What's going on with model collectors? | FerrariChat
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What's going on with model collectors?

Discussion in 'Collectables, Literature, & Models' started by Martin308GTB, Aug 20, 2020.

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  1. Martin308GTB

    Martin308GTB F1 Rookie

    Jan 22, 2003
    4,252
    Black Forest Germany
    Full Name:
    Martin N.
    #1 Martin308GTB, Aug 20, 2020
    Hello from Germany,

    currently I am busy quitting collecting 1:18 diecast cars, because I am no more willing to pay these prizes for something I unpack, admire a few minutes and then forget in my display cabinet, where it collects a lot of dust.

    I am seriously wondering what makes collectors paying prizes like my last two ebay sales. A CMC Ferrari 312P Berlinetta with self applied race livery for €1000.00. A GMP Ferrari 330 P4 for €500.00 and yesterday a mean AUTOart Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale at € 750.00.

    But what really makes me wonder, is why the biggest fails reach the highes prizes. The CMC Ferrari 250 GT California - the worst CMC model (the Porsche 901 comes close second)- regularly reaches prizes above €1000.00. I have the impression, some collectors have never seen the real thing.
    I should have bought one, when it was available from the manufacturer. But I hated it from the beginning.
    Recently I began to hate CMC generally. While taking pictures of my 250 testa rossa for ebay purposes, I lost a wheel nut and inquired at CMC via their 'spare parts form' on their website. No answer at all since weeks. Luckily my wife found the part some days later, before vacuuming the floor.

    Anyway I will get rid of 'Made in China' in my model collection and focus on antique and vintage 1:43 models back then made in the Western World.
    And on my self built kits in 1:12 or 1:43 coming from Japan, France, UK, etc.

    Best from Germany
    Martin
     
    Nembo1777 and Rosey like this.
  2. bigodino

    bigodino F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 29, 2004
    13,068
    The Netherlands
    Full Name:
    Peter den Biggelaar
    #2 bigodino, Aug 29, 2020
    Collecting stuff is mostly an irrational and sometimes obsessive business, so trying to explain what you see isn't very useful. It's also nothing new. Back in the day I sold my obsolete Bburago models for ten times the price I paid for them. Be glad someone is willing to pay big money for something you think isn't worth collecting. Good luck with your new collection!
     
    piloti and ag512bbi like this.
  3. ag512bbi

    ag512bbi F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 8, 2003
    7,671
    So. Cal
    Full Name:
    Armen
    #3 ag512bbi, Aug 31, 2020
    I am there with my skateboard collection. Over 300 boards! Can't stand them. Selling them one by one for more $$$ than purchase price.
     
  4. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,321
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    #4 BigTex, Aug 31, 2020
    My collection (all scales) went almost STATIC as it reached the limits of the bookcases (5 should be enough???)
    :D :D :D

    It took awhile to hit the brakes so I have many models "waiting to display" still in boxes, at which point....why?
    Still I fond an attractive newer production model ar recently fond some great older 1:43rds to "fill gaps" in the racing history of Ferrari.

    But I would agree the street cars at 1:18 are nice but I also won't pay the huge prices you cite.
    I have a real Ferrari to keep running!

    I also wonder how to dispose f what I have built, the books alone will be a huge effort to move.
    It's a changing view, "what you enjoy".....

    Best wishes!!
    Alan
     
    Martin308GTB likes this.
  5. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,321
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    #5 BigTex, Aug 31, 2020
    Are you putting your ads in our Free Section?
    My son is still skating, at 30.....
     
  6. ag512bbi

    ag512bbi F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 8, 2003
    7,671
    So. Cal
    Full Name:
    Armen
    #6 ag512bbi, Aug 31, 2020
    Im actually not. too many to list. i have a few people posting for me on skateboard "clubs" on instagram and facebook.
     
  7. SmokyDave

    SmokyDave Karting

    Jul 13, 2015
    136
    England
    #7 SmokyDave, Sep 1, 2020
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2020
    The cars you have mentioned are all highly detailed, fully opening die-cast metal models. Now that everyone is making kerbside resin models, these models have become very desirable. You won't be getting a decent 1:18 312P from Bburago any time soon. Your alternative to the GMP P4 would be the Jouef P4. Not in the same league, although the Jouef actually has a very nice silhouette (and no 4x4 front ride height!).

    I get it. I wouldn't personally be in the market for another GMP or CMC, but I understand why they're increasing in value. You want a nice 'opening' model of a 250 SWB or a 312P? You buy the CMC, or you go without entirely*.

    That said, I too am in the process of shifting from 1:18 to solely collecting older French 1:43 models. I've come to realise that they 'light my fire' in a way that no modern models seem to match. Open / Closed / Resin / Diecast. What really matters is that your eyes are delighted when they lay upon the piece.

    *(I am of course discounting scratch-built high end models, they're not meant for the mass market)

    Edit: I should also add that I too have approached CMC for pricing on a spare part (teardrop side-light for 250 SWB) and I was simply ignored. Their customer service does not seem to be their strong point.
     
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