3/28/2004 UPDATE: If you saw the Malaysian Grand Prix coverage on Speed last week, you may have heard the guys talking about Steve Matchett's new book: 'The Chariot Makers'. We expect this book to arrive here at TMC in early April. Reserve a copy now ($29.95 plus shipping).
The new P-38 Lightning print from Robert Taylor, seen above, will be released soon. Demand will be high. Reserve now.
I've corrected the description of the new Minichamps Riccardo Patrese Brabham BT55, also seen above. It is a 1/43 model, not a 1/18. The models listed are expected to arrive by mid week.
I'm off for a few days R&R before the season kicks off big time next month. Mark, Jeff and Matt will take care of you while I'm gone.
-PZ
3/25/2004 UPDATE: We've redesigned our Hard To Find Die Cast page and added a few recent arrivals. All are 'sold out' pieces in new condition with the original packaging. We're also offering a very rare Alan Fearnley Limited Edition print signed by 1980 World Champion Alan Jones and car owner Frank Williams. Visit the Art Notes page for details. Also, some super secret spy photos of the perhaps the only car that can stop Michael Schumacher's Ferrari this season.
We'll have some additional secondary market art listings and the latest book arrivals up by the weekend.
And, we'll see you at the Strictly 43rd Show this Saturday.
3/24/2004 UPDATE: Our latest DVD arrival is the 2003 MotoGP Season Review. This 220 minute program is a comprehensive review of one of the most exciting seasons in memory. In stock now for $34.95. Lots of on board and trackside footage.
3/23/2004 UPDATE: Check out all the latest Minichamps arrivals on the New Release Die Cast page. Highlights include several cars from the 2003 Sebring 12 Hours, including the GT Class winner. Also the Alex Job Racing LeMans GT Class winner from 2003 and the very collectible 'Day Off' McLaren F1 GTR.
Watch for an all new 'Hard to Find' Die Cast page and an updated Art Notes page later this week. We'll also be bringing you information on the latest book and DVD releases.
3/22/2004 UPDATE: We've acquired 2 of the 'sold out' 1/12 scale GMP Ford Mk IVs as driven to a 4th place finish at LeMans in 1967 by Bruce McLaren and Mark Donohue. Only 500 pieces were produced and our allotment was sold out before they arrived. Offering these two at the original list price of $499.95.
3/18/2004 UPDATE: More cool 1/43 Nissan Group C cars. These are from 'Q-Model' and look very nice indeed. Check them out on the New Release Die Cast page.
3/18/2004 MORNING UPDATE: Some great new 1/43 scale models from Minichamps due to arrive next week at TMC - Just before the Strictly 43rd Show, where we will have a table for the first time in several years. Reserve now. Some of these (like the McLaren) will be in high demand with collectors around the world. A List:
3/17/2004 PRE-GUINNESS UPDATE: Let's talk CMC: This German manufactuer of ultra-high quality 1/18 scale models (primarily of historic German race and road cars) will release two versions of the Mercedes Benz W196 Streamliner in the late Spring.
In the foreground is the Juan Manuel Fangio 1955 Italian Grand Prix winner. Fangio and Taruffi finished 1-2 that day in the final race for the Silver Arrows before Mercedes's withdrawl from racing after the horrific accident at LeMans.
The Fangio car will be produced in a Limited Edition (5000). The Streamliner will also be produced, as per CMC custom, without numbers.
Pre Order price for either model has been tentatively set at $169.95. We may have to adjust the price of the Fangio car a bit higher, but will honor all pre-orders at the $169.95 price placed before the adjustment is made.
Later this year, CMC plans to introduce a series of 1/12 scale Mercedes Benz SLR McLarens in a variety of colors. And - for 2005 - we hope to see their long-rumored 1/18 scale Ferrari 250 SWB.
For now, we'll accept advance reservations for the two MB W196 Streamliners. We'll bring you further information as time goes on.
Stay safe tonight!
3/17/2004 UPDATE: 'American
Auto Racing' ($35.00) is now in
stock. It's a quick history of how the sport evolved in this country.
A perfect 'pocket' reference to some famous names, events and
accomplishments. Check out the details HERE.
3/16/2004 UPDATE: 'A Winning Adventure: Honda's Decade in CART Racing' by Gordon Kirby and John Oreovicz has arrived. This large format, coffee table book is a well written and illustrated chronicle of CART's golden age ($39.95).
An interesting new product announcement today from Minichamps: In addition to the 1983 LeMans winning Rothmans Porsche 956L previously announced, we will soon see (second quarter 2004, they say) a fully decorated (read full Rothmans markings) 1/18 scale 1982 LeMans winning Rothmans Porsche 956L and a 3 car diorama commemorating the 1-2-3 finish of the Rothmans Porsches at LeMans that year. I'll have pricing information for you shortly. We're now accepting orders for both new pieces. We do not have confirmaton, but we're guessing that the 1983 LM winner will either have Rothmans decals in the box or will also come fully decorated. Catalog photos show the car with bare sides. We'll let you know.
