TVR owners and enthusiasts - I need your help.

[mad4models]

Dear All,

I am new to this forum and would like the help of any willing TVR owners or Enthusiasts. I own a diecast mail order business selling 1/18 and 1/43 scale model cars and bikes to collectors across the world. I am currently exploring the viability of a new business venture. I have noticed through the number of enquiries that I receive from collectors that there are no 1/18 scale models of TVR cars other than the Speed 12 model from Hot Wheels. I have decided to explore the possibility of manufacturing my own range of 1/18 scale TVR models. I have approached TVR for the relevant licensing and will initially be looking to produce 1000 of each model of the Tuscan, Cerbera and Tamora. These models will be very high quality and superbly finished to automotive standards, they will feature opening doors and bonnet along with highly detailed interior and engine. My question to people reading this post is would you be interested in a model from this range and would you find the target price of £150.00 acceptable, bearing in mind that the models will be limited to 1000 and each one will be individually numbered and carry a certificate of authenticity. Please reply to this post with your thoughts or e-mail me direct at [e-mail]

Regards

Tim Dunlop
Mad4Models Ltd

[bennno]

nah £150 is a load of wonga... make 10 times as many at £15 a piece?

there is a co already producing 1/24th and they are only £55.

bennno

[Paceracing]

This is the Gassing forum, not the classified section!

Jas.


>> Edited by Paceracing on Monday 29th July 22:45

[JohnL]

I guess it depends what it's for. You'll know better than me if a serious model collector would pay £150 for one of your models.

I'd quite fancy one to make my desk look nice, but as Bennno says £15 would be nearer the mark for that.

[Dave_H]

Bennos right, that's quite pricey, well.. before seeing the quality first....

What about adding the Griffith and Chimaera models to the range? they would also sell well I'd of thought.

[mad4models]

I have already approached PetrolTed about posting in the Gassing forum and he has said it is OK for me to do so. Thanks for being so observant though.

[JohnL]

quote:
This is the Gassing forum, not the classified section!

Jas.

Hey that's not very fair, he's not actually selling them he's doing some basic, relevant, market research.

Some small car makers (small makers of cars, not ... ) have done this here and no-one's objected.

[mad4models]

The problem with increasing the quantity in order to lower the price is two fold.
Firstly if I increased the quantity to 10,000 I would have to make the models abroad probably in the Far East. The labour is obviously cheaper there, but the quality of the models would suffer and I would spend all my time travelling back and forth to keep a close eye on the production. I don't really want to do this. I would have thought that building models of the classic British sportscar in China or somewhere else is not ethical.

Regards

Tim Dunlop

[PetrolTed]

quote:
This is the Gassing forum, not the classified section!

Thanks for the concern, but Tim did have the courtesy to check with me before posting.

[Nigel lewis]

The quality and detail would have to be spot on to justify that sort of price tag. But, If it was, I would certainly be happy to have one. The cheaper models available, can be somewhat inaccurate in their detail and quality. And at the end of the day, you only get what you pay for in this life, and so if the quality and detailing were spot on, I think you would find that you were onto a winner here.
I also agree with Dave H about also including the Griffith and Chimeara, there would also be a good demand for those as well I would have thought.

[q405mb]

Not having had the privelege of owning a Tuscan, Cerbera or Tamora, it's a bit of a moot point for me really. Now, if you were to make models of all the cars, that may ineterest me, being the very priveleged and proud owner of a Chimaera.

Would consider a model, but would think long and hard about 150 squids... Would need to be at bonus time!

Harrigan

[mad4models]

There would be no reason why I could not look at doing models of the Chimera and Griffith if the demand is sufficient.

The target price of £150.00 is based on a model that is very highly detailed. This will appeal to both collectors and TVR enthusiasts. There is no point me making models with very poor detailing and selling them for £30.00 as no one would by them and they would only tell me that they are not buying them as the detialing is poor.

Regards

Tim Dunlop

[craigalsop]

While we're at it Tim, don't suppose you have thought about doing other TVRs as Scalextric/SCX type models (I realise this may not be your company's bag)
I for one would certainly buy a couple of Griffs & a couple of Chimaeras as slot racers if the price was £25-£30 each.
I would have thought that this would have a fair appeal outside TVR hardcore enthusiasts as well.

cheers,
Craig

[mad4models]

Craig,

I had not thought of this perhaps it is something I could look into in the future. I am also considering for the future making Polycarbonate TVR bodies for Radio Controlled cars.

Regards

Tim Dunlop

[RCA]

Now a radio controlled car!!!!, That I would definately be interested in!!

[woolfie]

I would be interested, if you made the models based on the buyers own TVR's: colour scheme, mods etc. In my case a Cerbera 4.5 cascade blue. If you target particular groups of owners, you might be able to match your pricing model: as its a great present for someone to buy their loved one; otherwise very high for what will only be a collectible for a small group of people in one country.

[Shamus1972]

I too would be interested, particularly if you can supply a model in my choice of colour and reg no. Another good feature would be a removeable roof and rear window, and a removeable bonnet, so we can finally get a look at what's lurking under there! Rolex blue with flint leather please!

[joospeed]

150 squids? bargain. I know TVR owners who spend more than that on a night out and can't remember it the next day. come on guys - it's only a few minutes work for you IT techies ... a detailed replica of your car for that money sounds ideal.
Best of luck with your venture.

[simond001]

1/10 th bodyshell sounds great. Make sure you do a cerb one please.

I think that as over half the TVROC Members own Chimaera's that it would be a natural inclusion. Ignoring the "old" models and favouring only the current is a TVR trend, but it would be nice if that trend remained at Blackpool!

[Big_M]

Would certainly solve another birthday/christmas present idea for the bloke. Would have to be a griff tho'. Think he is worth 150 quid.