upper part of the intake manifold.

Founded by Kenji Mimura, the small Japanese team Maki made its F1 debut in 1974, competing in two Grands Prix, the English and German Grands Prix. Using the classic Cosworth V8 DFV engine, it failed to qualify for the race, and unfortunately, a serious accident at the Nürburgring destroyed the car, and it did not participate again that season. This scale model kit lets you reproduce this single-seater, and it is designed as a curbside model, with the complete bodywork made of resin, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit, suspension, gearbox, and other mechanical elements. Added to this is the complete decal sheet and a sheet of photo-etched parts. The Cosworth engine is fully reproduced, and once the model is assembled, its finished appearance can be enjoyed by removing the upper part of the intake manifold.

The small Maki team, founded by Kenji Mimura, once again attempted their dream of qualifying for an F1 Grand Prix in the 1975 season with a revamped F101C. Unfortunately, neither acclaimed Japanese driver Hiroshi Fushida nor former Lotus driver Tony Trimmer managed to qualify in any of the five Grands Prix in which they competed. This scale model kit to reproduce this single-seater, sponsored by Citizen, is designed as a curbside model, with the complete bodywork made of resin, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit, suspension, gearbox, and other mechanical elements. Added to this is the complete decal sheet and a sheet of photo-etched parts. The Cosworth engine is fully reproduced, and once the model is assembled, its finished appearance can be enjoyed by removing the upper part of the intake manifold.

An impressive comeback was achieved by Italian driver Vittorio Brambilla in the 1978 Austrian Grand Prix aboard his modest Surtees Ford TS20. Held on the Österreich circuit, the race was marred by rain, which forced a red flag to stop the race on the seventh lap. Brambilla, starting from twenty-first place, took advantage of the track conditions to finish in sixth place, which meant the Surtees team's first and only point of the season. This scale model kit is designed as a curbside model, with the complete bodywork made of resin, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit, suspension, gearbox, and other mechanical elements. Added to this is the complete decal sheet and a sheet of photo-etched parts. The Cosworth engine is fully reproduced, and once the model is assembled, its finished appearance can be enjoyed by removing the upper part of the body.

This scale model kit reproduces the Surtees Ford TS19 that American driver Brett Lunger drove to compete in the 1976 Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder. His results throughout the season (he participated in 12 Grands Prix) were far behind those of his teammate, Alan Jones, with his best result of the year being tenth place, although not in Belgium, where he had to retire due to electrical problems. The kit includes the complete resin body, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit, suspensions, and other mechanical elements. Among these, the Cosworth engine stands out, which is fully assembled and visible at the rear. The kit is completed with the decal sheet and a photo-etched plate. Although the event was run in dry conditions, the kit includes rubber strips with the pattern of wet tires, which can be glued onto the kit's tires to reproduce the wheels used in wet conditions.