Ten's Minicar Project (2025)

19/04/2025

Ten’s Minicar Project is Going LIVE! 🏎✨

After visiting numerous toy fairs and flea markets, for the very first time I’ll be joining as an exhibitor at the Bolton Toy Fair on 27th April Sunday — and you're invited!

Location: The Bolton Stadium, Bolton, Lancashire, BL6 6JW

I'll be bringing a dream lineup of 1:64 scale models from big players like Hot Wheels, Mini GT, Tarmac Works and Inno64, to some hidden gems like Kyosho and Tomytec.. and many more! Come say hi, get a piece for your collection, and be part of this journey with me.

12/04/2025

Something exciting is on the horizon. Stay tuned!

01/04/2024

[McLarenF1 Monday] Faux- #072
One of the very few road cars fitted with the High Downforce Kit, chassis 072 featured one of the most controversial specs on an F1, Under the code name “Bespoke Project 8”, it was repainted in 2012 from the stealthy Jet Black to white with vibrant red trims across the whole body, even for the rims and interior, to pair with the owner’s one-off MP4-12C. However, it flipped and crashed into a tree in Italy two years later. Fortunately, it is still repairable and has been restored back to its original black w/ silver wheels spec just this year (with P1 chassis 223 matching this spec, including the HDK kit!)

As the first multipack release of this casting, this white/red F1 GTR was included in the 2018 Exotics 5-pack, which I bought while travelling abroad. With pretty much all of the intakes properly casted on the white body, it was hard not to dedicate anything short of an hour to properly detailing the car to mimic the 072 in its “mischievous” days, down to the ”F1” logo on the spoiler endplates. Now it will be in good, loving hands…

(Like and Follow for more (1:64) McLaren F1 stories in the future...!😊)

20/02/2024

25: [Evolution] (1/2)

(Starting the Year of the Dragon with two Red Evos!)

Take a trip down memory lane to the late ‘90s when Mitsubishi’s glory days in off-road rally racing began, participating in the Dakar Rally’s production-based T2 class. To homologate for the class, just under 2700 road-going Pajero Evolutions were produced from 1997 to 1999, featuring numerous unique features, including a multi-link independent suspension at the rear. The Pajero Evos then dominated, swcuring the first four spots in both 1997 and 1998, contributing to Mitusbishi’s 12 overall Dakar wins in a span of 22 years, a record no other manufacturer has achieved.

Tomica has held the sole 2-door ~1:64 Pajero playing field for over a decade until Inno Models introduced the Pajero Evo in early 2020. While their casting undoubtedly takes the cake for the most realistic 1:64 Pajero, Hot Wheels may offer the best bang for the buck Pajero. Debuted in last year's J case, this red off-roader effectively captures the essence of the Evo variant, featuring the prominent side fenders and skid plate, aggressive spoiler, and even the mudflaps. The white colour release from the P case makes the Ralliart livery stand out further. All it needs is the deco on the rear - something that's addressed here after a bit of detailing. Perhaps a premium release is all it needs, like the other Ralliart-livered Evo lurking in the back?

14/02/2024

24: [The Widowmaker]

To secure homologation in Group 4 and Group 5 racing, Porsche adapted the turbo technology from their Can-Am racer and stunned the world with the 911 (930) Turbo. Featuring wide flared fenders and a huge “whale tail” spoiler, it was Porsche’s first production car fitted with a Turbo and the fastest car of its time, yet also the most unforgiving to drive. The heavily rear-biased layout made the 930 highly prone to lift-off oversteer and swing mid-corner, coupled with extreme turbo lag, often leading to crashes in the hands of regular people with little experience driving a rear-engine, high powered car with no driving aids. Nevertheless, those who overcome fear and manage to tame the turbo Carrera will be rewarded with a raw, exhilarating driving experience that no modern cars can give.