We're expecting a shipment of Minichamps Porsche and McLaren sports cars soon. I'll have photos for you as soon as possible.
3/15/2004 UPDATE: Thought we'd show you the latest Stu Povick 'Folk Art' sculpture commissioned by and for a TMC client. 'Young Lions' features the late race duel between Gilles Villeneuve and Rene Arnoux in the 1979 French Grand Prix. You too can have your favorite race car or memorable moment reproduced by Povick. Contact Paul for details.
W
W 
3/12/2004 UPDATE: Lots of fun here today as we celebrate the arrival of 6 new DVD titles. We can enthusiastically recommend the Motorfilms Quarterly series ($39.95 each) and the 2003 Goodwood Revival Meeting and Festival of Speed programs ($34.95 each). We're going to break out the 'Ghost Rider 2: Ghost Rider Goes Wild' dvd ($24.95) shortly. Lots of new book arrivals today as well. We'll add them to the site if we can tear ourselves away from the TV. Pass the popcorn!
Lots more great stuff due to arrive next week. Visit us often....and buy something!!!!!
3333 
3/11/2004 UPDATE: Here's a preview of some of the new books that are due to arrive at TMC in the next week or so. 'American Auto Racing' ($35.00) is a quick primer on how we got here - from Frank Duryea's victory in the first US auto race here in Chicago, to the IRL/CART split and the Craftsman Truck Series. Check out the details HERE. Gordon Kirby's latest effort 'A Winning Adventure: Honda's Decade in CART Racing' (co-written by John Oreovicz, foreward by Alex Zanardi) is the inside story of the Japanese manufacturer's rise to glory in CART's golden era. A well illustrated coffee-table book from the publisher of 'Ferrari Formula 1' for just $39.95? Sounds like a must have. We've had a few requests for 'The Bugatti Queen' ($27.95), the story of Helene Delangle, a ballet dancer turned stripper who then became a race driver (driving under the pseudonym Helle Nice) for Ettore Bugatti. She drove in several Grand Prix events,became the only woman to race on American 'speedbowls' and set numerous land speed records before an accident and rumors of Nazi collaboration ruined her life. The book is getting rave reviews in Europe.
3/10/2004 UPDATE: For those of you who collect NASCAR, we picked up a very small quantity of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s 2004 Daytona Busch Grand National winning Oreo / Ritz Monte Carlo. These are the 1/24 Action 'Elite' cars, limited to just 4,500 pieces and delivered in a very nice presentation box. We've seen them listed elsewhere for nearly $200, but we'll offer them at just $99.95 while supplies last. Actually, for a NASCAR diecast, this model is pretty nice. Great detail. Check out the full photo set on the Die Cast New Release page.
Also on the Die Cast New Release page, photos of today's new arrivals from Minichamps. The photos above show the 1/43 Minichamps Bullitt Mustang ($44.95) and the Porsche 356C Cabriolet in blue ($29.95), both limited Editions. Both are in stock today.
3/9/2004 AFTERNOON UPDATE: Lots of new arrivals from Minichamps today. We'll be posting photo sets to the Die Cast New Arrival page all afternoon.
3/9/2004 UPDATE: First order of business today is to pass on a bargain. 'Ferrari 330/P4' by Paulo Marasca is an elegant, slipcased racing history and photo essay of one of the most beautiful race cars ever produced. Originally released at $150.00, we're now offering at $75.00 while supplies last. Foreward by Chris Amon.
Heck, that's just about half off, right?
We'll have more updates later today.
gggggg
3/8/2004 UPDATE: We're going to talk about a lot of new 'stuff' this week, including the two books seen above. 'The Jack Brabham Story' is the autobiography of the 3 time World Driving Champion and the first man to win a Grand Prix - and a World Championship - in a car bearing his own name. Our first copies arrived today, and the book is extremely well illustrated and looks to be a fascinating personal account of one of the most accomplished men in the history of the sport ($39.95). Foreward by Sir Stirling Moss. 'Triumph and Tragedy: The 1955 World Sports Car Season' takes a close look at a season of racing that changed the sport forever. From Moss and Jenkinson's record victory in the Mille Miglia to the carnage at LeMans, this book meticulously covers the cars, drivers and events from around the world ($110.00). Foreward by 1960 LeMans winner Paul Frere. Expected to arrive within the week.
3/5/2004 AFTERNOON UPDATE: The Formula One season kicks off this weekend and Ferrari has already served notice that they again will be the team to beat in 2004 but Renault and BAR look like they've taken (at least temporarily) Williams and McLaren's positions as the primary challengers. We've just posted our 2004 Formula One Diecast Pre-Order list. We don't expect to see the race version cars for quite a while, but order away anyway. Minichamps is producing everything except Ferrari this year. We'll take your orders for the Hot Wheels Ferraris too.
