Buying guides
Which scale should you collect?
Scale is the ratio between the model and the real car. A 1:18 model is one eighteenth the size. Smaller numbers after the colon mean bigger models. Here is roughly how long a 4.5 metre car comes out in each scale:
| Scale | Model length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1:12 | about 37 cm | Showpieces with a lot of detail |
| 1:18 | about 25 cm | Detail you can see, a common collector choice |
| 1:24 | about 19 cm | Medium size, easier to display |
| 1:43 | about 10 cm | Large collections in little space |
Measure your shelf before you buy. Ten 1:18 cars need far more room than ten 1:43 cars.
Diecast or resin?
Diecast models have a metal body and often moving doors, bonnets and wheels. Resin models usually have sealed bodies, so nothing opens, but fine details and shapes can be sharper. Resin is often made in smaller runs. Check each listing, since makers differ.
Before you order from a shop
- Check whether the model is new, used or discontinued, and whether the box is included.
- Read the return policy, especially for imports.
- Look at shipping costs and any customs fees for your country.
- Ask for photos of used or rare pieces before paying.