Exoto is halting all 1:18 Ferrari production - License revoked?

Fellow collectors,

It is my understading, from a source I consider knowledgable, that Exoto has, and still is, producing Ferrari models with NO license from Ferrari and/or Mattel. If in fact, this is true, they will most likely continue to produce Ferrari models in the future.

 

My understanding is that Exoto has no current license agreement with Ferrari and Ferrari finally had enough of it and brought the lawyers in. I doubt Exoto will get a reprieve. So you have Mattel at the low end and now GMP at the high end. And the GMP stuff is truly going to be the best out there.

 

I didn't know that. What kind of plans do GMP have for producing Ferrari models? Which scale? Thanks.

 

How about a 1:8 scale 330P4 (by the 'Real Art Replicas' division of GMP) ?

See this thread: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181712

 

So basically we are going to have a choice between an overpriced crap coming out of a chinese Barbie doll factory and an out-of-reach-priced replica so big that you need a real garage to display your collection of 6 models.
Great !

 

hello lucky
i have to say you are spot on with your comments,
in every thread you reply to you speak your mind
and its brilliant what you come up with.
over priced crap from hotwheels,there elites are second rate,
also how are they going to make elite f1 cars,unless they are going to give it some engine detail
and some outstanding new features.
keep it up lucky

 

+1

i hope we see some nice 1:43 scale cars. have looksmart and BBR lost their licenses as well? i doubt GMP will make anything in 1/43.

 

I wonder if CMC will be next?

 

I'm almost out of that whole modelcar hype, not only because of the mad prices. I prefer to put my money into my 1:1 cars.
But because someone talks about 'chinese crappy stuff from a barbie-doll factory'. CMC and all the others let their overprized stuff manufacture in China as well. I'm really seriously interested in how much a Chinese worker gets for one model, which CMC sells here for $ 230,--. Complete craziness that whole business for me.
Some years back one purchased a model car for around EUR 15,-- while passing. Today some are addicted and the manufacturers like Exoto, CMC, and whatsoever increase their profit while the Chinese workers still stuffer inhuman working conditions.
Complete illness.

Best Regards from Germany

Martin

 

don't forget the gmp 1:18 P4 more reasonably priced. i believe they plan to offer other 1:18 ferraris in the future.

 

I'm almost out of that whole modelcar hype, not only because of the mad prices. I prefer to put my money into my 1:1 cars.
But because someone talks about 'chinese crappy stuff from a barbie-doll factory'. CMC and all the others let their overprized stuff manufacture in China as well. I'm really seriously interested in how much a Chinese worker gets for one model, which CMC sells here for $ 230,--. Complete craziness that whole business for me.
Some years back one purchased a model car for around EUR 15,-- while passing. Today some are addicted and the manufacturers like Exoto, CMC, and whatsoever increase their profit while the Chinese workers still stuffer inhuman working conditions.
Complete illness.

Best Regards from Germany

They make about $10-15 USD per day plus room and board, more or less. The stuff coming out of China, most particularly CMC is NOT over priced at all. The work and design that goes into them is to a skill and technology level that is world class. It is in my opinion just plain rude to think they should cost less. As for the disparity between those who actually make the models and those who distribute it. Yes, no fairsies. But it's getting more fair every day. Exoto is the highest payers of employees in the entire industry by alot ( so I've heard). So if you want to get mad about them for that- you're barking up the wrong tree. And by the way, it takes longer to master some of the skills involved in making models, as it does to become a doctor or automotive designer. So have a little respect. In some cases, there are only one or two people in the entire world alive today who possess certain knowledge and skills required and that's why they pay them big bucks. Salute to models- and model makers!

I will agree with you on one thing though. There IS some model car HYPE. Question is, can you tell which is hype and which is the real deal? Price of the object doesn't answer that question. I've seen the real artistry for less than $100 and total hype for $3,000 from time to time. Whatcha gonna do? Collect what floats your boat and never mind the rest.

 

I'm in the injection moulding business and industry and I have seen moulds which cost around EUR 1 Mio. and I'm aware of the origin of these costs; but I also know, how much the parts cost coming out of such dies.
Therefore I insist on my opinion regarding model cars. Quantity is all, o.k., and one more reason why the manufacturers are pushing prices with 'limited production BS'.

Best Regards from Germany

Martin

 

People that know about models don't consider everything made in China 'crap' or 'overpriced' these days. I sell hundreds of CMC's each year - many of their models have over 1000 pieces and sell for less than $300...that is CHEAP and the quality is fantastic. Read any model review on one and you will find the most informed builders that can properly scrutinize these are always or usually impressed. HotWheels / Mattel on the other hand is a different story YET in life you always get what you pay for.......how complex can a model be for $30-$80????

 

1.) Ferrari is going after Exoto--They have had them in their sites for a while and started legal proccedings about 6 months ago. Whether Exoto continues to make Ferrari models or not (legal or not) is still very much in the air. Issue with Exoto is no license with Ferrari.

2.) GMP has a very good contract with Ferrari, Ferrari loves their product (who doesn't!) and you will see more Ferrari product from GMP-nuff said!

3.) The cost of these models may not be"cheap", but as pointed out-the cost to tool these models is very high, even in China. The cost you and I pay is a reflection of that. The profit margins of CMC, GMP, etc are less than Mattel (Hot wheels) and are lower than Oil companies, Insurance companies, Drug companies, fast food joints, etc. Tom Long at GMP does this out of his love for models-he does okay but he is not getting rich off of any of this!

