Brands to Collect or AVOID: HPI in 1/43 scale.

Featured in this video is a look at the (2) HPI , Hobbie Products International, models that I own
Having only two models hardly makes me an expert. However, they are both exceptional.
HPI are as good and better than Spark, TSM, and Looksmart. Attention to detail, paint, finish, decals, and quailty control are second to none.
The two models that I have collected feature removable engine covers WOW. They are exceptional.
The question here is not whether to collect are avoid but, how many to collect. Sadly, selections are few, and prices can be very high, but they are certainly worth it.
My question for those of you, who have many more than just a few HPI, is whether all HPI in 1/43 scale have removable parts? Thanks.
HPI: Hobbie Products International Derbyshire UK.

[@patito8728]

If ur speaking of the toyota ts010, i happen to own one and i confirm that the engine cover doesn't open. But as u said, quality is fantastic, i would add the fact that the brand is no longer producing since ~10 years or so and is now pretty much ignition model, focusing mainly on jdm tuners, prices are crazy though. NIce video, i collect.

[@markzebr6463]

Patito. Thanks. Youa are correct. That is the model I am eyeballing. If I knew that it was like the others, I would have bought it. But, I have about 10 others higher up on the list. Also, thanks for the HPI history. I know nothing about the company but, am used to that as nobody seems to know much about any company. I will eventually get that model if still available. Thanks for your feedback,

[@AtTonisGarage]

I only have 2 models from HPI, A GT-R Zexel which indeed has the quality of a LookSmart model, and a 370z which has the issue most LookSmart models have. To be more specific the glue from the windows has been given away. Both of my models are sealed, so I was not as lucky as you were with these models. But at the end of the day, HPI remains a brand I will gladly take into consideration when searching for a model car. You have some very nice Porsche models, btw..

[@markzebr6463]

Thanks Toni. Response that I have received about HPI is good. I'm told that the company has been out of business for about 10 years. This would explain why their models are so hard to find. I've only got one more HPI on my watch list. It does not have any opening parts, but another viewer has it and assures me that it is a great model. Interesting point about the Looksmart. I have about 10 race Ferraris and consider them to be among the best models I have. IXO models seem to have the poorest quality control, so bad I have none on my watchlist. You know about the casting issues with the IXO Ford GTs. I've also pointed out the poor paint matching of the Mini GT C8 Corvettes. Can't believe that parent company (TSM of which has almost exclusive IMSA licensing) gets it right in 1/43 scale but Mini GT in 1/64 is awful. Thanks again for your feedback.

[@stevieboymkii]

Toni - grab yourself some Microscale Micro Krystal Klear glue - this does not fog up clear plastic parts. You just need to make sure not to apply too much. You can definitely restick the windows.

[@AtTonisGarage]

@@stevieboymkii Thanks! I will give it a try

[@albertomegapro]

This brand looks so cool

[@markzebr6463]

Thanks

[@stevieboymkii]

To my knowledge, most HPI models do not have removable parts. I have maybe 10-15, a mixture of GT, Prototype, Touring and Rally cars. The occasional GT car and a number of the prototypes have removable parts but most do not (the HPI TS020 I have for example, is solid with no removable engine cover). As Patito has mentioned, they haven't been producing anything bar radio controlled car bodies for some time. That might be where the Derbyshire connection comes in but I'm pretty sure the company would not have originated in the UK.

[@markzebr6463]

Steve. Wow every time you respond I learn more and more. Thanks. PS: still gonna get the Toyota though low on the watchlist.