May 2015 saw the release of the sixth and final Porsche Minicar Collection by Kyosho. With 6 out of 8 castings previously used, it was a rather bitter end to one of the most favourite brands by motorsport fans, but at least one of the final two new castings is this retooled 930 Turbo. Once sold for over 10,000 yen in Yahoo Japan Auction, this gloss black 930 is the last secret car of the Porsche Collection series (just like how Hot Wheels made all their premium chases in black, isn't it?). Receiving a massive upgrade from the initial tooling in the first Porsche Collection (with improved headlamps & proportions, as well as separated mirror pieces), it stands its ground among the sea of ~1:64 stock 930s without chunky A&B-pillars and arguably features the best Fuchs wheels in the 1:64 fields. With Hot Wheels now releasing their second 930 casting (after the 100% line) and multiple brands setting their foot on the RUFs, wide-bodied RWB 930s and resto-modded, 930-looking Singer Turbo Study, the legacy of the first Turbo Porsche for the road continues for many more years to come.

#911
#930
#934
#935

29/01/2024

[McLarenF1 Monday]

Commonly know as Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason’s F1, chassis 10R served as the launch car for the nine 1996-spec F1 GTRs. It was used for testing and development after 01R was retired following the Le Mans win. With enhancements such as a sturdier gearbox, lowered ground clearance, and a more aggressive front splitter, the 96-spec F1 GTR was 38 kg lighter and quicker down the straight line. Despite undergoing thousands of test miles, the 10R never participated in the 1996 racing season. After being sold to Nick Mason, it was converted for road-legal use by Lanzante. Although it experienced a notable crash at the 2017 Goodwood Member’s Meeting, the car was successfully repaired and returned to the Festival of Speed in 2022, good as new.

As the only F1 GTR that never took part in a race, the 10R become a fitting choice to feature as this secret car in Kyosho’s 2010 F1 GTR Racing Collection. Replicating the 10R in its launch car specification also meant that that this casting does not include the air scoop currently present on the real car. Hot Wheels also replicated the 10R with its signature red body, yellow rims and large “GTR” livery across the sides. That Speed Machine release was one of Hot Wheels most valuable F1 GTR releases before the final id release and NFTH release. Anticipating that Mini GT will release the best looking 1:64 10R for one-thrid/a quarter of this model’s price, it’s hard not to question my earlier financial decision to acquire this Kyosho…

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21/01/2024

23: [Legend’s Ride]

While McLaren named their third Ultimate Series hypercar Senna as tribute to Aryton Senna’s success with the Formula 1 Team, Senna himself, understandably, was not directly involved with the car. That honour belongs to Honda’s New Sportscar eXperimental (NSX), the world's first mass-production car with an all-aluminium monocoque body. Senna’s feedback after test driving the prototype led to the production car’s chassis being 50% stiffer than it was, with improved suspension settings for a better driving experience, a contribution that solidified its status as a groundbreaking vehicle, with vastly superior reliability and usability than the likes of Ferraris and Porsches of the time.

While Taccar/Targa pioneered the 1:64 NSX with an openable rear glass cover in their 2009 “NSX The Engine” series, Tomytec took it one step further with their NSX announced in late 2020. This silver, 1990-spec NSX was released in Feb 2021, along with the even more iconic Formula Red NSX. Being the latest contender in the 1:64 NSX game (before Kaido House’s release next year), this casting surpassed all previous contenders that attempted to replicate the car. It has a separate piece for the front license plate (the molded plate ruined the appearance of Taccar’s, Kyosho Bead’s Collection’s, and Hobby Japan’s first casting in the past), more realistic fog lights than Ignition Model, and generally better proportion (as do Tomytec’s traditions). The cherry on top is the openable glass cover and engine cover, with just enough friction to hold in place by themselves, revealing the painted engine bay. It also impressed the collectors in a way that the side mirrors are already inserted on the door – not a common practice by TLV outside of their Nissan releases. Nevertheless, some found themselves having to polish the roof on their own in order to obtain that true gloss black top…

20/01/2024

22: [Smokey and the Bandit]

With its signature Screaming Chicken hood stickers, the 2nd generation Pontiac Firebird underwent a significant front facelift in 1977 with the four rectangular headlamps. Featuring an array of options (including engine blocks) for customers to choose from, the Trans Am Y82 Special Edition, in particular, gained massive popularity due to its role in the 1977 movie "Smokey and the Bandit" with Burt Reynolds. This exposure significantly boosted the car’s sales. Reynolds was later gifted a ’77 Trans Am SE for his pivotal role in the movie's success, and that very car was sold for close to $500,000 last year.

