Some vehicles have become design classics, technical milestones or emotional keepsakes, both as miniatures and as full size cars. Models of the VW Beetle or the Citroën 2CV stand for a certain way of life, for everyday memories and for a period in automotive history. Their miniature versions appear in countless variants, colours and scales, and are a sign of their lasting popularity. Racing cars such as the Porsche 911 or the Ferrari Testarossa fascinate with their distinctive shapes, racing history and technical sophistication. Film cars like the DeLorean from Back to the Future or the Batmobile have long since become part of popular culture.

Model manufacturers deliberately focus on such icons: they are easy to recognise, emotionally charged and popular with many different audiences. Some collectors devote themselves to a single model line and try to collect every version, every scale, every special edition. Even rather plain and functional utility vehicles such as the Unimog or a Lanz Bulldog tractor become strong characters when turned into miniatures.

Fun fact

The VW Beetle is probably the most frequently reproduced vehicle in model form worldwide. Hardly any model manufacturer can afford not to have a Beetle in its range. With more than 21 million full-size cars built, it appears in almost every scale – from simple toy versions to highly detailed collector’s models.