Diecast quality - best & the worst

[T4Tiv]

Hi all,

Putting together a 'small' collection of 1/18th diecast cars. The criteria being that they must be the best quality given that it's only going to be about 8 in number.....don't want a collection to take over rooms !

I have so far.....all 1/18th scale
Ferrari 250 GT SWB (CMC models)
Ferrari 250 GTO (Kyosho)
AC Cobra - first car (Exoto)
Austin Healey 100/6 (Kyosho)
Lambo Miura (Kyosho)
Alfa Romeo 2000 kamm tail (Minichamps)

So I've got room for a couple more & my question is - quality wise how does Mattel Elite rate against Kyosho/AutoArt & Minichamps (interested in the Ferrari Dino model). Also is there a good model of the BMW 507 in 1/18th - I'd put the Revell and Ricko models out of the equation quaity wise.

Thanks
Peter

[motormania]

Hotwheels Elite is on par with Minichamps, although AUTOart is far better IMHO. Of course the very best are Exoto and CMC

[Dr G]

I recently looked at the Dino you mention above - it's toy-like comapred to Kyosho etc. very disappointing.

[T4Tiv]

Thanks...interesting comments.

I'll discount Mattel Elite. I always thought that the Kyosho models were the best of the 2nd tier behind the likes of Exoto/CMC/BBR, so it looks like the last spot for the collection will be filled by the F. Daytona by Kyosho.

Still puzzles me that some iconic cars like the BMW507 don't have good quality models in comparison with some very average production cars produced by the quality die-cast manufacturers viz Kyosho/Autoart.

Peter

[markbmw]

Some car manufacturers pay large sums to the model companies to set up tooling to make their current ranges. They're used as a form of promotion/ marketing.
I'm not sure how accurate he was but a model-shop owner told me it cost approx £1m to set up one new model, this was about 6/7yrs ago.

[GJB]

I collect 1:18 Porsches (have a couple of full size ones as well}.

Best 1:18 diecast are EXOTO. Have a look at Exoto.com Recently released a Sharknose Ferrari and the detail is mind boggling.

[Nicholas Blair]

HAs to be Exoto

I have 20 or so for sale at the mo.