When we first inspected the 2004 Minichamps product sheets a few weeks ago, we missed a couple of important models, including the 2003 Sebring Bentley Speed 8's and the 2-Seater McLaren Grand Prix car (in both 1/18 and 1/43). We've posted a few additional listings on our Minichamps 2004 Pre Order page.
Lots of new product arrivals and annoucements coming next week. Visit us often and enjoy the GP!
3/5/2004 UPDATE: Finally able to post photos of the new models from Spark that arrived this week. Check the New Release Die Cast page.
The Carousel 1 Norm Hall Watson Roadster is now in stock ($109.95).
3/3/2004 AFTERNOON UPDATE: Lots of new stuff today, including a selection of new 1/43 diecast from Bizarre. Highlights include the 1976 LeMans Greenwood Corvette, seen above ($36.95) and other LeMans entries from Cunningham, Panhard and Cooper. Full photo sets are now available on the Die Cast New Release page.
Tomorrow, we'll add new arrivals from Spark and hopefully, the Norm Hall Roadster from Carousel 1.
Also, if you are a serious connoisseur of model building, the name of Gerald A. Wingrove may be familiar to you. His latest book, 'Art of the Automobile in Miniature' is now in stock ($39.95). A major part of this sumptuous full-color book is a treasury of the breathtaking 1/15 scale models he has created over the years. A worthwhile addition to your collection.
In addition to the 2003 Reno Air Races DVD we told you about the other day, we will have the official 2003 Goodwood Festival of Speed and 2003 Goodwood Revival Meeting DVD's available later this month. Definately three events every motorsport enthusiast should try to experience in person at least once in his/her life. $34.95 each.
Speaking of DVD's - a restock of 2003 F1 and LeMans reviews has arrived. Both titles are now available on VHS as well.
The Minichamps 2004 Formula One sheets have just arrived. Looks like they will be doing everyone except Ferrari in both 1/18 and 1/43 scales. We'll be posting an updated Minichamps 2004 Advance Order list soon.
3/3/2004 UPDATE: Ebbro's very nice Nissan R91CP Group C car is now in stock. The 1992 Daytona winner has been produced in a limited edition of 3000. More photos on the New Release Die Cast page.
Watch for some new DVD announcements later today.
3/2/2004 UPDATE: Do you love speed? How does running 500 mph 30 feet off the ground grab you? We made our first trip to Reno for the National Air Races last September and it was one of the most spectacular events we've ever seen. We're very pleased to offer the Official Reno 2003 DVD for $34.95 plus shipping. This one hour program spotlights the top contenders in the Unlimited Class along with the weekend's other activities. Great stuff!
3/1/2004 AFTERNOON UPDATE:
We THINK this may be good news: GMP
tells us the last licensing hurdle for their long anticipated
1/12 scale Gulf Ford GT40 (the 1969 LeMans winner) has been cleared.
The delivery date has been pushed back again - this time to July
2004 - but that should be a fairly firm estimate if what they're
telling us is correct. We're still accepting orders ($499.99)
and, as always, we'll keep you advised.
3/1/2004 UPDATE: Today we welcome a new addition to our staff here at The Motorsport Collector. Mark Kregg is joining us as our new Customer Service Manager. Mark is a 30+ year racing enthusiast active as a Chicago Region SCCA Emergency Services worker at Road America and other venues. He's learning the ropes, so be gentle.
Ebbro has just released a beautiful new 1/43 scale model of the Nissan R91 CP that won the 1992 Rolex 24 at Daytona with Masahiro Hasemi / Kazuyoshi Hoshino / Toshio Suzuki aboard. This Lola - built Group C car beat the second place Jaguar XJR12 by nine laps. We will have them in stock later this week. Reserve now at $44.95 plus shipping. Click on the photos for a closer look.
2/27/2004 UPDATE: Today we have additional information on forthcoming releases in Minichamps's Ayrton Senna Collection, which include a spectacular 1/12 scale Lotus Renault with removable bodywork, a Nigel Mansell Williams to recreate Senna's ride back to the pits after the '91 British GP, a correctly decorated (Rothmans decals and all) Williams FW16 in both 1/18 and 1/43, and much, much more. All the info is on our Ayrton Senna Collection Pre Order Page.
As we approach the 10th anniversary of that sad day in Italy, Ayrton Senna is being remembered in many ways. Artist Craig Warwick has painted the wonderful study of Senna seen above. Entitled 'Pensive', the painting is being reproduced in a limited edition giclee of just 295 prints world wide. This print has been approved and licensed by the Ayrton Senna Foundation. Our allotment is limited, so please reserve early. $295.00 plus shipping. 'Pensive' measures 12.5" x 26".
