[tonyg54]

I'll give Minichamps a chance, but the photos they've shown are very underwhelming. And I'm not buying any more black models except the Vector.

The AUTOart McLaren F1, on the other hand, looks like it would be the new star of my collection if it's as good as the photos seem to show.

I know you're an 1/18th collector (dabbling in 43rd) but if you want a great Mac F1 in the $250ish range you may want the 1/12th. I don't think the 18th will come close that the 1/12th's details/finish.

 

[Guest]

I know you're an 1/18th collector (dabbling in 43rd) but if you want a great Mac F1 in the $250ish range you may want the 1/12th. I don't think the 18th will come close that the 1/12th's details/finish.

Actually, it looks to me like it might be better than the Minichamps 1/12. It has, after all, the proper damper for the engine cover, which the 1:12 lacks. Removable luggage is also a nice touch. Does the Minichamps 1/12 have that?

And anyway, I'm not going to collect 1:12 until and unless there's a Koenigsegg made.

My foray into 1/43 is pretty much over, as well, as the one I bought was fairly unimpressive compared to my 1:18's. I'm in 1:18 for life now.

 

[Mike K]

I think the Zonda is the spiritual successor of the McLaren F1. It hews to some of the same hallmarks: natural aspiration, V-12, low weight, great handling. Certainly far closer than the Bugatti Veyron. The CCX is a different animal entirely.

Right you are. I too would love an XJR-15 in 1:18. But it seems unlikely.

Do you know who styled the XJ220? It's somewhat similar to the XJR-15 in a sort of oversized way, and has also aged very well, perhaps the best of all the 90s supercars except perhaps the Diablo.

Jim Randle designed the XJ220. I think people always associate the XJ220 with its commercial failure, but that's unfair, it'll go down in history as one of the best supercars ever made. When people compare the Mac F1 to the Veyron or Koenigsegg, I don't agree with them, I think the only true competition the F1 has ever had is the XJ220.

 

[spadge1976]

I cant comment on performance not having driven it, but the XJ220 just looks too long to me - the front and rear overhangs look very disproportionate. The wheels, which look like plastic wheel trims, also date it very badly.

 

[Alex]

Unfortunately, in the wrong light, the car is a mass of orange peel. And given that it is actually orange, the overall impression is pretty fruity.

This is the biggest crock of shit I have heard in a long time. Mine looks great. In my opinion you should contact the person you bought the model from and get your money back. Seriously, lol.

 

[Guest]

This is the biggest crock of shit I have heard in a long time. Mine looks great. In my opinion you should contact the person you bought the model from and get your money back. Seriously, lol.

Alex, you were actually quoting me, not Tony.

And I can only tell you what I saw looking at the model. I'm not impressed, and I wouldn't have been impressed even if the car had been $60. I traded two AUTOart Lambos for it, and while I'm not at all blaming Thorst (who traded me the F1 LM at fair market value, the going rate), I don't think the UT is anything like as nice a model as a modern AUTOart production. The Murcielago isn't AUTOart's best model by a long shot, but it's better than the UT F1 LM.

If the UT is trading hands at $180+ -- and it is -- then that makes the AUTOart F1 street version look reasonable at $250. Of course, neither price is reasonable. The AUTOart should probably cost $100 or $150, and the UT should be a $35 model.

 

[Alex]

Please excuse me for misquoting. The argument I was making was concerning the paint. The paint on mine and all the examples I have seen in person is great. You have to remember that 10 or so years ago the UT F1 LM WAS a $30.00 model (and I am by NO MEANS saying it's worth that little). Trying to compare a model that's at least 10 years old and sold for US$30 to something that's brand new and sells for US$240 is not a very valid argument. The issue of what the model is worth has been beaten to death on this forum.

Bottom line is it doesn't matter what you or I think the model is worth. You have no choice but to go by what the current market value is. (approx. US$150-180) And, if I didn't have one I would gladly pay that. It may not be an Exoto, but it's definitely a great piece and looks fantastic next to my Veyron and Koenigsegg. I'll be selling my UT street version now that I ordered the AutoArt F1 a couple days ago. The AutoArt looks like an awesome piece and runs circles around the UT. I agree the model should be in the $150 range, but if people are willing to pay... Yep, it makes me sick too and I have posts on that subject from a couple of days ago right before I got a deal on mine.

Which AutoArt Lambos did you trade? I have the red Diablo Roadster, the Black Diablo SV and the Grey Reventon. All are great models, but the only way anyone would get my Diablos is by prying them out of my cold dead fingers.

 

[Guest]

I sent off my black Diablo 6.0 and Verde Ithaca Murcielago. I don't miss the 6.0 at all; the color was boring, and the engine and interior were nothing special at all. I also didn't like the 6.0 revisions to the shape, so I'm happy to have the copper VT, and I'll get the AUTOart version of the SE30 when it comes out.

I do miss the green Murci, but I'll get another one eventually.

I totally hear you about the UT F1 LM being 10 years old. I guess I expected a little higher quality, given the prices it commands. Brake calipers would have been nice. But at the end of the day, I recognize that the premium price it now commands is really only due to scarcity and the subject matter.

I'm still willing to sell my LM for $150 + shipping, but haven't had any takers yet. I've declined a few trade offers; I'm looking to get two models in trade for it, or one plus the difference in market value in cash.

The longer I keep it, the more I like it, though. The orange color is really great, and the marked tires give it extra presence on the shelf.

 

[MGGMB]

Great review Mac! Just wondering, have you considered grouping your reviews by timeframe? I agree with alex,
comparing 10-15 year old models with those of today doesn't make much sense. For example, how does grouping
the score of UT's made between 1995 and 2000 or Autoarts from say 2005 to present (or whatever time period) sound? You still
would not have to consider price in your reviews.

