As has occured with other manufacturers, Welly has progressed from producing simple models aimed at children to developing more detailed and realistic models (as we discussed with the 1984 Citröen 2CV Charleston in 1/24 at http://collectionis.com/blogdiecast/citroen-2cv-6-charleston-1984-welly-124/) for collectors. In the world of automotive manufacturing oftentimes the same company will have one brand positioned at a larger segment of the market and another, more exclusive or expensive one for other consumers. (Toyota and Lexus, For and Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz and Maybach, for example.) This is a strategy that has been carried over by Die Cast producers (IXO and PremiumX, NOREV and Provence Moulage, M4 and Art Model) and one that Welly has now adopted.
Under their new GTAutos brand, Welly has begun to present a number of exclusive models in 1/18. Their new line includes the VW Phaeton, the Land Rover Evoque (white in the catalog, but shown in light green), the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (garnet red in the catalog but shown in light brown), the BMW 535i, and more.
GTAutos-BMW New 5 Series 535-11001
GTAutos-Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG-11002
GTAutos-Land Rover Range Evoque Coupe 2-11003
Under the original Welly name we saw a stunning Bentley Continental Supersports, the new 2012 VW Beetle, which is due out in white this year although this particular model was a lovely light red, and older models such as the 1970 Chevrolet El Camino.
Welly-Volkswagen New Beetle 2012-18042
Welly-Bentley Continental Supersports Coupe-18038
Welly-Chevrolet El Camino-12543
A few of the promised new additions for this year are the Mercedes-Benz SL500 2012 (hardtop and convertible), the Aston Martin DB9 coupe, the VW Golf I GTI, and more. The majority of these will be produced in 1/24 scale where we see the majority of the more successful models such as the Land Rover Defender, Austin FX4 London taxi, Citröen DS 19 Cabriolet Roadster (found also in a soft top in the catalog), and the new 2013 Fiat 500L which came in white at the fair and comes out later this year.
At the Welly stand we also saw a few models in 1/43 such as the Audi R8, the Mini Cooper S cabriolet, the Volvo C30, and others.
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