Minichamps, or Paul's Model Art, is another Chinese company that has released probably thousands of die cast vehicles in all forms of racing. Their subject matter ranges from street, formula one, IRL/Cart, and rally 1/43 scale models. Recently they have also gone into the 1/18th realm as well. Anyone who has seen these diecasts knows the quality they produce is second to none ... in this price range. Minichamps has been creating diecast collectibles for over 11 years, and it's nice to know that they have finally discovered Lotus as a subject.
The focus on Lotus diecasts appears (for the time being), more on the formula one range, with both 1/43 and 1/18 scale being represented. In the 1/43 scale, they produced a Lotus 72, 78, 79 (In Martini Livery), 97T, 98T and 99T. Shown here is the 1986 98T with J. Dumfries as the driver..note they do not have the "correct" JPS logo sponsorship.
In the 1/43 scale range. it appears that the 99T of Nakajima/Senna is the hardest to locate, so if one is found. I would suggest picking it up ... or paying for it later. Actually these diecasts seem to hold their value, and increase over the years... so, just pick 'em up (if finances allow!).
In the 1/18th scale range. Minichamps released the 97T, 98T and 99T ... these being part of the "Senna Collection". Again, these are becoming harder to find, and the quality is excellent ... so....
Here is the rarest of them all in 1/18th scale. It is a limited edition (of 6,194) Lotus/Renault 97T. What's great about this car, besides the beautiful presentation clam shell box, is that it was Senna's GP win in Portugal (I believe his first) ... in the rain, hence the rain tires. BUT with proper JPS tobacco branding! This car has almost doubled in price since I bought mine. so I would advise getting one while you can.
A nice touch that was done to this car, as well as the 98T, was that they used a faux carbon fiber type decal sheet on the front and rear wings...just as the original did.
Here is the 98T from 1986, with Senna again as the driver, note no tobacco branding on this one...
The 99T was the last formula one release (currently) by Minichamps, and was available with either Nakajima as the driver (this was packaged in the traditional Minichamps box), or as part of the Senna Colleetion. Here's the Nakajima one:
And here is the Senna version ... note the presentation box that comes with this one! Both, sadly. do not contain the Camel sponsorship logo's, however. I am sure there are decals out there to convert them.
Currently, the Minichamps line up includes a few non F1 Lotus models, again. I am sure these are limited to some extent, so if they interest you, I would pick them up!
Here's a 1/43 Lotus Ford Cortina MK1, which is limited to 3,024 units.
And a 1968 Lotus Super 7:
I believe that Minichamps has also bought the rights from AutoArt to produce the James Bond Lotus Esprit line ... hut we'll save that for another day! Happy Hunting!
