It is almost the end of 2021 with this, in the last quarter of the year we will launch another vote for Diecastsociety.com 2021 Model of the Year. However, before we proceed we need to connect with the community on who should be a candidate for the initial shortlist. The nominee list is open to you; all brands and scales are welcome, though we would appreciate you letting us know why you choose the model as best of the best for 2021.
In our opinion, we don’t believe 2021 was the most exciting or innovative, the wow factor is limited and what we might think is a compelling argument for a shortlist entry may not be aligned with your preference for 2021. So, please share your suggestions. Be courtesy to your fellow collectors, a model/brand does not need to sell for $1000+ to be considered. And finally, enjoy the process!
The team comprised a list of some of our favourites throughout the year, we’re sure there are more, so please post your favourite(s) by using the comment field below. Don’t forget to include brand, vehicle, and scale. The final candidate list will be narrowed down to the top 10-15 models. The official voting will take place sometime in December and continue through early 2022. Good luck to all!
ACME Chevrolet Blazer K/5 1972 (1:18)
ACME Pontiac GTO Judge (1:18)
Almost Real Land Rover Defender 110 Camel Trophy Support (1:18)
Almost Real Pagani Zonda F (1:18)
AUTOart Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody (1:18)
AUTOart Lamborghini Aventador SVJ (1:18)
AUTOart Nissan Skyline RS Turbo Super Silhouette 1982 (1:18)
AUTOart Koenigsegg Agera RS (1:18)
Bburago Signature Ferrari Monza SP1 (1:18)
BBR Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm (1:18)
CMC Mercedes SSK “Black Prince” (Count Trossi) (1:18)
CMR MB Transporteur O317 – Martini Racing Motorsport (1:18)
CMR Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 #1 Winner (1:18)
DNA Collectibles Volvo Concept Coupe (1:18)
DNA Collectibles Volkswagen Amarok Aventura (1:18)
GMP Masterpiece Ferrari 512S 5.0L V12 Long Tail (1:18)
GT Spirit Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock (1:18)
GT Spirit Mercedes-AMG GT-R Black Series (1:18)
INNO64 09Racing Decepcionez X (1:64)
KK Scale Ferrari 365 GTB Daytona & Spyder (1:18)
KK Scale Ferrari F40 (1:18)
KengFai Scania V8 730S 4X2 Truck (1:64)
Kyosho Austin Healey MKI Sprite (1:18)
Kyosho Jaguar E-Type Coupe (1:18)
Maisto Ford Bronco Wildtrak (1:18)
Maisto Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo (1:18)
Make Up Singer DLS 2018 (1:18)
MINI GT Datsun 510 Pro Street (1:64)
MR Bugatti Centodieci (1:18)
Norev Bentley Continental GT 2018 (1:18)
Norev Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (1:18)
PARA64 RUF CTR Yellowbird 1987 (1:64)
Replicarz New Cheetah, American Challenge/Street (1:18)
Solido Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye (1:18)
Solido McLaren F1 GTR Short Tail “Launch Livery” (1:18)
ST Well/Kilo Works Audi RS6 Avant (1:18)
The CMC Black Prince. That is what a scale model should be. Great subject, fantastic engineering.
Absolutely agreed with this !
Keng fai Toyota Land Cruiser 200
2 model cars impressed me this year, the Autoart Lamborghini Aventador SVJ specifically in Rosso Efesto and the Almost Real Pagani Zonda F. I got the SVJ a few weeks ago and it looks absolutely stunning in Rosso Efesto. As for the Zonda F, I have preorder it and I am expecting it in December.
Ofcourse my opinion is a subjective one, and other model cars may score better in the VFM department, but for me both model cars stood out in terms of appearance. Moreover the AR Pagani Zonda F, it is currently the best available example in the market.
I don’t think it’s fair that there is no new LCD product
They were gladly represented in 2020. This is your voice, what have they produced in 2021 that deserves your attention?
Land Rover Defender 90 Works V8.
I agree, it is particularly hard this year to list contenders that wowed enough to make it onto the shortlist. And it goes without saying, that the AR Camel Trophy Defender remains as brilliant as when it won the award all these years ago and I am happy to have the dirty version after more than three years of waiting in my collection now. But it simply wouldn´t be fair to enter a previous winner to the competition for a second time. Only their Zonda F is really new for 2021. If they managed to release the Cinque in time, it would be justifiable to enter this too (all the more the Huayra Roadster). But this will more likely enter the list for 2022.
The other issue I have – although I know it´s a fun activity that has always offered a very mixed selection of different subject matters (street cars, race, rallye, limousines, hyper sports, trucks, SUVs, vintage, modern, etc), materials (resin, metal, composite) and functions (from sealed with non-steering and non-turning wheels to 360 access) – is that we now have different scales, too.
Don´t get me wrong, I don´t mind, but it´s foreseeable that a non-1:18, sealed, very common daily sight or niche-odd vehicle that doesn´t draw a crowd in real life will stand no chance of winning this award. Quite some of the models on the list are clearly non-starters. And, from experience in past years, the list of models standing a realistic chance of winning is extremely short: AA Lambo and Koenigsegg, AR Zonda, CMC “Black Prince” … period. It (rightfully) raised suspicions last year, when the KK votes suddenly soared.
