Model Universe Newsletter – 1 July 2025

Dear Collectors,

Ferrari wins again

After another win for Ferrari at Le Mans last month, we’ve been busy dispatching a variety of Ferrari 499P models to customers, and in particular the winning yellow no.83 from 2024, by Bburago. If you want one, order now while stocks last.

Grand Prix models

With the tennis Championships underway at Wimbledon, it’s a sign the British Grand Prix and the Festival of Speed at Goodwood are upon us. We’re hoping to see some more British success this weekend at Silverstone and plenty of quality F1 stock has been arriving. Amongst them, Lewis Hamilton’s 2014 Championship winning Mercedes-AMG W05, in 1:12 scale by Minichamps, which catches the eye. We will also have a special collectible which will have the finishing touch applied at this year’s Goodwood.

New V8 Vantage model update

Our work with Stirling Scale, to provide focus group feedback for their debut diecast model – the Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack from 1985 in 1:18 scale – continued throughout June. We recently received updated prototype pictures and are pleased to report that customer feedback was acted upon and the model is looking excellent. Even the call for authentic metal door trim was heeded – we’re impressed and can’t wait for the release date to be announced!

New range of BTCC models

We’re pleased to report that Spark have launched a significant number of new British Touring Car Championship models in 1:43 scale, and we hope that the market supports these, to encourage them, and other manufacturers, to produce more BTCC pieces in the future. We’ve certainly done our bit and have ordered a load of them to make available to our collectors, when they land, later this year. You can pre-order at diecastmodelclub.co.uk if you want to secure any of them earlier. The range includes a mix of Ford Focus ST’s raced by NAPA, and BMW 330i M Sport’s from this and recent BTCC seasons.

Volvo 850 Estate BTCC

On the subject of BTCC, Otto Mobile recently announced the production of the iconic Volvo 850 Estate, which has aroused a lot of interest already from collectors. It made its debut at Thruxton Circuit in April 1994, surprising competitors and spectators alike. Many initially viewed it as a publicity stunt, with rival drivers mocking it as a “baker’s van” or “pizza delivery car.” To lean into the humour, Volvo placed a stuffed Border Collie in the rear during a parade lap.

While on the subject of Motorsport, as usual, we’ll finish with a summary of July’s main events for your diary … have a great month out there!

July’s Motorsport Calendar

Formula 1

4 – 6 July : British Grand Prix

Location: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, England

25 – 27 July : Belgian Grand Prix

Location : Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium

World Endurance Championship (WEC)

11 – 13 July : 6 Hours of São Paulo

Location : Autódromo José Carlos Pace, São Paulo, Brazil

GT Racing

11 -13 July : British GT Championship

Location : Snetterton Circuit, Norwich, England

Notes: Rounds 6 & 7 of the British GT series, featuring a mix of GT3 and GT4 cars.

18 – 20 July : GT World Challenge Europe Endurance

Location : Misano World Circuit, Rimini, Italy

Notes: Round 6 of GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup with top GT3 teams.

Rally – World Rally Championship (WRC)

17 – 20 July : Rally Estonia

Location : Tartu, Estonia

Notes : a mix of wide, high-speed forest roads and narrower technical sections across southern Estonia’s rolling landscape.

31 – 3 Aug : Rally Finland

Location :  Jyväskylä, Finland

Notes : the stages are smooth and flowing, but the speeds involved mean even a small mistake can end in disaster.

Other Notable Events

10 – 13 July : Goodwood Festival of Speed

Location : Goodwood Motor Circuit, West Sussex, England

Notes : Held in the beautiful parkland surrounding Goodwood House, Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard is motorsport’s ultimate summer garden party.

11 -13 July : Chevrolet Grand Prix

Location : Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Ontario, Canada

Notes : The weekend will feature the IMSA Chevrolet Grand Prix with LMP2 and GTD class racing, Michelin Pilot Challenge with GS and TCR classes, VP Racing with GSX, LMP3 and GTX classes, plus the Mazda MX-5 Cup.