List of model car brands
This page lists model car brand names past and present. The list is inclusive with slush mold, tinplate, pressed steel, diecast zamac, white metal, plastic and resin models and toys from all over the world. A few are even made of crystal, glass, wood, coal or other materials. Some of the brands here are more toy-like and others are purely for adult collectors. Some are from design model organizations and were never intended for sale. The price of some when new was less than 50 cents, while others cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Some are kits, some are kits that are specially handbuilt, but many are factory preassembled. Some are promotional in approach while others are solidly set in the retail realm. Some are stationary and do not roll while others roll or have friction or pull-back motors. At a different end of the spectrum, many are remote control. Models of all different sizes are represented, but the typical range is between 1:18 (about 11 inches) to 1:87 (about an inch and a half).
A
- Abrex Kovove Modely Aut – Czech firm, Škoda models in 1:43, 1:24 & some 1:18. Also 1:18 scale Jawa motorcycles.
- Academy Plastic Model – Korean plastic model maker, mostly military vehicles. Associated with Minicraft.
- A.C. Gilbert Company – American manufacturer of 1:32 scale slot cars and sets, 1930s–1960s, though mostly made erector sets.
- Accurate Miniatures – Molded kits made for this company by Monogram. 1:24 scale.
- Action Collectibles – Mainly NASCAR, other stock car diecast, drag racing cars.
- Agama Racing – 1:8 radio-controlled buggy specialist
- Airfix – British plastic car and airplane kits. Some built plastic HO military and other.
- Amloid – Mostly cast plastic toys, like Gay Toys or Processed Plastic – often very clever and realistic.
- AMR Andre Marie Ruf / AMR Century – White metal built and kits, supplied Danhausen and bought by Danhausen.
- Aluminum Metal Toys (AMT). American promotional model and kit company dating from 1948.
- AMW – German 1:87 scale (HO) plastic, mostly trucks and buses/coaches with authentic liveries. Name was changed to AWM.
- Anson – Mostly 1:18 scale from Hong Kong, mostly European vehicles. Engine compartments can be especially detailed and colorful.
- Aoshima – Japanese plastic model manufacturer
- Aoyagi Metals Company – Japanese slot car and radio controlled car
- Arcade – Primitive producer of cast vehicles mainly in the 1930s
- Arii Plastic Model – 1980s 1:24 scale kits from Japan, became Micro Ace.
- Arnold – West German tinplate toys.
- Artin – Chinese manufacturer of 1/64, 1/43, and 1/32 scale cars and track.
- Asahi – Japanese tin, but also diecast "Model Pet" series as agent in Japan for Corgi & Lone Star.
- Atlas – Chinese 1:76 (buses), 1:87 (tram cars), and 1:43 scale diecast models, some recasts of Norevs also reissues of old Dinkys with old packaging designs.
- Auburn Rubber Company – Early American producer of rubber cars.
- Aurora Plastics Corporation – American manufacturer of 1:24 static kits and developer of the pioneering Model Motoring and AFX lines (HO) as well as 1:32 and 1:48 slot cars.
- AUTOart – 1:18 scale die-cast manufacturer from Hong Kong. Related to Gateway Global and Gate.
- AutoDux – East German windup metal and plastic toys from the 1960s.
- Automodello – Hand-built, highly detailed, signed/autographed, limited and standard edition 1:43 scale resincast manufacturer. Features TVR, Griffith, Fitch, and Bricklin.
- Auto Pilen – Spanish manufacturer of die-cast models in 1:43 and 1:64. Made by Pilen S.A.
- Axial R/C – famous for rock crawlers
- AWM – German 1:87 scale (HO) plastic, mostly trucks and buses/coaches with authentic liveries.
- AUTO METAL- AURO METAL-Yugolasvia 1:50 scale during the communist era and after it. Only build this single mode Yugo- ZASTAVA KORAL.
B
- Bandai – Formerly large tin plate; plastic kits; now produces toy cars often related to anime merchandising (e.g. Transformers).
- Bang – Italian manufacturer, later 1980s, specializing in 1:43 Ferraris, picked up where Box Models left off.
- Banthrico – Die cast car banks in 1:25th and other scales. Promo maker in the early 1950s. Made banks through the 1990s.
- Barclay – American simple metal toys of the 1950s & 1960s – similar to Tootsietoy. Known for tiny cars about 2.5 cm (1 inch) long.
- Base Toys – Similar to Hartoys, or Lledo, oo scale or 1:76.
- BBR Models – Luxury Italian 1:18 & 1:43 scale model manufacturer. Offers both diecast and resin models
- Bburago – Italian, made by the brothers who made Mebetoys and Martoys. Made 1:18 scale diecast popular.
- Benbros – British diecast of different sizes.
- Best Box – Dutch brand of three-inch diecast models, precursor of Efsi
- Biante – Australian 1:18, 1:43 and 1:64 scale model manufacturer
- Bing German manufacturer of tin-plate models
- Blitz Model Tecnica (BMT) – 1:8 IC track radio controlled cars late 80s through 1990s
- BoLink – radio controlled cars [1]
- Boss Bodies – Slot car aftermarket 1/32 scale body manufacturer in New Hampshire, USA
- Box Model – Made by Grassini & Co. Italian manufacturer in the early 1980s of Ferraris that later became Bang.
- Brekina – German manufacturer for highly detailed plastic models of the 1940s – 1970s in 1:87 scale (H0)
- Brio – Swedish wood toys, but also marketed diecast Saabs and other vehicles.
- Britbus – highly detailed bus models for British market but made in China. 1:76 scale.
- Britains (toy brand) – British manufacturer of soldiers and animals with Land Rovers, Jeeps & farm equipment mixed in.
