1:18 scale diecast

1:18 scale diecast replicas are 1/18th the size of the real vehicle. Most popular in this category are 1:18 scale automobile replicas – usually made out of zinc alloy (zamac) with plastic parts. "1:18 scale" is the colloquial reference to this class of toy or replica.

Virtually all 1:18 scale models produced in recent years have opening doors, hoods, and trunks along with functional steering wheels which turn the front wheels. Tires are often mounted on workable 'springy' suspension systems. Normally the hood / bonnet lifts to reveal a detailed and accurate engine bay (whether this is a separate cast piece or simply a portion of the cast and painted body located between the fenders.

Higher end models are equipped with genuine leather interiors, accurate engine detail, operational sunroofs, movable windshield wipers, adjustable seats, operational gear levers and other accessories. Most models are approximately 11 inches (280 mm) long by 5 inches (130 mm) wide by 4 inches (100 mm) tall. Such detail is common to 1:18 scales and larger. Typically, companies that produce model cars will have licensing arrangements with real car manufacturers to make replicas of their cars, both in current production or of discontinued models.

How 1:18 scale became a standard in diecast, especially during the 1990s, is somewhat of a question, but some of the first 1:18 scale cars appeared made in tin in the United States and Japan after World War II. These, however, were not precise in detail or proportion, but became popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Somewhat by chance, other manufacturers like Marx in the 1960s and 1970s simply made 1:18 scale large plastic toys. Plastic models in the United States, though, had the standard of 1:25 scale.

The first zinc alloy metal cars in this scale (and also 1:24 scale) from European Manufacturers appeared around 1970, made by the likes of German Schuco Modell, Polistil, and Gama Toys. Pocher, the Italian kit maker manufactured kits in 1:8 scale. A review of models by Consumer Reports in 1979 discussed American plastic and European diecast metal models in 1:25 and 1:24 scales, but did not once mention 1:18 scale (Consumer Reports 1979). European model makers like Schuco (which was later revived), Gama and Marklin went defunct and the market for 1:18 scale grew fantastically during the mid- 1980s, mainly with the likes of Bburago, Polistil (both Italian companies mass-manufacturing models in Italy) and then, later, the Asian Maisto.

Throughout the 1990s, the number of different models in this scale increased exponentially and Chinese production cut manufacturing costs. Models could be sold for anywhere from $10.00 to $25.00. By about 2000, it appeared that 1:18 scale had dominated other scales in marketing (except the diminutive Hot Wheels) – as nearly a whole row in Toys-R-Us could be seen packed with eleven inch models. Many new companies flooded the 1:18 scale market at this time. Ertl and Revell sold a limited number of diecast cars during this time – mostly older American models (although Revell Germany sold a number of diecast German and American models). Ertl's 1:18 scale line was called "American Muscle". Others included Yat Ming, Sun Star, Mira, and UT Models. Often, cars featured in collectible car magazines (such as Collectible Automobile) were soon the subjects of 1:18 diecast models.

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Wikipedia