I suggest at least limiting the list of contenders to models that were actually reviewed on DS. Maybe that encourages more contributions about models that readers feel to have been neglected here.
And finally, whatever the final selection this year, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE let´s vote quietly WITHOUT offering an opportunity to comment, campaign and discuss each model all over again. Anything that can be said and discussed about a model or manufacturer HAS (or could have) been said and discussed at length in the reviews, news and their accompanying comments.
Thanks for the insight. Yes, comments will be turned off for 2021.
I agree with some comments: the most impressive model in the list is the Black Prince. But for some reason, I don’t like it as much as my other CMC models. There is something odd about the real car itself: it reminds me a little of the batmobile, and I truly hate the idea. Therefore, I would vote for a model that like and love, though not as fancy as a CMC: The Kyosho Frogeye. What a charming creature the real thing is. It belongs to the group of models that almost look alive: the Topolino, the Bantam, the Subaru 360. Plus, Kyosho did a magnificent job with the replica.
Here is my list. All models in 1:18 that I purchased and like. The Black Prince is my #1 by far.
– CMC Mercedes SSK “Black Prince”
– Almost Real Pagani Zonda F
– AUTOart Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
– CMF Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta
Kilo Works Audi Rs6 Avant
IMO
1) almost real pagani zonda f
2) cmc black prince
3) autoart aventador svj
4) aventador liberty walk 2.0 (if I remember correct it released this year)
5) gmp ferrari 512s
Almost Real Zonda F hands down. I also have the Kilo Works RS6 but the quality is pretty meh I might be selling it asap
LCD Mclaren 600lt
Kengfai Mercedes pullman 600 w100
Motorhelix G brabus g800
Its a shame, no Ignition Models
We haven’t really seen anything from the IM in the flesh. You are free to mention in possible candidates from 2021. Anything you want to add?
I agree, they’re great. I’ll throw in their Fujita Engineering FD RX-7 into the mix. I have the Titanium Gray “Maou” version and it’s a lovely model.
It very much looks, as if it will be either the AR Zonda or the CMC „Black Prince“. With a hypercar like the Zonda being the more popular subject matter over the vintage Merc, although nobody doubts CMC´s superior craftmanship, the Zonda is more likely to win.
By the way, the more AUTOarts entered for the competition, the more scattered the votes will be amongst them, while CMC and AR can unite their votes on their candidate. If all AR´s Zondas were out in time and entered the competition, they would compete against each other, scattering the votes instead of uniting them on the Zonda F. That would give CMC the decisive edge.
As always, voters will have to weigh craftsmanship quality, accuracy of the model, functionality and preference of subject matter to make their choice.If we are honest, the latter really isn´t the merit of the model, but the original car. So let´s keep in mind, it´s not the Car of the Year, but Model of the Year Award. The car we love needs to be translated into scale well enough to raise some enthusiasm even with non-enthusiasts for the real car. That´s at least what I always try to do when casting my vote.
Why not on the list?
1:18 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham 1992-1994 (Xiaoguang)
1:18 Lincoln Towncar V8 1993-1995 (Xiaoguang)
These are really new models that no one had planned to release before, in contrast to the next re-release of Lamborghinis, Mercedes and others, produced every year by all firms.
To niche. If we didn’t review them or write a simple article about each, we don’t believe either would receive much traction in this forum.
If I agree with you, a question arises. What does the CMC Mercedes SSK “Black Prince” (Count Trossi) model do on the list (1:18)? An absolutely niche product is the price and this is the release time of the car itself (the era for the amateur)
Yes, both are definitely niche but the appeal of the “car” itself strike a larger stroke than the two mentioned American cars.
AutoArt 1/18 Bugatti EB110 LM 1994 #34 if they release it in time and it lives up to the expectations. It is said to be arriving in December. Would that be eligible for this vote?
Yes of course since the road version are already out. The LM version is more special and can certainly be added to the list. If it lives to expectations it will get votes!
Maybe.
Autoart Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. The Almost Real Pagani Zonda was tempting but the higher than average price and plasticky interior pushed me to put it in second place.
Autoart Nissan R34 GT-R is my favourite release for this year.
Almost Real Land Rover Defender 110 Camel Trophy Support (1:18)
I would add some F1 and other race cars by Spark and BBR. Please give me some time to be more specific. Also, I recognize that not every one in this fanatic hobby like trucks, but those Mercedes and Scannia made by NZG are really great
Which ones? We saw the BBR Ferrari SF1000 G.P. Tuscany Mugello – C. Leclerc in flesh, neat model, however not truly outstanding.
These Are My Favorite Models Released This Year:
3. 1:18 TSM McLaren Speedtail
A Sealed Model Made Of Resine But It Displays Very Well. Looks Fantastic In My Cabinet. The Price Was Nice Too. I Payed Only 80 Euro (Around 80-85$) For My Sample.