- Brookfield Collectors Guild – Wisconsin maker of metal and plastic American promotional models.
- Brooklin – Handbuilt 1:43 white metal cars made in England (incl. related brands Lansdowne, RobEddie, U.S. Model Mint, International Police, Buick Collection '34–'39)
- Bruce Arnold Models (a.k.a. BAM) – handbuilt 1:43 white metal / resin post-war American cars. Officially licensed by General Motors.
- Bruder – German manufacturer, plastic large trucks, farming and construction models.
- Brumm – Italian manufacturer of die-cast models in 1/43 scale.
- Buby – Argentine maker of many scales.
- Buddy L – Tonka like toys; mostly pressed steel.
- Budgie Toys – diecast cars and trucks made in England. Similar to Matchbox.
- Busch – German manufacturer for plastic models in 1:87 and 1:160
C
- Capricorn – Italian nitro radio-controlled cars
- Cararama – Mostly 1:43 scale, also HO, made in China by Hongwell.
- Carette – Very early tinplate toys. Germany.
- Carrera – Current Austrian manufacturer of 1:43, 1:32, and 1:24 beautifully detailed slot cars, track, and digital control systems.
- Castle Toy – British die-cast manufacturer
- Castline – Makes M2 Machines replicas of US cars of the '50s and '60s.
- Chad Valley – Die-cast cars and buses made in England.
- Chrono – 1:18 scale cars, mostly of British marques from the 1960s and 1970s. Made in China.
- CIJ – see below – Compagnie Industrielle du Jouet.
- CKO – see Kellerman – pressed steel German cars and trucks. Dies later acquired by Czech firm Kovap Nachod, and still later, Kaden.
- Classic Carlectables – Manufacturers of Australian Touring Cars and V8 Supercars
- Classiques CCC – 1:43 scale resin models made in France.
- CMC – manufacturers of precision high end die-cast collectibles in Germany.
- CMNL Creative Master Northcord Ltd – highly detailed die-cast bus models in 1:76 scale.
- Collectors Classics – Argentine-produced 1:43-scale models of classic American cars (primarily '50s).
- Compagnie Industrielle du Jouet – Compagnie Industrielle du Jouet (CIJ); French die-cast manufacturer, name now brought back by Norev.
- Conquest- Handbuilt 1:43 white metal cars (incl. related brand Madison). Most models made by SMTS. Line discontinued and brought back in 2005.
- Conrad Models – Conrad Modell; German maker of promotional trucks and some cars.
- Contrast Racing – Spanish large scale radio-controlled car
- Corally – Dutch electric radio controlled cars[2]
- Corgi Toys – Introduced in 1956, the first real competition to Dinky Toys and great toy innovator.
- Corgi Classics Limited – Modern Corgi.
- Cox Models – Formerly one of the USA's most respected manufacturers of slot cars. Also model kits.
- Cragstan – Toy distributor of many types of toys, including diecast from Gamda Sabra of Israel marketed as Cragstan Detroit Seniors, and Japanese tinplate toys.
- Creation Model – Japanese nitro radio-controlled cars, known for the Infinity brand
- Crescent Toys – British manufacturer of die-cast models. 1950s & 1960s. Many race cars. Boxes are reminiscent of Italian Mercury with illustrations.
- Crown Premiums – Manufacturers of mint die-cast collectibles. Mostly 1:24 scale trucks and custom cars and hot rods.
- Cursor Models – Cursor Modell; FGerman manufacturer of diecast and plastic 1:43 models for the Mercedes museum.
D
- Danbury Mint – Intricate 1/24th scale die casts. Come with titles and documents, though not always as good as some resin makers. Made in China. Costing around $100.00.
- Danhausen – German models during the 1970s, most made by other producers, became Paul's Model Art and Minichamps.
- DCMT – made diecast Lone Star Toys in England.
- Delta Systems – US radio-controlled car[3]
- Design Studio – a line of Motor City USA
- Desormeaux – French manufacturer of 1:43 die casts.
- Diapet – Japanese diecast maker, made Yonezawa.
- Dickie Toys – More generic diecasts of the Simba-Dickie Group.
- Dinky Toys – the first brand of post WWII 1/43 scale toy car to be collected widely.
- Doyusha – Japanese plastic, diecast and RC model manufacturer
- Dubray – or J.M. Dubray or JMD – French producer of built and kit resin Peugeots and Citroens in 1:43 scale. One of the earliest specialists in resin, appearing in the '70s.
- Durham Classics – Canadian Handbuilt 1:43 white metal cars, and often, liveried trucks. Complete name is Durham Classics Automotive Miniatures.
- Dust & Glory – Handbuilt models of pre-WW1 American Race Cars.
- Dynamic Models –
E
- Eagle Collectibles – Later version of Eagle's Race. Eagle named later dropped.
- Ebbro – Japanese 1:43 scale models made by Miniature Model Planning (MMP).
- Edison Giacattoli – In the 1970s, mostly diecast planes made in Italy, later European model cars made in China.
- Efsi Toys – Matchbox sized diecast cars and trucks, successor of Bestbox. Say "Made in Holland" on bases. Some Efsis made by Auto Pilen of Spain.
- EKO – former Spanish producer of 1:87 scale plastic models, partly using Anguplas moulds of the 1960s.
- Eldon – American manufacturer of HO, 1:32 and 1:24 scale slot cars and sets. Also a variety of plastic toy cars and trucks.
- Elekon – Russian factory in Kazan, mainly producing electric couplers and remote measuring equipment for civilian and military technics, but also produce 1:43 scale models of older Soviet vehicles, mainly trucks.
- Elegance Models – Resin kits and handbuilts by Claude Thibivilliers.