 

I'm starting to lose the model car craze with some of these prices. For example, a 1/18 Minichamps F1 car is about $80+. The detail is great and all, but it's not like they have engine detail (a few of the older ones do). I would pay $50 for one. Also, there's a 1/18 V12 LMR art car (Jenny Holzer) for about $125 from BMW. Seriously? I have the other five 1/18 V12 LMRs and none were even close to that much brand new. Why the hell would a different livery and box cost so much?

 

I'm in the injection moulding business and industry and I have seen moulds which cost around EUR 1 Mio. and I'm aware of the origin of these costs; but I also know, how much the parts cost coming out of such dies.
Therefore I insist on my opinion regarding model cars. Quantity is all, o.k., and one more reason why the manufacturers are pushing prices with 'limited production BS'.


Being in the injection molding business and know how much a single steel die can cost, then why are you fussing? You yourself know that the price isn't the individual piece coming out of the die, but the total. Also, any monkey can run a die machine, then it takes other monkeys to put the 300 to 1,000 parts together, paint them, tampo and the rest. Just starting with the master making and design of 300- 1,000 parts. You can do the math yourself and see if you still think they are overpriced crap- or as I do and am impressed to no end. I do agree about the "limited production" though. It's marketing hype and not to believed by serious collectors. But then, if you are a serious collector, you already know better. However, as is the case with Exoto, they DO in fact eventually sell out. Go try to get yourself an Umbrella Villeneuve Ferrari or Mansell with the tear off or Prost with the computer? or any number of thier past offerings- special driver or with no driver version. They really were limited- it wasn't hog wash.. Oh the fussing when they first came out about the price and why did they put those damn figures...., now... Damn, I wish I had gotten one when I had the chance.

Exoto is what it is. Right now, no Ferrari's... later, who knows. They are still the ORIGINAL and DA Bomb to me. NO one can take that away from them no matter how hard they try. As for Mattel and their silliness. Truth is, as goofy as they are, they are VERY interesting and should get brownie points for trying. "I can't say you look good Ma'am, but there's evidence of a struggle". Everybody else is just bringing up the rear and looking to others for ideas. Not CMC, to be fair, they have been doing their own thing since day one. Others.... not so much.

Is this the part where we all drag out fancy resumes or drop the fancy names to see who is more qualified to an opinion than who? than whom?

I love models and the people who make them and sell them and collect them. and wanted to put in the good word for them all. Blessings and cheers.

 

I have not posted in a long time, mainly because I broke my arm and because I have not bought/made/modified anything in a long time. However for memorial weekend Exoto send me an e-mail advertising their memorial weekend sale. 50% off all in stock items. So I figured out it was the perfect time to fill in my collection at buy one get one free prices. I ordered the 1954 500F2 models, one in a beautiful french blue and the other in british racing green. I just got them today from UPS and I absolutely love them. That would make a total of 5 Exoto 500F2's in my collection and one CMC. The best thing is the reaction from my wife, because she loves them as they are not "just another red car". Exoto is stepping their game up, although slowly.
They don't have a license but that is OK. Here is what I know about it. The owner of Exoto is married to a big time lawyer that apparently specializes in patents, royalties etc. According to some, as much as Mattel and Ferrari hate it, it is not financially suitable to try to shut Exoto's Ferrari models production. And the big loophole that Exoto found is the packaging. There are no Ferrari name or badges anywhere on the box and in the description of the models. This is why it was adjusted on their site also.
I personally could not care less if Ferrari authorized Exoto or not, since they offer a great product at a great price. For Mattel I don't even care to think about, as so far they have proven only intend that I would call criminal - lowering quality and raising the prices, wile holding collectors hostage with exclusive rights.
So I hope Exoto continues to produce Ferrari models and the only thing I wish for is for them to start releasing the promised models sooner. I can't wait to put another GV Ferrari in my collection. Besides the 126 is one of the best looking F1 cars of all time in my book.

Pictures coming soon.

 

+1, well said Lucky.

 

Still nothing compared to the CMC line. GMP needs to step it up if they want to sell at their current prices. I have seen the 1/8 330, and was not impressed. For $4K, CMC would have done a masterpiece of that same model, I wish they would.

 

i agree...gmp's ferrari is not worth $4000.00....maybe $1200 at most.
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Haven't seen it yet, but I'd rather save some more of my money for a handbuilt from a more exclusive builder like Patrice de Conto, Suber or Barnett...

1:8 is BIG!!!!
The shop I regularly buy stuff at, has sold 4 in preorder unseen, and thats only 1 shop, I can hardly imagine there will not be made more than 330...
BBR is making a thousand Enzo's in limited editions in different colors, maybe more series of the 330P4 in different liveries will be made...

I stick to handbuilts, In my opinion this is not. $3995 is a lot of money.


Hans

 

Just as promised here are the pictures of my Exoto 500F2 collection. Although at first look they all look the same, not two of them are identical (even if they were all plain red).
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The highlight on the yellow one is its color. It is also the only one that has no lid for the radiator on its nose, from the latter cars (the ones with the long exhaust).It was one of the earlier releases from Exoto and it included an exhaust "clamp" that was just a blob of plastic-a huge disadvantage compared to the CMC model which has a beautiful rubber clamp, which by the way is also inaccurate.
With these last two releases (blue and green) Exoto remedied themselfs with a beautiful multi piece photoetched clamp which is correct to the real one.
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From all of them my absolute favorite is the #18. The weird white "stripe" on its nose makes it look very different with its short nose. By far the coolest detail on it is its grille. Meticulously recreated aluminum "eggcrate".
Note that on the picture the blue one has a paint chip on its nose. It came this way from Exoto and when I called they offered to exchange it, but I refused as it looks kinda cool just the way it is. IMO it gives it some caracter.
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