Best Car Model Kits for Real Enthusiasts in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update July 20, 2022
If you've been dreaming about a collection of luxurious cars, you can make your dream come true already today. With car model kits, you can create your own showroom with some really rare vehicles to show off in front of your friends. Consider our selection of the best modelling kits available and choose the one that will bring a smile on your child's face. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2022
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Scale
Recommended Age
Skill Level
Assembly Kit
 
PROS

This model from the Revell company offers great quality, durability, and maximum similarity to a real VW Samba Bus. There is quite a number of elements, so you will be occupied with assembling it for some time.

CONS

The instructions might be somewhat complex.

OUR VERDICT

VW Samba Bus is the prototype of a civil minivan and a great retro value. The car itself was produced in the 50-60's and is rightfully considered to be the symbol of an entire era. It will be a perfect present for any collector. Available in two more colours.

detailed parameters
Scale

1:24

Recommended Age

10+

Skill Level

Advanced

Assembly Kit

173 parts

PROS

The kit includes glue, six acrylic paints, and two brushes. Thus, modelling will bring you maximum pleasure. You will enjoy not only assembling but also creating the car design.  

CONS

Some elements have poorly polished ridges.

OUR VERDICT

The Airfix racing car model kit for children is an interesting and serious toy. It is an incredibly accurate copy of the Jaguar E-Type, the only difference is the size, of course.

detailed parameters
Scale

1:32

Recommended Age

8+

Skill Level

Beginner 

Assembly Kit

49 parts

PROS

This model car is very simple to put together. All the elements are already painted. In the kit, you will find a detailed colour assembly scheme to allow your kid to do everything unassisted.

CONS

This model is not suitable for too active games. 

OUR VERDICT

The Bugatti Veyron model car (a copy of one of the fastest cars in the world) has all the design features of its prototype. The set consists of 34 plastic parts, including various stickers.

detailed parameters
Scale

1:32

Recommended Age

5+

Skill Level

Beginner 

Assembly Kit

34 parts

PROS

Thanks to the solid metal body, rotating wheels, opening bonnet and doors, and a mini-replica of the original engine, this toy car looks very similar to the real one. The model will become an excellent present.

CONS

There can be some glue left on the parts joints, but it is easily removed. 

OUR VERDICT

The 2009 Nissan GT-R model car kit features very detailed passenger compartment and body. This model is covered with a special electrostatic paint which is absolutely harmless to health.

detailed parameters
Scale

1:24

Recommended Age

8+

Skill Level

Intermediate 

Assembly Kit

31 parts

PROS

This collection car model has a collection of authentic elements. Plus, the red mustang body comes decorated with black tampo print decals. This design solution makes the model even more attractive and impressive looking.

CONS

Inside, some elements are not painted accurately enough.

OUR VERDICT

The Ford Mustang Boss 302 Car Model Kit is a detailed copy of the legendary car, it will certainly please both children and adults. It is of high quality and simple to assemble.

detailed parameters
Scale

1:24

Recommended Age

8+

Skill Level

Intermediate

Assembly Kit

34 parts

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Revell 07399

German Quality

Assembling collectable car models from kits is extremely exciting, an activity that fascinates many people irrespectively of their age, from kids to grandparents. After all, what can be more exciting than creating models of various cars, from retro to the most expensive and exclusive modern ones existing in single copies? 

The Volkswagen T1 is the car that was being produced from 1950 to 1967 (and to 1975 in Brazil). Volkswagen Transporter (also known as VW BUS and VW Bulli) is the first minivan and the second Volkswagen civil vehicle after the Volkswagen Käfer. This car became the symbol of the whole historical period and, along with its successor T2, was very popular among hippies. Nowadays, it is very rare and has huge retro value. This 1:24 Revell 07399 VW Samba Bus Model Kit is made of plastic. The assembling is done with the help of glue. Also, for car decoration, you can use the stickers the manufacturer has thoughtfully put in the delivery package. Glue and additional paints are to be bought separately, though. The set includes stickers, 173 plastic parts, 4 rubber tires, chromed discs, the scheme for painting the model, and detailed instructions in English and German. The body basic colour is white.