- Eligor Models – Swiss/French diecast model maker, mostly in 1:43 scale, made by Hobbycar, started by Louis B. Surber.
- Emek – Finnish plastic trucks in 1:25; also took over some Stahberg 1:22 scale production.
- Ertl Company – American company from Iowa – mostly tractors, but later took on about everything else.
- Espewe – Also called VEB Plasticart. East German state plastic model producer (VEB being "factory of the people").
- Ex-El Products – Company reproducing Jo-Han promos during the 1980s.
F
- Fairfield Mint
- Fastlane – Model car brand of Toys "R" Us.
- Ferrero – Italian chocolate company, in the late 1970s scaled down 1:87 scale Wikings to about 1:120 to fit inside Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs. Most models were made in Hong Kong. Some were original models, and not copies of Wiking cars.
- FG Modellsport – German large scale radio-controlled car
- Fisher Body Co. – The same company that made real car bodies also made Kingsbury Toys.
- Fly Slot (aka Fly) – Spanish manufacturer of highly detailed 1:32 slot cars.
- France Jouets or FJ – French diecast maker similar to Corgi, CIJ, or Tekno.
- Franklin Mint – Intricate die-casts, primarily 1:24 scale.
- French Dinky – Dinky line made in France.
- Fujimi – Japanese plastic model manufacturer, many scales – since the 1960s. Fujimi Resin Collection are handbuilts in the hundreds of dollars.
- Funmate – Japanese plastic toy and promotional maker.
- Funrise – More toy-like, many models of many sizes, often very creative.
- Furuta – Japanese maker of detailed plastic toys (including model cars), sold inside chocolate eggs.
- FYP Expensive and highly detailed White Metal models, specifically models by Rolls Royce and Bentley.
G
- Galanite – Swedish brand of 1:43 scale soft plastic toy cars.
- Galgo – Argentine diecast, mostly 1:43 scale.
- Gama Toys – Historic German producer of tin and later diecast and plastic models, of all scales.
- Gamda-Koor "Sabra" – Israeli diecast, sold as Cragstan Detroit Seniors in the US. Many were previously Corgi toolings.
- Gasquy-Septoy – Belgian manufacturer of die-cast toys, dating from the late 1940s.
- Gay Toys – American manufacturer of plastic toys, some fairly authentic.
- Gescha – German maker of toys and later truck promotionals, both pre- and post-war.
- Giodi – Italian 1:66 and 1:18 scale diecast.
- Gisima – Spanish manufacturer of die-cast models in 1:64 and larger scales.
- Goldvarg – 1990s Argentine manufacturer of 1:43 scale white metal models of American Cars from the '40s and '50s.
- Gonio (brand) – Artfully done detailed pressed steel military vehicles in 1:24 scale from the former Czechoslovakia. Gonio dies later taken over by Kaden.
- Great American Dream Machines (GADM) – Handbuilt 1:43 white metal models of mid-20th century Detroit showcars most often made by SMTS.
- GreenLight – 1:18, 1:43 and 1:64 scale diecast with a central focus on film and television dual-licensed items.
- Griffin Models – Bulgarian manufacturer of white metal models, fairly authentic vintage Saabs. 1:43 scale.
- Guiloy – Spanish manufacturer of die-cast models in 1:64, 1:43, and 1:24 scales.
- Guisval – Spanish manufacturer of die-cast models in 1:64 and 1:43 scales.
- Gunze Sangyo – Japanese plastic model manufacturer. One series is 1:32 scale American cars from the 1950s.
- Guri car – Portuguese brand of diecast auto miniatures; This brand belonged to Poliguri.
H
- H.A.R.M. Racing – German large scale radio-controlled car
- Hartoys AHL – Precision diecast trucks made in China, reminiscent of Lledo.
- Hasbro – Now owns Tonka. Many different series. Battery operated slot cars called Record Breakers.
- Hasegawa – Japanese plastic model manufacturer.
- Hawk – Classic American automobile and beatnik kits.
- HB Racing (formerly Hot Bodies) – radio-controlled cars, split from Hobby Products International following 2016 bankruptcy of HPI, owned by Neidhart SA[4]
- Héco Modèles or Heco Miniatures – handbuilt 1:43 resin figures, dioramas, and cars (incl. various related brands such as Challange), specializing in French scenes and cars of the classic streamlined era
- Heller SA – French / German producer of kits.
- Herpa – German 1:87 (HO) and 1:120 scale (TT) plastic. Both kits and assembled. In the 1990s some diecast 1:43 and 1:64 scale cars.
- High Speed – Hong Kong based maker. Diecast series fire engines and '50s and '60s cars for Readers' Digest Club mail order (about 1:55 scale). Also more high end 1:43 scale diecast LeMans racers like Porsche 904.
- Hirobo – radio controlled cars, produced for short period
- Hi Speed – Diecast maker of old Fire Engines – cars too.
- Holland Oto – Netherlands company taking over production of Efsi in the 1980s. Diecast models with plastic parts.
- Hongwell – manufacturer of Cararama brand.
- Hornby Hobbies – Known mostly for trains, has owned many diecast cars, models, and slot car systems along the way.
- Hot Wheels - Famous line of small diecast custom, sports, and racing cars by Mattel.
- HPI Racing (formerly Hobby Products International) – 1:43 scale diecast. Often Japanese vehicles, owned by Ripmax.[5]
- Hubley Manufacturing Company – American producer of metal kits, diecast cars, and plastic kits and promotional models.
- Husky Toys – Corgi's smaller line that competed with Matchbox. Name brought back in the 2000s with no connection to Corgi for tourism trade of Austin black cabs and UK police cars.
