Why should we collect a 1:43 scale model car?

Why should we collect a 1:43 scale model car?

When someone decides to get started with model car collecting, he first have to make a very important decision, namely, what scale of cars does he want to collect. Nowadays, model cars are produced in countless sizes, but the most famous of them are 1:18, 1:24, 1:43 and 1:64. Undoubtedly, each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, but now we would like to argue for why it is worth choosing 1:43.

Storage as an argument?

Perhaps we should start by saying that 1:43 cars represent the middle ground between scales. They are not too big, but not too small either. Thanks to this, they are quite space-saving. Of course, there is the amount when storage the cars can cause a headache, but in terms of quality and space saving, the 1:43 models are unbeatable. Let's take our own example to illustrate. No matter how hard we would try, we could only pack a maximum of 6 pieces of 1:18 cars into one of our model car storage cabinets. However, of the 1:43 scale cars can fit 48 pcs and they are relatively airy next to each other. So it does mater if we have to think about getting a new storage cabinet after a few pieces or several dozen. Even if we decide to store the model cars in their original box, the 1:43 models fit much better than the 1:18 models. What's more, if we choose this storage method, the difference between the two scales comes out even more. A showcase suitable for a 1:18 car can take up quite a lot of space, not to mention the fact that these cars often do not come  from the factory in a box with an acrylic cover, but the showcase must be purchased separately, which means additional costs.

Of course, there are smaller cars that take up even less space, but because of the size, we often have to make quality compromises. For example, the rear-view mirrors were left out of necessity on earlier 1:64 scale cars. With such small, almost a few centimeter model cars, it is simply physically impossible to reproduce all their fine details faithfully. Of course, then we could say that the 1:18 models are more wrought and detailed than their smaller counterparts due to their larger size, but the 1:43 models are not to be feared in this regard either. Thanks to today's production technology and resin, they are able to work out such small details on a GP Replicas, Tecnomodel, TSM, or even a Spark small car that you get speechless. The engine of a racing car from the 70s or the front wing of a modern F1 car are almost so detailed that they match the original down to the smallest detail. So a piece of history can fit in the palm of your hand, so that if you don't want to, you don't have to compromise on quality.

Price = brand = quality?

However, quality means higher price, and while we're at it, we can't leave without mentioning the financial side of the hobby either. If you want to collect model cars, but don't want or can't spend few hundreds, nothing is lost! Price of 1:43 scale cars has a wide range. Let's look at Formula 1 cars, for example. Do you want to get your favorite racer's car cheaply? Then Bburago and Altaya cars could be an excellent choice for you! Or would you rather have a quality car, but not at a gold price? Then Spark and Minichamps will be the best option for you. However, if you are someone who knows no compromises in terms of quality, we can recommend the cars of GP Replicas, Looksmart, BBR or Tecnomodel to your attention. Although these cars are already quite expensive, they are unbeatable in terms of detailed workmanship. So that means,  in the wide range of 1:43 models, everyone can find a car in the price range that best fits their financial situation.

There is also the very important argument in favor of 1:43 that it is the most popular scale. Nothing proves this better than the fact that it offers the widest  range in terms of assortment. It is a fact that, for example, in the field of Formula 1, most manufacturers try to satisfy the needs of all collectors, so e.g.: most of today's Formula 1 cars are produced in 1:18, 1:43 and 1:64 scales. But what about those who want to collect cars from, let´s say, the 2000s, 90s or earlier? There is no doubt that not every existing race car was produced in 1:43, but you are much more likely to find, e.g. a 90s Le Mans racing car in this scale than in 1:18. So the collectors are relatively limited in the other scales.

The next important aspect is the price-value ratio. As the cars grow in size, also grows the price and the degree of their elaboration. So, smaller cars are usually cheaper, but not as detailed. The larger ones are more expensive, but due to their size, the smaller details are more effective even on the lower quality pieces. But as we wrote earlier about the 1:43 scale cars despite their small size, they can be incredibly detailed and you don't have to spend your lifetime savings. Take Spark, for example, who produces Formula 1 cars in all three popular scales. At Tibormodel, the 1:64 scale costs 22€, the 1:43 scale costs 79€, while the 1:18 scale cars cost 199€. Of course, everyone's spending depends on their financial situation, there may be people for who it´s not a problem to pay out a bigger amount for a model car, but anyway, if we look at the price-value ratio, the 1:43 scale means the absolute golden mean.

Last but not least, it is worth to  compare model cars with other memorabilia. Many people collect helmets, steering wheels, dioramas, figures and caps. These are great things too, but a car is still a complete thing, with its four wheels, bodywork and unforgetable livery. If you decide on the model car, you get not just a part of your favorite, but a miniature copy of the whole thing, which you can then admire, turn around and examine from every angle.

Collecting model cars is a great hobby and if you decide to choose 1:43 scale cars, you definitely wont be disappointed. At Tibormodel, you can find a wide selection of motorsport, street and other vehicles in this scale.