There’s something truly special about graduating from being a scale model collector to owning a replica of your very own 1:1 car. For Neil of Phoenix Collectibles, that dream became a reality… Not one, but two of his classic American muscle cars have been faithfully reproduced in scale, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Executed by the talented team at ACME, these full-opening, diecast metal models feature remarkable attention to detail inside and out. They’re available now through PhoenixModelCars.com, with pricing starting at a very reasonable $160 CND – a great value considering the level of craftsmanship on offer.
Each model is based on the 1970 Dodge Challenger: one finished in Sunfire Yellow (DY2), the other in Deep Burnt Orange (FK5). Two roof variants are available – see the website for further details. These are limited edition pieces, with just 160 units produced of each. A unique numbered plaque mounted inside the trunk personalizes every model, adding to its exclusivity.
At DiecastSociety.com, we rarely get to review American muscle models, so this opportunity was a real treat. A big thank you to Neil from Phoenix Collectibles for providing these incredible samples!
Out of the box, these models impress immediately. There’s no composite material here – these are hefty, all-metal replicas. Paintwork is exceptionally well done, with seamless transitions between body colour and roof finishes, whether painted or vinyl. Exterior decals are crisp and clean.
True to the era, chrome detailing is abundant – from bumpers to mouldings to wheels – and each piece has been finished with care. Shutlines and panel gaps are tight and consistent, arguably better than what you’d find on the real 1:1 examples. The exterior execution is, frankly, flawless.
From the front, both models share a familiar Challenger fascia, highlighted by perforated grilles and well-trimmed headlights and indicators. But the Deep Burnt Orange variant stands out with its aggressive, cut-through intake and functional hood pins – an authentic and exciting touch.
Lift the hood and you’ll be rewarded with more eye candy. The engine bays are intricately detailed, with one standout feature being the beautifully engineered hood support. It’s one of those “wow” moments that remind you why you collect. The engine components are convincingly replicated with satisfying depth and realism.
At the rear, both models mirror each other closely, right down to the Ontario, Canada license plates – an awesome nod for us Canadian collectors! The trunk opens to reveal a traditional jack and spare tire setup, with the unique production number badge tucked away neatly on the right side.
Each model sports distinct wheels. The Cragar-style rims on the Deep Burnt Orange model steal the show for us, though the Yellow variant comes in a close second. Both feature detailed brake hardware, rubber tires with sidewall branding, and even tiny air valves.
Flip the car over, and the surprises continue. The undercarriage is fully detailed, showcasing an array of mechanical components such as the oil pan, exhaust system, and fuel tank, to name a few. Particularly impressive is the subtle factory-style overspray along the perimeter – another nod to authenticity.
The interiors are equally rich in detail. The Sunfire Yellow features a beige cabin, while the Deep Burnt Orange continues its exterior tone throughout. The two models are differentiated by their shifter designs, and a host of premium features elevate the experience even further.
Highlights include fabric seatbelts with metal buckles, forward-sliding seats with pivoting uppers for rear access, and even a functioning glove box. Add full interior flocking and you’ve got a showcase of miniature craftsmanship. Scale driving gloves, anyone?
To sum it up: these exclusive models from Phoenix Collectibles are true gems in the world of American muscle diecast. The craftsmanship is top-notch, the features go far beyond the norm, and the price, just around $160 CAD – is an absolute bargain. If you’re a fan of muscle cars, these are essential. Scratch that – if you love cars, period, these belong in your collection.
A big thank you to Neil and Phoenix Collectibles for making this possible. Be sure to visit their site for availability. And as always, enjoy the pics!
The same platform as the Plymouth Cuda!
I probably like the shape of the Dodge Challenger more, however it was Plymouth Cuda which starred in the “Phantasm” movies!
The details of the scale model are good, the tooling is old that makes the accuracy and especially the shut-lines to be not good as might be. But yeah, the painting is really good and overall looks the best model of the car in this scale.
I also have a convertible version of Plymouth Cuda in 1/24 scale by Danbury Mint, and that version is more accurate and has more details than this one in 1/18.
I also have a blue 1970 Dodge Challenger in 1/24, but not by Danbury Mint, and the reviewed 1/18 version is more detailed.
It’s a Challenger from ACME like all the ones before it. A nice model, but showing its age and defnintely not spectacular… The hood on the red one doesn’t sit flush with the body and it has a huge panel gap. Yet you’re gushing over it as if it was a new CMC. I don’t get it.
Both models in my opinion are quite impressive, and I will stand by each. They may not be perfect, and I need to be honest classic American muscle is not something that my collection entails other than some modern pieces – I was still quite impressive, and feelings echoed here are genuine.
That said, yes, both are based on older ACME moulds, however, each still does deliver. Maybe not to your standards and that is okay. IF ACME invested in new moulds this would likely double or triple the offered price. These are true values as they stand, and anyone in the market for something from this era should not hesitate to purchase. Perfect panel gaps and shut lines weren’t present on my cars that left the factory. This adds character, and to some it may not.
The age of the molds is already showing in these, they are really worn out…. also the proportions and shapes of the cars are rather wrong (these represent a time when 3D scanning didn’t even exist)
the detail in these is also mediocre at best. I don’t touch ACME products anymore (they’ve been disappoinments one after another), their build and paint quality is far from what it was 30 years ago.
Curious, what do you collect that fits the American muscle theme?
These models were quite good when brand new under Highway 61 brand name. However, at that time there were some different mould for Steering wheels or something, because these look way off in dimensions and quality and I think also there were more cables in engine bay and definitely the sides of air filters were photo etched steal panels not this hideos white paper with graphics. And they were for 69 USD…But these times are long gone, so these ones are really nice in term of what is on the market today, just sayin :-)
Yes, the times have definitely changed!