I
- Ideal Models – original name for Jo-Han promotionals.
- Ideal Toy Company – Now defunct American toy company that manufactured and sold toys, slot cars, etc.
- Igra models – Plastic model maker from Czechoslovakia similar to Minialuxe specializing in classic Czech makes.
- Ilario – makers of hand-built 1:43-scale models of classic luxury cars – included related brand Chromes.
- Illustra – British White Metal manufacturer, recently resurrected the Minimarque Range. Also made models for Highway Travelers.
- Intech – Taiwanese manufacturer of remote control offroad vehicles.
- Imai Science – Japanese model kits, cars, motorcycles, TV vehicles.
- IMC (Industro-Motive Corporation) – US manufacturer kits, notably Ford products, often with opening hoods, doors, even opening hidden headlights. Bought by Hawk Models in early seventies, then purchased by Testors, later merged with Lindberg, owned by parent company RPM, now part of Lindberg again.
- Imperial Toys – Hong Kong manufacturer of a variety of toys, including diecast of lower quality, but sometimes clever selection.
- Impy – line of Lone Star toys made by DCMT.
- Italeri – Italian aircraft, military and civil kit manufacturer. Cars and trucks, too.
- Ites – Czech maker of larger Tatra, Jeep and other vehicles.
- Ixo – part of a conglomerate of brands from the Far East, with Altaya, Atlas, De Agostini, del Prado, IST, and Yat Ming. Connection to earlier Vitesse?
J
- Jada Toys – Modern hip diecast cars with bling! In various scales.
- Jadi Modelcraft – 1:18 scale diecast (like a Triumph Stag). Paragon Models is one of their lines.
- JConcepts – made it's only 1:10 radio-controlled off-road buggy (BJ4)[6]
- JMC Racing – French 1:8 radio-controlled buggies
- Joal – Sometimes called 'Joal Compact'. Diecast from Spain since the 1980s, mainly 1:50.
- Jo-Han – American producer of plastic promotional models and kits.
- Johnny Lightning – Hot Wheels like cars whether made by early Topper or Playing Mantis. As of 2010 now owned by Tomy.
- Jouef – French manufacturer of slot cars in 1:36 scale, some of which were also produced and sold in the UK by Mettoy-Corgi under the Playcraft brand.
- Jouefevolution – Jouef's 1990s line of diecast cars in 1:43 and 1:18 scale in bright yellow boxes.
- JQ Products – 1:8 off-road buggies
K
- Kaden models – Czech firm making mainly Škoda and Tatra models. Took over Kovap Nachod (former CKO Kellerman models) and Gonio.
- Kawada Model
- KDN – Short for Kovodružstvo Náchod, later called Kaden models, see above.
- Kellerman (model cars) – German quality pressed steel cars and trucks, later taken over by Czech firm Kovap.
- Kenna Models British Manufacturer of 1:43 White Metal. Defunct. Morrises, etc.
- Kenner – Variety of plastic & diecast vehicles, particularly the Hot Wheels-like Fast 111s. Notable also are their plastic, solar powered 1:20 scale AMX and Charger.
- Kibri – Plastic 1:87 scale vehicles / kits. Especially nice are the military vehicles.
- Kingmaker Coal – British company, mainly models of British cars, trains and trucks. All models are made from British Coal.
- K-Line – Different scales/makes of cars like Welly made for Railroad sets.
- KM Group (aka KM Racing) – Nitro radio-control cars, first Hong Kong brand to win IFMAR Worlds in 2012
- Korris Products Inc. – American cheaper plastic 1:25 scale toys and kits.
- Kosuge – Japanese pressed tin maker. Named for Matsuzo Kosuge former founder of Marusan.
- Kovap Náchod – Took over German firm Kellerman CKO and taken over later by Kovodružstvo Náchod / Kaden
- Kovodružstvo Náchod – Name of Czech firm shortened to KDN, and later Kaden models. Later associated with Kovap Náchod
- Kurt Becker KG – small German manufacturer from Berlin which built a 1:43 diecast model of the Auto Union Type A racing car in 1947/48.
- Kyosho – Japanese diecast and RC manufacturer.
L
- La Mini Miniera – French race cars.
- Lanard Toys – Mostly cord action plastic toy cars and trucks, many very realistic.
- Lansdowne Models – the branch of Brooklin Models which deals specifically with British marques, as opposed to American cars.
- Lectricar Racing – early era electric radio-controlled cars[7]
- Legend – 1:43 scale diecast, name used first with JouefEvolution, then by Universal Hobbies.
- Lego – Matchbox sized cars in the late 1950s through the 1960s.
- Laro (company) – French radio-controlled cars
- Lesney – Original company that produced Matchbox. Combination of the first names of founders Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith.
- Liberty Classics, Inc. – Spin-off of Ertl – made many pickup trucks. Made SpecCast line.
- Lindberg Products – American maker of plastic kits and some promotional models. Skokie, Illinois.
- Lines Bros – Makers of Minic and Tri-Ang, which also made Spot-On Models.
- Lion Car – Dutch diecast truck and car producer. Corgi-like.
- Lionel – Iconic American toy train company creating the first slot cars (1912), an HO line in the 1960s, and 1:50 scale trucks (made by...who?) about 1990. Also simple plastic toy cars and racing cars that ran on railroad tracks.
- Lledo (Days Gone, Vanguards) – It's the name Odell backwards. Former designer of Matchbox Models of Yesteryear. Product line now absorbed into Corgi
- Lone Star Toys – British diecast cars, one product of tool maker DCMT.
- Losi (aka Team Losi, TLR) – American manufacturer of remote control vehicles
- LS (company) – 1:32 scale kits, 1:43 scale cars with dioramas, like Lamborghini Jota.
