We first heard of High Performance Diecast (HPD) back in October 2014, when they introduced a fully opening diecast model of the Koenigsegg Agera R. Unfortunately, that model eventually fell by the wayside, despite a painted sample being available in 2017. The fate of the Koenigsegg Agera R remains a mystery.
HPD’s first official scale model release is the Holeshot Camaro, a fully blown horsepower monster with an engine that seems to stand ten feet tall. While that’s an exaggeration, the Holeshot Camaro was quite impressive for what it was, marking a significant departure from the Koenigsegg project.
Fast forward to today, and HPD has launched the McLaren 765LT. This model, which began development in early 2022, became available for sale in June 2024. Priced at $250 USD, this limited edition consists of 1,200 units, with 600 in Chicane Effect and 600 in Curacao Blue. Additional colours, including Lime Green, Vermillion Red, McLaren Orange, and Lantana Purple, are planned, though their release dates are yet to be announced.
We received a sample of the HPD McLaren 765LT for review, and overall, we are quite impressed with the model. We believe you will feel the same upon receiving yours.
The HPD McLaren 765LT comes in a standard rectangular box with an inner Styrofoam shell. The model is securely fastened with three screws, and HPD thoughtfully includes a screwdriver for removal. The package also contains a couple of tools: a small black access tool and a clear suction cup for accessing the opening and removable elements of the model. Additionally, there are accessories such as a fire extinguisher and a tool kit meant to be placed in the front storage area. A certificate of authenticity is also included, though we don’t place much weight on it.
The paintwork on the HPD McLaren 765LT is well executed. We chose the Gray variant for its subtle, classic look, though the Blue is also appealing. The paint is consistent throughout, with no visible flaws. The model’s accuracy in scale is impressive, showcasing HPD’s dedication to providing collectors with a solid specimen. While not perfect, the exterior elements, including the carbon fibre bits, are well done with true decals, avoiding the use of tampons’ carbon fibre via AUTOart’s methods.
However, there is room for improvement in the upper section of the driver/passenger doors. The execution of the shut lines is generally very good, including the front storage and rear motor access.
HPD admirably captures the design language of the 765LT, including the subtle design elements seen from the mid-side view. Notable exterior details include a 3D emblem sunk into the metal hood and excellent carbon fibre work on the front and bottom sides. The headlight execution is decent, maintaining McLaren’s unique design. The front storage area, which houses the provided accessories, features a textured interior and functional struts, with more than satisfying panel gaps.
The exterior side mirrors are a mix of Gray paint and carbon fibre, with each being fully functional. Accessing the interior is reminiscent of BBR diecast metal/opening Ferraris, with a smooth operation that contrasts AUTOart models’ fragile-feeling composite materials. However, AUTOart does use actual struts within the door engineering, enhancing authenticity.
Inside, HPD focuses on quality materials and attention to detail. Alcantara is used on various elements of the dash, steering wheel, and more, with carbon fibre and fabric seatbelts elevating the look and feel.
The wheels are another highlight, with front wheels smaller than the rear and McLaren Orange on the brake callipers. The rear features a working suspension, though this is not present on the front. Tire branding is missing at all four corners, however, HPD did replicate the 765LT decal on the wheels.
The gas filler appears to be accessible, though we were unable to open it despite multiple attempts. We’ll confirm this with HPD. The motor area provides access to some of the powerplant underneath, with a removable cover secured by a four-magnet system. Inside, a small clear cover highlights the upper end of the motor, though not much else is visible beyond the Silver-painted bracing.
The massive rear wing is functional, likely aiding in stopping power more than downforce LOL. Perforated grilles are present all around, along with various carbon fibre bits. While the motor or related engineering isn’t visible, the fit and finish are excellent. However, the four exhaust tips, despite good size and fitment, look slightly unfinished inside.
We admire High Performance Diecast for continuing with the supercar path after the departure of the Koenigsegg project, especially one in diecast metal with opening features, which as we all know is a rarity in the hobby today. Bringing a model to market that meets the expectations of both the company and collectors is no easy task. And sure, there will be the “keyboard heroes” with their ever-present negative vibe. But that’s the culture we breed today…
Our first experience with HPD has been positive, and the McLaren 765LT is a desirable model. It may not be perfect, but it’s an excellent start in the right direction. If HPD can address the areas for improvement noted above, they have the potential to capture more market share. Can it hold its own with the likes of LCD, AUTOart and Almost Real, YES. We look forward to more models from HPD and hope their path to final production is more succinct in the future. Enjoy the pics!
I like it, will defo be picking one up but waiting on the lime green. I just think it could be a long wait as these were heavily delayed already. Only bit that is a miss from me is the inside of the exhausts, maybe this could be drilled out so it looks deeper/ more realistic.
Yes, exhaust detail in our opinion is a larger miss than the the door shutlines. Because of the position and size, it’s truly in your face!