Released in May of this year, this Pontiac Firebird is part Tomica’s Premium line, replacing the Toyota Soarer to bear the Number 21. Just like their basic Tomica model from 1978, it features openable doors but with vastly superior details, including inserted front and rear lights, making it the only ~1:64 firebird with this feature. Unlike the first Tomica casting and Kyosho’s casting, this Tomica Premium features the T-top, like other American 1:64 brands, instead of the conventional hardtop. Rather ironically, when comparing different brands side to side, one may argue that the Japanese brands brands have produced more accurate 1:64 '77 Firebirds than American brands in terms of accuracy of rims and general proportion…

19/01/2024

21: [Super Treasure Hunt - Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo] (2/2)

…While the 300ZX remained under the 1:64 radar for almost a decade after Tomica and Konami (yes, that video game developer) released their iterations in the early ‘00s, its market popularity has resurged in recent years. Tomica released a new Z32 casting in 2017 in their premium line, this time in the 2-seater, twin turbo trim, just as Hot Wheels’ casting that debuted in 2019. As the first Super Treasure Hunt in 2021, it marked the first time the 300ZX received real riders from hot wheels. The already lowered stance of the basic car looks further enhanced with the 6 Spoke Mag (TE37) real riders, with the Spectraflame Blue making the car resemble the Sapphire Blue seen in the real 300zx. This Plain Spectraflame Blue w/ Chrome Real Riders spec would be seen again very soon as Hot Wheels replicated this spec onto their 2019 Audi R8 Spyder Super TH in the M case of the same year.

Inno Models eventually debuted their 300ZX in 2022, in the 2+2 setup like Tomica’s eldest Z32 casting. Considering Tomica/Tomytec’s close relationship with Nissan and their Limited Vintage Neo line’s progression into developing more and more ‘90s cars in recent years, perhaps it will be Tomytec’s turn to release the next 1:64 300ZX?

07/01/2024

21: [Super Treasure Hunt - Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo] (1/2)
One of the earliest cars designed with CAD, the Z32 300ZX was among the most advanced and best-selling production sports car in the ‘90s. The car boasted numerous new technological features, including four-wheel steering, adjustable suspension, and the well-designed 60-degree slanted headlights that were so well-designed that Lamborghini borrow them for their facelifted Diablo. However, with all these high-tech equipment and systems, the car became increasingly challenging to repair as it aged, presenting a hurdle for owners looking to cruise hassle-free...

(To be continued)

01/01/2024

[(1st Jan!) McLarenF1 Monday] - Kyosho F1 GTR Racing Collection

The No.39 Longtail adorned in the iconic Gulf Racing livery represents the chassis , in its debut look in 1997 as well as its current appearance since 2018. Under Gulf Team Davidoff at the 1997 Le Mans, the car was holding onto the 4th position until an unfortunate oil line crack led to a fiery setback, forcing its premature retirement just two hours before the race concluded. The car later found a new home with Hitotsuyama Racing in 1999, embarking on a journey in Japan’s JGTC from 2000 to 2003. Competing without major factory support and constrained by air restrictors to comply with GT500 regulations, the car faced fierce competition from the three Japanese Giants and was often outpaced, with its best result being a commendable 3rd place finish in 2002.

Following two addition GT500 races at Fuji Speedway in 2005, the 25R marked its final chapter as the last chassis to race in an official motorsport event, symbolizing the conclusion of the car’s illustrious racing history. After undergoing an 18-month restoration by McLaren Special Operations ultilising pristine pre-June 1997 components, the 25R now stands restored to its pre-Le Mans debut glory. This also meant the car holds the distinction of being the very first McLaren F1 to receive the MSO certificate from the authenticity program, a testament to the meticulous preservation of its rich heritage.

