Model Universe Newsletter – 1 June 2025

Dear Collectors,

Midsummer Racing: Le Mans 2025 Approaches

As Midsummer approaches excitement is building for the world’s most prestigious race – the 24 Hours of LeMans. Ferrari’s 499P stands poised to make history with a potential third consecutive Hypercar class victory. The anticipation has driven strong collector demand for 499P models, and we have secured additional red and yellow variants from Bburago, Looksmart, and BBR, that are now available for next day delivery.

There will be stiff competition from the Penske Porsche 963. Spark Model’s replicas of this Hypercar have also been popular in the run up to this years race, and we still have some available.

The Aston Martin Valkyrie makes its highly anticipated Le Mans debut this year, with model releases eagerly awaited. Meanwhile, our Aston Martin collection was restocked in May with the 2005 DBR9 and the Spark-produced Vantage GT3 Evo numbered ‘007’ – both now approaching sell-out status.

British Team Jota will be racing the factory Cadillac V Series R at Le Mans, and with Jenson Button driving, we anticipate strong interest in this model when it is released, particularly if it does well in the race. 

The Hypercar field rounds out with the BMW M Hybrid V8, Toyota Gazoo Racing entries, Alpine, and Peugeot. We’re actively securing the complete lineup as models become available.

LMP2: The Oreca‘s

A competitive field of Oreca 07 Gibson cars will battle in the LMP2 class. Spark Models continues their comprehensive coverage of this category, with 2024 Le Mans models currently available, including the race-winning United Autosports No.22 entry.

LMGT3: A Manufacturer Showcase

The LMGT3 class presents an impressive manufacturer roster: Ferrari 296 GT3, Porsche 911 GT3 R, Corvette Z06 GT3.R, Lexus RC F GT3, Ford Mustang GT3, Mercedes-AMG GT3, and McLaren 720S GT3 EVO.

Multiple premium manufacturers – Looksmart, Spark, Topspeed, Minichamps, and Ixo – will produce models across this diverse field. We’re curating a comprehensive selection for collectors, and 2024 Le Mans LMGT3 models are available for immediate purchase. As Le Mans fever builds toward race weekend, now is the perfect time to secure your collection pieces before the checkered flag waves and demand peaks.

Exclusive Nigel Mansell Signed Edition Available

We’re thrilled to announce that Formula 1 legend Nigel Mansell will personally sign a limited quantity of our special edition 1:18 scale Williams FW14B models – the very car that carried him to his 1992 World Championship triumph.

Reserve Your Piece of F1 History
Given the limited nature of this exclusive release, we’re maintaining a priority waitlist for interested collectors. To secure your place and receive first notification when these coveted signed models become available, please email us your details.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of motorsport history, personally authenticated by one of Britain’s greatest racing champions.

Exclusive Special Edition Update: Jenson Button’s Championship Winning BrawnGP

Our next collector’s special – Jenson Button’s legendary 2009 Championship-winning BrawnGP – should be arriving Q3 2025. We have just signed off on the final design for the gift edition boxing featuring the iconic fluorescent yellow, white and black livery, which we think will really set the model apart. The model, commissioned from Minichamps, and complete with winners pit board, is available for Pre-Order from our sister site diecastmodelclub.co.uk.

Back by Popular Demand – CMR’s Fiat Ferrari Transporter

We are pleased to announce we are securing a significant restock of the Fiat 642 RN2 Bartoletti transporter by CMR – a highly detailed 1:18 scale diecast model, with moveable loading ramps, authentic interior trim, and opening hatch and doors. Hugely popular with collectors, it’s a lot of bang for the buck, and a faithful replica of the original, which was created by Bartoletti in Forli, Italy, built on the Fiat 642 RN2 bus chassis with 1956 ladder frame. The model allows for authentic intake of cargo and perfectly compliments Ferrari Formula 1 car models from the same era to make for a superb display setting or diorama. Use the instock notifier on our site to be notified as soon as the new transporter models become available.

We sign off with a list of June’s Major motorsport events for your diary. Have a great month and happy hunting out there!

June’s Motorsport Calendar

Formula 1 – FIA Formula One World Championship

• June 13-15 : Canadian Grand Prix
• Location: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montreal, Canada

• June 27-29 : Austrian Grand Prix
• Location: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria

World Endurance Championship (WEC)

• June 11-15 : 24 Hours of Le Mans
• Location: Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans, Le Mans, France

GT Racing

• June 19-22 : 24 Hours Nurburgring
• Location: Nurburgring, Nurburg, Germany
• Notes : Round 2 of the Intercontinental GT Challenge

• June 20-22 : British GT Championship
• Location: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium
• Notes: Round 5 for the British GT series, featuring a mix of GT3 and GT4 cars.

• June 25-29 : GT World Challenge Europe Endurance
• Location: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium
• Notes: Round 5 of GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup with top GT3 teams.

Rally – World Rally Championship (WRC)

• June 5-8 : Rally Italia Sardegna
• Location : Olbia, Sardinia, Italy.
• Notes: rugged and sun-baked gravel tracks in the north of the picture postcard Mediterranean island ensure one of the season’s sternest challenges.

• June 26-29 : Acropolis Rally Greece
• Location : Lamia, Greece
• Notes: The stages are rocky, narrow, and brutal – with some sections breaking up fast as the field passes through.

Other Notable Events

• June 7-8 : British Touring Car Championship
• Location: Thruxton, Hampshire, England
• Notes: Rounds 10,11 & 12 of the BTCC at the ex wartime airfield.

• June 6-8 : 4 Hours of Mid Ohio
• Location: Mid Ohio Sports Car Course, Troy Township, Morrow County, Ohio, United States
• Notes : The weekend will feature a four-hour IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge endurance race, plus racing action from VP Racing SportsCar Challenge and Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin.

• June 19-22 : Sahlen’s Six Hours Of The Glen
• Location: Watkins Glen International, USA
• Notes : featuring GTP, GTD PRO, GTD classes; Lamborghini Super Trofeo, Porsche Carrera Cup, Weathertech Championship, Michelin Pilot Challenge.

• June 21-22 : British Touring Car Championship
• Location: Oulton Park, Cheshire, England
• Notes: Rounds 12,13 & 14 of the BTCC before the mid-summer break.

F1 Academy will be racing at F1 weekend in Canada.

F2 and F3 will be racing at the Austrian Grand Prix.