This month we will continue to focus on Lotus in the Formula One years..or Grand Prix as they were known, with a collection of Quartzo die casts in 1: 18 scale. Those of you familiar with Quartzo also know they released many 1/43 models of the grand prix cars ... in so many variations that it would boggle the mind, and drain the bank account! If you want to focus on getting the 1/43 scale, I would suggest getting one of each type they released (49, 72, and 78).
In 1:18 scale .there were not as many models, nor variations, so it's a hit easier to follow. The nice thing about these diecasts are that, for the money, the detail is outstanding..including appropriate tobacco sponsorship (somehow they were able to get around this legislation on toys). The majority of these models seem to be in England, so be prepared to pay a bit more, as the dollar is pretty weak against the pound right now.
With Graham Hill as the driver (you can also get Jim Clark as the driver as well), we have the Type 49 that raced in the 1967 Dutch Grand Prix...
and the 49B Winner of the Monaco Grand Prix of 1968- notice the unique end treatment!
With Mario Andretti as the driver, we also have another Lotus 49B..this time from the 1968 United States Grand Prix. I just cant believe how unsafe these flimsy wings on the back were!!
Moving into the seventies, Quarizo also offered the great looking Lotus 72D John Player Special, with Emerson Fittipaldi at the wheel ... still a beautiful car today!
Although I thought that Quartzo was now defunct. I understand that they are indeed up and running, and will be releasing more Lotus 1:18 Grand Prix diecasts! They will be re-releasing the 49B Monaco Winner of 1968, along with the Lotus 49 (Jim Clark) winner of the South African Grand Prix, the Lotus 72E Monaco car- driven by Ronnie Peterson, and finally the Lotus 72C..the first Grand Prix Victory win for Emerson at the USGP (in Gold Leaf livery!). The images of these upcoming cars can he viewed at www.replicarz.com.
Next month, we will look at the contributions made by Minichamps on the Lotus world! Happy hunting!!
