SCHUCO 1:43 MERCEDES-BENZ 170V WOOD FUELED

Bio fuels are nothing new. In the fuel-starved Germany of the 30’s and 40’s, “wood gasification” generators were fitted to cars when gasoline wasn’t available. This novel model replicates the burner affixed to the rear of a Mercedes-Benz 170 sedan, with plumbing to the front part of the device that fuels the engine. Completing the scene is an extra bag of wood slung over the right front fender. A fascinating model made all the more interesting because of its scarcity. Buy it now

VANGUARDS 1/43 BEDFORD S TYPE TANKER 'REGENT'

The Bedford has the oval tanker body and is finished in the red "REGENT" livery with front mounted ladder, which looks correct and is certainly not over-scale. The tank is all metal and is painted, avoiding the problem of trying to match the colour of plastic tank to metal parts. . In addition to admiring the basic model, look at the 'By Appoinment' coats of arms on the cab doors, which have been superbly printed. Buy it now

SCHUCO 1:18 PORSCHE 356 A SPEEDSTER SILVER

The Porsche 356 was the company's first production automobile. It was a lightweight and nimble 2-door sports car available as coupe and convertible. Production started in 1948 in Austria and in 1950 the factory relocated to Germany. In 1955, after numerous changes, the 356A was introduced. Production continued until April 1965. Little noticed at its inception, the first 356s sold primarily in Europe, but by the early 1950s the 356 had gained renown among enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic. Like its cousin, the VW Beetle, the 356 was a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive car utilizing unitized pan and body construction. While the 356's body was an original design by Porsche, its engine, suspension and chassis were derived from the Beetle. However, Porsche quickly re-engineered and refined the car so by the late '50s many fewer parts were shared. Cabriolets were offered from the start, and in the early 1950s sometimes comprised over 50% of total production. One of the most desirable collector models is the 356 Speedster, introduced in late 1954. With its raked windshield, bucket seats and minimal folding top, the Speedster was an instant hit, especially in Southern California. Buy it now

HOT WHEELS 1/18 FERRARI F50

The Ferrari F50 is a high-performance Supercar, introduced in 1996 to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. The car is a two-door, two-seat convertible with a removable hardtop and has a 4.7L naturally aspirated sixty-valve V-12 engine that was developed from Ferrari's F1 powerplant. Only 349 cars were made, one less than Ferrari estimated they could sell.

This car has been superbly modelled by Hot Wheels in their ever increasing 1:18 scale Ferrari range. As we have said in the past in other Ferrari reviews, this model is excellent quality and extremely good value for the collector! Hot Wheels have captured the power and grace of these incredible machines, and of course the red paintwork and prancing horse speaks for itself!! Buy it now

BRUMM 1/43 SIMCA D-DAY APERTA 1944

An interesting model has appeared on the Simca 5, in military guise as it would have appeared on D-Day in 1944. Perhaps the paint finish is a little too glossy in places, but pleasing touches are hooded healights (portrayed in black) and the fact that the seats actually tip forward. Buy it now

SCHUCO 1:43 VOLKSWAGEN T1 SERVICE VAN FOR JOHN DEERE-LANZ

The classic Volkswagen T1 Minibus was first produced in 1950 and continued to be made until 1967. Its duties ranged from functional to fun, seeing duty as delivery van, service truck, emergency vehicle, family car and getaway camper. With its low cost, high reliability and ease of maintenance, it was a hit with all its owners, but is probably best remembered as an iconic symbol of '60s counterculture. The VW van was among the first 'forward control' designs in which the driver was placed above the front wheels. Thanks to wind-tunnel testing, the Minibus was aerodynamically superior to the Beetle despite its slab-sided shape. Never known for its power, the Minibus started out with only an 1131cc engine making 25 hp. By the end of its production, engine displacement grew to 1.5 liters, producing a whopping 42 hp. No matter the size, however, the engines were always air-cooled, a VW hallmark. Buy it now

BRUMM 1/43 FIAT 508 'EIAR'

This is the Fiat 508C EIAR (Ente Italiano Audizioni Radiofoniche) of 1948. Once again a fairly basic car, but also again very well modelled. The casting is very thin, so although the glazing is not flush, it gives the appearance of being so. As always the general level of finish is to a high standard. Buy it now