Minichamps - Paul's Model Art

Paul's Model Art

The first Paul's Model Art diecast car using the Minichamps name was created in 1990; a 1:43 scale GTC Audi V8 driven by Hans-Joachim Stuck. It was the German Touring Car Champion in 1990. The company was officially named Minichamps GmbH in 1996. Minichamps produces die-cast models of Formula One cars and other racing cars, street cars, 1:12 scale motorcycles, trucks & buses, and military vehicles. Cars in 1:43 scale have exceptional detail including items like badges in the center of steering wheels and hubcaps, and separately molded parts for windshield visors, door handles, air vents, headlight lamp lenses, and hood badges (Rixon 2005, p. 63). Again, most models are manufactured in China.

The excellent quality of Minichamps die-cast models has been appreciated by car manufacturers, many of whom, like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche and BMW, have licensed it to produce official promotional replicas. Additionally, model car collectors have sought out some of the company's 1/43 scale models paying very high prices. Possibly the best example is the McLaren F1 GTR West Promotion model made for the West cigarette company which trades for well over US $1000 on eBay. Another rare item was the Michael Schumacher Benetton B195 #17 which was recalled after an error was found: it has been known to fetch over UK £1000.