Our Finest Projects
For our development and model build teams it's been a busy year, with a stream of new edition model developments and unique projects undertaken. Here is a summary of the new models launched in 2023.
Modern GTs
Beginning with one of the most exciting projects we launched this year, the Mercedes-AMG ONE. The 1:8 scale edition was released in January, with the 1:18 scale following in November. The first modern Mercedes GT model we have created, the AMG ONE marks a significant step forward in our collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, opening the door to future developments.
Having already built the LaFerrari Aperta at 1:18 scale, we always intended to follow up with the original coupe, though our plans were significantly disrupted in 2020. We were delighted to finally get the first models to their new owners in November.
A late release in the year, our 1:18 scale model of the Ferrari Daytona SP3 follows the staggering success of our 1:8 scale model, and perfectly captures one of the most important cars Ferrari has ever made, probably the last V12 Maranello will build.
It’s been some years since we created an engine model, and we have taken the finish and detailing to new levels with our precise 1:4 scale recreation of the Ferrari Daytona SP3’s F140HC engine with its seven-speed transmission. The model has received universal acclaim, significantly and very satisfactorily from Ferrari themselves. Limited to an edition of 599 pieces just like the real car, it is a celebration of the most powerful internal combustion engine that Ferrari has ever built.
Having previously modelled the McLaren F1, F1 GTR and MP4/4, we were very excited to be working again with Professor Gordon Murray CBE and the GMA team, to capture the perfectly formed GMA T.50 at 1:8 scale.
Ferrari's elegant 'Thoroughbred', the Purosangue has been a massive success for the company. Our 1:8 scale edition model has been incredibly well received, with many orders for bespoke models placed too.
Motorsport
It was a record-breaking season of dominance for Oracle Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen this season, and our artisans have worked tirelessly to develop and produce the complete collection of RB19 models at various scales: the car itself at 1:8 and 1:18, the car's nosecone at 1:12, and replicas of the steering wheel at full size, and at 1:4 scale.
Ferrari's race-winning SF-23 provided a glimmer of hope to all non-Red Bull fans in 2023, although Singapore was the exception rather than the rule. By year end we had revealed a full collection of SF-23 models at various scales.
Early 2023 saw the arrival of Ferrari's 2022 car, the F1-75, at 1:18 scale, as well as the car's nosecone at 1:12. Most notably, we also released a 1:8 scale version of the "Touch of Yellow", the 75th Anniversary car, as raced at Monza.
Before we knew the true extent of Max Verstappen's dominance in the 2023 season, we constructed a few super large 1:4 scale models of the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18, replicating the car the Dutchman drove to victory in his home race at Zandvoort in 2022. The one metre plus long models are limited to an edition of just 18 pieces.
The results of a new partnership with INDYCAR, we released our first NTT INDYCAR SERIES models this year: the official 2022 season livery and Pato O'Ward's 2022 Alabama winner at 1:8 scale. We look forward to extending and creating new partnerships in the world of INDYCAR in 2024.
Our continued collaboration with Formula E this year birthed the new GEN3 platform at 1:8 scale, its unique livery presenting us with a significant challenge. With a recent rebrand and a quality year of competitive racing, we're excited to be aboard for the ride with Formula E.
Revealed just two weeks ago, the Ferrari 296 GT3 at 1:8 scale is truly a phenomenal looking model, loaded with fabulous technical detail. The replacement for the 488 GT3, the 296 GT3 is already a major race winner after victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in May. We look forward to further competitive success for the 296 GT3 with its entry into the new World Endurance Championship LMGT3 class next year.
Our much-anticipated models of the Ferrari F2004 at 1:18 scale, as raced to victory by Michael Schumacher in the 2004 Canadian GP, made their debut in the first quarter of the year.
In July, we revealed models of George Russell's and Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes-AMG W13s at 1:8 scale, as raced to that fantastic 1-2 victory in Brazil back in 2022.
Back in February, we unveiled a special edition of just ten McLaren MCL36 full size steering wheels, personally signed at the McLaren Technology Centre by Lando Norris and Zak Brown.
Classics
A particular favourite of the team in Bristol, back in July we were tremendously thrilled to reveal our prototype model of the Aston Martin DB5 at 1:8 scale, presented in the iconic Silver Birch. This project, alongside the DB4 GT Zagato we released in 2022, marks a revival of our longstanding partnership with Aston Martin which stretches back over fifteen years to the 2000s. With two exciting new developments in the pipeline, look out for significant announcements in early 2024.
The fruit of a collaboration with exclusive automobile experts Schaltkulisse, the 'MINTY FORTY' was released in early December. A special edition of just 300 models, each piece is finished in Verde Pallido, celebrating both the real Ferrari F40 on which it is based and Sir Stirling Moss’ famous 250 GTO.
Late in the year we were delighted to reveal the return of our original range of Lamborghini models, including the iconic Countach at 1:8 and the Miura at 1:8 and 1:18 scale. We have exciting new developments of cars in the current Lamborghini range planned for 2024 and beyond. Further news will follow early in the New Year.
Another late year development, we introduced the race weathered Ford GT40, as raced to victory by Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver in June 1969. This unique edition of just 40 models will be meticulously hand-painted and detailed by our master modelmakers to show every detail of the race dirt. Each piece will be accompanied by an archive quality A1 portrait size Giclée print of the car after its iconic victory.
Fine Art Editions
Our collection of Fine Art Editions, in partnership with automotive artist and photographer Alan Thornton, has really started to gather momentum this year. Following the launch of a collaboration with Aston Martin, Alan has created extraordinary pieces capturing the DB5 and Valkyrie. Most recently we have released Art Prints of the Ford GT40. The introduction of Direct to Aluminium Prints, in addition to Art Screen Prints, has greatly increased the size we can offer in editions or in small collections for owners of significant cars. Having already engaged the attention of other significant figures in the automotive design space, about which we hope to reveal more soon, we know it will not take long for collectors to recognise the craftsmanship and deep artistry Alan brings to his work.
Miniature Sculptures
Following the success of our Formula 1 Concept 2022 Sculpture, we were able to release similar miniature sculptures capturing the essence of the current racing machines in the Formula E GEN3 & NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Designed by automotive artist Remco de Reus, these miniature sculptures are beautifully made and highly collectable little pieces of art, perfect for personal or corporate gifting.
Body Replicas
At the start of the year, we revealed the first in our new series of hand hammered aluminium body replicas at 1:4 scale: the Ferrari 250 GTO. Utilising the same traditional panel-beating methodology that the original full-size bodies received from Carozzerie Scaglietti in the early 1960s, each piece has been forged from aluminium sheet, forming the panels with a hammer over a buck. The finished pieces measure 1.08 metres (42.5 inches) long and weigh approximately five kilograms. These pieces will be made to order in a choice of finishes: a raw hammered finish, polished, painted as you see here in Rosso Corsa, or in a range of original liveries raced back in 1962/63.