 

[Guest]

Great review Mac! Just wondering, have you considered grouping your reviews by timeframe? I agree with alex,
comparing 10-15 year old models with those of today doesn't make much sense. For example, how does grouping
the score of UT's made between 1995 and 2000 or Autoarts from say 2005 to present (or whatever time period) sound? You still
would not have to consider price in your reviews.

The reason I don't consider price in my reviews is because it is subject to fluctuation depending on the market.

I think it is reasonable to compare 10-15 year-old models with those of today, because they are both options facing a collector who is trying to decide where to spend his diecast dollar. All the models in my review list made before 2007, I acquired second-hand off eBay or from other collectors on DX. In some instances, I decided not to buy a second-hand model, and bought a new one instead. I am still in search of some out-of-production models, such as the Ricko Vector W8, or the Beanstalk Ford GT. And when I see one on eBay or on the DX classifieds, I have to make a decision whether I want to buy it, or save my money and use it on a new release instead. It is often a difficult call to make. I'm very tempted by the new AUTOart McLaren F1, and by the forthcoming Zonda R. On the other hand, the Mondo Zonda Cinque, AUTOart Murcielago, Kyosho Uracco, and orange AUTOart CCX are all also calling my name.

My point is that these models, old and new, are all really still in competition with each other. My reviews are aimed at diecast collectors who value detail and quality, not at speculators who value rarity for its own sake. I award no points at all for limited editions.

 

[Super Snail]

I don't see any problem comparing a 15 year old model with a new version, comparing detail to detail as long as the age difference is taken into account. A model McLaren is a model Mclaren. Price of a model is a different matter that is driven by market forces not the quality of the model if it was nobody would be paying £150 -200 for the UT McLaren F1, it was never that good a model in the first place and is one of the most hyped up model around to day but it was the only version of theis vehicle until recently so people go caught up with it and just had to have one. This is why following fashon is so stupid a thing to do. We now have an alterant model and soon another one too. Models realy are a personal thing I have head people rip a part certain model but go head over heal for another that has more fault or inaccurays. Time will tell which is going to be the most sort after.

 

[Guest]

I completely agree, Steve, and that's why I review even old models by exactly the same criteria as new ones.

Great review Mac! Just wondering, have you considered grouping your reviews by timeframe? I agree with alex,
comparing 10-15 year old models with those of today doesn't make much sense.

if you click on "Index of Model Reviews" in my .sig, you will find a list of all the models I've reviewed, arranged by year of release. That should allow you to make whatever mental adjustments you want.

But I'm not going to change a model's score to compensate for its age. When an older model is on my shelf, it is "in competition" with all the newest ones. There is no "Masters' Tour" for old models to compete among themselves like so many arthritic former tennis champions.

 

[VeeDub Matt]

But I'm not going to change a model's score to compensate for its age. When an older model is on my shelf, it is "in competition" with all the newest ones. There is no "Masters' Tour" for old models to compete among themselves like so many arthritic former tennis champions.

Very true! An excellent way of wording it, Matt! I totally agree with your review "logic," and I've gained a better perspective of several models by reading your reviews. I find your methodology to be very insightful and helpful! Keep it up!

 

[Phatboi101]

Your reviews are always a pleasure to read, even if the model doesnt interest me that much.
Slight correction though .. the YouTube vid with Tiff is for a McLaren F1 GTR that officially raced and has been converted back to a road car .. not one of the 5 F1 LMs.
The only owner I know of who has one of the 5 LMs is Ralph Lauren.

 

[baonguyen77]

Agree with Mark, I really enjoy reading your reviews. Thank you!

 

[Thorst13]

Your reviews are always a pleasure to read, even if the model doesnt interest me that much.
Slight correction though .. the YouTube vid with Tiff is for a McLaren F1 GTR that officially raced and has been converted back to a road car .. not one of the 5 F1 LMs.
The only owner I know of who has one of the 5 LMs is Ralph Lauren.

You are correct.

XP1LM McLarens own car.
LM#1 Sultan of Brunei
LM#2ZAC Museum Japan
LM#3Frank Selldorff(sold to Ralph Lauren)
LM#4Sultan of Brunei (Black)
LM#5Sultan of Brunei (Black)

 

[m_power]

Its sad that number 1, 4, and 5 will never be enjoyed by anyone..probably not even the Sultan himself..

 

[Thorst13]

Its sad that number 1, 4, and 5 will never be enjoyed by anyone..probably not even the Sultan himself..

#1LM is according to reports in really bad shape as it's been parked in the driveway of one of the Sultans family members for years in equator like climate. Rumous are that the person that own it like the way it looks by the house and thats about it. The black LM's also are also lost to civilization and very few photos excist.

 

[m_power]

#1LM is according to reports in really bad shape as it's been parked in the driveway of one of the Sultans family members for years in equator like climate. Rumous are that the person that own it like the way it looks by the house and thats about it. The black LM's also are also lost to civilization and very few photos excist.

What a waste..makes me mad some people buy them and stash them away for the rest of the car's lifetime. Don't see the point in that. There might as well have only been three made. At least the ones sitting at Mclaren and in Japan can still be appreciated.

 

[Phatboi101]

Definately sad to hear .. the Sultan has been selling a lot of his collection in the past, hopefully the LMs will find a new home of a collector who likes to a least share photos of the car and brings it out occasionally.
The only LM I've seen on TV was for the Ralph Lauren car collection doco on discovery. It was great to see a car of such status being driven around.