WISHFUL THINKING

Bailey's Maestro letter reminded me again of my own frustration at being unable to find models of the cars I owned in the seventies, eighties and beyond. It seems I'm not the only one looking for normal road cars of that era. It also made me wonder how the various model makers decide what to include in their ranges. I think at least some readers might be interested in a few interviews with manufacturers. What drives the choice of prototype to model? Is it potential sales? Is it easy availability of licences? Is it just the founder's own nostalgia for favourite marques?

I do find it odd that many popular cars of the past don't seem to be available in model form, while there seems to be an infinite supply of Porsche 911s, Minis and, lately, Cortinas. I remember, a few years ago, coming across a survey by LS models, asking collectors to vote for variants and colours of Honda Prelude to be the next 1/18 model. I voted for the 1997 version, in Eucalyptus Green, which I now own (I drove a real ‘97 model from 1997-2000). Maybe Diecast Collector could organise a survey to see who wants what? My own wish-list includes Vauxhall Viva HB and HC, Vauxhall/Opel Astra from 1981, 1988 Toyota Corolla, 1990 Rover 400/200 variants, 1993 Rover 600 (preferably with a same scale, same colour Honda Accord partner to play "spot the difference"). I'm still amazed I can't find a good 1/18 Ford S-Max, and that many of the current electric cars (BMW i4, Hyundai Ionic5, Kia EV6) don't seem to be available in 1/43 or 1/18.

Paul Walsh, email

ED Very good points indeed, Paul. The current economic climate and lingering effects of the pandemic are certainly not helping. This is definitely an area that has huge potential for any enterprising individual that dares to invest in new tooling. As for a survey, that’s another very good point! I’ll have a word...