Formula 1 Scale Models
Model collectors are well catered for when it comes to Formula 1. The Minichamps company produces replicas of contemporary Grand Prix cars in both 1:43 and 1:18 scales. The Hotwheels company also produces cars in these scales and currently owns the rights to produce Ferrari’s Formula 1 models. Both companies regularly release limited edition versions of certain models which can be very good investments. A certain Minichamps model of Michael Schumacher’s 1995 Benetton-Renault can now fetch in excess of £500.
Minichamps also produce a historic Grand Prix range, which concentrates on older Formula 1 cars. These cars feature a higher level of detailing than their contemporary models and, therefore, a slightly higher price tag. The 1:18 models in the range typically retail for around £55.
At the more expensive end of the scale are Exoto and CMC. Exoto produce extremely detailed models of several great Formula 1 cars in 1:18 scale, including the Tyrrell-Ford 003, Ferrari 312 T4 and Ferrari 641. Collectors can expect to pay around £120-200 for one of their creations.
The German CMC company also produces models in 1:18 scale and mostly focus on Grand Prix cars from the 1930s to 1950s. Their models are handmade from hundreds of parts and the attention to detail is extraordinary. Among their range is the Maserati 250F and Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner.
Formula 1 Driver Autographs
Collecting autographs is an extremely popular hobby, and it is the same in the world of Formula 1 memorabilia. While there are many autographs of Formula 1 drivers offered for sale on internet auction sites such as eBay, many of them are not genuine. Ideally, when buying an autograph, it should come with a UACC (Universal Autograph Collectors Club) certificate and a picture of the driver signing it.
Another option is to obtain autographs in person, which removes any doubts about authenticity and means the collector can meet the driver in question. Access to drivers is very restricted at Formula 1 race weekends but many drivers appear at other meetings throughout the year. The best event at which to obtain autographs is probably the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, where fans have almost unrestricted access to drivers from all eras and disciplines of the sport. Another alternative is to write directly to Formula 1 teams requesting an autograph. Including a stamp addressed envelope may increase the chances of a reply.
Formula 1 Magazines and Programmes
Back issues of racing magazines can be picked up very cheaply at car boot sales, bookshops or internet auction sites. Many sellers will offer complete years or runs of magazines for relatively little money compared to their original price. These can be used as a useful archive and also provide a fascinating glimpse into the history of the sport, with contemporary race reports, interviews and advertisements. Two of the best and most widely available racing magazines to collect are Autosport and Motor Sport.
Race programmes are also popular among collectors. Their value can vary wildly depending on condition, age and the importance of the meeting. For example, a copy of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix programme, where Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger were tragically killed, could cost several hundred pounds, while other programmes from the same season sell for a fraction of that.
More Formula 1 memorabilia to collect.
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