> Collection: American Muscle Diecast 1:18

A diecast muscle car recreates the big-engine American cars of the 1960s and 1970s at 1/18 scale. The American Muscle line, produced by ERTL, is the range that introduced this kind of replica to North American collectors. At Nice Car Collection, you can explore a selection of diecast cars, scale diecast model cars, and collectible replicas for enthusiasts and collectors. In the hobby, you will also hear these die cast muscle cars called diecast cars, scale diecast model cars, or simply car collectibles.

Die Cast Muscle Cars in 1/18 Scale

Every model is built from die cast metal, with an opening hood, doors and trunk, a detailed engine and a fully finished interior. That level of detail is what separates a collector replica from a plain toy, and it is why a 1:18 scale diecast holds its value. Most of the range comes in 1/18 scale, the format that stays truest to this kind of bodywork.

Smaller formats work differently. A 1/64 car fits in the palm of your hand and suits collectors who want volume, the scale that Hot Wheels made familiar to a whole generation. The 1/24 scale sits between the two. American Muscle stays with 1/18 because the long hoods and wide stances of these cars need the space.

Classic Muscle Cars from Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge: Chevelle SS, Mustang and Corvette

All four of the great American manufacturers are represented. You will find the silhouettes that define classic muscle.

• Chevrolet: 1969 Chevelle SS 396, 1967 Corvette L-71, 1966 Nova SS, 1970 El Camino, 1969 Camaro Z/28, 1970 Monte Carlo SS 454, plus the 1955 Chevy Bel Air
• Ford: 1967 Shelby GT-500, 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1, the 1970 Mustang Boss 302 and Mustang Boss 429, 1971 Torino Cobra
• Dodge and Plymouth: 1969 Charger R/T, 1968 Hemi Road Runner, 1970 Cuda AAR, 1971 GTX 440, the 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A and the 1970 Superbird
• Pontiac: 1966 and 1967 GTO, the 1969 GTO Judge, the 1996 and 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The range also covers hot rods and movie cars. Look for the Dodge Charger Daytona from Two-Lane Blacktop, the 1961 Corvette from Animal House and the 1960 Ford Starliner from Grease. Several Charger Daytonas wear race liveries, including the Buddy Baker and Charlie Glotzbach cars from the NASCAR superspeedway era, when these were the fastest bodies on the track.

American Muscle Diecast: From ERTL to Auto World

The brand was born at ERTL before being taken over by Auto World, and the moulds followed. An American Muscle diecast from the 1990s and a recent production run therefore often share the same bodywork. The difference shows in the packaging: the older RC2 by ERTL series are recognizable by their case and sell for more when the box is intact.

Within the line, watch for the Elite editions and the chase cars, the premium end of the die-cast range. A 1969 Shelby GT-500 limited to 1,250 pieces or a Hemi Road Runner limited to 2,500 is scarcer than a standard release. Black Chrome finishes were also produced in small runs, on cars such as the 1967 GTO and the 1971 GTX 440. Those are the pieces that move fast on the secondary market.

Completing Your Muscle Car Collection

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