- Luso Toys – Portuguese diecast producer of 1:43 cars.
- Luxury Diecast – Chinese but made for NY company, among other things 2009 Cadillac U.S. Presidential limousine in 1:43 scale.
M
- M2 Machines – 1:64 scale diecast models of American cars and trucks of the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. Made by Castline – see Castline.
- Ma Collection – Swiss hand-built 1:43-scale models, primarily of classic French cars.
- Maclovell Huon Pine Racing Cars – Tasmanian hand carved wood models
- Madison (see Conquest Models). Most models made by SMTS. Some made for Fa. Daimler House in the Netherlands.
- Maisto – American-owned, Thailand made conglomerate of May Cheong and May Tat. Models have excellent detail for price, with most scales covered.
- Majorette – French-owned maker of Matchbox-style toys, acquired Solido. Most models now made in Thailand.
- Mandarin – Matchbox sized cars made in Singapore.
- Mardave – British radio-controlled cars
- Märklin – Classic German manufacturer in various scales. Known for trains.
- Marks – German manufacturer in 1:87 and 1:160
- Marqueart – Suppliers of high quality hand built 1:43 scale model cars.
- Martino Models – Handbuilt white metal models made by Marty Martino.
- Martoys – Larger 1:24 scale line made 1975–1976, then became Bburago.
- Marusan – Japanese plastic, tinplate, and diecast toys, founded by Matsuzo Kosuge.
- Marushin – Japan, diecast cars, airplanes, and other toys.
- Louis Marx and Company – American toy maker, usually plastic, some diecast zamac, made '48 Hudson promotional.
- Matchbox – Originally, the producer of small diecast vehicles from Hackney, London, England. Models of Yesteryear. King Size. Later owned by Universal Toys, then Tyco. Then Mattel.
- Mattel – Mainly Hot Wheels in various forms – other vehicles earlier than that.
- McGregor – Mexican reproductions of Italian Politoys, that ads called 'McGregor Politoys'. Some plastic models looked like reproductions from the French Safir.
- Mebetoys – Italian 1:43 scale producer started by Besana brothers who later started Martoys and Bburago.
- Meboto – Crude Turkish reproductions of 1:43 scale Italian Ediltoys.
- Mercury – Italian 1:43 scale manufacturer.
- Metosul – Oldest Portuguese diecast manufacturer, from same company as Osul plastics. Name often seen on boxes as MetOsul. Originally based in Espinho (outside of Oporto); most models in 1:43 scale, but also 1:50. Some models apparently Dinky tooling like Atlantean Bus.
- Mettoy – Manufacturer of many different kinds of trucks and cars in Great Britain. Gave rise to Corgi. Also made first HO slot car line (Playcraft Electric Highways), which was later manufactured and developed by Aurora.
- Micro Machines – Tiny plastic cars about 1.5 inches made by Lewis Galoob.
- Micro Models – New Zealand maker of Australian marketed vehicles.
- Micro-Racing – 1:8 off-road buggies
- Midgetoy – Tootsietoy-like single body castings late '60s early '70s – Rockford, IL.
- Mikansue – English White Metal models of American cars of the 1940s through 1960s.
- Milestone Models – South African 1:43 scale white metal models, mainly of Chrysler products.
- Milton Mini Auto – Corgi and Dinky reproductions and other toys made in India.
- Minex – British, 1:76 plastic car models.
- Minialuxe – French precision plastic models, similar to Cursor or early Brumm.
- Miniature Model Planning or MMP – Japanese makers of Ebbro.
- Miniatures du Mont-blanc – French manufacturer 1:43 (Berliet, Chevrolet, Saviem, Renault, Citroën, Jeep...)
- Minic – Tin models made by Triang in Britain, 1930s.
- Minichamps – Many different cars of all types. High quality and precision goes into every model, with most models being in 1:43. Motorcycles also.
- Minicraft – British maker of plastic kits.
- MiniMarque 43- handbuilt 1:43 white metal cars.
- Miniroute – 1:43 scale resin handbuilt. Made in France.
- Mira – Spanish manufacturer of die-cast models in 1:64, 1:43, and 1:18 scales. Makes Carmania.
- Mitsuwa Model – Miniature pull back model cars
- Modarri – Generic toy cars with patented steering system.
- Model Factory Hiro – Japanese resin kit manufacturer. Often F1 cars in 1:12 scale.
- Model Power – Usually 1:87 scale HO trucks and cars.
- Model Products Corporation – See MPC.
- Model Racing Car – French 1:8 off-road buggies
- Mondo Motors – Italian diecast though made in China.
- Monogram models – American producer of plastic model kits, now under Revell Group of Hobbico.
- Morestone – British diecast models similar to early Matchbox. This is the name before they became Budgie Toys.
- Motor City USA – Expensive handbuilt 1:43 white metal cars (incl. related brands Design Studio, American Models, USA Models).
- Motormax – Chinese producer of a wide variety of different budget scale die cast models, 1:64 scale to 1;12 scale. Descendent of Zylmex and Redbox.
- MPC – American producer of promotional models and kits in plastic.
- Muovo – Finnish plastic car maker, about 1:50 scale.
- Muky – Argentine reproductions of certain earlier Hot Wheels dies.
- Metaloplastika-MP Sabac-Yugolasvia 1:43 , 1:24 and 1:32 scale during the communist era and after it. Briefly make some Burago clones of slightly lower quality.
N
- Nacoral Intercars – Diecast metal and plastic vehicles from Zaragoza, Spain. Some dies borrowed from Belgian Sablon.
- Neo Scale Models – Dutch manufacturer of high quality resin models, mostly 1:43 scale. Often Saabs, but many cars and trucks.