The Revell 07399 VW car model is quite close to its original, in terms of both internal assembly and external appearance. After assembly, the car can move and will have openable and movable elements. The length of the assembled model is 181 mm.

Review of Revell 07399 VW Samba Bus Model Kit

It Is Useful

The model is assembled by glueing plastic parts together. As we have already mentioned, there are a lot of details to work with in the Revell 07399 VW Samba Bus Model Kit. Young and old hobbyists will be able to show all their wit and imaginative skills assembling this Volkswagen bus, and the game will turn into an exciting adventure. All components of the kit are made of high-quality materials and are absolutely safe for you and your children, which is an undeniable plus. These cars are very similar to the original and, importantly, they are really durable and can serve for a long time.

Besides, assembling and playing with this Revell car model kit develops invaluable intellectual skills, imagination, and constructive thinking, it encourages practical skills of working with diagrams and drawings which will be really useful for a kid in the future. Such build and paint model car kits develop mental outlook; some people even claim it is helpful for fighting stress and relaxing. The Revell 07399 VW Samba Bus Model Kit is a great gift for all lovers of modelling at any age.

Revell 07399 VW Samba Bus Model Kit in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £23.80
Stock In stock
ASIN B001RHAFGE

 

Airfix A55200

Style and Speed

Airfix is an English manufacturer of model kits. The large assembly models from the Airfix company are not just toys, they are great copies of the original vehicles. The company offers a wide range of sets: ships, military aircraft, armoured vehicles, trains, cars, and other souvenirs. Airfix is one of the oldest prefabricated model firms, which started production of its first models as far back as in 1939. Since 2007, the new generation of Airfix models offers excellent quality of parts and their assembling, high-quality copying, and perfectly traced colour instructions.

The prefabricated model of the Jaguar car from the Airfix company boasts reliability and high attention to detail. It maximally repeats the look of its prototype in the scale of 1:32.

Airfix car models consist of 49 parts and are fairly easy to assemble. Each part is made of durable plastic and the elements are designated for painting. Detailed instructions describe the steps for creating an identical copy of the original. Putting together the model, you will enhance your or your kid's diligence and attentiveness, improve creativity, and involve spatial thinking. The kit is suitable for beginners and practising modellers. Each medium starter set includes glue, two brushes, and six paints.

Review of Airfix A55200 Jaguar E Type 1:32 Scale Classic Car

About the Original

In the early 1950s, there was no big difference between road and sports cars. Anyone could buy a sports car, participate in races with good chances to win, and then simply go home on it. And the Jaguar XK120 was one of such automobiles, followed several years later by the XK120 C-Type and D-Type. The car participated in various competitions, including the Le Mans 24-hour racing. These models were the direct predecessors to the Jaguar E-Type, a model of which we have here.

The Jaguar E or XK-E was a sports car from the British firm Jaguar produced in the period from 1961 to 1974. Combining the extraordinary appearance, high speed, good running characteristics, and relatively reasonable price, this vehicle was in great request. It is considered one of the most beautiful and stylish cars in the world.

The legendary Jaguar E-Type sports car was first introduced in 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show, and Enzo Ferrari himself named the E-Type the most beautiful car ever built. Being capable of reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h and having excellent handling, the E-type has gained popularity both on the road and on the race track. The design of the car has been changed many times, but this early version of the two-passenger Jaguar E-Type cabriolet is considered the most elegant.

The Jaguar model can be an excellent gift for a loved one, a personal souvenir, or part of a collection of prefabricated models.

Airfix A55200 Jaguar E Type 1:32 Scale Classic Car in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £19.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0055ANU34

 

Airfix J6008

Super Stylish

Bugatti Veyron is a hypercar from the Bugatti company (it is a part of the Volkswagen Group). This super auto was officially presented to the public in 2005 and it was the fastest production vehicle until the year 2013. Unfortunately, now the production of the 16.4 and Super Sports models is finished.

