Diecast question
 

I enjoy collecting various 911's in 1/18th diecast for display in my office. I am not a serious collector. Mainly just like to look at them. First thing I do is remove the box and the base and throw all that away and just display the car itself. I have no concern with ever trying to sell them or anything. With that being said I like the 1/18th cars in the $175 or less price range.
I would like to add a 911R and the 991 GT2RS to my collection but as of now I only see the numbered editions in 1/18th that are in the $500 range. That is beyond what I want to spend for my purposes even though I have seen them in person and they look very nice.
Typically after a certain time will other diecast manufacturers start producing them in a more reasonable price range for my purposes?

Only time will tell, but generally exotic cars are eventually reproduced by multiple brands. If so, GT Spirit and Minichamps are the most likely.

For news on upcoming scale models, I suggest you occasionally check this site: http://www.diecastsociety.com/

It focuses on 1:18 and 1:43 scales but in my experience provides the most reliable news of the industry. Any similarly reliable site is usually in German. www.modelcarforum.de is one, but it is of course 99% in German.

Other than that, I would actually ask your dealer parts desk. Some of the Spark 991 models have a 'WAP' Porsche part number and are available from the parts/accessories counter. Your dealer may have one laying in a corner they forgot about, maybe they'll discount it. However, I have heard that even the dealers move these limited 1:18 models fairly quickly.

You could also try contacting GT Spirit or Minichamps directly to ask if they plan to release an R or GT2 RS.
_______________

For the GT2 RS specifically, the car is too new right now. Spark has an exclusive contract with Porsche AG that allows them access to official drawings prior to the 1:1's reveal. This is the only explanation for Spark's ability to release the scale car at the same time as the 1:1. This seems to apply only to special 1:1 models (R, RS, etc.).

I suspect this double-secret special exclusive contract lasts until the limited runs are all gone. Maybe afterwards other brands are allowed to reproduce the car? I don't really know, and am only inferring. Of course Spark seems to keep producing limited runs of the 911 R in every color they can think of, prolonging this theorized exclusive window.

It makes business sense to both parties; Porsche gets a replica of their car available immediately, and Spark gets exclusive rights to produce a scale version of a coveted 1:1 car. Of course it isn't great for the consumer.

thank you for the info

Just in, Maisto has announced a 1:18 2018 GT2 RS. Silver. No pictures.

Sooner than I thought, but I guess by now they have been able to rent a private car to scan/draw it.

What is the quality level of Maisto?

Similar to Bburago (whom they've merged with), Sunstar and Welly. Base, bottom, entry level. They used to be $15-30, I think they've crept up to $25-40 now.

They are below AutoArt, Kyosho, Minichamps, etc.

They aren't highly detailed, as their intent is to be more a toy rather than a collectible. However in some cases they can be very well detailed for their price. I think their Porsche #1 roadster may be their best work. (The better version - they actually made a crappy version where they barely painted anything.) Pictures here of the better one.

Most of the Maisto's I have are pretty good for what they are.

Here is their GT3 RS 4.0, which is typical Maisto/Bburago presentation. It is actually a Bburago, this is one of the first models they made after merging with them.

Here is a Maisto 997.

AutoArt has announced six variants for 2018. AutoArt doesn't always release models when they say they are going to, so could be 2019!

78171 – PORSCHE 911(991) GT2 RS (WHITE)
78172 – PORSCHE 911(991) GT2 RS (BLACK)
78173 – PORSCHE 911(991) GT2 RS (GUARDS RED)
78174 – PORSCHE 911(991) GT2 RS WEISSACH PACKAGE (GT SILVER)
78176 – PORSCHE 911(991) GT2 RS WEISSACH PACKAGE (MIAMI BLUE)
78177 – PORSCHE 911(991) GT2 RS WEISSACH PACKAGE (RACING YELLOW)

http://www.diecastsociety.com/autoar...port-supercar/

Awesome. Thanks for the update. What price range do you expect these to be? $150-180ish?
Appreciate you coming back to this thread. Will keep watching it if you come across any more info please post.

Somewhere around there, all depends on how they release it. It could be diecast with opening parts, could be sealed diecast, could be sealed resin, each of which usually has a different price point. Could be as low as 120 or as high as 200 (higher is possible but unlikely), can't tell until more info is released. When I read any further news I'll post it here.

FWIW, it is possible not all those colors are released or it is only released in one version (Weissach or non-Weissach). AutoArt has in the past announced then cancelled models. The most similar example was the 997 Sport Classic, which was announced but cancelled. AutoArt has a reputation of an 'optimistic' release schedule. Models of newer cars, like the GT2 RS, are more likely to be released on time.
__________________

Looked up the Maisto, no news. Apparently they have made a 1:43, below. Not promising for the supposed 1:18, but it is smaller and more a toy than collectible. (Click pic for blog post).

https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media...gwues2v5py.jpg

Predictably, the AA models were not released in 2018. But they have updated the proposed colors.

https://diecastsociety.com/autoart-u...ssach-package/

Spark makes both a Weissach and normal. Not sure the extent of the color choices. Nothing opens though.

https://www.cdn-docs-ck.com/ck_img/z...r_2017_sil.jpg

If I had to guess, the AA ones would open, since they can use some castings from their 991.1 GT3 RS. But its just a guess.

Thanks for the update. I broke down and bought a more expensive 2RS albeit at a price I find more reasonable.
Still really want a 3rs in 1/18th!