Miniatures news, January 1996

We don’t often see a model from Russia, but this 1/43 Benz Motorwagen is a jewel. Almost literally, as many of the 486 parts are silver-soldered in place, even to the individual wheel spokes in the machined rims. Except for the leather, rubber and individual wood floor planks, it is made of fabricated brass — no castings or mouldings — and is one of only 30. Only 25 of them are for sale, through Creative Miniature Associates, USA (fax: 001 203 973 0634), at US$995.

A new car from MPH Models in Market Drayton also starts as a kit, from Mini-Racing. But on this Tim Dyke makes 122 changes (all listed) to produce an exquisitely detailed Lola Mk 6 GT, the ground-breaking sportscar which amazed the 1963 Racing Car Show and led on to both the GT40 and Lola T70. I haven’t seen the Lola model, but if it’s anything like my MPH Embiricos Bentley, it’ll be superb. It’s a limited edition of 25, but dedication is expensive: it’s £210 including delivery.

Model Aston Martin collectors have some rarer machines available in 1/43 kit form. SMTS of Hastings now offers not only DB2/4 and MkIll Astons, but also 3-litre Lagondas in saloon, convertible and coupé de ville forms. A Rally version of the DB2/4 kit makes up into any of the three 1955 Monte Carlo entries. All of these kits are £30 each.

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Donington’s Grand Prix Collection is the new home for one of Paul Karassik’s revived Auto-Unions. The 3-litre V12 machine is believed to be the very one driven to victory in the 1938 Donington GP by Nuvolari, which makes it a star exhibit in the already impressive museum. Karassik rescued the remains of two V12 A-Us, which were recently built up into running cars by Crossthwaite and Gardner.

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John Surtees MBE unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the first Tourist Trophy motorcar race during the Manx Historic meeting on September 14. The plaque is on the original start-line in Douglas IoM.