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2001 TMC MODEL of the YEAR POLL
SEEING DOUBLE
It's been nearly 30 years since Penske Racing
rolled out the mightiest road racing machine ever built, the Porsche
917/30, for Mark Donohue to campaign in the 1973 Canadian American
Challenge Cup series. Donohue won 6 of 8 races that season, seizing
the Championship and setting lap records that would stand for
more than a decade. The 'Panzer' stomped the competition, including
the latest creations from Team McLaren, which had dominated the
Can Am from 1967 thru 1971. I was fortunate enough to see the
917/30 in action 3 times that season (Road America, Mid Ohio and
Watkins Glen) and Donohue was unbeatable in all three.
The Panzer's performance dealt a knockout blow
to the unlimited sports racing series and sadly, it disappeared
from the scene after the 1974 season.
In 2001, Minichamps honored the legend of the
917/30 by releasing a pair of highly detailed die cast miniatures
of Donohue's Panzer in attractive display boxes. Both models were
an immediate hit with collectors and dominated our first Model
of the Year Collector's Poll. The 1/18 scale version took 24%
of the total vote in a very tough field while the smaller model
dominated the 1/43 scale voting with nearly 40% of the vote (there
were 12 nominees in each class).
The Minichamps Porsche 917/30's domination
of our Poll was reminiscent of Donohue's superiority in 1973.
Congratulations!
1/43 SCALE MODEL OF THE YEAR
THE PENSKE RACING / MARK DONOHUE SUNOCO PORSCHE
917/30 by MINICHAMPS
436 730006 - Limited
Edition of 9,999........$64.95 plus shipping
IN STOCK @ TMC!
ORDER NOW!
SECURE
ORDER FORM
1/18 SCALE MODEL OF THE YEAR
THE PENSKE RACING / MARK DONOHUE SUNOCO PORSCHE
917/30 by MINICHAMPS
186 730006 - Limited
Edition of 9,999
SECURE
ORDER FORM
2001 TMC MODEL of the YEAR POLL
HONORABLE MENTION
Several other excellent models received
a significant number of votes in our Model of the Year Poll. In
1/43 scale, the impressive Marmon Wasp from Hobby Horse (the people
who produce Carousel 1 in 1/18 scale) was our runner up with their
first release in that scale. In 1/18 there were several other
major contenders, including the superb Auto Union Type D from
CMC Models and the first quality 1/18 scale Chaparral diecast
to hit the market: the extremely popular Chaparral 2 from Auto
Art.
v
v
LEFT TO RIGHT:
1/43 SCALE HOBBY HORSE
- MARMON WASP........$34.95
1/18 SCALE CMC MODELS
- AUTO UNION TYPE D........$139.95
1/18 SCALE AUTO ART
MILLENEUM - CHAPARRAL 2........$79.95
AVAILABLE @ TMC!
ORDER NOW!
SECURE
ORDER FORM
2001 TMC MODEL of the YEAR POLL
BURIED TREASURE
We were a bit surprised by the lack
of votes for two of 2001's finest models. Perhaps because it was
released late in 2001 and perhaps overshadowed by the more popular
Auto Union Type D, CMC's magnificent 1/18 scale Mercedes Benz
W125 finished out of the top 5. In overall quality and detail,
it was perhaps the finest 1/18 die cast release of the year. The
vented drum brakes on the W125 are a work of art. Give this one
a closer look!
1/18 SCALE CMC - MERCEDES
BENZ W125........$139.00
AVAILABLE @ TMC!
ORDER NOW!
SECURE
ORDER FORM
In 1/43 scale, GMP's boxed set of 3
A.J. Foyt Bowes Seal Fast Specials received only a handful of
Model of the Year votes, but in our opinion was perhaps last year's
best 1/43 value. These three delicate models featured removable
cowlings, detailed engines and a remarkable level of quality and
detail for the price - about $22 per car! The set is presented
in a handsome wood case, much nicer than other boxed sets on the
market today. Having said that they were 'under appreciated',
the limited edition run (3,504) is virtually sold out. GMP will
release other boxed sets in 2002. Watch
for them!
x
1/43 SCALE GMP - BOWES
SEAL FAST SPECIAL BOXED SET........SOLD
OUT
There you have it. TMC's customers have spoken.
2001 was perhaps the best year ever for collectors of high quality
die cast racing cars. The trend towards larger (1/18 and 1/12)
scale models continues, with several landmark 1/12 scale models
on the agenda for 2002, led by GMP's 1967 LeMans winning Ford
GT Mk IV - due in late January. Classic racing cars such as the
Porsche 917/30 and Chaparral (any version) were well received
by collectors. Several new manufacturers are making their mark,
most notably CMC and Hobby Horse.
What to look for in 2002? In 1/43, the rebirth
of Vitesse Group as IXO. Late 2001 releases of Jaguar and Ford
GT LeMans winners drew great reaction from collectors. In 1/18
scale, what will the 2002 Minichamps catalog bring? Will we see
more classic Porsches and Chaparrals in larger scales? Collectors
anxiously await the first 1/18 Mark Donohue Penske Trans Am Camaro
release from GMP, due in 2002.
Notably absent in our 2001 Poll was Exoto.
Although they still produce some of the finest 1/18 models on
the market today, they continue to alienate dealers and collectors
alike with misinformation, high prices and poor customer service.
As we see here, several other manufacturers have stepped up to
challenge Exoto with great products and customer service. If and
when Exoto becomes dealer and collector friendly, we will be honored
to represent their line once again.
- Paul Zimmermann, Owner / The Motorsport
Collector
TMC's On Line Gallery:
Limited Edition Prints
| Quality Die Cast Models | Books |
Videos | Racing
Memorabilia | Autograph Index
'Recent Additions' Page for the latest Site Updates. | Click
on Banner for TMC Home Page!