Christmas racing collectibles

This is one for the future. If you’re interested in investing in models that are likely to appreciate, I have a great tip for you, and it concerns one of our childhood favourites.

Tintin is one of those enduring franchises that’s perhaps overlooked in the UK, yet hugely followed in Europe. The creation of Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi, better known by his pen-name Hergé, Tintin first appeared in comic strips in 1929 and has gone on to spawn 24 comic adventures, selling more than 200 million copies in 70 different languages, and the tales have been adapted to film, theatre, radio and TV.

In recent years the Tintin brand has also expanded into collectibles, and here’s where the interest lies. Hergé was notably great at drawing vehicles, so his stories always included real-life models of cars and bikes, and always tied to the locations of the adventures, be they in the Soviet Union, Far East, Sahara Desert, Peru or Mongolia.

There’s now a series of 1:24 scale models of these cars available for around £70 each, header image, which are made from resin and cover some very interesting subjects: from Fords to Mercedes, Amilcars, Rolls Royce and Bugattis. All have characters in situ, and because they are produced in low numbers they’re becoming increasingly collectible as they sell out.

The ones in highest demand are called ‘boutique’ models, which come as a diorama and an info booklet about the car and why it was included in the story.

I’ve seen the values of these more than double in recent years, which is astonishing for a modern model, and I don’t expect that curve to dip any time soon. Seek out the Amilcars and the Mercedes (modelled speeding along at an angle). The key is to pick your cars wisely, enjoy them, and keep them pristine with the box and booklet, and you could be on to a gem in a few years.

Andrew Francis is director at The Signature Store. thesignaturestore.co.uk

The Austin Pedal car Story

The Royal Automobile Club’s Motoring Book of the Year Award winner by David Whyley tells the story of Austin’s mini-marvel. Porter Press, £85

Mika HÄkkinen replica helmet

This full-size replica of Mika Häkkinen’s 1998 title-winning helmet features period correct livery and is hand-signed. The Signature Store, £2995

Porsche grille badge

Zinc cast with acrylic colouring, take your pick from a 1982 956, 1998 GT1 or 917s in either Salzburg or Martini flavours. Porsche, from £88

F1 Las Vegas GP 2024 poster

Automobilist has produced a special Night Race poster to celebrate this year’s Las Vegas neon-fest; 50cm x 70cm. Automobilist, £79

Porsche 911 tree decoration

Bored of reindeer and robins? Try this hand-painted tree decoration – a Porsche 911 RS 2.7 with tethered gifts on its roof. Porsche, £28

Spa 24 Hours poster set

The 2024 Spa 24 Hours marked the centenary of the world’s greatest GT race. These celebrate the manufacturers. Fanatec GTWC, from £8

Bentley Memory Game

Build your Bentley knowledge with this Ravensburger game, with 72 high-quality cards depicting famous models. Bentley, £20

2025 Motor Sport Diary

Our new diary features a week-to-week layout so you can easily keep track of race dates. Motor Sport, motorsportmagazine.com, £12.99