Miata Mailing List: November 1993, Message #4
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   From: Mike Rother 
Subject: Re:  miata toy and locals list
   Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 09:31:37 -0500

	
I just returned from Europe, where car models are widely available.
The Miata is not nearly as common as Mini Cooper models, but the Miata
selection was better than Stateside.

At the Frankfurt Auto Show press session, Mazda handed out a new 1:80
(estimated scale) model of the Miata.  They are made in Germany by
Herpa, and come in red, silver, Mariner blue, and the new blue.  Detail
is really good for the size.  (Germans go nuts for these little - about
1.5 inch long - plastic models.  They make hundreds of different ones,
and have a newsletter for the new models appearing every month.)  After
the auto show, Mazda dealers sold the remaining models, which are now
gone.  Herpa is releasing the model to the general public this November
or December.  Price is 7.50 Deutschmarks (under $5.-).

	Diapet makes a 1/40 scale model also. It had functional doors,
	hood, and wheels. It is available in red, green, blue, and
	silver. Miata Club Accessories sells it for $20 plus $4
	shipping.  Address and phone number are in Miata Magazine.

The Diapet model is available in many European toy stores.  Detailing on
this one is not real good.

	In the Fall Miata Magazine a company called RWiz Performance
	Accessories, Inc.S lists several models.  A 1/18 scale model
	available in Green and Red for the modest price of $139.95.
	This may be the same model that Exoticar is selling. Detail
	looks very good, has functioning steering, hood, doors, hardtop
	(removable w/stand), etc.

I saw a 1:18 Miata model (in red & green) in Europe - selling for DM
130.-.  It could be the same model.  It was pretty neat, but had
right-hand drive.  Too expensive.  You can get similar Burago models
for $10 to $40; with same level of detail.  I wish Burago would make a
Miata!