[StygianMax]

Can anyone provide me some feedback on how the two 1:43 models (either 2001 or 2002 versions) compare in terms of (a) level of detail (b) quality of paint, tires, wheels and © value.

I was almost going to buy the Minichamps version but then found out IXO makes a version of their own as well for quite a bit less money. I thought I'd better do my homework first. :giggle

Thanks in advance!

 

[ajrichar]

I thik Delta_Farce can provide the sort of answer you are after.

As far as I can gather, the Minichamps versions are better finished with a higher degree of detail. If you can stretch to affording the Minichamps car, then I think you will be very happy. IThe IXO cars are also very good, but are just lacking in the finest details in comparison, and of course, they are cheaper, which, sadly to say, is an important consideration when planning prospective purchases (as you well know Felix).

Good luck!

 

[StygianMax]

Thanks for your feedback Anders! My dilemma is this. I REALLY want either the 2001 or 2002 Bentley and I'll take it in 1:43 or 1:18. As Autoart has plans to release one in 1:18 with opening doors/etc., a part of me tells me to be optimistic that it will acutally be released. The pessimistic side of me tells me I should buy a 1:43 while I have a chance in the event Autoart doesn't make good on its plans to release the 1:18. I have seen the Minichamps version before and it does look very nice! Right now I see a few very affordable IXOs on eBay and at various online diecast stores.

Decisions, decisions. :confused

 

[Delta_Farce]

Hi Felix.

The IXO models are of the 2001 EXP's and the Minichamps models is of the 2002 EXP. Both models are very similar, but the presentation is different.

The Minichamps version comes in a gift box with some info about the car, which is all very nice but makes display a little difficult, while the IXO cars are the more traditional model on base setup.

The IXO Speed 8 was acutally my first venture outside of collecting Ferrari models (I had bought one Schumacher car at that stage, so I wasn't really collecting) and it absolutely took my breath away at the time. It is still a very nice model and probably one of the best IXO's that I have or have seen.

However the Minichamps model is just better. It has cleaner lines, and paint. The decals are much better and everything about it just shows what Minichamps can do. If you want the "best" of both models then I'd recomend the Minichamps car.

Ok, this is where it gets confusing though. If you want an EXP in 1:43 and you're not fussed with which of the two is better, ie if you're looking for value for money, then I'd say the IXO is the best way to go. To give you a general idea the IXO should be about half the price of the Minichamps car. If it's more than that, you're getting ripped off.

Having said that, the Minichamps car has held it's value very poorly. I paid $100AUD for mine and I've seen them go for less than half that on ebay, so basically have a good look around before you part with your cash.

I'm working with Anders to get some side by side pics of the two cars. If money is no object, than the Minichamps is definitely the better model. The IXO is by no means a poor quality diecast though, just not quite as good.

Hope this helps,

Delta_Farce

 

[ajrichar]

Isn't that assuming of course Mark, that Felix is after one of the gift-boxed editions? Don't Minichamps do a normal plastic base with perspex release? It might not be 2001, but maybe he means one of them instead?

 

[Delta_Farce]

Well as far as I know Andrew the only Minichamps releases were as follows:

2002 Bentley EXP Speed 8: Gift Box

2003 Bentley EXP Speed 8 Le Mans: Standard release
2003 Bentley EXP Speed 8 Sebring: Standard release

And then the following were released through the Bentley Motor Company:

2003 Bentley EXP Speed 8 Le Mans: Gift Box
2003 Bentley EXP Speed 8 Sebring: Gift Box

These are the only ones that I know of, with the exception of the resin kits available. As far as I know there was no standard release for the 2002 EXP Speed 8 via Minichamps, but if I'm wrong maybe someone else has the info.

A quick look at Minichamps shows only the Gift Box.

Maybe you're thinking of a special release?

Delta_Farce

 

[StygianMax]

Thanks for all the awesome information DF!! That is just the sort of detailed information to help me in my decision.

