Driven by passion

Andrea Hoo Fung, Gleaner Writer

Carlyle Gray has a passion that drives him. The 39-year-old accountant has an impressive array of action figures, African statuettes and comics. However, his true passion is collecting model cars. Seventy-two and counting.

"I started collecting cars in 2006 on a business trip to Trinidad," Gray told Automotives.

"I've always wanted to collect them but there wasn't a market here. I saw them there, they were affordable and that's when I bought my first two."

Preferring luxury and sports cars, Gray has among his collection a Chrysler Howler concept car, a BMW X5, Jaguar XL, Mitsubishi Evolution VIII and Nissan Silvia. His favourites, however, are Lamborghinis and BMWs for "their shape and sportiness".

"Very important is the level of detail. It shows the manufacturer spent some time in terms of craftsmanship to ensure the model is a good representation," Gray said. "I look for the styling - in terms of shape, design and the aerodynamics of the car."

With features such as opening bonnets and trunks, workable steering and functioning lights, these die-cast models range from 1:6 to 1:87 and may cost between US$25 and $50.

"The cost will depend on popularity and age ... how new the car is. If it just came out, it would be more expensive than the ones on the market for a while. Size is also a factor. My favourite scale is 1:12," he said.

The collector fuels his passion by flicking through auto magazines and revs up his collection by shopping online.

"I have four or five die-cast sites I visit such as diecastfast.com and diecastmusclecar.com or I may go to the manufacturers' websites ... Maisto or Hot Wheels."

Gray's 19-month-old son, William, who has two toy cars, shows a keen interest in his father's hobby.

"I hardly allow him to handle them now but when he gets older and appreciates them, he'll be allowed to handle them," Gray said.

Mom Alexcia, however, thinks the cars have overrun their home.

"They're everywhere. They're in William's bedroom, the kitchen, I even have an SUV in my bathroom!" she said.

Gray, however, is not about to put the brakes on collecting anytime soon and is now gearing up to buy three of the latest models: a Ferrari, a 2009 Maserati MC12XX and a Maserati Gran Turismo S.

"It is a bit of an obsession but isn't all collecting? As a collector, I feel there's always a piece missing and you just want to make sure you complete set. That's what the obsession is and what a collector looks for," he added.