Older champs and recent diecast collector sale prices
The resurgent Fernando Alonso’s podium at this weekend’s 2023 Bahrain GP is perhaps proof that the elder statesmen of F1 (along with Lewis and Checo) are still in very competitive form. In the diecast model space, this too seems to be the case – the resale value of model cars of the older drivers (and recently retired champs) are still demonstrating good prices.
Fernando Alonso
Fernando has been in F1 since 2001 across several teams. His 1:18 Renault and Ferrari cars were only produced by Hotwheels which average lower prices than Minichamps, that said his Renault R25 and R26 cars still have good resale prices. The fact that he came back out retirement negates some of the collector values of his later McLaren cars and Alpine cars. Presumably, Aston Martin will be Fernando’s last team, so you probably expect Aston Martin Alonso cars to have some later collector value.
Below are some notable recent Fernando Alonso diecast car sales:
- Minichamps McLaren MP4/31 1:18 – sold for $517USD last month
- Minichamps McLaren MP4/22 1:18 – sold for £357GBP last Jan
- Hotwheels Renault R25 Brazilian GP – sold for €307EUR last Jan
Although the 2nd Alonso-McLaren partnership was a disaster, his 1:18 cars during this stint were produced in smaller volumes, so retain good values.
Sergio Perez
While the sale prices of the “pink Mercedes” of the Racing Point cars have cooled, the Mexican Minister of Defence’s popularity moved into the stratosphere ever since his move to Red Bull Racing. His earlier Sauber and McLaren cars seem to be highly sought after.
Checo’s 2013 McLaren MP4/28 1:18 showcar – proving collectors are willing to pay top $ even for a showcar
Since last year Checo’s McLaren MP4-28 1:18 showcar seems attracting serious bidding and this year appears to be no different with a purported ebay sale of £4,300 last month. I suspect the sale price of £599 is probably closer to the mark but for a showcar, this is still an incredible price. Back in 2014, both Checo and the MP4/28 were below expectation and the resale value of the 1:18 model was also less than modest. It was only after Sergio signed with Red Bull that maybe his newer fans sought after his old cars.
Checo Minichamps diecasts in 1:43 scale are where the real action is:
- 2016 Force India VJM09 Monaco GP – $475USD at auction last month
- 2013 McLaren MP4/28 – $317USD in Jan 2023
- 2012 Sauber C31 Malaysian GP (1st podium) – $280USD in Jan 2023
Sebastian Vettel
Curiously, Sebastian Vettel’s cars including his 1:18 scale championship Red Bull RB6-RB9’s never fetched high resale prices for a very long time (even during his Ferrari days) and it was always his rarer Sauber F1.07 US GP maiden GP racecar that held high values. As Sebastian mellowed and his victory finger disappeared, fans warmed to him and his Red Bull cars have now appreciated in resale price. The normal rules around a retired champion’s cars apply – its typically the first (RB6) and last (RB9) championship winning cars that attract higher prices.
Red Bull RB9 was Seb’s final world championship winning car
Some notable recent Vettel 1:18 Minichamps diecast sales include:
- Sauber F1.07 US GP – $400USD earlier this month
- Red Bull RB9 2013 Indian GP – €548EUR last month.
Kimi Räikkönen
Despite going into retirement after 2021, diecasts of Kimi’s race cars are still popular with collectors. Kimi’s diehard fanbase is clearly still active. The Hotwheels 1:18 race suit patch version of the 2003 McLaren MP4/20 sold for $439USD last month.
Kimi’s Sauber C20 1:18 (Kimi’s maiden season F1 car) is still a perennial favourite and recently sold for over $300USD. Even the 1:18 Sauber C20 showcar can still fetch €160EUR.
Kimi’s world title winning Ferrari F2007, even though it is a Hotwheels model, also can fetch good prices, particularly if it’s livery has been converted with Marlboro/barcode decals. A converted Hotwheels 1:18 2007 Chinese GP Ferrari F2007 went for £305GBP back in January.
Kimi’s Sauber C20 still commanding good resale prices
