The joy of collecting: Model cars that bring motorsport home

For car lovers, there’s something special about holding a model car in your hands. It’s a chance to connect with the vehicles you admire, capture a moment in motorsport history, and enjoy the fun of collecting without needing a big garage or budget.

This spring, Shell is bringing the thrill of motorsport to life with a brand-new collection of eight Bluetooth® remote control model cars. Each week, a new model from the 2025 Shell Motorsport Collection will be released exclusively at Shell OTR and Shell Reddy Express stores from 1 October to 2 December.

Highlights include the return of the ever-popular Shell V-Power Racing Team Mustang – unique to Australia’s collection. Each car is diecast 1:41 scale and can be controlled via the Shell Racing App (available from the App Store

or Google Play

), turning your smartphone into a remote control (battery sold separately, device not included).

How to collect: Simply spend $20 on eligible Shell fuel or in-store products in one transaction, and you can purchase a model car for $18. T&Cs and exclusions apply. Visit shell.com.au/modelcars for more details.

Whether you’re adding to a display or starting from scratch, the Shell Motorsport Collection is a simple way to bring motorsport into everyday life – sharing the fun with kids, sparking nostalgia or celebrating your favourite teams and liveries. Beyond the Shell Motorsport collection, here are a few basics to help you choose well and care for your models.

What makes a collectible?
Model cars have been around for more than a century, but they really took off in the 1950s with the arrival of Matchbox, and later Hot Wheels in the 1960s. Today, collecting is a global phenomenon, with the diecast scale model market valued

at nearly USD 5 billion in 2023 and forecast to grow by more than 5% annually through to 2030.

At a model-by-model level, value is shaped by a handful of essentials: rarity, condition, the manufacturer or links to a famous team or driver. Larger scales often attract higher prices, and limited-edition runs are particularly sought after. But for everyday collectors, the best choice is simple: pick the models that mean something to you.

Caring for your collection
A little care helps model cars last the distance. Keep them dust-free with a quick wipe or light clean, and avoid direct sunlight to protect paintwork. Many collectors use glass cases or shelves, but the most important thing is to store them somewhere they can be enjoyed.

However you collect, choose the models that mean something to you, that’s where the real value lives.

Promotion Disclaimer: While stocks last. Bluetooth® Smart Battery sold separately. T&Cs apply, see shell.com.au/modelcars.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}