The Airfix J6008 plastic model car is an ideal copy of the Bugatti Veyron sports car (the price of which is one million dollars, by the way). It is one of the most popular car models from the 'Quick Build' series. Importantly, you do not need any glue and paints! You just put the car together and that's it. All parts are made from preparatory coloured plastic and can be easily connected with special latches. These plastic model car kits come with 34 parts, bright stickers, and clear detailed instructions. The assembled model is 187 mm in length and 89 mm wide. You can decorate your Bugatti Veyron with the stickers and make it look very original. All prefabricated models of the Airfix Quick Build series are manufactured from high-quality and durable plastic directly in the UK.

The Airfix Quick Build offers you a wide choice of simple and easy-to-assemble models, which are perfect for young users who are just learning how to model. In terms of assembling, the Quick Build kits resemble the famous LEGO construction sets. However, we would like to note that these models do not have the LEGO drawbacks (angularity, for example). Ready sets retain all the geometry of the prototype and look very similar to the real hypercar.

Purchasing the Airfix Quick Build Bugatti Veyron Car Model Kit, you will have an opportunity to decorate your collection with the world famous car. It is a wonderful line of easy-to-put-together models that are great for children from the age of 5. Besides, it can be fun for more experienced modellers. This is a lucky opportunity to buy an affordable yet high-quality toy with its own history.

Review of Airfix J6008 Quick Build Bugatti Veyron Car Model Kit

Good Influence

Regardless of being fairly simple, this model car comes equipped with moving wheels, which is great if your child likes building and playing with the ready constructions. Manipulating the car, even the smallest children will be able to develop fine motor and imaginative skills. It is likely that a kid will get seriously interested (at least, for some time) in the history of specific car brands, their creators, manufacturers, and even technical characteristics. A child's early hobby may turn into a real career in the future. This enthusiasm will definitely develop in your kid a strong thirst for knowledge and play activity. Moreover, it is good for imaginative and technical thinking.

The set will be a wonderful gift for a young modeller!

Airfix J6008 Quick Build Bugatti Veyron Car Model Kit in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00FZ4JEMQ

 

Tobar M39294

Like Real

The manufacturers of model car toys often create copies that exactly repeat the models of the Nissan company. This Japanese corporation originated in 1933. In a year, they built the Nissan Yokohama Plant, where they produced the Datsun for export. The first car was made in 1935. The production of cars was performed using only Japanese parts on an automated conveyor. The symbol of Nissan is a circle (it is a symbol of the sun). The company succeeded, so they started producing buses and large truck-cars. Nissan exported its cars to Asia, Australia, and the USA.

The Nissan GT-R is a sports car manufactured by Nissan Motor. After being presented as a production model at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 24, 2007, it gained great popularity in Japan in 2008, and then in the US and Europe.

The Maisto company is one of the world leaders in car model kits production and this Nissan car is an illustrative example of their professionalism. The 2009 Nissan GT-R model car comes in silver colour. The vehicle boasts 100% authenticity. The scale of the model is 1:24, the body is made of metal with plastic elements. The toy has movable spring-loaded wheels, and opening doors and bonnet. Also, one of the advantages of this model is that the wheels rotate like on a real car. It does not have to be only a toy, either—you can add it to your collection of model cars and it will please your eyes. The box itself has a nice design, so if you are looking for a present for somebody, then this product will be an excellent choice. The manufacturer thoughtfully provides a plastic stand for storing the car. The model will entertain all fans and collectors of sports cars.

The copy of the car is made with the official license from the automakers. Precise detailing and impeccable quality make it not only a children's toy but also an impressive gift or souvenir!