Thanks for the review! This looks like a very good start from an unfamiliar brand, the detail and presentation are top notch. I am especially impressed with the quality of the “carbon-fiber” bits. The only glaring thing I see is the exhaust maybe needed to be deeper so as not to see the interior of the pipes ending so well, the unfinished look does take away slightly from the overall quality. But that might be nit-picking and I wonder how another brand might tackle that anyways with the exhaust being so prominent and high up on this particular car?
Yes, well said on the exhaust. Our biggest negative on the model on the whole!
The packaging and especially the McLaren branded opening tool confirm the suspicion that I posted on the previous news story – this is branded as HPD, but it’s clearly being made by LCD.
With that in mind the price is punchy; the LCD 600LT was considerably cheaper. The difference here I guess is that this is a more limited release, and nobody else has announced it whereas AA had announced the 600,LT when LCD released theirs. It’s a shame about those exhausts and I’d be interested to see how easy it is to fix them.
I’ll probably buy one as I can’t see anyone else making an opening version. The only question for me is whether to buy the grey, which I really like on the 675LT, or hold out for purple. You’d imagine that with the tooling investment they’ll want to follow through with additional colours…
We asked HPD if they or a second-party manufacturer was on hand. No response yet… As for price, 600LT was a GREAT bargain in the modern era of scale models. If you’ve been following LCD pricing has been steadily going up. Still good value in comparison to other brands. HPD 765LT is fairly priced too based on immediate competition as well.
Yeah agreed, the price on their Paganis was a lot more steep. At least this looks like it has a better stance than the 600LT and upcoming F1. I’d still be all over an AutoArt version if they came out with it but for now might hold off and hope that the purple materialises next year – my wallet’s currently reeling from a BBR Aperta anyway :-)
Thank you for the fair review and detailed pictures. The few more serious issues have been mentioned. While the all too obvious exhaust blooper could have been avoided, they have chosen a particularly hard challenge with the 765LT. Small wonder, they dropped the Egg, given its door mechanism.
Silence on the second-party manufacturer can surely be taken as a confirmation, that its LCD. The model has their signature written all over it, including the excellent carbon execution and brilliant interior, especially as LCD are making McLarens themselves and offering the same colors. We can hence expect this in all the colors of the 600LT across the years. And as we have seen LCD addressing initial issues of early versions they might do it again here on the latest ones. The exhaust should not be difficult to mend.
Thank you. Yes, perhaps…
Overall, a very intriguing model and new company. Thanks for the good review. The finish looks exceptional. The only negative that stood out to me was the exhaust, I can’t remember ever seeing exhaust pipes where the inside was so shallow on a model car. It seems minor but it kills the illusion.
Regarding this comment from the review:
“And sure, there will be the “keyboard heroes” with their ever-present negative vibe. But that’s the culture we breed today”
That statement is more negative than anything I’ve seen in the comments. Stuff like that tends to shut down constructive criticism lest people be labeled as keyboard warrior for expressing their opinion. I’d understand preemptively doing that if there was lots of super negative stuff here, but to me, the comments on reviews are usually constructive criticism.
Sorry, we disagree… Individuals who broad brush statements without the proper perspective are rampant in this hobby. Just read the comments via the news feed… HPD deserves a fair chance. There is a way with just a little tact to push forward issues, some people understand this, while, unfortunately many do not.
Constructive criticism and different views have always been welcome, as long as the tone remains civil and polite.
But as a member of the wider team contributing reviews here, I remember fierce and uncivil to derogative, outright hostile rants directed not only at models, their manufacturers and viewpoints, but all too personally at the very people who make the unpaid effort to share their pictures and carefully draft these reviews. This unpleasant behavior sadly made the introduction of a code of conduct necessary and some repeat offenders were banned, some overezalous comments edited to remove offensive language.
This obviously helped to re-establish the friendly tone that contributes to your impression and makes DS the pleasant platform it has (mostly) been these past ten years of its existence. I do understand, though, that the above reviewer wished to stop all-too-well remembered rants in their tracks from unduey ruining the debut of a laudable new brand.
I’m going to be a little less forgiving here, but it’s a clear example of why Autoart charges more for their models. The shutlines at the front of the doors and the front of the frunk are inconsistent. The panel gap at the back of the rear wheel well, where the rear bumper meets the rear quarter, is awful. There is visible glue residue around some trim pieces. I’ve seen the door hinges losing paint in some other images. The fitment of the headlight piece is also not consistent (look along the top edge). The wheel set looks really basic – the tire, brake caliper (especially) and the clearly plastic rotor. The exterior carbon does look nice and no one else made this model yet, so they do have that going for them at least.
