101st International Toy Fair, New York
Italian Model Cars at the Javits Center, February 15-18.


Photos copyright Werner Pfister

While Mr. Gerelli visited the show at Geneva, our Mr. Pfister attended a show of a more minuscule variety in New York City. The 101st International Toy Fair had something for kids of all ages. But even though we could all enjoy settling down at the table with newspapers, CrazyGlue and Revell's latest model, wouldn't it be nice to be young again? Let's say very young, on the eve of Christmas, knowing that somewhere under the tree is the latest Lego Ferrari F1 car with helmeted pit crew...

Revell introduced this 2002 F1 Ferrari, Schumacher-style,with carbon fiber decals to add realism. No price yet on the 1:12 scale model.

The graphics on the Revell F1 Ferrari box are inticing for young and old alike.

Pininfarina Mythos is a 1:24 scale model from a Spanish company called Guiloy. This is from their Premier line.

Mattel's Lamborgini Miura, in 1:18 scale. The Miura shown is the P400 SV with the gold trim and wheels. These cars are built to a higher level than the normal Hot Wheels by Mattel products, including more details such as carpeting.

Mattel licensed Kyosho of Japan to create the new line. The Countach is the LP 400, the very early, pure version of this car without spoiler and wheel arches.

Not in the Mattel series is this striking F50 in race livery. It is an unlicensed model and hence the use of non-Ferrari decals.

Lego has the Schumacher fever as well. This new F1 is 1:24 scale and sells for around $15 with Vodafone and Shell livery.

Lego also has a complete Ferrari F1 pit crew and garage, with helmeted crew and tools for $30. Don't you wish you were a kid again?

An upscale 1:10 scale Lego Ferrari F1with steering, rubber tires, and real differential drive will sell for around $70.