Cool and collectable Anthony Davidson scale model cars & diecasts by Minichamps

Minichamps model cars are made by 'Minichamps' (Paul's Model Art) - a German company specialising in diecast metal miniatures. Their Formula One cars are mainly available in two sizes: 1/18th scale and 1/43rd scale, although they also produce a few models in larger scales such as 1/12th and 1/8th, as well as F1 drivers' helmets in 1/8th.
Each year the company produces most of the Formula 1 grid with a model representing each driver, and also tends to produce a full set of "Showcars" (these are also variously known as "launch cars" or "presentation cars" - and may differ in bodywork stylings and sponsorship / branding from the main 'race' cars for that year).

(Above: The Anthony Davidson "3rd Driver" BAR 006)

These models are amazingly detailed both in form and in paint and decals, even down to the liveries on the drivers' helmets and overalls. Over the years the company has produced many thousands of models and some, due to the stature of the driver or novelty or fame of the car or team, become major collectors' items. They also produce certain limited editions of particular cars to commemorate particular races etc, and these too can really bump in value.
Although Ant's F1 career is still very young, Minichamps already offer three model cars of him, both limited editions - covering his 3rd driver role at BAR in 2004, his 2005 Malaysian GP drive, and also his 2002 Hungarian GP appearance for Minardi.

(Above: Ant's Minardi Asiatech PS 02 - Hungarian GP 2002)



With his rise into F1, his models - signed or not - should certainly rise in value and worth over the years (The 2002 Hungarian GP Minardi already regularly fetches prices in the region of £25 - £35 on eBay).
Below is a list (complete I hope, but feel free to email and suggest additions) of 1/43rd models, and for the sake of completeness I've also listed the one anthonydavidson.info *official* conversion that I'm aware of, as well as the official anthonydavidson.info "Signed and Numbered" editions.
For more info on Anthony Davidson diecast models, and for chat on the subject simply join up on our forum and dip into the Minichamps topics there...

Minichamps
1/43

Red Line Models
Prodrive Ferrari 550 Maranello
(Le Mans 24 Hours 2003, Car No.80)

For those of you who fancy collecting Anthony Davidson diecasts outside of his F1 drives, here's an excellent one.
It's a 1/43 by Red Line Models of Ant's 2003 Prodrive Ferrari 550 Maranello as raced in the Le Mans 24 Hours... (RL009)
It's a beautifully finished and packaged car, in a limited handbuilt edition of 750 worldwide (and so a bit more pricey than standard Minichamps cars), and although I've not seen any on eBay at the time of writing, you can get one here:
www.lapassione.co.uk

Special Conversions & Builds...

I got this (pictured) conversion from some guys I buy from off eBay...
It's Ant's BAR-Honda 006 (2004) "Friday" car decked out in the full Lucky Strike livery - really nicely done: I love it to bits.


The other thing I've done recently is got some amazing French modellers to convert me an Ant Davidson Shanghai 2004 "BLUE" Friday car.
It's amazing - thanks Jean-Michel, Xavier and Jeremy :o)

They are also currently working on a number of other Anthony Davidson diecast model conversions, and you can find out more on our forum in the "Minichamps & Merchandise" section.

Want to start your own collection?

Obviously eBay is a great place, and can be excellent for tracking down bargains and for finding rarities and for filling gaps in your collection; but beyond that there are many reputable and superb dealers in Minichamps cars. A couple who have helped me in getting this page together, and who I have also bought from - they are experts and great on price and service, are:
MotorsportModels.com
Bob's Models
I would recommend both very highly...

As you can probably tell from the "Minichamps" page I'm a bit of a nerd - and in fact I collect Minichamps myself, mainly 1/43 models, with a particular interest in Anthony Davidson, Kimi Raikkonen, Nick Heidfeld and the entire McLaren history. If you have any rarities in these areas that you're interested in trading, then please do get in touch via the site's email address: I'd be interested to hear form you. I keep a regularly updated list of the collection online, should you want to check it out.
Click here to download the Collection Geek-Sheet (PDF)...

Enjoy - and if you have any questions, thoughts or opinions, then join up on our forum and dip into the Minichamps topics there...

(*The opinions on this page are those of the site owner: they do not constitute any formal advice on buying or selling Minichamps cars or of trading on eBay. Any quoted prices have been observed as stated, and may be viewed as "guide" prices, though they are no guarantee of an actual price in any instance of sale. This page simply seeks to inform and interest users, and guide them to further information and trading resources.)