Review of Tobar M39294 Diecast Metal Car Model Kit

For Your Overall Development

Maisto Manufacturing is a Thailand company that creates high-quality large-scale model cars and motorcycles. Their copies are made of metal in scales of 1:12, 1:18, 1:24, 1:43, 1:72 and they exactly reproduce the models of the original vehicles. Every model comes with a special stand. Also, there is a tablet with the particular model name. The list of brands presented by Maisto includes both rare models and the newest ones. Among them, there are such famous automakers as Mercedes (license for exclusive production), BMW, Audi, Honda, Ford, Volkswagen, Jaguar, Porsche, Dodge, Chevrolet, Hummer, Mustang, Plymouth, and many others. They offer toy automobiles of different colours and tuning solutions, prefabricated models, and radio-controlled ones. The company also makes models of the Players series (luxury cars). In addition, the Maisto company produces exclusive prototypes of fantastic cars of the future, for example, the Lexus Futuristic Concept Car from the "Minority Report" movie.

Those who want to assemble a car with their own hands can find car copies of 1:18 and 1:24 scale. They can be assembled without glue and special tools. Chances are everyone will find something from their dreams: an adult hobbyist will be delighted with a perfectly detailed model and a child will get an interesting and useful toy.

Tobar M39294 Diecast Metal Car Model Kit in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0032VFOH8

 

Tobar M39269

American Dream

The Maisto Ford Mustang Boss 302 is a high-quality collection car model. It is made by die-cast method (under high pressure), which makes it possible to accurately copy all the parts. This model boasts cast bright metal body with a high-detailed engine, discs, protectors, and exhaust system. It also has other metal, plastic, and rubber elements, the opening parts of the body, the detailed running gear, and well-designed interior of the cabin. The wheels are amortized and their rotation is controlled by the steering. You will be able to see the finest details even under the hood. The Maisto Ford Mustang Boss 302 in the scale of 1:24 is an accurate licensed copy of the real prototype car.

The Ford Mustang Boss 302 is not just a popular car of America: it is a real heart, soul, and car icon of American car industry, which will undoubtedly please not only a child but also a real collector. This collection model represents a series of Maisto Special Edition. The model is equipped with a special stand with the full name of the car. This makes the mini version of the Ford Mustang Boss 302 look even more majestic.

According to customers, the Maisto Ford Mustang Boss is an excellent gift for kids of different age. It is rather strong, so for an average user, it is practically impossible to break or somehow change the appearance of this model.

Of course, this model car kit will bring delight both to a young car enthusiast and to an avid collector. It is worthy of becoming a highlight of the existing collection or a good start of a new original one.

By the way, during over 50 years of production, the Ford company has sold more than nine million units of this luxury muscle car. In addition, this car has been involved in a variety of television projects more than 3,200 times and has repeatedly appeared in various programs.

Review of Tobar M39269 1:24 Scale "Special Edition Ford Mustang Boss 302" Model Car Kit

Something Interesting

  • A lot of people know the official date of the first Mustang release (April 1964). But very few people know the place and time of the prototype demonstration. This event happened in October 1962 at the Watkins Glen Racetrack in New York.
  • In the first year of its release, Ford was supposed to sell 100 thousand copies of Mustangs. However, on the very first day of the release, as many as 22,000 copies were sold (thanks to the scrupulous study of the market and a powerful advertising campaign). And for the first year, the manufacturer sold 417 thousand of cars.
  • The identification number of the VIN of the first Mustang was 5F08F100001.
  • In October 1964 the first Fastback Mustang came off the assembly line.
Tobar M39269 1:24 Scale "Special Edition Ford Mustang Boss 302" Model Car Kit in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £19.67
Stock In stock
ASIN B007UQLXI0

 

What Is a Car Model Kit?

Today we are going to review the most popular car model kits available on the modern market. What makes these model kits so popular with users is that they're all precise and accurate copies of real cars and that they can be easily assembled from the comfort of your own home. All you need is some glue and paint (and sometimes even these are not needed). Scale models very accurately show not only the appearance of real cars but also quite realistically demonstrate a vehicle interior (with the exception of very small details). Many manufacturers of large-scale models try to make some elements movable. Car models look great in any interior and can adorn your living space. Car modelling is also entertaining and will keep both you and your kids amused for hours. In order to more deeply study the history of cars, a lot of collectors bag large-scale models. What you're left to do is choose the kit that you and your kid will fall in love with.

