FSW Weekly Edition #48/2025

Classics & History — The Minardi Spirit Returns

Tecnomodel’s Minardi M191 12th Monaco 1991 #23 Martini brings to life one of Formula 1’s most beloved underdog machines. The M191 was never a front-runner but at Monaco, in the hands of Pier-Luigi Martini, it became a symbol of grit and survival. The tight, pre-refuelling chassis proportions, the clean V12 intake lines, the slim sidepods and era-specific Goodyear tyre profiles are all faithfully recreated. You can see the subtle asymmetry of Minardi’s early-90s aero, the hand-applied sponsor markings and the purposeful but minimalist rear wing, all hallmarks of a team operating on passion more than budget. The 1:18 model exudes authenticity: the compact cockpit, the raised nose geometry unique to Minardi’s transitional design philosophy, and the finish that reflects a car engineered for precision rather than power. It’s a time capsule of early-90s Formula 1 raw, determined and unmistakably Minardi.

This week’s classic releases form a tight but deeply atmospheric drop. BBR revives its Ferrari 550 Barchetta in fresh 1:18 colours, while Le Mans Miniatures advances production on all three Lorraine-Dietrich B3-6 finishers from 1926. Bizarre adds rarity with a 1:12 Redhead land-speed replica, and DSN 43 and Trofeu deliver a focused group of rally and Porsche classics from the 1970s and 1980s. Ixo contributes a streamlined Spa 24H BMW pairing. Completing the heritage thread, Tecnomodel continues its heritage roadmap with the 1984 Toleman TG184s and 1973 BRM P160Es, reinforcing its commitment to landmark F1 history. Two standout books, Porsche Sport 2025 and Alan Stacey: His Life And Lotus Career round out the week for motorsport historians.

Minardi M191 12th Monaco 1991 #23 Martini 1:18 - TEC18373B

Ferrari SF-24 1st Italy 2024 #16 Leclerc - BBRC307A

Formula 1 — Leclerc’s Monza Glory

BBR’s Ferrari SF-24 1st Italy 2024 #16 Leclerc captures one of the most emotionally charged Ferrari victories of the modern era. The model reflects every aerodynamic contour of the SF-24’s refined mid-season package: from the softened rear suspension shrouds to the updated diffuser arrangement that helped Leclerc unlock race-winning balance at Monza. The halo, airbox sculpting and mirror-mount vanes are produced with microscopic clarity, mirroring the real car’s technical evolution. Even the tonal variation in Ferrari’s updated scarlet is recreated to match the sunlight-struck finish seen on the Monza main straight. Leclerc’s cockpit detailing, steering wheel layout, halo hardware, headrest contouring, brings the driver’s environment to life. It is Ferrari’s resurgence distilled into 1:43 form: precise, elegant and unmistakably triumphant.

The modern F1 and performance-car arrivals form a compact but powerful selection. BBR expands its 2025 programme with the Ferrari SF-25 in China Sprint trim and strengthens its road-car portfolio with the Ferrari 12Cilindri Coupe and Spider, updated Ferrari 488 Pista colours and multiple Pagani Utopia Roadster configurations. Spark delivers a tight wave of special F1 finishes, Russell’s 150 GP, Hadjar’s holographic Racing Bulls, Sainz’s black Ferrari and Albon’s Gulf Williams with selected 1:18 expansions. Minichamps adds streamlined 2025 team releases across Alpine, Aston Martin, Haas, McLaren, Racing Bulls, Red Bull and Williams in both scales. Open-wheel endurance interest continues through Ixo’s 2025 Dallara DW12 line, timely as Mick Schumacher prepares for his 2026 IndyCar campaign. A refined but impactful slate of modern Formula 1, IndyCar and road-performance announcements, all illuminated by Leclerc’s Monza triumph.

Endurance & GT — Spark’s Iron Dames Porsche: LMGT3 Courage at Le Mans

Spark’s Porsche 911 GT3R 48th Le Mans 2025 #85 Iron Dames stands as one of the most expressive GT models of the year. The Iron Dames are more than a racing team, they are an all-female programme built to empower women in motorsport by competing directly against male teams on equal terms. Their determination, resilience and rising influence have made them one of endurance racing’s most compelling modern stories. Spark captures that identity beautifully: the sharp dive planes, long-tail GT3 silhouette and vibrant pink-black gradient livery radiate presence, while the stance, nose-down with a high-set rear wing, mirrors the GT3R’s real posture under braking at Le Mans. Inside, the roll-cage geometry, seat patterning and dashboard detail recreate the cockpit where Frey, Martin and Bovy carved out their gritty LMGT3 run. It is a model embodying not just a race entry, but a movement.

The surrounding endurance and GT arrivals are concise but strong. Manthey’s Porsche 911 GT3R entries from Le Mans 2024 appear in EMA and PureRXcing configurations across 1:43 and 1:18. Spark adds key Super GT machinery with the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and Honda Civic Type R GT500, plus the Inter Europol Oreca 07 for prototype collectors. Ixo offers focused WRC/GT crossover entries including the Ford Puma, Hyundai i20 and Toyota Yaris Rally1 variants. A tight, balanced endurance line-up anchored by the Iron Dames’ symbolic GT3R.

 

Porsche 911 GT3R 48th Le Mans 2025 #85 Iron Dames - SPK9302