1:18 scale is a popular die cast scale. Prices are usually linked to the finishing details and number of working parts. Many types and edition runs of limited editions are available, some companies also create serialized limited editions.
If you want to add to a friend's collection, find out what particular style and type of car they collect. To collect a memento of someone's first car, check the various companies for the range of models they produce.
These top picks are in alphabetical order.
1. Auto Art
Auto Art produce a huge line of scale models, more than 450 of them in 1:18 scale. Other scales they produce include 1:12, 1:43, 1:64 as well as 1:24 and 1:32 slot cars. Gateway Global who manufacture Auto Art also produce the Gate brand of die casts. They have a die cast collectors club online and also sell a wide line of accessories for car fanatics.
Products carried: mainly current model cars including some racing models.
Price range: from $50 - $80 in 1:18 scale
2. Bburago
Bburago produce some of the most widely available die cast cars, found everywhere from collectors stores to big box retailers. Much of their line is available in other scales of 1:24, 1:32, 1:43, as well as some kits.
Products carried: mainly current model cars and motorbikes
Price range: from $15 - $50 for most of their 1:18 scale line.
3. CMC
Classical Motor Cars create 1:18 scale classic European cars with varying detail. They also make cars in 1:12 and 1:24 scales. Detailing and research are extensive with leather covered seats and even the least expensive of the models made from more than 220 parts. Great information on models appears with a click on the illustrations on their available model page. In their upper range of models you can choose different interior colors exactly matched to the originals.
Products carried: Ferrari, Maserati, Bugatti, Horch and Mercedes-Benz model cars in 1:18 scale
Price range: from $100 to $250 (1:18 scale models).
4. Ertl toys
RCErtl models are commonly available via toy and hobby shops as well as online. In addition to their limited edition American Muscle cars they also produce lines of promotional and collectors die casts in several scales, including 1:18 die cast vehicles featuring Thomas Kinkade paintings.
Products carried: 1:18 scale American Mucle cars in limited editions, trucks and atv’s
Price range: American Muscle line ranges from $25-$50.
5. Exact Detail Replicas
Exact Detail models high quality 1:18 scale replicas of America’s favorite muscle cars. Engines are complete with fuel lines, sparkplug wires, and all belts and pulleys. Their website has a wealth of information on the cars they model.
Products carried: 66-69 Shelby, 67-68 Camaro, 70-72 Oldsmobile, 67-68 Firebird, 65 Chevelle/Malibu and 70 Chevelle.
Price range: from $90- $130.
6. Exoto
Exoto specialize in highly detailed collectible race cars from the most popular racing series. Details include opening doors, full suspension and detailed engines. Some of their models even have opening fuel fillers and they all feature fully painted graphics with no decals. Exoto also produce a special LeMans series in 1:10 scale.
Products carried: Gran Prix , Racing legends, Can Am First Heat series, Hum Vees
Price range: $100- $500 for most 1:18 scale models.
7. GMP
Georgia Marketing and Promotions create diecast cars in 1:18, 1:12 and 1:24 scales. Their 1:18 Ford Fairlane ($130) comes complete with cloth seatbelts and roll up and down windows as well as the obligatory opening doors, hood and trunk, and fully functional steering. Their Mopar series also feature opening windows.
Their collector’s club, Tom’s garage, gives collectors access to limited edition serialized collectibles.
Products carried: Diecast muscle cars, road racing and sprint cars.Price range: from $70 -$140
8. Highway 61
Highway 61 is a division of FFErtl, Trademark Models, Die Cast Promotions. Under the Highway 61 label they produces a wide range of 1:18 scale die casts featuring classic American Road cars including; a 59 Nash Metropolitan, a Kaiser Manhattan and a Hudson Hornet.Products carried: American muscle cars to classic mom and pop highway carsPrice range: from $50 - $70 for the 1:18 scale cars.
9. Kyosho
Kyosho are another wide ranging producer of 1:18 scale cars. They produce more than 300 models in this scale as well as die casts in 1:12, 1:43,1:50, 1:64 and 1:80 scales.
Products carried: mostly current model cars as well as rc cars and airplanes
Price range: varies with detail. In the $60 – $70 range they have some nicely detailed model cars with opening doors and engine bays.
10. Maisto
Maisto, like Bburago and Yat Ming, is a mainstream producer of die cast cars. They are available in toy and hobby shops as well as online. Maisto produce several series of scale models including an infrared control series with operable headlights, which will go forward, reverse, and turn in reverse.They also produce a wide range of die casts in 1:12, 1:24, and 1:43 scale.
Products carried: current model cars and race cars including GT Racing, Special Edition and Premier Edition model ranges and an infrared control series.
Price range: $20 - $30 for most of 1:18 scale, with the infrared series in the $80 range.