Modelling is a creative and exciting process, which often demands manufacturing newly-designed precise parts. For that, you may want to acquire a 3D printer and bring to life your boldest ideas.

What Features to Compare

Scale and Design
The first thing you want to consider when selecting a car model kit is its scale and, obviously, design. A rule of thumb is the more expensive the kit is the closest it looks to a real car. However, it doesn't mean that you need to spend a fortune on a toy. There's a great variety of models available so that customers on different budgets and with different needs could find the kit they've been looking for. Consider the scale to know how small or big the model will be in relation to a real car. Some of them come in such small sizes people place them on shelves like souvenirs.

Assembly and Skill Level
You also should check out the recommended age that the chosen modelling kit is designed for. If you want to make your friends' children a present, make sure their children aren't too old or too young for this type of toy. The same goes for adults. If you want to surprise your boyfriend or husband with a racing car, opt for the kits designed for advanced users. Car modelling kits may include a different number of pieces. The more pieces there are the more complicated the assembly process will be. Besides, some kits require that users attach stickers to them, which might be pretty challenging, especially if we talk about hundreds of tiny bits. Anyway, this is what you need to find out before buying a kit.

Package
Aside from the main parts, most kits also include replacements parts for the bits that are easy to lose or break during assembly. If the kit doesn't, most likely than not, you will be able to find them on the official website of the manufacturer. Some manufacturers supply their kits with glue, stickers, and paint, allowing users to customize the look of the car. If not, you can always buy any of these things additionally.

Did you know?

Prefabricated Plastic Models: Origin

The model car kits history had begun at the beginning of the twenties century. At that time, production was very limited and only in the middle of the 1950s, the scale of manufacturing began to increase. However, when talking about modelling, it should definitely be mentioned that such things had already existed in ancient Egypt: in the process of burials excavation, the archaeologists found small models of chariots and ships. Not cars, of course, but still. Also, there was a model of Quebec from 1806 and in the first half of the twentieth century, a model of Los Angeles was created. Tiny city models can be found all over the world even today.

A Bit of History

Plastic model car kits were widely used in Europe and Japan where they became a favourite hobby of many people regardless of age. At the first stages, the reference to history was very important: all products were made according to the real prototypes, sometimes even to specific universally known aircraft, ships, military vehicles, which became famous during the war or in some other way. Later, the manufacturers began to model ordinary cars from everyday life. The emphasis on historical significance has become less important, but the small nuances remain crucial. The model design should fully correspond to the original (up to the colour scale, technical units, and packs).The first plastic car models were produced in the 1950s by the Frog and Airfix British firms. Shortly thereafter, there appeared manufacturers in other countries and continents: Revell, AMT and Monogram in America, French Heller SA in Europe (the 1960s), and Hasegawa and Tamiya in Japan (1970s). Following, the models were also produced in Russia, China, and Korea.

Fun Facts

  • The most popular build and paint model car kits scale among collectors is 1: 43. According to the statistics, model cars of this size are produced almost in the same amount as real cars!
  • Models with the scale of 1:18 are larger than their 1:43 counterparts, therefore, such models are more detailed. For example, a lot of people adore the Auto Union Type D 1938 which is heavier in weight but has a soft seat upholstery of seats, seat belts, and other details. Even the motor of this car is a miniature copy of the original!

Interesting Facts About the License Plates

  • People have always associated numbers with successes and failures, and marketing specialists take advantage of it—at a price (often a steep one), you can order a customized plate today. Some use this to obtain "lucky" plate numbers like 777, plates with names or some meaningful words, and others choose swearing words instead. For example, in 2001, the billionaire Warren Buffett owned a car with the license plates saying "THRIFTY".
  • Steve Jobs drove the Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG car without a licence plate at all. In accordance with the laws of California, the installation of a plate should be done within half a year. So, every six months he returned his automobile to a car dealer and registered the purchase of a new one.
  • The Transport Board of Sweden banned the "666" license plate. As specified in the Sweden laws, the numbers are assigned to an owner but not to a vehicle. The plate with these numbers was registered by an owner in 2007 and declared invalid in 2011, since "the number of the devil" can offend the religious feelings of others.