I think I am leaning heavily to the IXO model. From a search on the internet for pictures of their versions, I can see they've done a very good job. And as I don't place any value on the fancy Minichamps box that their model comes in, there's really no reason why I should pay the higher premium for their model.

Here's the picture of the 2001 version that's been fueling my passion for this car.
(picture courtesy of motorsport.com) Gosh, I really love the lines of it.

 

[Delta_Farce]

Hi Felix.

Just to make you choice a little bit more difficult, have a look at this:

New Bentley Set

Apparently it's limited to 250 sets world wide, etc etc etc...

I didn't even know that this was out there until last night :-(

I think I might try for one next week though.

Regards,

Delta_Farce

 

[StygianMax]

Hey that's pretty cool DF! Sadly, shipping for something that size across the Pond will kill my bank account. :cry It would be cool to get the plinthe autographed by the 2001 Bentley team drivers on that! :cool

 

[JSB 33]

Felix,
I'm so sillyt. I was reading this post the last few days and completely forgot that I have the IXO version.
Sorry for the crappy pic but it is already dark here and I didn't have my lights set up.

 

[StygianMax]

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Thanks for posting that Jeff. :cheers

Okay, what other cool 1:43 racers have you NOT posted pictures of yet??? :wink

 

[Delta_Farce]

Got the pics for you Felix :woohoo Many thanks to Anders for these!

2001 EXP Speed 8 by IXO

2002 EXP Speed 8 by Minichamps

Doesn't really matter which one you get, it's still a beautiful car...

Delta_Farce

 

[StygianMax]

Wowzers! The details on the IXO look really good! Thanks DF for posting those. :cheers :cheers :cheers

 

[ajrichar]

I think after looking back on those pics F, that I should have held off for better lighting, and maybe sharpened the image a litle to give it more definition.
Nonetheless, I did get an opportunity to see frst hand myself the differences between the two.
As DF said earlier Felix, if you can afford to stretch to the Minichamps car, then I really think you should. The finer details are better, and the paint is a bit deeper and darker. When I had them both together, I found that the IXO car was a lighter colour with a greater light sheen. I am not sure which tone was more accurate - the lighter (slightly) of the IXO or the darker of the Minichamps, but I remember being a bit more impresed with the Minichamps. The presentation box is lovely too, but the IXO is still a fantastic car, and if you never clapped eyes on a Minichamps Bentley then you'd think the IXO car was the proverbial 'real deal', which it is - until you compare it UP CLOSE to the Minichamps.

If however, you have it sitting on a shelf on its own, it will look fantastic. If there are any doubts, then by all means run with the IXO. It is by no menas disappointing, and it is only shaded when you put the Minichamps car next to it for a direct comparison.

 

[StygianMax]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right]

Thanks for pointing out those finer differences. I too noticed that some 1:43s have an unusual sheen to them. It's evident on the IXO. On the assumption I can snag an IXO version for cheap, I'll go for that and save my money for the much anticipated 1:18 2002 Speed 8 (unsealed model i.e. with opening doors etc.).

As always, your thorough insights are terrific to read Anders! :cheers :cheers

 

[StygianMax]

:woohoo :woohoo :woohoo :woohoo

I just won an IXO 2001 Speed 8!!! This one will be coming from the UK.

:woohoo :woohoo :woohoo :woohoo

Thanks for everyone's help. It's very much appreciated!! :cheers

 

[ajrichar]

Felix, my heartiest congratulations to you on winning such a great model. You won't be disappointed. Just looking at DF's car, I probably should think about adding an IXO one at some stage too. The Bentley is remiscent of the Toyota TS020 (aka GT-One), and the colour is a very nice one too.
Once again, well done on your new purchase!

 

[StygianMax]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right]

Many thanks Anders! I'm so looking forward to getting this car. It should be quite interesting to put it side-by-side with the new Minichamps Audi R8C to compare. I just won that 2 days ago :cheers :cheers

 

[ajrichar]

SM Jnr will be thrilled to see these new cars come in.
Be sure to post some pics when you get the devastating Le Mans due together.

And let me know if the IXO car lives up to your expectations.