This interview between Andreas Berse, Germany’s biggest model car publication (who is on our Selection Committee) and Paul G Lang, Founder and CEO of Minichamps (who was inducted in 2017).
Thanks for the permission to repost it here!
Andreas: Minichamps first introduced a 1:64 model in 1993 with Michael Schumacher’s Benetton B192. Now, a new 1:64 series is coming from Aachen. Why return to this scale?
Paul: This scale was first really established in China a few years ago and, thanks to its attractive price-to-performance ratio, became the leading scale in Asia.
Was Minichamps too early?
Andreas: Did Minichamps maybe move into 1:64 a little too soon back then?
Paul: At the start of Michael Schumacher’s Formula 1 career, I signed a worldwide exclusive die-cast contract with him. To also offer affordable models for collectors’ kids, I produced a series of 15 cars in 1:64 scale. The range extended from passenger cars, such as Schumi’s first car, a red Fiat 500, all the way to his racing cars. The series sold very well. Senna and Formula 1 were also part of the mix. Mattel wasn’t involved yet. Later, we also made road cars from Alfa, Bentley, and others. But yes, we were probably ahead of the market.
NZG Joins In
Andreas: NZG is also taking an interest in 1:64 in 2026. In the second quarter, six different DTM versions of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 GMR will launch first, featuring detailed racing liveries and finely printed packaging. The expected retail price is around 25 Euros.
What Is Different Now?
Andreas: What are you doing differently this time?
Paul: We’re not really doing anything differently, but the market has opened up again for this scale.
Market Position
Andreas: 1/64 models depend on strong value for money and usually require large production volumes. What does that mean for your choice of prototype vehicles in the new series?
Paul: It doesn’t always have to be about high volume. Every market has its niches, and you just have to find them.
“1:64 is now the largest-volume scale in model cars.”
Andreas: The recent boom in 1:64 has come from Asia. What does that mean for your strategy?
Paul: Our product portfolio is clearly aimed at the Asian market. In my view, the European market still needs a few more years before this scale becomes firmly established there.
Could 1:64 Overtake 1:43?
Andreas: Final provocative question: could 1:64 become the new 1:43 in terms of volume?
Paul: That’s no longer a provocative claim. 1:43 has already long been surpassed. 1:64 is now the largest-volume scale in the model car market. It is currently challenging 1:18 for the top spot. In Asia, the scale already has real addictive appeal. Vending machines have even been developed to satisfy that demand 24/7.
You find the German version of this interview here.