FAQ:

Q: What makes a scale car copy different from a toy car?
A: Some people do not see a much difference between large-scale car replicas and toy cars. Many models of toys are also made of metal and high-quality plastic, like the 1:43 car models, and they also have an opening hood or a moving wheel. The difference is: the toy cars bottom has no information about the model and the manufacturer, whereas the scale copies have a name of the prototype brand and the scale itself. This is the main difference. However, there are other factors by which you can distinguish a toy and a model car copy.

Q: What material are scale car models made from?
A: The models of cars can be made of three different materials (mainly the body of the model itself): a special metal alloy (diecast), epoxy resin, or plastic (or composite). Some firms produce only metal models while others (mostly new producers) make their products only of resin. And some firms offer models made from all three possible materials. The same materials can be used for the production of other parts. It can be metal, transparent plastic or film, rubber, and sometimes fabric and leather. In the majority of cases, models larger than 1:43 are made of metal and have openable body elements. While the models from resin and plastic usually have nothing to open. However, there may be exceptions. Collectors have various opinions about the latest models. When it comes to copies of a fairly large scale, for many users, "functionality" is a matter of principle: in addition to the appearance of the model, the collectors want to have an opportunity to see the interior, the engine compartment, and the chassis in detail. However, visually, the resin models look more realistic: there are no too large gaps between the body parts and the manufacturer does not install the engine compartment and the bottom but fully concentrates on the appearance and interior of the model.

Q: Why the 1:43 model car kits?
A: The 1:43 scale car models are in the special demand among the true lovers of mini-cars. Initially, the scale of 1:43 appeared in the UK at the beginning of the twentieth century. Then there was the rapid development of industrial production: the country built a large number of automobile and railway highways and produced a lot of cars. These factors could not but affect the fact that the industrialists began to manufacture mini-models for sale. They were very similar to their real prototypes. It also boosted the release of railway transport models. The width of the English railway track became the determining dimension for the scale of 1:43. At the beginning of the 20th century, the track gauge was 4 feet and 6 inches, and for a small copy of the rail, the gauge was 1 inch. Thus, it turns out that a smaller copy of a toy track is 43 times smaller than its original. Later, the manufacturers started producing small copies of cars which at first were just an addition to large sets of railway transport. Over time, almost all companies began to use the scale of 1:43 and car models collecting became a popular hobby.

Q: What to use for decorating: paint or enamel?
A: Paint cannot be dissolved or washed away easily. Ceilings in the apartment, for example, are covered with water-based paints, which can not be wiped off after drying. And enamels can be washed off with a special solvent. For instance, watercolour paints are dissolved with water and then they can be rinsed off with water, too. The car models can be painted with both, so it is up to you to decide.

Q: What colours for the build and paint model car kits do I need?
A: For painting almost all models, you will definitely need white, black, and silver paints. The other paints required for a particular model can be purchased gradually, as needed. It is highly recommended to not mix paints from different manufacturers or paints on different bases (nitro- and water, let's say) to get the right colour since the paints can become unusable.

Sources:

1. Model car, Wikipedia. November 17, 2017.

2. How to Build a Model, wikiHow.

3. Let`s Make Models, TAMIYA.

4. Vintage Model Car Kits, Collectors Weekly.

5. Larry Simmons How to Assemble Model Cars, Our Pastimes.

6. How to Assemble DIY Solar Toy Car Kit, Instructables.

7. Ryan Kunkle Assembling Resin Kits, The Spruce. February 17, 2017.

8. Scott J Grunewald Weekly Roundup: Ten 3D Printable Things - Model Car Kits, 3DPrint.com. August 12, 2016.

9. How to Make Model Cars, eBay. March 13, 2016.

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Publish Date: 2017-12-28 16:19:13