Diecast Review: BBR Ferrari SF90 Charles Leclerc 2019 Italian GP 1:18 scale

Can Charles Leclerc repeat his 2019 heroic win at Monza this weekend? Hopefully being on pole should help provided Charles and Ferrari can keep the relentless Max and the tactical nous of Red Bull at bay. Leclerc took his 2nd F1 career win in the Ferrari SF90 and the BBR 1:18 scale model of his race car is an absolute beauty! I’ve posted in the past how BBR diecasts are considered premium models by collectors as they are hand made but have never gotten around to actually posting a review. So, with the Italian GP on this weekend – let’s take a look at BBR Models’ 1:18 scale of the Leclerc Ferrari SF90 2019 Monza car.

Outer package wise, this model is the basic standard BBR model which comes with cardboard outer sleeve around the foam casing. The limited edition 1:18 BBR’s come included with their own display case with the diecast model mounted on a leather plinth. If you have a choice and can afford it, grab the limited edition model as the self-contained display case makes presenting these on shelf much more easier to maintain. The limited edition BBR Leclerc 2019 Monza SF90 was a 200 pieces production run. They are definitely worth the extra money.

There are a few things that immediately stand out when you examine a 1:18 BBR model – the chassis detailing is excellent and the ratio of diecast metal to plastic is also much higher than the cheaper mass produced 1:18 models like Bburago or even Minichamps. These days, Looksmart Ferrari 1:18’s are also priced similarly to BBRs and while I prefer BBR’s hand detailing, some collectors prefer Looksmart models (which tend to have a bit more pop in their gloss bodywork and DRS actuator) – it’s horses for courses really. In my opinion, the main differences between BBR vs Looksmart are the chassis detailing, higher diecast content and rotating wheels in BBR models compared to the Looksmart models.

Unlike Quartzo and Exoto 1:18 models, the BBR model front wheels cannot turn but they can rotate/spin.

The chassis bodywork panels and rivet detailing is fantastic. BBR’s are also genuine diecasts – the chassis, wheel rims, exhaust pipe, steering wheel shaft are all metal. The feeling of weight in a model is always a satisfying feeling.

Not all BBR’s have driver figures but the 1:18 F1 BBRs for modern era F1 cars generally do. The Leclerc driver figurine is highly detailed with metal and cloth seatbelts. The cockpit and steering wheel detail is also excellent.

I’ve included several shots of the BBR 1:18 below. Needless to say, if you are a Tifosi, you can’t go wrong owning at least one BBR model.

Top down view

Front wing detail

Front wheel, suspension and radio comms antenna detail

Rear wing detail with metal exhaust pipe

Chassis panels and rivet detailing

Driver seatbelts and steering wheel shaft is highly detailed

Outer box

Inner foam casing

Underbody screws secures the foam casing against the underside of the model. The standard model doesn’t include a display plinth.