- New-Ray – Hong Kong manufacturer of die-cast cars, motorbikes, trucks. Early offerings were toy-like while offerings circa 2012 have a precision promotional quality.
- Nichimo – Japanese plastic kits – 1960s to 1980s.
- Nikko R/C – Originally tinplate toys. Contemporary plastic remote control cars, usually about 1:24 scale.
- Ninco – Spanish maker of 1:32 slot cars, track and digital control equipment
- Norev – French manufacturer of models in 1:64, 1:43, 1:18 and 1:87 scales. Initially plastic, though now Diecast. Circa 2010 now has brought back makers CIJ, Spot-On, and supposedly, JRD. Newer models made in China.
- Novacar – Portuguese producer of Matchbox size cars; acquired by Majorette.
- Novoexport – Russian export organization for Russian diecast.
- NP (Norddeutsche Plastikfabrik) – German brand of 1:43 scale soft plastic toy cars
- Nylint – Tonka like trucks of mostly pressed steel or plastic.
- Nyrhinen Ky – Finnish 1:22 scale plastic promotional producer.
- NZG – NZG Modell; German diecast maker of promotional trucks and some cars.
O
- One43 – Collectible limited edition fine scale model cars in 1:43 scale
- Onyx – Portuquese Minibri's 1:43 line of Indy and other racing cars started about 1988.
- Osul – Tinplate, plastic and some diecast. Osul was an old Portuguese brand of plastic toys and other celuloid and plastic objects; Metosul (because of the contracted name – often seen as 'MetOsul') was a brand, for zamac toys, of the same company. They were both from Espinho, Portugal.
- Otaki Model Toy Company – Defunct Japanese plastic model manufacturer from the 1960s to 1980s.
- OttO Mobile – Mostly 1:18 scale French makes in Resin. Weird selections like the Citroen SM racing prototype.
P
- Parma International (also Parma/PSE), slot cars
- Pathfinder – British manufacturer of 1:43 scale White Metal models of British cars from the 1940s to the 1970s.
- Paudi Model – Nissan Infiniti 1:18 and 1:43 scale die-cast models.
- Paul's Model Art – Formerly Danhausen, makes Minichamps, purchased AMR, associated with UT Models.
- PB Racing – British manufacturer of radio-controlled cars, active 1971–c1990s
- Penn Line – American model train manufacturer briefly producing 1:52 slot sets endorsed by A. J. Foyt
- Penny – Matchbox sized cars made by Polistil.
- Picco Micromotori – 1:8 IC track radio controlled cars in 1990s but known primarily as a glowplug engine manufacturer[8]
- Playart – Hong Kong manufacturer of Matchbox sized diecast.
- Playcraft – British Toy company once owning Corgi and Aurora. See Mettoy.
- Product Miniatures Company – American promotional model maker from 1947 until about 1965. Mostly Chevrolets.
- PMC – Acronym for Product Miniatures Company.
- Pocher Model Cars – Made in Torino, Italy. Famous for its large sized (1:8), highly detailed car kits. Also naval guns and cannon models.
- Polfi Toys – Greek plastic and diecast toy maker. Many scales.
- Policar – Italian manufacturer of 1:32 slot cars and accessories.
- Poliguri – Portuguese manufacturer of toys and diecast cars, produced the brand name Guri car.
- Polistil – Italian (later name for Politoys)
- Politoys – Italian (earlier name of Polistil)
- PR – French diecast manufacturer. Odd vans and promotional trucks.
- Precision Miniatures – originally 1:43 white metal models, fused with Motor City USA; later 1:18 scale models.
- Premier Models – American plastic producer of kits, mainly from the 1950s and 1960s.
- Progetto K – Italian diecast (originally resin) of mostly Italian cars. Similar to Brumm.
- Projecto Rallye 43 – Portugal Rally and Dakar Rally Raid Hand Built Resin Models.
- Protar, mostly Italian racing cars, absorbed into Italeri, also larger metal kits sometimes 1:12 scale.
- Provence Moulage – Originally handbuilt 1:43 resin kits, made in France. Often show or concept cars. Line now owned by Norev. Now diecast?
- Pyro – American plastic kit producer in the early 1960s. Later taken over by Life-Like.
Q
- QuarterMile – Handbuilt 1/43 scale models of American dragsters.
- Quartzo – 1:43 scale diecast racing model line of Portuguese Vitesse.
- Quiralu – French manufacturer of the early 1960s of 1:43 models. New castings in the 1980s–1990s (see below).
- Quiralu Re-editions – Made by Louis B. Surber.
R
- RaCar – early era radio-controlled cars
- Racing Champions – Now part of RC2 with Ertl, made American muscle cars and racing cars, mostly in 1:64 scale.
- Radiosistemi – known fo the Crono series of radio-controlled cars
- Record Breakers: World of Speed – A Hasbro line from the late 1980s to early 1990s.
- Redbox – Was Zylmex, became Motormax.
- Remco – Mostly Tonka-like toys and trucks.
- Renwal – Plastic generic vehicles in the 1940s and 1950s. Also many classic and more detailed 1:48 scale "Collector's Showcase Series" kits in the 1960s.
- Revell – American model kit producer owned by Hobbico.
- Revell AG Germany – Former subsidiary of American Revell, now a separate company.
- Revival International – Italian Manufacturer of Highly Detailed 1:20 metal and plastic models.
- Rextoys – 1:43 diecast French/Swiss producer of mostly 1930s era cars.
- Ricko – Hong Kong Chinese manufacturer in 1:87 scale, having own brand "Ricko" and producing models for "Brekina" & "Starmada".
