Our Favorite Collectible Diecast Cars

There are many hobbies for those who can’t get enough car-related content. From car shows and events to restoring their own personal vintage cars, the possibilities are endless! One of our hands-down favorites is collecting diecast model cars. It’s one of the best and easiest ways for car enthusiasts to show their passion for cars without breaking the bank.

Crafted after real-life designs from automobile manufacturers, Japanese diecast cars offer car enthusiasts an accessible way to enjoy their favorites at a much smaller scale. Thanks to the diecast process's quality and its intricate detailing, it’s easy to understand why so many collectors and enthusiasts flock to diecast models. If you’re looking to start building a diecast model car collection, add to an existing collection, or find one as a gift for someone special, Plaza Japan is here to help. 

Check out our list of the best diecast cars to find inspiration for your favorite!

Unique and Historic Collectible Diecast Cars

One of the reasons diecast cars are so fun to collect is the sheer variety of models available! This is especially because there have been so many unique designs of vehicles over the years. We have plenty of imaginative collectibles, such as cars from sci-fi, film franchises, and popular anime series. You can also choose from many replications of your real-life wheels, including your favorite makes and models, historic military vehicles, sleek racing cars, and even everyday minivans and city buses. 

Japanese diecast cars encapsulate that breadth of what’s out there, especially because so much of Japanese hobby building and collecting focuses on historically accurate, detailed recreations, and what’s available at any given time is constantly rotating and updating!

Quintessentially Japanese Diecast Cars

Let’s start with what puts Japanese diecast cars literally on the map: the vehicles that are seldom produced anywhere but for Japanese fans of diecast cars, and particularly the makes and models that are exclusive to Japan. Some of the best diecast cars that you can only find in Japan, including:

AUTOArt 1/18 Lotus Europa Special (Circuit No Okami/Fubuki Yuya)

Even though “Europa” is in the name, this is a Japanese diecast car through and through, as this is a vehicle from “Circuit no okami” or “Wolf Circuit,” a classic 1970s shonen manga. This is a particularly high-quality model that reflects how beloved this series is today, and that your collectible will stand the time just as well.

Ebbro 43820 TOYOTA SPRINTER TRUENO AE86

Enjoy this nostalgic “slice of life” car from Toyota and add this classic Japanese diecast car to your lineup.

The Best Diecast Cars: International Edition

There’s no wonder that collectors adore highly detailed, true-to-life diecast models: they are celebrations of everything that is the most exciting in the world of automotives, with the emphasis on “world!”

With that in mind, here are some of our favorites of the best diecast cars that are internationally inspired, created by the best Japanese manufacturers.

AUTOArt 1/18 Ford GT Holman-Moody Heritage Edition in Gold and Red

This highly detailed Ford GT model car will get your heart racing and demonstrates that collectible diecast cars are miniature works of art! We love it for its sleek design that will look beautiful either as a standalone or as part of a fleet of vehicles ready to take to the starting line.

Doyusha 1/24 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe

The Jeep is such a quintessentially American car, but this model by Doyusha brings Japanese quality to the Rubicon. Unlike the real thing, this one doesn’t require costly repairs or maintenance - just a shared love of envisioning offroad adventures.

AUTOArt 1/12 Lamborghini Huracan Performante

Who doesn’t want to say they own a collection of Lamborghinis? Now you can, too, and you can even collect this collectible diecast car in a variety of colors!

Fun On Two Wheels

Every diecast car collector needs some thrilling motorcycles, and this is another area where Japanese diecast cars shine supreme! 

Aoshima SKYNET 1/12 Honda CB400FOUR PARAKEET in Yellow

We love a quality retro bike, and this model shows how exhilarating motorcycles have always been in Japan because of their convenience and how fun they are to ride! This legendary model first zoomed through the streets in 1976, and its reliability and sturdiness continue to make it a fan favorite among motorbike fans. The quality of this diecast car, including its exquisite attention to detail, makes this a favorite among collectors.

Aoshima Skynet 04576 Kawasaki Ninja H2R 1/12 scale

Here is one ninja that is begging to be seen! Picture this sleek but powerful motorcycle speeding into Tokyo’s lively Shibuya district, or coasting along a windy highway by the ocean, and you can see why enthusiasts are excited to add the sporty Kawasaki Ninja to their arsenal.

Collections for Every Car Enthusiast at Plaza Japan

Like all the new vehicles rolling out each year, our supply of collectible diecast cars changes frequently, so if you find something you love, order it before it speeds off our shelves! Otherwise, we recommend this list as a great source of inspiration for your own miniature garage. 

Whether you choose one or more of our favorites, you’ll be that much closer to the admirable diecast car collection of your dreams. Plaza Japan makes it easy to enjoy all of your exciting car hobbies thanks to our blog and extensive collections of authentic Japanese products. In addition to our diecast cars, check out our awesome plastic model cars and RC radio control. So, start your engines and get collecting with Plaza Japan today!

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