BMW 333i 1/18 Scale Model Update: First Prototype Images

The very first images, of the very first casting, of the first prototype of our first 1/18 scale model, the uniquely South African BMW 333i, have been revealed.

Following months of detail work and meticulous feedback, the first 1/18 scale model of the BMW 333i is nearing completion. The first prototype casting has just arrived in Germany from China, and has been submitted to us for review. Now starts a process of detail refinements and corrections, but the first "draft" has pretty much nailed the brief!

"We are very satisfied with the first prototype," says Hannes Oosthuizen, SentiMETAL project manager. "Nobody has attempted to create a 1/18 scale BMW 333i before - certainly not at 'mass production' levels - and this is a first for us as well, but our partners in Germany and China have delivered a very convincing first prototype.

Now starts of a process of feedback and refinement, before the 300 units are produced for delivery before the end of the year. "This will be one of the most exclusive BMW E30 models ever produced," says Oosthuizen. Only 150 will be produced in Aero Silver and Henna Red, respectively, and each model will be presented in a display box, with an accompanying booklet with a stamped serial number.

"The SentiMETAL project has always been primarily about preserving and promoting South African car culture, and this first model is a very significant symbol of that intent," explains Oosthuizen. More models will follow (the Opel Kadett Superboss has already been announced), and the vision is to create a series of SentiMETAL-branded 1/18 scale models that are available to the world, featuring uniquely South African cars.

If you haven't placed your order yet, you can do so here.