1:12 scale is a popular scale for dolls houses, but is less well represented by die cast cars. These are larger models than the usual diecast ranges of 1:18, 1:24 and 1:43 scales. They commonly come with working steering, independent suspension and high detail with prices linked to the finishing details and number of working parts. Exotic cars and race cars are the most popular subjects, although there are some family cars and some RC car shells available in 1:12 scale.
If you want to add to a friend's collection, find out what particular die cast scale, style and type of car they collect.
1. 2004 Vespa Grand Tourismo
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Price $12 - $15
2. Vespa ET4 150 Piaggio Scooter
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Auto Art's Piaggio Vespa 150 scooter has a fold up seat and an opening trunk adding to it's usefulness in 1:12 scenes.It is available in black or white.
Price $50 - $60
3. Revell Mini Cooper
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Available in green or red from Revell, these little BMW Mini Coopers have steerable wheels, opening doors and engine bay. As they are based on a small car, they will usually fit in the small spaces in 1:12 scale scenes, including 1:12 scale garages. Overall dimensions are 11 inches long, by 5 inches wide, by 4 inches high.
Price $80
4. 1969 Volkswagon Kombi Light Woodstock Bus
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This highly detailed 1:12 scale model is part of a line of Volkswagen Kombi vans made in 1:12 scale by Sun star toys. This particular version is based on a 1963 bus custom painted by Bob Hieronimus and driven to Woodstock by the band Light. The die cast has opening doors (some with working handles), steerable wheels, a working suspension, tilting removable seats, removable and changeable wheels and comes with a cluster of speakers and a trio of guitars.
Price $200
5. Shelby Cobra 427 SC by Kyosho
Photo Courtesy Price Grabber Copyright 2009 Used With Permission
These are another classic collector car originally built from 1964 to 1966. Finished with metallic blue paint the model has crisp clean details, with an opening engine bay and trunk, working door catches, visors and mirrors which can be positioned, steerable wheels and working suspension, an opening filler cap and comes with a black tonneau cover that clips neatly to the car. The racing seat belts are a great touch as well.
You can view a Car Room Video Review of Kyoshu's Shelby Cobra on You Tube.
Price $400
6. 1960 Morris Minor Open Convertable by Sun Star Models
This highly detailed convertible is part of the series of Morris 1000's produced as 1:12 die cast models by Sun Star.
Price $135 (depending on UK exchange rate)
7. 1956 Morris Minor 1000 Saloon by Sun Star
This is a highly detailed model of a much loved British Classic, part of a series of three versions of Morris 1000's that Sun Star aim to produce. The Saloon version has an opening glove box, tilting front seats, front side windows which open with a crank handle, a removable spare wheel, rear seats backs that fold forward, independent suspension, opening doors, trunk, and hood and working steering, as well as a tool kit.
Price around $135
8. 1966 Ford GT40 Street Racer
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GMP produce several different color versions of this classic Ford representing famous race cars as well as the street racing version. Price $500 - $550
9. Ferrari 288 GTO by Tamiya
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If only a red Ferrari will do for your 1:12 scene, Tamiya make a Ferrari 288 GTO. Panels in the cabin and front storage area are removable to display the engine and battery. Doors, front hood and engine hood can be posed open and pop-up headlights and reclining seats are included. Detailed photos are on the Tamiya website. This is part of their special line for 1:12 diecast collectors. Other models in the line include an Enzo Ferrari Giallo Modena, a Porche Turbo RSR 934 and a Porche Carrera GT
Price $500 - $550 (for the Ferarri 288) $400 - $450 for the Porche models
Tamiya also produce a TamTech-Gear Assembly Kit R/C kit in 1:12 of the same car. (Tamiya # 56710) Less detail, but you can drive it from your RC controller.Price$250 - $300