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27/12/2023

20: [Mercedes-Benz 190E (W201 16V)] (2/2)

Beyond the virtual realm, the ties between the Cosworth-tuned 190E and the Nürburgring trace back to 1985 when the Nürburgring GP was inaugurated. Showcasing 20 190E 2.3-16s and the world's top drivers, the Race of Champions foreshadowed Aryton Senna's prowess as the greatest as he claimed victory, and affirmed the 190E's triumphs in DTM in the years to come.

This is Hot Wheels' latest iteration of their popular 190E Evo II casting, initially introduced seven years ago. Drawing inspiration from 's , conceptualised by and unveiled at SEMA just two weeks ago, Hot Wheels adeptly captures the clean aesthetics of the build. The model faithfully replicates the smoked rear lights and Penta-styled Rotiforms with their two-toned five-spoke real riders. (The addition of black detailing on the front splitter, mirrors and pillars around the side windows certainly enhances the car's realism!). Given that Hot Wheels has yet to produce a 2.3-16 190E or Evo I casting, utilizing the Evo II casting with its larger wings and fenders serves as a fitting tribute to this particular car.

As the 1:64 world anticipates an upcoming wave of modified 190Es (including A$AP Rocky’s car featured in Need For Speed Unbound) made by DCM, HKM and Error 404 Model, we can expect a big influx of diverse 190E models very soon.

25/12/2023

[McLarenF1 Monday] /

The third car in F1 GTR Racing Collection set featured here, this casting by Kyosho still stands as the sole F1 GTR Longtail casting in 1:64 scale, donning the No.42 FINA livery representing the then- and now- . The car left a lasting impression on my childhood as I first saw it in Gran Turismo 4, appearing in the BMW New Car showroom – most likely due to licensing and the chassis’ involvement with BMW Motorsport.

Under the BMW Motorsport Team’s 1997 Programme, Chassis 24R and 26R debuted bearing No.42 and No.43 respectively at Le Mans. While the 24R was the fastest Longtail and secured 3rd place in class during the qualifiers, it was retired from the race due to an accident. Conversely, the 26R impressively clinched 3rd place overall in the race.

After a change in ownership, the 24R made a return to Le Mans in 1998, achieving a commendable 4th place finish, sporting the EMI Racing livery the car currently possess. As for the 26R which has maintained the FINA livery, currently bears the No.42 and driver lineup reminiscent of the 24R's appearance at the 1997 Le Mans – Just as how it looks throughout the Gran Turismo series.

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24/12/2023

19: [Distinct memories from Gran Turismo – Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II] (1/2)

With only 502 units produced for DTM homologation, the 190E "Evo 2" is a stepped-up version of the already captivating Evolution I from the W201 platform. Extracting more power from the 2.5-litre Cosworth engine, the car showcases a radical body kit, adorned with two massive wings behind the rear windows and on the trunk - something not many would associate with a “stock” four door saloon.

It etched a lasting memory for me as the first car tasked with conquering the entire lap of Nurburgring Nordschleife in the Gran Turismo 4 license test (IA-15), all while trailing behind the R34 pace car without overtaking. The child me spent over a month just to break the elusive 10-minute mark. The initial sense of joy and accomplishment quickly faded when we faced with the final license test (S-16) in a Sauber C9…

Mini GT released this 190E just in time for Christmas 2020, preceding Tarmac Works’ release and following Inno Models’. While it retains the rubber mirrors to minimise the risk of breakage, the inclusion of the etched star bonnet emblem makes it technically the most delicate model produced by Mini GT (possibly until the arrival of their Mercedes-Maybach S680 release; not complaining at all about the emblem though). Regarding the paintjob, Mini GT does a terrific job in replicating the “Blauschwarz” black pearl metallic featured on the 190E, infusing a blue tint to the black paint when most of other brands ended up making a Piano Black or plain Black Metallic 190E. However, Kyosho, the pioneer in crafting the 1:64 190E Evo II Road Car, featured an even more pronounced blue hue than Mini GT. Anyone who have closely observed the real car and own both Kyosho’s & Mini GT’s 190E would like to discuss whether the eldest casting actually captures the most realistic Blauschwarz paint?

Ten's Minicar Project