- Rietze Automodelle – German (Altdorf, Nuremberg) manufacturer of plastic models mainly in 1:87 scale (H0), buses/coaches, cars, vans, trucks, some 1:160 scale (N gauge). Since 1983.
- Rio – Italian manufacturer of 1:43 scale classic models, 1900–1960.
- RO Models Workshop – Czech manufacturer of trucks & military vehicles. Lots of Tatras.
- Road Champs – Diecast in 1:64 and 1:43 scale of mostly American cars of the 1950s and 1960s.
- Roadmaster – name of Lone Star toys made by DCMT.
- Robbe
- Robeddie – Defunct Brooklin line making Swedish Volvos and Saabs.
- Roche Products International – Hong Kong radio-controlled car brand, 2016 IFMAR Worlds champion
- Roco – Austrian manufacturer of model railways, model car brand went shortly to Herpa. Mostly 1:87 scale (H0).
- Roskopf (RMM) – German manufacturer in 1:100 scale plastic military vehicles (1960s/1970s), 1980s to 1990s 1:87 scale (H0) plastic models, mostly German, French and Swiss trucks and buses. Was sold to Wiking.
- Rosso Corporation – Short lived high end plastic scale model manufacturer from Japan, 1:43, 1:24, 1:8 scale.
S
- Safir – French producer, diecast metal early, plastic classic, and plastic Grand Prix cars in the 1970s.
- Sanwa – Japanese radio-controlled car (for a short period), now famous for R/C transmitters.
- Scale Model Products – SMP was leading American plastic producer of promotional models, introduced the 3 in 1 kit, acquired by AMT.
- Scalextric – The longest-established manufacturer of model slot cars. Creator of the landmark 1:32 slot car line in 1957.
- Schabak Modell – Made Ford and other German model cars in the 1990s mainly in 1:43 scale, known particularly for aircraft liveries.
- Schuco Modell – Traditional German toy producer in all kinds of scales. Very good detail, especially in 1:43.
- SCX – Spanish manufacturer of 1:43 and 1:32 slot cars and 1:32 digital slot car systems. Formerly Scalextric of Spain. Sold under the brand name Scalextric in Spain and Mexico. Outside those markets, sold under the brand name SCX.
- Serpent – Dutch radio controlled cars
- SG Racing Cars – Italian radio-controlled cars
- Shepherd Micro Racing – Italian 1:8 radio-controlled IC track cars
- Siccom – Italian 1:8 radio-controlled buggies
- Shinsei Mini Power (models) – Cranes and construction vehicles, also plastic toy and remote control cars.
- Signature Models – Detailed 1:32 scale diecast models often sold in museums and dealerships.
- Siku – German model manufacturer, mostly Matchbox size.
- Slik Toys – Aluminum toys made in Lansing, Iowa.
- Slottech – US Manufacturer of HO (1/64th) slot cars.
- Slot.it – Italian manufacturer of 1:32 slot cars and accessories.
- Small Wheels – A brand name of Western Models.
- Smer – Longtime Czech producer of mainly plastic cars and trucks about 1:43 scale. Some kits.
- SMTS – Scale Model Technical Services. Prolific white metal manufacturer, from Hastings, England, with their own range, also making brass masters for many other manufacturers, e.g. Conquest/Madison.
- Solido – French manufacturer of good quality 1:43 and 1:18 scale models
- Soma – Tonka – like toys, mainly trucks.
- Somerville – British manufacturer of 1:43 scale white metal models, especially British cars of the 1930s and 40s
- Speedy – Matchbox sized line of cars made by Mercury of Italy.
- Spot-on – 1:42 scale die-cast made by Triang in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Eventually bought by Dinky. Resurrected by Norev.
- Stahlberg Models – Finnish plastic promos of Swedish Saabs and Volvos, mostly in 1:20 scale.
- Starter Models – 1:43 scale, mostly GP and NASCAR handbuilt resin kits. Made in Marseilles, France.
- Stelco – German brand of 1:43 scale soft plastic and 1:64 scale hard plastic toy cars
- Strombecker/Bachmann – American Manufacturer started in 1962. 1/32 slot cars. Formerly Strombecker was a separate company making slot cars and Bachman, electric train sets.
- Studio 27 – high end scale model and accessory manufacturer from Japan[9]
- Sun Star – Chinese mostly 1:18 scale. Nicely done, especially limousines and pickup trucks. In 2000s moved into European racing cars of many types.
T
- Takara Tomy – Japanese diecast manufacturer, mostly Matchbox size. Known as Tomy in English speaking countries.
- Tomica – Japanese diecast manufacturer, Tomy brand, mostly Matchbox size. Later models made in China and Vietnam.
- Tomy – Japanese toy company making many different kinds of vehicles, and more. Makes Matchbox sized Tomica. Also Takara Tomy in Japan. As of 2011 now owns Johnny Lightning.
- Tomytec – Subsidiary of Takara Tomy, mostly HO scale plastic cars.
- Tameo Kits – Italian 1:43 scale model manufacturer, often F1 kits.
- Tamiya – Japanese high quality die-cast manufacturer, more famous for plastic kits and RC cars. First 1960s exports were a range of 1/24 slot car kits. Some 1:43 scale diecast as well.
- Team Azarashi – radio controlled cars
- Team Durango – radio controlled cars
- Tekno – manufacturer of 1:43 scale die-cast models originally based in Denmark; now known for truck models.
- Tenth Technology (TTech) – 1:10 radio-controlled buggies, best known for the Predator buggy
- Testors Corporation – Known early on for model paints, later made plastic toy cars, plastic kits and metal kits, in association with Bburago and (later) Maisto. Also paired up with Italeri and Fujimi.
- Thunder Tiger – Remote control buggies and monster trucks.
