Detailing Wonder

AUTOart is one famous brand when it comes to the manufacture of medium-to-high-end range of model cars.  Better known for their 1:18 models, AUTOart seldom considers the manufacture of 1:43 models -- but when they do, they give it their best effort.  One example here is the BMW M3 E30 Sport Evolution.

The BMW M3 was originally manufactured by the said automotive company with the sole purpose of homologating the car for touring car racing.  The car was an instant success when the car came out and became a very desireable classic today.

One of the highlights of this car is its engine.  Powerful, robust, reliable, and an exhaust note one is sure to love from a four cylinder naturally aspirated engine.  No wonder even a standard coupe version will never be an M3 even if you fake it with the "M" badge on the trunk, it will not be a motorsport special unless it has the associated engine.

So what then is a model car manufacturer, such as AUTOart, going to do to "commemorate" this engine in their 1:43 miniature version?  Replicate its physical appearance, of course!  And that my friend is the highlight of this model.  It has an opening hood and underneath it reveals the gem of the BMW M3 E30...

The minute engine is fitted in this tiny 1.25 x 1.00 inch space.

Astonishing that it even includes it's own hood prop!

Miniature Wonder

One of the best methods to differentiate a toy car from an adult collectible model car is to actually refer to "someone" that is actually involved in the manufacture of both.  And for that, the best example would be no other than Mattel -- the world famous manufacturer of Hotwheels die-cast toy cars.  You've seen their based-on-real-world-toy-cars, to the fictitious-creation-of-the-wild-mind-toy-cars which fit perfectly for play.  And by play, I mean alot of dashing, sprinting, and crashing along.

Years later, Hotwheels ventured into model car building with primary focus on the serious adult collector.  Unfortunately, being the toy maker they've always been, the introduction wasn't exactly the most pleasing.  The first impression has always been "once a toy builder, always a toy builder" to be heard of Mattel everytime they introduced a "model" -- which turned out "not".

Came the departure of 2010 and the arrival of 2011, Mattel introduced a few of their improved, perhaps "remastered" creations thru the subject medium Ferrari.  For the year that came, the 599 XX, 599 GTO, and 458 Italia were hotly anticipated models because they were simply the latest Ferraris to come out of the famous Italian supercar maker.  It is so proper for Mattel upping their game since Ferrari was raising theirs.

Having learned a hard lesson from the criticism of serious adult collectors, the toy-maker has matured, and finally Mattel can say they know how to build toy cars as well as craft out model cars and see proper significant difference.

Above is an example of one of the most controversial V8 engine berlinettas to come out of Ferrari --  the 458 Italia.  You're probably skeptical of thinking that Mattel will build a model of utmost scrutiny to detail and quality?  Well, they actually did.

At 1:43rd scale, you're looking at a very exquisite model that is merely five inches long and fits the palm of your hand.  Along with skillful photography by yours trully, we can see the excellent work of Mattel combined altogether to build a miniature model even the hardcore of Ferrari die-cast-collector-of-a-fan can find satisfaction with.

 

The Die-cast Model Car

The term die-cast refers to the method of forming metal into desired shapes by pouring liquefied metal into molds.  While the mold can vary depending on the end product the manufacturer wishes, this then brought toy cars no exception.  It's almost instantaneous that the word die-cast metal cars simply remind the masses that these are just "toy cars".

But then the use of the method isn't exactly exclusive to just building toy cars.  It is against my own will to compare the kind of die-cast cars I have in mind to the toy cars children would normally play with to the point that they are just discarded or given out to charity when they grow tired of them. Craftsmanship quality, astonishing details, artistic impressionism and realism is what define the "car" I wish to introduce.  To put it properly, these are actually called model cars.

Model cars are even referred to as automotive memorabilia.  For the enthusiast, this is one of the closest things to possess the most exclusive automobiles known to man.  Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche to name just a few...  Very common manufacturer names, but only the most desireable cars have left their assembly line.

As a model car, it is indeed smaller than their life-sized counterparts.  In fact, you can put one atop your desk.  For those seeking artform in these models, there's astonishing detail one can be entertained from.  The details are so immense, it makes you wonder the kind of talent the people who made them have.  In fact, if the car in itself is a beauty, then having a model car on your desk is like having a painting on your wall.

The photo above you is a sample of one of the many model cars ever made.  At first glance, realism is the first thing in mind.  For those not familiar in model cars, one is surely to be deceived, to mistake the model car for the real one. 

This is what defines a model car from a toy car...
This is the kind of die-cast cars I am going to talk about...