2. Maisto 1:18 Lamborghini V12 VGT
Affordable Diecast, Well Done Exterior, a Model Of a Very Unique Car and Certainly Not Everyones Cup Of Tea. Maisto Probably Knew It But Released The Model Anyway and I’m Very Happy About It. Thank You Maisto.
1. AUTOart Koenigsegg Agera RS
Very Well Done Model. Very High Detail Level, Extremely Complex Features (Especially The Door Opening Mechanics), Flawless Painting, Clean Looking Shutlines and Panel Gaps. Probably My Favorite Composit Model Released By AUTOart.
I Would Also Like To Mention LCD Models Pagani Huayra Roadster and McLaren 600LT Even If They Are Not My Personal Favorites. The Pagani Models Have This Paint Chipping Problem and The 600LT Car (Not The Model) Is Nothing Special In My EYes. But I Can See Why Others Love These Models, Especially 600LT Model and It’s Unique Features.
I think Kilo Works Rs6 definitely deserves to be here…. At that process point they are Gems
For me one of the most beautiful models of this year is:
Super A Mitsubishi Evo 9 Modified Red.
Crazy!
Yes, definitely cool and executed well. Though isn’t it a rehash or variant of an earlier release from 2019-2020?
Si certo, capisco quello che vuoi dire.
Visto da questo punto di vista, cambia il senso.
Actually, it looks updated over its predecessors. I have pre-ordered one and could do a review, once it arrives. But I would prefer letting someone who’s really got an Asian themed collection and knowledge do it.
Kengfai Pullman
Interesting, thanks.
Sadly missed preordering the model, but based on what i have seen my vote would go for the inclusion of the Almost Real Pagani Zonda F model.
My favorite is AUTOart Koenigsegg Agera RS (1:18)
Very nice model
Autoart aventador svj 1/18
It’s not on the list, but the new 1991 Lincoln Town Car from Xiaguang Model is phenomenal in its presentation and it covered a vehicle not before put into this scale.
Though their quality control is all over the place and some of the details are lacking, Greenlight did give us, at long last, the square body GM pickup this year in 1/18th scale.
The 1/18th scale 2021 Ford Explorer (don’t know the manufacturer) was also very, very well done.
I fully support you. Earlier I wrote about Lincoln and Cadillac.
And in general, looking at the list, i see discrimination against the American car industry. Not good.
Why is in the list ACME Pontiac GTO Judge (1:18) – although this is a new color and the model was released 15 years ago, but no on the list GMP Dodge Coronet Super Bee 1970? Really new model from this manufacturer
I saw your comment after I posted mine, Sol. I’m glad I’m not alone in my thinking on this! If being “niche” is a problem, then there should be a separate category for “Best Niche Model” of the year. The 1:18 Lincoln would get my vote hands down. At under $300 US it is still remotely within the realm of affordability (although that’s getting pricey considering I remember the days when Autoart models sold new for $50 US). I guess after being a collector for more than 20 years I’m just growing kind of tired of seeing the same cars painted a different color or having a new little twist put on them and trotted back out. I’m excited to see what companies like DNA Collectibles, Paudi, Xiao gang and others are bringing us!
Some 1/43 models:
SCM Models CM801D – Günther Werks 911 Mexico Blue w/ Ducktail wing
Make Up VM203 – Singer 911 (964) Mulholland
Make Up EM600A – Porsche 911(997) GT3 RS 2007, Orange/Black
Make Up VM197 – Porsche 911 R Porsche System Engineering Ltd. – Targa Florio 1969 #240
There are some excellent models ommited that were released in 2021:
– Norev Mercedes-Benz W223 is excellent and (at least in Europe) has very good price
– Premium Classixxs MAN TGX
Also a lot of new models coming December (Norev MB 190E, Otto’s Honda Civic gen VIII, BMW e36 compact, CMC MB Pullman Laundalet, Premium Classixxs Volvo FH16).
Nevertheless a lot of premiers shifted to next year which is a pitty (f.eg. Gullwings from Schuco and Norev, 275GTB from CMC).
Yes, some are likely on the 2022 list!
Norev Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (1:18)
It’s on our shortlist. Reviewed too. Not perfect but it is priced effectively. Great model overall!
CMC Mercedes SSK “Black Prince” (Count Trossi) (1:18)
CMC Mercedes ask Black prince
CMC Mercedes SSK Black Prince
Does everyone realize that this is not the voting process, but the nomination prelude?
No need to repeat the same for the umptieth time.
Do you guys have ever considered to have two categories for Scale model of the year? One for genuine “diecasts”, with full openings, and the other for no-openings, resin type models?
Actually, we annually have this discussion … .
…and every year DS Team end up with status quo as the answer to this fundamental question?
Comment on peut élire modèle de l année , en mélangeant , résine scellé , métal ouvrants simple ( solido ) et métal tout ouvrants ,AUto art , je ne comprends pas , il est évident que le modèle gagnant sera du CMC , ou auto art ou almost Real !!!!!!!!!
J’ai justement, chaque année, la même réflexion, d’où mon intervention 3 cases plus haut!
————————
Actually, every year, I’m having the same thoughts, hence my intervention 3 boxes above!
And the answer will remain the same. Thank you.
CMC Mercedes SSK Black Prince 1:18