Miniatures Basics
By
Updated on 07/15/19
The 1:18 scale is a popular die-cast collectible scale, especially for die-cast car models. 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-edition die-cast models.
If you want to add to a friend's collection, find out what particular die-cast scale, style and type or model 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.
01 of 11
AUTOArt
AUTOArt produces a huge line of scale model die-cast cars, with 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. It has a die-cast collectors club online and also sells a wide line of accessories for car fanatics.
Products Carried: It offers mainly current model cars including some racing models.
02 of 11
Bburago
Bburago produces some of the most widely available die-cast cars, found everywhere from collectors stores to big-box retailers. Much of its line is available in other scales of 1:24, 1:32, 1:43, as well as some kits.
Products Carried: It offers mainly current model cars and motorbikes.
03 of 11
Classical Motor Cars
Classical Motor Cars create 1:18 scale classic European die-cast cars with varying detail. It also makes 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 its available model page. In its upper range of models, you can choose different interior colors exactly matched to the originals.
Products Carried: It offers Ferrari, Maserati, Bugatti, Horch, and Mercedes-Benz model cars in 1:18 scale.
04 of 11
Die-Cast Promotions by F.F. Ertl III, Inc
Die-Cast Promotions is continuing its production of a range of 1:18 and 1:24 scale classic American muscle cars as well as a line of 1:12 scale Harley bikes and 1:64 trucks. It also produces lines of promotional and collectors die-casts in several scales.
Products Carried: It offers 1:18 scale American Muscle cars, trucks, and ATVs.
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05 of 11
Exact Detail Replicas
Exact Detail Replicas models high-quality 1:18 scale die-cast replicas of America's favorite muscle cars. Engines are complete with fuel lines, spark plug wires, and all belts and pulleys. Its website has a wealth of information on the cars it models.
Products Carried: It offers 66–69 Shelby, 67–68 Camaro, 70–72 Oldsmobile, 67–68 Firebird, '65 Chevelle/Malibu, and '70 Chevelle.
06 of 11
Exoto
Exoto specializes in highly detailed collectible race cars from the most popular racing series. Details on its die-casts include opening doors, full suspension, and detailed engines. Some of its models even have opening fuel fillers and feature fully painted graphics with no decals. Exoto also produces a special LeMans series in 1:10 scale.
Products Carried: It offers Gran Prix, racing legends, Can-Am First Heat series, and Humvees.
07 of 11
Greenlight Collectibles
Greenlight Collectibles produces a wide range of 1:18 scale die-casts featuring classic American road cars including a '59 Nash Metropolitan, a Kaiser Manhattans, and a Hudson Hornet.
Products Carried: It offers American muscle cars to classic mom-and-pop highway cars.
08 of 11
Kyosho
Kyosho is another wide-ranging producer of 1:18 scale die cast cars. It produces 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: It offers mostly current model cars as well as RC cars and airplanes.
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09 of 11
Maisto
Maisto, just 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 produces several series of scale die-cast models including an infrared control series with operable headlights, which will go forward, reverse, and turn in reverse.
It also produces a wide range of die-casts in 1:12, 1:24, and 1:43 scale.
Products Carried: It offers current model cars and race cars including GT Racing, Special Edition, and Premier Edition model ranges and an infrared control series.
10 of 11
Sun Star Models Development Limited
Sun Star Models Development Limited produces a wide range of die-cast collectible cars and buses in several scales. In 1:18 scale, it has a regular and platinum series with many classic American road cars, as well as a more modern range of European and American cars.
11 of 11
Trading Acme Company
Trading Acme Company creates die-cast cars in 1:18, 1:12 and 1:24 scales. Its 1:18 Ford Fairlane comes complete with cloth seatbelts and roll up and down windows as well as the obligatory opening doors, hood, trunk, and fully functional steering. Its Mopar series also features opening windows.
Its collector's club, Tom's garage, gives collectors access to limited-edition serialized collectibles.
Products Carried: It offers die-cast muscle cars, road racings, and sprint cars.