PYO from Singapore Diecast Expo 2023

The fifth edition of the Singapore Diecast Expo was held on 9th and 10th September 2023 at the atrium of Great World City. It was a double field day for newbies like me as well as seasoned collectors.

Here are some diecast cars and two double decker buses which enthused me to pick them up while keeping to my allotted financial budget for each of the two days. 

Datsun 510 Pro Street by Kaido House x Mini GT

Click here for more on Kaido House.

Click here for more on Mini GT.

RWB Porsche 997 Special Edition (FuelFest Tokyo 2023) by Tarmac Works 

Click here for more on Tarmac Works.

RWB Porsche 930 - Hot Wheels Premium by Mattel

Click here for more on Hot Wheels.

'70 Datsun 510 Rally - Matchbox Collectors by Mattel

Click here for more on Matchbox Collectors by Mattel.

Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-R - Hot Wheels by Mattel

RWB 997 Porsche by Pop Race

Click here for more on Pop Race.

Twin Mill - Hot Wheels Premium by Mattel

Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG - Hot Wheels Premium by Mattel

Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R (KPGC10) - Malaysia Diecast Expo 2023 Event Edition (Orange) by Inno64

Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R (KPGC10) - Malaysia Diecast Expo 2023 Event Edition (White) by Inno64

Click here for more on Inno64.

Fast & Furious Exclusive - Hot Wheels by Mattel

Nissan Skyline GT-R [BNR32]
'68 Dodge Charger
'70 Ford Escort RS1600
'95 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Nissan Skyline GT-R [BNR34]
Ice Charger
Nissan Silvia [515]
'87 Buick Regal GNX
Porsche 911 GT3 R5
'20 Dodge Charger Hellcat

Fast & Furious Series 3 - Hot Wheels by Mattel

Saleen S7 - Hot Wheels by Mattel

Saleen S7 - Hot Wheels by Mattel  

Audi R8 LMS - Hot Wheels Premium by Mattel

De Tomaso Pantera Gruppo 4 - Hot Wheels Premium by Mattel

Lancia Stratos Group 5 - Hot Wheels Premium by Mattel

Mazda RX-3 - Hot Wheels Japan Historics by Mattel

Enzo Ferrari - Hot Wheels by Mattel

LaFerrari - Hot Wheels by Mattel 

Ferrari GTO - Hot Wheels 2008 First Editions by Mattel

Nissan Fairlady Z - Hot Wheels by Mattel

Route Master Bus - Matchbox by Mattel

Route Master bus - Matchbox by Mattel

Nissan GT-R Nismo LV-N254 (Special Edition 2022 model) - Tomica Limited Vintage Neo by TomyTec

Nissan GT-R LV-N200 (50th Anniversary 2020 model) - Tomica Limited Vintage Neo by TomyTec

Click here for more on TomyTec.

Desktop Diorama by Dream Customs

Click here for more on Dream Customs. 

Congratulations for crossing the Finish line as you have reached the end of this blog post.

Gear Oil Cafe: Grand Opening on 30 September 2023 in Singapore

This is a shout out that Gear Oil Cafe will be launching their outlet in Singapore on 30 September 2023 as per the following flyer:-

Click here for more on Gear Oil Cafe.

Pick of the Day: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

During my past several visits to one of my favourite hunting ground, the stock of diecast cars made available were not replenished.

However, do not give up on your pursuit for treasure. There is a saying that: When you turn up, you will be rewarded.

Today, with gladness I caught sight of "Forza" on a Hot Wheels peg and was captivated by this fresh display of an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The car design on the packaging is super fine and the details of this ZAMAC-coated car itself is pretty impressive with detailed headlights and taillights as well as clear imprints of "Forza" and "XBox" plus bespoke wheel rims.

A quick-check on the internet show that it is e-retailing for more than the retail price on hand. Good to know that I am not over-paying. 

Note: It is always a good practice to search the web and get a feel of the range of current prices for the car that you are eyeing so that you are not taken for a ride or taken to the cleaners.

There is no telling though as to the upward, sideway or downward price for this diecast car (real car is already out of production). It depends on the demand and supply. If there is a sudden interest in Alfa Romeos, then price might hike. 

On the other hand, if diecast manufacturers make more of this, then it will become too common and lose its value. 

Stick to the cardinal rule from seasoned collectors which is: Buy what you like; Enjoy your diecast cars. No point buying something just because others are buying it. 

The bottom line is that your purchase must appeal to you and that you part your hard-earned monies only after doing your due diligence on the market price of your target car.

According to Wikipedia:-

"The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is a sports car produced by Italian marque Alfa Romeo between 2007 and 2010. It was first presented as a concept car at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. The name refers to the eight-cylinder (cilindro in Italian) engine (8C) and Alfa Romeo's racing pedigree (Competizione, Italian for 'competition').

The company received over 1,400 orders for the 8C after the official announcement that the car would enter production. However, only 500 customers ended up with the 8C Competizione and another 329 with the 8C Spider, bringing the production total to 829 cars."

Click here for more Hot Wheels rendition of Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione as compiled by Fandom.com for a fuller immersion, if you have the time. 

Should you get into collecting diecast cars?

Maybe you are sitting on the fence and wandering whether you should take the plunge into this hobby of collecting diecast cars.

Fret not, help is at hand. In the following Backseat Driver episode by SGcarmart, Zhi Xuan will provide you with some insights.

Click here for Should You Get Into Collecting Diecast Cars? | Backseat Driver|

Car sighting: Carmine Red Porsche Boxster

This morning, the sighting of this carmine red Porsche Boxster made my day. I was reaching the end of the carpark when I caught sight of it. The sun was out and this well polished marque was radiating crisp redness which contrasted perfectly with its charcoal black retractable roof, side grilles, rims and tyres.

I was so engrossed to take the best shots when the owner, Christopher Goh, appeared out of nowhere and asked, "What happened?" That was a good ice-breaker, and he shared how much he loves getting behind the wheel of this Boxster.

Christopher graciously waited for me with nary a sign of hurry as I completed the impromptu photoshoot.

Singapore Diecast Expo 2023 (SGDE 2023)

The Singapore Diecast Expo (SGDE) 2023 organised by Team Korei was held at Great World City on 9 and 10 September 2023. This is the 5th SGDE, and the very first SGDE that I have attended after having caught the diecast bug sometime in June 2023.

A lot of details have gone into the planning as evident by the wide range of activities throughout the 2-days event beyond the sale of diecast cars. Great job by Peter and his Team Korei who rallied the exhibitors and worked out the details to make this expo so happening.

Here are some photos of SGDE 2023 for your viewing. No FOMO, be there for the next SGDE. Follow @korei_sg on Instagram and you won't miss a thing.

Matt Gabe, Mattel Designer, was on site to autograph
on packaging of Hot Wheels purchases

This event bus model was much sought after by a long queue of enthusiasts.

Sample entries for the customised diecast car competition
under the Mild (M) and Wild (W) categories

Sample entries for the customised diecast car competition
under the Mild (M) and Wild (W) categories

The contents in the following links are well-produced and will add fuel to your interest in diecast cars.

Click here for Sneak Peeks from the 2023 Singapore Diecast Expo: BMW 320 Group 5, Proton Saga, & MORE!

Click here for (PART 1) HOT WHEELS VLOG! Singapore Diecast Expo 2023

Click here for Step into the World of Diecast Collectibles: Singapore Diecast Expo 2023 Virtual Tour!