Maker record
Conquest
Conquest Models was a Dutch range of hand-built 1:43-scale white-metal model cars created by Henk van Asten for Daimler House. Its first model, a 1954 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible, appeared in 1987. The range initially focused on American cars from the 1930s to the 1960s and later added European models. SMTS produced the miniatures, which featured chrome trim, separate door handles, clear resin lights and photo-etched details. Some cars appeared in multiple body styles, including convertible-top-up and top-down versions. Route 66 acquired the Conquest name and American-car patterns in 2005, with SMTS continuing production.
- Founded
- 1987
- Locations
- Unknown
- Founders
- Bill Churg
The story of Conquest
In 1985, Henk van Asten decided to develop a detailed 1:43-scale range of American cars from the 1930s to the 1960s, addressing subjects he felt were missing from existing white-metal lines. He named the range Conquest Models after his 1953 Daimler Conquest and operated it through Daimler House. SMTS in Hastings became the production partner. The first Conquest model, a 1954 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible, followed the first Madison release by a few months in 1987.
The white-metal cars were designed to reproduce fine exterior trim and fittings. Early models included chrome parts, separate door handles, clear resin headlights and tail lights, and photo-etched wipers and number plates. From 1990, SMTS supplied Daimler House with about 200 models a month, allowing three or four new models to be added annually. Daimler House also introduced a European-car series. Some subjects were offered in different body styles, including open and closed versions.
The last new Daimler House Conquest models were released in 2000 and produced in 2001. Daimler House reissued earlier models from 2002 through 2004. In early 2005, Route 66 acquired the Conquest name and the brass patterns for the American-car models. SMTS continued making models for Route 66, extending the range beyond its Daimler House period.