Marco Laviola, model car builder: “It began with Lego”

What started with Lego, slightly got out of hand. The Italian model car builder Marco Laviola gives us an insight into his passion. “I build the models with as much detail as possible. The aim is to create the illusion that you are looking at the real thing.”

Personally speaking, model cars are a great source of joy and inspiration. Although these scale motorcars are immobile, a simple glance can transport one to some of the most vivid motorsport scenes of history: Nuvolari’s daring Nurburgring triumph in 1935, Moss’ victorious dash at the 1955 Mille Miglia, or Lancia’s creative success at the 1983 Monte Carlo Rally. For such great images to be conjured, it is obvious that the detail and fidelity of the replica is such that it could only be of the hand of a caring craftsman, leading us to the topic of today’s article.

Made in Puglia

Marco Laviola is an artisan who works in static modelling, not to mention an avid reader of this esteemed publication. Based in the heel of Italy’s boot in Puglia, he indulges in his passion by creating client-commissioned model cars with the highest conveyance of accuracy and detail. According to Laviola, “It’s a passion born as a child, it all started with my favourite game ‘Lego’ and that’s where it all began. I gradually moved on to materials that were new to me such as wood and with the help of my father, a sculptor, I learned to work with it, he taught me how to build resin moulds with silicone materials etc.”

As Marco progressed and his love for motoring grew, he found great interest in dynamic modelling, where he professionally participated in races with cars that would be modified, built, and prepared by him. However, with time, Marco changed his focus entirely towards “static modelling because I was fascinated by building models as detailed as possible and trying to have the illusion of looking at a real model.”

Get the materials right

In terms of the process of creating one of his models, Marco does not limit himself with materials or processes as he utilises custom moulds for metal and resin parts. Specifically, he applies materials such as brass, aluminium and wood. Oftentimes, he applies parts from existing kits and then alters them for his purposes. With regards to details of a replica’s interior, Marco conforms to a customer’s requests for leather or carpeting, adding to the genuine appearance.

Laviola goes to even more extreme lengths to ensure that his models provide the miniature illusion of a complete, genuine motoring icon. According to him, one must possess imagination in locating the correct and felicitous materials so that an object’s accuracy is just so. Some of the odder materials used for details include drink cans, children’s markers and kitchen splash guards.

Scans

The digital world also plays a key role in Marco’s modelling process. He generally modifies digital model files so that parts can be printed. However, Laviola did mention that a model of a Vespa Faro Basso required scanning an original example of the vintage scooter for the replication of some specific details.

Romain Grosjean

Generally, Marco seems to derive greatest pleasure from working on models of vintage cars: “they have a timeless charm, especially those designed by the great Italian masters; every vintage model for me is a work of art.” Specifically, he is fascinated by racers of the thirties and forties due to their hand-crafted bodies and the fact that they represented the first of the truly high-power motorcars. Marco points out one such example: a model of a thirties grand prix Alfa Romeo driven in period by our publication’s namesake Tazio Nuvolari as well as Rudolf Caracciola and was commissioned by Romain Grosjean.

When it comes to his motorsport heroes, Laviola highlights Nuvolari, who he describes as “one of a kind”, but also mentions the likes of Fangio, Ascari, Faglioli. Additionally, he notes drivers of more modern times such as Schumacher, Hamilton, Senna, and Leclerc as “they are all extraordinary even if from different eras.”

Comissioned

Individuals commission model cars from Laviola through his two contact points that include email (marlinlav@gmail.com) and Instagram @marlinlav. After discussing specifications, Marco will request photos and videos of a car if it is in the customer’s possession. Once work commences, clients are regularly updated regarding the progression of their builds and are involved in the decision-making process of certain details. Once a project is completed and is sent off to pastures new, often customers will state that working with Marco has been a thrill. According to Marco, it “is a satisfaction and above all an immense gratification”.

As a point of interest, his list of clientele boasts the likes of Formula 1 and other racing drivers as well as famous actors, singers, and chefs. However, most are car collectors who are in search of a more miniature version of one of their cars for the purposes of display.

Videos

Marco documents all of his projects through his Instagram page for everyone to view, especially through carefully curated videos of specific stages in his modelling process that are often paired with appropriate music and are cut to synchronisation with the video itself. This is done to share the emotions that he receives from building these accurate models in a way that video uniquely shares. As he states, “Videos are an integral part of the models themselves and without them a model would not be the same.”

As we have observed in today’s feature, when one goes to extremes to convey precision and veracity, it works to prove that model cars are symbols of aspiration and joy that are not only exquisite to observe as a piece of art, but are also icons that can let our imaginations run free with images of our greatest motoring desires and intrigues.