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Our Favorite Diecast Manufacturers

McLaren F1 by AUTOart

There are dozens of diecast car brands, but quality, detail and price vary considerably between manufacturers. After years of selling and collecting 1/18 scale models, these are some of our favorite diecast brands and manufacturers, starting with Almost Real, AUTOart and CMC.

1/18 scale in the diecast cars is normally the largest scale in which most diecast cars are manufactured. There is another scale which is 1/12 which is fairly larger but rare. The length on this scale is 10-12". They are larger than the other popular diecast scales. Being greater in size, they are more detailed than the other diecast models. A few of the models are so well-detailed that you might even want to ride in them. 1/18 is a well-known die-cast collectible scale considered for diecast car models. The prices are dependent upon the finishing details and the quality of the working parts. There are a lot of types of diecast models and sometimes only limited editions are made by the companies who also manufacture serialized limited edition diecast models. There are many different manufacturers of diecast cars in scale 1/18, our three favorites are Almost Real, Autoart and CMC Classic Model Cars.

Our Favorite 1/18 Diecast Brands

  1. Almost Real – mid-range priced, highly detailed 1/18 models
  2. AUTOart – wide range of road and racing models across scales
  3. CMC – premium detail; discontinued models often increase in value
  4. GT Spirit – tuned, modified and limited-run 1/18 models
  5. Solido – French diecast brand with a history back to the 1930s; accessibly priced 1/18 models

Almost Real

Pagani Zonda F by Almost Real

Almost Real is a well-known diecast car manufacturer. They make models on the scale of 1/43 or 1/18 for a lot of cars like Bentley, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, McLaren, and more. The range of the models they are manufacturing is consistently increasing. The brand plays a huge emphasis on delivering the proper value to its products. Their prices are considered to be mid-range. They are greatly detailed and have a quality finish. They are usually compared to diecast models that are double the price. They have a clean finish and most importantly they do not hurt your budget. They are packaged with great care so that your product is not damaged. All the models are packaged in form-fitting styrofoam. They come in a branded box that protects the diecast car from any sort of wear and tear during shipping. Almost Real might be one of the most loved brands out there today, mostly thanks to them being in the mid-range price level, yet producing all their cars in metal with a lot of details.

Some of the latest Almost Real models added to our shop include the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet W463 2017 in Black, the Toyota Century 2023 in Black/Silver RHD, and the Pagani Zonda Tricolore.

Latest Almost Real models added

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AUTOart

Bugatti Chiron by AUTOart

Autoart is another diecast model manufacturer. They have developed tons of products to this date. It is a lead brand producing diecast models of 1/18 scale-size models. They deliver a large variety of detailed 1/18 models of road cars as well as racing models. They have both modern and classic models. Autoart covers a huge range of car brands with a broad range of prices well suited for car enthusiasts. Each model is produced with great attention to detail, high-quality material, exceptional paintwork, and diecast moldings. They design the car in a way such that it looks like a realistic model. Every model is checked for its quality to maintain the highest possible standards. It is done in a manufacturing facility. They produce diecast models of sizes 1/12, 1/18, 1/43, and 1/64. They are considered to have some of the best quality in the mid-price range. Autoart diecast models are works of art. They are a bit expensive but for the original collectors of the diecast models, they are truly worth it. They have a clothed interior, sharp paint, and leather seats with a dashboard finished with great detail. They also have a die-cast collectors club. They sell a broad line of accessories for car enthusiasts. It features many brands like Bugatti, Porsche, Koenigsegg, Mercedes Benz, American classic cars, racing models, and more. It is absolutely perfect for sports car enthusiasts and anyone who is looking for a collectible to add to their room.

Three AUTOart models recently added to our shop include the Lamborghini LM002 in Argento/Metallic Silver, Rosso Siviglia/Red, and Nero Tenebre/Black, all in 1:18 scale.

Latest AUTOart models added

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CMC Diecast Cars

Ferrari 250 GTO by CMC

Last but not least we have CMC which is another diecast manufacturing company. It can be considered the pinnacle of diecast collecting. They make classic diecast cars mostly in scale 1/18 with some exceptions of models in 1/24 and 1/12. CMC replicas are miniature masterpieces of design with great detail, they are the most intricate models that you will ever witness. Many of their models are designed from well over 1000 individual pieces. These models are made to be as realistic as possible with great detailing, often resulting in the prices being well over what other model cars cost. One great thing with models by CMC models is that they often keep their value very well, and in many cases go up in value once the model has been discontinued. This makes CMC diecast cars among the best investments within the diecast car scene.

Highlights from CMC include the Fiat 642 RN2 Bartoletti 1957 Ferrari Transporter and the Ferrari 250 GTO in several liveries, all in 1:18 scale.

Latest CMC models added

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GT Spirit

Brabus 900 Rocket-R by GT Spirit

GT Spirit specializes in the cars other manufacturers overlook: tuned and modified builds from the likes of Brabus, RWB and Liberty Walk, alongside faithful versions of today's most sought-after performance cars. Their 1/18 models are produced in limited runs, which makes many releases genuinely hard to find once they sell out. The GT Spirit models in our shop are all in 1/18 scale and cover makes such as Porsche, BMW, Brabus, RWB, Aston Martin, Land Rover, Nissan, Audi and Koenigsegg, from modern supercars to modified classics and endurance racers. For collectors chasing something different from the usual factory-spec lineup, GT Spirit is a reliable source.

Two GT Spirit models recently added to our shop include the Brabus 900 Rocket-R 2024 in Green Metallic and the Koenigsegg Jesko 2025 in Blue Metallic, both in 1:18 scale.

Latest GT Spirit models added

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Solido

BMW E36 M3 by Solido

Solido is one of France's oldest diecast names, with a history stretching back to the 1930s. Their 1/18 models are known for solid build quality and accessible pricing, making them a popular entry point for collectors. Every Solido model we carry is in 1/18 scale, and the range covers European, Japanese and American cars from makes such as BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen, Ford, Nissan, Alpine, Toyota, Mazda and Subaru. It includes classics like the Volkswagen T1 Samba Bus and the Shelby GT500 as well as modified builds wearing RWB and Liberty Walk body kits.

Two Solido models recently added to our shop include the BMW E36 M3 1994 in Blue Estoril Metallic and the Porsche 911 KS-R 2022 in Orange Metallic, both in 1:18 scale.

Latest Solido models added

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