Sorry but I cannot agree with your comment at all, “little less forgiving” you say and then compare it to Autoart, who has been going straight downhill for years now. Well this model has an interior detail light years ahead of any Autoart model in existence and the carbon fibre detail is way better too. For less the price point, it offers a much more than any of all the recent Autoart models of the recent years. The model is not perfect, but it is a great starting point and I feel your comment does not do it justice at all…
Autoart has not been going downhill. They’ve always been quite consistent with their quality, namely the sharpness of execution and panel gaps. This thing has unforgivable panel gaps (actually look at the areas I pointed out). I do agree the interiors look more authentic than the Autoart efforts but the overall execution is still very sloppy. Some shiny carbon fiber is nice (it’s just decal with clear coat over it as opposed to tampo printing on an autoart) but I will always rate panel fitment above that. Plus the latest Autoarts like the R35 GT-R have very well executed carbon.
I know I sound like a broken record, but the lack of a Koenigsegg Agera “R” in fully opening 1/18 Diecast is what I find much more unforgivable
I too disagree about AutoArt going downhill. There was a phase around the end of their diecast era and begining of the “composite” era where they were phoning it in, but some of their recent models have been superb.
Since we believe this model is an LCD, I’d compare their versions of the 600LT. LCD’s version was a bargain and has a nice interior, the AA is a much sharper and more refined model. I know some still get hung up on materials but when most current supercars are made from carbon fibre it’s not being objective to criticise a model for not being metal.
Thanks for the review. The details and paint finish looks good. The panel gaps look a bit too big. I will wait for the green one. The exhaust pipes look too shallow. Still looks like a good model and hopefully, they will improve on the later versions.
If the Koenigsegg Agera R project is a bust and there are no plans to continue with it, then I’m extremely disappointed. Especially since I was really looking forward to a proper fully opening model of said car.
Very impressed by this model. I agree with @Spikyone, it looks very LCD-ish – especially the level of luxury poured into the interior – which to me at least is a good thing.
Love the CF work, wheels, rotors, perforated grilles and especially the interior. The blocked exhaust doesn’t bother me one bit, it seems to be a pretty easy fix. The absence of branding on the tires is one thing I find hard to ignore, but still I can live without it.
Where can I find this? My usual dealers don’t even seem to know about it.
We still haven’t heard back from HPD in response to our questions, so we cannot confirm any LCD influence here. Though evidence is showing so…
We don’t believe there are any distribution channels for HPD as of yet, direct to the collector is likely the only way to purchase. Click on the link above to order or at minimum inquire about other possible ordering channels.
I asked them about that and they don’t have any distributors in Europe. There are a couple of US sellers that have it, and if you’re wary of buying direct it’s listed on eBay which would give you a degree of protection.
Let me duplicate my impressions from this model in this review topic:
At first, I was not impressed neither by this scale model nor by its grey color.
Then I saw a very nice and detailed review of it by Diecast Den on YouTube.
With deeper inspection, I seemed to clearly notice LCD Models’ roots in this scale model. Its light blue color (very similar to LCD Models’ McLaren 600LT) looks more interesting to me (than grey), and 765LT itself is more interesting than 600LT – with its shape and a lot of perforated grilles.
Talking about the perforated grilles, you can find perforated grilles even in the big cave behind the doors. These grilles can be seen only when the doors are open, otherwise they are hidden – and, still, they are perforated!
I was using a flashlight to see what’s behind the perforated grilles. Mostly there are dark plastic, but in some places (e.g. in the rear end) one may see just empty space and then dark plastic.
Talking about the exhausts, in reality they do have some depth, so they are not that flat as it seems on the photos. Also, the engine details in the bottom are not that flat as well, they are within a recess.
The suspension is working for the front and rear wheels, even though the front wheels have shorter way of suspension.
Also, the engine actually has two removable covers, thus allowing direct access to the part of the engine under the inner cover.
To sum up, I believe it is a better (at least, more interesting and similarly refined) model than the LCD’s 600LT, and probably the best scale model of a modern McLaren up to date.
I’d be glad to see a scale model of a modern 4-seat Porsche 911 with this level of details and accuracy in this exact or very similar light blue color!
While I’m very happy with the HPD 1/18 McLaren 765LT, anyway I’ve collected the pros and cons of this model, comparing to 1/18 AutoArt.
For me, these pros are much more valuable than the cons, hence my decision to get the HPD’s model.
However, I do understand that there are collectors for whom the mentioned cons are critical – and thus they will prefer AutoArt. In the list of the cons below, you’ll find an additional con which did not seem to be mentioned yet.
Pros of HPD 1/18 765LT:
+ the complete “alcantara” interior, including seats, the steering wheel and door cards
+ the doors are open widely, similarly to the real car (wider than on BBR 1/18 LaFerrari which, in its turn, has wider opening doors than any AutoArt 1/18 McLaren)
+ direct access to the engine (with two removable covers)
+ working suspension for all the wheels
+ foldable side mirrors
+ openable fuel cap
Cons of HPD 1/18 765LT:
– the shutlines are not as good as in AutoArt 1/18
– the exhaust pipes are not very deep
– the external parts of the motor in the bottom do not have real depth (they are located on the single peace of plastic) and are not painted (there should be silver parts)
– the wide front lights in the middle of the front “eyes” are too thick and do not have any pattern (AutoArt did it much better in their 1/18 McLaren 720S).