Hello fellow Provinz readers! I’m Brian and I’ve been asked to provide some insight into the fascinating world of Porsche models. The idea for this came about during conversation with Provinz editors Christopher Hebert and Jai Khaira at the UCR 2023 Christmas get-together. I am by no means ‘the’ authority, but have been designing, building and collecting model cars for decades. That gives me some insight – which I hope is helpful and informative for you.
This article is intended just to scratch the surface. In the future, I’ll go more in-depth about the various types of models, the different scales available, and will do reviews of what’s out there. I’ll reflect on some history (of the model companies and the cars themselves) and where to find these little treasures you can hold in your hand. Along the way, I might venture into other Porsche items associated with collecting the brand: posters, brochures, books, pens – anything that might be of interest or to learn about. If there is a topic you’d like me to touch on – please reach out through the editors.
Let’s assume since you’re reading Provinz, you have an appreciation for the Porsche brand. Well, if you want to have a model of your car – or one you aspire to – you are pretty much in luck. Be it a 356, any 911, or maybe a Rothman’s 956/962, or even the latest Macan, 718 or Taycan, there is something out there for you. But it can be quite confusing. This is as good a starting place as any, and the first question you should ask yourself is, what . . . do . . . you . . . want? A single replica of a certain Porsche? To start a collection? Or, something in between?
There is no wrong answer!
So, what is right for you? Want to be like Ferdinand and build it yourself – then it’s most likely a kit. You’ll end up with a plastic, resin or metal model (which requires time, input and yes, some skill), but with the ultimate satisfaction that you built what you wanted and you did it yourself. Don’t have the time, inclination (or patience) to sit for hours assembling and painting parts? Seriously, then go buy something ready to display, a resin, diecast metal or multi-medium model. Instant delight, immediate gratification, but maybe not exactly what you want: ‘But my car is Ipanema blue, not Maritime blue!’ Conflict, decisions, possible angst.
Personally, I have a passion for design and building. But I don’t always have the time, which led me into the ready-made world. I enjoy both, plus I’ve added a third path that works well for me.
I’ll acquire a factory-built model and modify it to what I want and that falls someplace in between. The time available tends to drive the direction. Honestly choosing a path that will work best for you is important for your ultimate enjoyment, but don’t let it limit what you buy or collect. By my unofficial tally, there are probably more Porsche models or kits out there than any other brand (ok, maybe Ferrari and F1 are up there neck and neck too). Everything from a $2 CDN 1/64th scale Hot Wheel 911 in 75th anniversary paint, to a hand-built $30,000 CDN, 1/8th Amalgam 917 Le Mans winning replica. Want something more personalized (perhaps in Ipanama blue)? Bespoke builders can provide a scale miniature of the very Porsche sitting out in your garage (stone chips and all) – it could be about the same price too!
Your spouse will be thrilled!
My own interests are in models of Le Mans prototypes, F1 (actually all race cars), concept cars and Porsches – especially the 928 (surprise). I custom/scratch-build vintage models for myself and clients worldwide. Most of my personal collection is 1/43rd and 1/18th scale (as a point of reference – the smaller the number after the 1/, the bigger the model: 1/8th is larger than 1/43rd). I have other sizes if the subject matter interests me. Many of them have personal meaning, tied to an event I’ve attended, someone I’ve met, or a car that belonged to family or a friend. As an example – I carried a 1/18th 911 Carrera model on the PCA/UCR trip to Germany last fall, and asked the full Porsche team who made the trip special for us to autograph it. To a person they were surprised but very proud to be asked, and most wanted their picture taken with it! Sarah, our main contact at the Porsche Experience Hockenheim was almost in tears – happy that her team’s hard work was acknowledged and that she, personally, had made a difference. I finished off the model by having all the trip participants sign the base. It has a prominent place in my office, and constantly reminds me of what a fantastic experience it was.
The Porsche ‘family’ experience.
Building, collecting or just admiring models is like collecting art, watches (read Jai’s excellent watch articles!), or whatever else you like. If you have two or more of anything, technically you’re a collector – be it Hot Wheels or something larger (Clifford – I’m talking to you!). I recently found a tiny, prototype 928 playing piece that was for the unrealized Porsche game in the 1980s (how many knew there was almost a Porsche-themed Monopoly game?). It made my week – for under five dollars!
Lastly, I feel a wonderful sense of pride and accomplishment when I look at my collection – more so when I can share it with others. It’s been crafted over 40+ years. Each and every model tells a story – some are intertwined, some are stand-alone. All are important. Porsche models are much more than pretty dust collectors on a shelf – they can be mementos of an epic event or meeting fantastic new friends. Porsche friends!
I hope you found this article as interesting to read as it was to put together. Next time, I‘ll show the build of vintage 30-year-old Porsche resin kits I’m finishing up. Until then – stay passionate! </>