- Tin Wizard – High quality 1:43 scale resin models made in Germany.
- Tokyo Marui – Japanese manufacturer who briefly made plastic model car kits.
- Tomte Laerdal – Norwegian brand of 1:43 scale soft plastic toy cars using dies of old Dinkys and sometimes Tekno.
- Tonka – US manufacturer of toy trucks and other vehicles. Often pressed steel, and often large scale.
- Tootsietoy – American manufacturer of die-cast vehicles, produced their first model car in 1911.
- Top Model – 1:43 diecast Ferraris, Alfas, Aston-Martins, Renault Alpines and others in the spirit of Box or Bang.
- Total Control Racing – A slotless HO Scale slot car system introduced in the late 1970s
- Toy State – More toy-like plastic cars and trucks, but many farm and other products are fairly realistic.
- Trax Models – Australian cars mainly in 1:43 scale – made in China. Owned by Top Gear.
- Traxxas – American manufacturer model nitro and electric car producer specialises in 1/10 scale cars.
- Tri-ang – English and Northern Irish concern – trains, tin cars, diecast – including Spot-On.
- Trident – Austrian 1:87 scale plastic models.
- Trincorp, trading name of Team Trinity – radio-control cars
- Trofeu – Portuguese manufacturer specializing in 1/43 scale rally cars.
- Trumpeter – Nicely detailed kits and models. Cars and military besides aircraft.
- Trux – Truck line of Australian Trax. Owned by Top Gear.
- Tyco Toys – American manufacturer of HO Scale cars and sets. Owned Matchbox during the 1990s.
U
- Ungar – Kits from the 1960s, U.S. race cars, toy slot car sets, woodburning kits; at times associated with [[Eldon (toy company)]].
- Unimax – Chinese manufacturer of military diecast (especially tanks) and 'Radline RC' remote control vehicles.
- Universal Hobbies – Eagle became this (out of Jouefevolution).
- UT Models – Retired brand name of the former Gateway Global, sister company to AUTOart, also associated with Paul's Model Art.
V
- V & V Model – From Czech Republic
- Vanguards – Or "Days Gone Vanguards". Line of '50s and '60s mostly British cars and trucks made by Lledo.
- Verem – Majorette subsidiary producing old dies of Solido.
- Victory Industries of Guildford – 1:20 plastic models and 1:32 slot cars
- Victory Models – Handbuilt 1:43 resin cars (incl. related brand La Familia)
- Vitesse Models – 1:43 diecast metal models from Portugal. Later connected to Ixo?
W
- Wave Corporation – Japanese resin model manufacturer from the 1990s, notable for F1 models, no longer produces.
- Welly – Chinese manufacturer exporting widely, with most scales covered. Over the years model precision and detail has steadily improved.
- Western Models – handbuilt 1:43 white metal cars (incl. related brand Small Wheels). Used to provide models to Danhausen.
- White Rose Collectibles – Specially detailed Matchbox Toys, and particularly, team sports versions.
- Wiking – German maker of primarily 1:87 plastic models.
- Gerald Wingrove. Exquisitely detailed models made of wood, brass and other materials.
- Wrenn – manufactured a 1:52 scale slot car system in the 1960s capable of running three cars independently in either slot.
- Winross Models – American manufacturer of promotional diecast tractor trailer trucks.
- Wizzard High Performance – 1:64 scale slot car manufacturer.
- Wyandotte Toys – Cast iron manufacturer from the U.S. in the 1920s and 1930s.
X
- XRAY Model Racing Cars, Slovakian radio controlled cars
Y
- Yankee (model cars) – French radio-controlled car brand of the 1980s
- Yatming – Hong Kong manufacturer of diecast models from small to large.
- Yokomo – Japanese radio controlled cars
- Yonezawa Toys – Japanese toys. Tinplate in the 1950s and 1960s. Later diecast usually in 1:43 scale. See Diapet.
Z
- Zaugg (model cars) – White Metal handbuilts made in Switzerland.
- Zee Toys – See Zylmex.
- Ziss Modell – German 1:43 scale producer. Classic and modern cars. See R.W. Modell and Euro-Modell.
- Zylmex – Usually 1:64 scale diecast vehicles made by Zyll Enterprises. Some larger plastic vehicles.
References
- ↑ "Pro 10 Pioniere Start". www.pro10-classic.com. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
- ↑ "JSP Group International acquires Corally". Red RC. Retrieved 2016-10-15.
- ↑ "Pro 10 Pioniere Start". www.pro10-classic.com. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
- ↑ "Hot Bodies Becomes HB Racing". RC Car Action. 2016-06-15. Retrieved 2016-10-15.
- ↑ "Ripmax Announces Takeover of HPI Racing!". RC Racing TV. 2016-06-02. Retrieved 2016-10-15.
- ↑ Garrison, Mike. "Flashback Friday: JConcepts releases the BJ4 1:10 4wd buggy". LiveRC.com. Retrieved 2016-10-15.
- ↑ "Mk2 Lectricar Restoration". Car69.me.uk. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
- ↑ "About". www.teampicco.com. Retrieved 2016-10-15.
- ↑ "有限会社ジル 代表取締役 石井隆|経営者インタビュー|仕事を楽しむためのWebマガジン、B-plus(ビープラス)". 2012-05-25. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
- Bibliography
- Brian Jewell, F (1963). Model Car Collecting. London: Temple Press Books Ltd.
- A. Stephan, Elizabeth (2000). O'Brien's Collecting Toy Cars & Trucks. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-580-9.
- Ralston, Andrew. 2008. Tinplate Toy Cars of the 1950s & 1960s from Japan. Dorchester, England: Veloce Publishing.