Minichamps is a German company that manufactures pre-built and diecast models of cars, motorcycles, aircraft, ships, trucks, trains, and military hardware. The company was founded by Franz Minichamps in 1952. Many of their models are sold under the brand name of 'Minichamps', whereas other models are sold under the brand name of 'Racing Replicas'. Minichamps produces 1:43 scale cars that are pre-assembled using an injection molded base with metal parts, plastic parts, and hand painted detail parts. The company also produces 1:18 scale cars that are manufactured using an injection molded base with metal parts and plastic parts. Minichamps additionally produces 1:6 scale cars which are assembled using a diecast material with metal parts and plastic parts. One of the first models created by the company was a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. Their first model was a 1:18 scale Ferrari 250 GTO. The first diecast model was the 1:6 scale Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG.