Diecast Brands/Manufacturers

Diecast brands form the foundation of the hobby. These manufacturers produce the base models that collectors display and builders modify.

This section lists well-known and emerging brands whose vehicles are commonly used within the diecast community.

Hot Wheels

Manufacturer of die-cast model cars founded in 1968 and widely recognised as one of the most influential brands in the 1:64 scale market. Hot Wheels produces a vast range of castings used by collectors and customisers around the world. Many custom builders use Hot Wheels models as the base for modification projects due to their availability and variety.

Matchbox

Originally launched in 1953 by Lesney Products, Matchbox produces realistic die-cast vehicles typically in the three-inch scale. Matchbox models are known for their more realistic styling and are frequently used by builders looking for factory-style or restoration-inspired custom projects.

Official Website: https://hotwheels.mattel.com

Availability: Global retail distribution through toy stores, hobby retailers and online shops

Parent Company: Mattel (USA)

Parent Company: Mattel (USA)

Official Website: https://shop.mattel.com/pages/matchbox

Availability: Global retail distribution through toy stores and online retailers.

Majorette

Parent Company: Simba Dickie Group (Germany)

Founded in France in 1961, Majorette produces die-cast vehicles in scales roughly similar to the classic three-inch format. The brand is known for features such as opening parts and suspension elements, making many castings attractive bases for custom modification projects.

Official Website: https://www.majorette.com

Availability: Widely distributed across Europe, Asia and online toy retailers.

Tomica

Parent Company: Takara Tomy (Japan)

Introduced in 1970, Tomica is a Japanese die-cast model line known for accurate representations of Japanese and international vehicles. Tomica models are often used by collectors and customisers seeking alternative castings not found in Western brands.

Official Website: https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/tomica

Availability: Japan, Asia and international hobby retailers.

GreenLight Collectibles

Parent Company: GreenLight LLC (USA)

GreenLight produces licensed die-cast vehicles focused on American automotive culture, film vehicles and specialty series. Their models are widely used by collectors and custom builders who prefer realistic castings with authentic liveries.

Official Website: https://www.greenlighttoys.com

Availability: Hobby retailers, specialist die-cast stores and online shops worldwide.

Mini GT

Parent Company: TSM Model (Hong Kong / USA)

Mini GT is a collector-focused 1:64 die-cast brand known for highly detailed models and realistic proportions. Many customisers use Mini GT castings when working on detailed builds or display-oriented modifications.

Official Website: https://minigt.tsm-models.com

Availability: Specialist die-cast retailers and hobby stores worldwide.

Tarmac Works

Parent Company: Tarmac Works Ltd. (Hong Kong)

Tarmac Works produces highly detailed collector-grade 1:64 models with strong motorsport and Japanese tuning influences. Their castings are popular among enthusiasts and custom builders interested in racing or tuner culture.

Official Website: https://tarmacworks.com

Availability: Online retailers and specialist hobby stores.

INNO64

Parent Company: INNO Models (Hong Kong)

INNO64 focuses on premium 1:64 models with detailed body kits, racing liveries and tuner vehicles. Their castings often serve as bases for high-end custom builds and collector display projects.

Official Website: https://inno-models.com

Availability: Specialist die-cast retailers and hobby distributors worldwide.

POP RACE

Parent Company: XCarToys (Hong Kong)

Founded in 2019, POP RACE produces collectible 1:64 scale vehicles with a strong emphasis on Japanese performance cars and modern sports models. Their releases focus on realistic detailing and accurate proportions.

Official Website: https://poprace.com

Availability: Hobby retailers and online specialty stores.

Johnny Lightning

Parent Company: Round 2 LLC (USA)

Originally introduced in 1969, Johnny Lightning is a die-cast brand known for American automotive themes and collector-focused releases. The brand was revived by Round 2 and continues producing 1:64 models used by collectors and custom builders.

Official Website: https://www.round2corp.com/johnny-lightning

Availability: Hobby retailers, specialty toy stores and online shops.

Auto World

Parent Company: Round 2 LLC (USA)

Auto World produces highly detailed die-cast models focused primarily on classic American vehicles. Their castings are popular among collectors and restoration-style custom builders looking for accurate factory-style bases.

Official Website: https://www.autoworldstore.com

Availability: Specialist hobby retailers and online stores.

M2 Machines

Parent Company: Castline Inc. (USA)

M2 Machines produces highly detailed American automotive models with opening parts and collector-oriented releases. Their castings are often used by builders working on American classic or lowrider-inspired custom builds.

Official Website: https://www.m2machines.com

Availability: Retail chains, hobby stores and online retailers.

Jada Toys

Parent Company: Simba Dickie Group (Germany)

Jada produces stylised die-cast vehicles often associated with movie franchises, tuner culture and exaggerated custom designs. Their models are popular with builders exploring creative or street-style custom projects.

Official Website: https://jadatoys.com

Availability: Major retailers and online stores worldwide.

CarTuned

Parent Company: MGA Entertainment (USA)

CarTuned is a modern die-cast toy line inspired by stylised tuner culture and exaggerated automotive design. The brand is designed with modification culture in mind, making its castings particularly interesting to custom builders experimenting with creative interpretations of vehicles.

Official Website: https://cartuned.com

Availability: Major retailers and online toy stores.

REVELL

Parent Company: Revell (DE)

Revell is best known for plastic model kits but also produces diecast models with a focus on classic cars and historical vehicles. Established in 1943, the brand is widely recognised among collectors and hobbyists.

Official Website: https://revell.com

Availability: Global distribution through hobby shops and online retailers

Dinky Toys

Parent Company: Meccano Ltd (GB)

Dinky Toys is one of the earliest diecast brands, originally launched in the 1930s. Highly collectible, it is known for vintage models and its historical significance in diecast manufacturing.

Meccano Ltd is a legacy Brand and was bough out by Lines Bros Ltd which was absorbed into Matchbox, which now has been bought by Mattel.

Official Website: N/A (legacy brand)

Availability: Secondary market, auctions and collector dealers

Corgi

Parent Company: Hornby Hobbies (GB)

Corgi is a historic British diecast brand known for detailed models and film/TV licensed vehicles. Established in 1956, it remains highly collectible.

Official Website: https://uk.corgi.co.uk

Availability: Global hobby retailers and online stores

BBurago

Parent Company: May Cheong Group (HK)

BBurago produces affordable diecast models with a focus on sports and supercars, particularly Ferrari. Founded in 1976, it is popular among collectors and casual enthusiasts.

Official Website: https://bburago.com

Availability: Global retail and online distribution

BBurago

Parent Company: May Cheong Group (HK)

Maisto offers a wide range of diecast vehicles, from entry-level to detailed models. Known for accessibility and variety, it is widely used as a base for custom builds.

Official Website: https://maisto.com

Availability: Global retail chains and online shops

NOREV

Parent Company: Norev (FR)

Norev produces highly detailed diecast models, particularly European vehicles. Established in 1946, it is respected for accuracy and OEM partnerships.

Official Website: https://norev.com

Availability: Global retail chains and online shops

Spark Model

Parent Company: Spark Model (MAC)

Spark specialises in high-detail resin and diecast models, especially motorsport vehicles. Known for precision and limited runs, it is highly collectible.

Official Website: https://sparkmodel.com

Availability: Specialist retailers and online stores

IXO Models

Parent Company: IXO Models (MAC)

IXO Models focuses on rally and motorsport diecast vehicles with strong detail and affordability. It is widely used by collectors and customisers alike.

Official Website: https://ixomodels.com

Availability: Specialist retailers and online stores

AutoArt

Parent Company: AUTOart (HK)

AUTOart produces premium diecast and composite models with exceptional detail and accuracy. It is considered a high-end brand among collectors.

Official Website: https://autoartmodels.com

Availability: Specialist retailers worldwide

Solido

Parent Company: SOLIDO (FR)

Solido is a historic French diecast brand known for affordable yet detailed models. Established in 1932, it remains popular among collectors and customisers.

Official Website: https://solido.com

Availability: Global retail and hobby stores

Kyosho

Parent Company: Kyosho (JP)

Kyosho produces high-quality diecast models with strong attention to detail, especially Japanese and performance cars. It is widely respected in both RC and diecast markets.

Official Website: https://kyosho.com

Availability: Global hobby retailers and online stores

WELLY

Parent Company: Welly (HK)

Kyosho produces high-quality diecast models with strong attention to detail, especially Japanese and performance cars. It is widely respected in both RC and diecast markets.

Official Website: https://wellydiecast.com

Availability: Global retail and online distribution

Minichamps

Parent Company: Minichamps (DE)

Minichamps specialises in high-detail diecast models, particularly motorsport and Formula 1. Known for precision and collectibility, it is a premium brand in the hobby.

Official Website: https://minichamps.de

Availability: Specialist retailers and collector stores worldwide

Ertl

Parent Company: Tomy (JP)

Ertl specialises in agricultural and farm equipment diecast models, along with classic vehicles. Founded in 1945, it is a well-established name in collectible diecast.

Official Website: https://ertltoys.com

Availability: Global retail and online hobby stores