[Didymus]

Beg to differ about the availability of 1:43 models. There are thousands of them, based on thousands of prototypes, far more than 1:18, but they're nearly all in Europe, where 1:43 has been the standard size for decades. And while it's true that good ones are expensive, they are BEAUTIFUL! Americans think they are dinky and hard to view, but Europeans like to display lots of cars in a relatively small space. There's no right and wrong to this; it all depends on what you're accustomed to.

In my opinion, Franklin Mint is overrated. They do very nice deluxe packaging, and the finishes are very glossy, but the models themselves are neither well-detailed nor accurate, compared to AutoArt. And some, like their Bugatti's, are not accurately proportioned. Other makers like GMP and CMC are superior to both AutoArt and Franklin Mint, but are much more expensive.

There are plenty of good model shops on the Internet. EWA is one; Racing Models UK is another, and there are many more, especially selling 1:43. Check http://www.EWA1.com/. They have an amazing selection, especially if you like European prototypes.

Best to all,
Tom