A Minor Excitement
It might not look like it, but this could be the rarest little van in the world. Read about the unexpected discovery of 'Dee-Daw' and the hunt to trace her story.
Exclusive to It's My Classic.
Battery Power
We take a look at automotive batteries - how to look after them and get the most from the black box that kicks your engine into life.
Look out for Leaks!
How timely attention to oil, petrol or water leaks may prevent more serious trouble. Period advice from 1944 from Austin Motors that is as valid today as it was back then. Another from our 'Back in Print' series.
Great Days Out
Looking for somewhere to go? Our list of places to visit in the UK includes more attractions than ever, all arranged by region and county. There's something great to do for all age groups and interests.
What's in a Name?
Do you know your screaming chickens from your tin snails, and your plastic pigs from your flying bricks? It's My Classic digs into how these crazy, affectionate and insulting names came about.
Explore More
The second highest mountain pass in Wales earned the name the 'Welsh Terror'. Bwlch Y Groes was used from the 1930's onwards to test new models of cars, motorcycles and even military trucks. It was also one of the six UK test hills used for road rallies and trials. Come try it!
It's My Classic is as much about people as about heritage vehicles, so here we introduce you to...
AMF Model Cars
My name is Antonio Martinez-Fresneda and I have been collecting model cars (mostly 1/18 and 1/12 scale) and building kits my whole life. I studied automotive engineering and moved to Germany to work in the car industry, where I have worked for over 10 years. Thanks to my experience developing components, I got to learn 3D modelling, industrial design and 3D printing. This opened my eyes to a new range of models that I always wanted but couldn’t have without endless hours of work building them from scratch.
I decided to model three cars: the Bentley 4.5ltr Birkin Blower, the Talbot Lago T26C, and the mighty "FIAT S76 Beast of Turin". I made them just for myself, using 3D printers were designed mostly for domestic usage. The details were very limited but, with some reworking, putty and a good paintwork, the result was quite ok. These first models caught the eyes of a few collectors, they asked me if I could build them one.
After these first sales, I invested in newer 3D printers and started developing more models, sticking to those classics I was in love with, such as the Napier Railton, some F1 cars from the 50s, and a very important model, the 1905 FIAT Isotta Fraschini. I was lucky enough to get in contact with the owner and builder of that giant, who provided me with every possible measurement and photo I could ever need. He loved the model and ordered a few of them, and after that asked me if I could build for a friend an American La France.
This opened the door to becoming a business, making bespoke models of any classic car in any scale, from 1/43 to 1/8, with and without engines. Since then I have built numerous variations of Austin Sevens, Racing Delahaye, Avions Voisin, Talbot, Talbot Lago, Pegaso Z102, 50s Alfa Romeo like the Disco Volante coupe and Spyder, Chenard....
Here at AMF, we can produce models of any classic car for you, ideally with photos and/or blueprints, but we have contacts with several experts who can help with more details if needed.
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