The Rarest Model Cars Around
Model car building usually starts out simple: pick up a kit, follow the steps, and proudly place the finished piece on the shelf. But every hobby has a deeper level, and for model cars, that’s the world of rare kits. Some vanish the moment they’re released, and others are discontinued before most collectors even hear about them. That mix of scarcity and surprise makes them irresistible. So, here are twenty of the rarest model car builders that can only dream of completing.
Pocher Ferrari Testarossa 1/8 scale model kit by Jango’s Garage, broken dreams
1. Tamiya 1:12 Ferrari F40 Super Kit
The Tamiya 1:12 Ferrari F40 Super Kit arrived in the late 1980s as a showcase of just how detailed scale modeling could get. With more than 500 individual parts, it offered builders working suspension and a fully realized engine bay, both rare achievements for its era.
Ferrari F40 | Full build Step by step | Scale model | Tamiya | 1/24 | ASMR by OMG Scaleworks
2. Pocher 1:8 Lamborghini Aventador
Produced in limited numbers, this high-end kit immediately set itself apart with its sheer size, stretching over two feet long once completed. Builders were treated to working suspension with metal springs, a meticulously crafted V12 engine, and scissor doors that opened just like the real car.
Full build video of the Pocher Lamborghini Aventador 1:8 scale by AC Collection
3. Revell 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Modeled after the famous car with its upward-opening doors, this was first produced in the 1960s using molds that have since been retired. Early kits featured functioning hinges, while specific box art versions turned into highly sought-after treasures.
Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing 1/12 Scale Model by Greg Kee
4. Hasegawa Toyota 2000GT
Hasegawa’s Toyota 2000GT kit paid tribute to Japan’s first true supercar, as it captured the sleek lines of the original vehicle with impressive accuracy for its time. Released in the 1980s and retired soon after, it quickly became a scarce find.
Toyota 2000 GT Hasegawa Full Video by Grand Makett Autó
5. Airfix Aston Martin DB5 James Bond Edition
Airfix tapped into the 1960s Bond craze with its Aston Martin DB5 James Bond Edition, a kit that stood apart from regular releases. It was designed with hidden gadgets such as ejector seat mechanisms. Moreover, the original boxes carried distinctive 007 branding, which is rarely found intact today.
Build Video - Aston Martin DB5 (James Bond 007) 1:32 by Airfix by MD Scale Models
6. Tamiya Porsche 959 Rally Car
Modeled on the Paris–Dakar version, the Tamiya Porsche 959 Rally Car was released in the middle of the 1980s Group B rally boom, complete with authentic sponsor decals. A short production run led to the molds being retired.
7. Monogram Shelby Cobra 427 S/C
Monogram’s Shelby Cobra 427 S/C kit surfaced in the 1970s, right in the middle of muscle car mania. It earned recognition for faithfully reproducing the car’s details, including accurate racing stripes and authentic Cobra emblems.
Fujimi Shelby 427 S/C Cobra 1/24 Full Build Video by Grand Makett Autó
8. Italeri Bugatti Atlantic 57SC
Inspired by one of the rarest cars on Earth, of which only two originals exist, this kit brings history into your hands. Its large 1:12 scale release was kept intentionally limited, making it just as exclusive as the real masterpiece it celebrates.
9. AMT 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Among AMT’s most popular releases, AMT’s 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 kit stood out not only for its accuracy but also for the rare racing decals that appeared in early editions. Adding to its charm, the packaging featured vibrant late-60s artwork, which captured the Camaro’s energy in bold strokes.
69 Camaro RS Z28 model car build...and more Novice Builder by J Garcia
10. Gunze Sangyo Ferrari 250 GTO 1:24
Produced only in small batches during the late 1980s, it pays homage to one of the most valuable cars in the world with striking authenticity. It was often admired for its resin detail upgrades, which elevated the kit beyond standard plastic offerings.
GUNZE 1/24 Ferrari 250 GTO FULL BUILD by HPPworks
11. Fujimi Lamborghini Miura SV
Fujimi’s Lamborghini Miura SV kit gained attention before its mold was discontinued, making it rare. Builders valued its gold wheels, faithfully matching the real SV, and the intricate engine visible beneath a rear opening hatch.
Fujimi 1966 Lamborghini Miura Build by The Muscle Car Modeler
12. Model Factory Hiro Lotus 49 Formula 1
This kit recreates the 1967 Formula 1 car that introduced the Cosworth DFV engine to racing history. Builders often consider it more of a display piece than a typical kit, and its immediate sell-out status only reinforced its reputation as one of the brand’s most sought-after releases.
Lotus 49 F1 Ford 1:12th Scale Jim Clark Tribute by TrekWorks
13. Tamiya Toyota Celica GT-Four Rally
Tamiya captured a World Rally Championship legend with its Toyota Celica GT-Four Rally kit. The company produced it in limited runs tied to specific WRC seasons, making each release distinct. Collectors now chase it as one of the most prized rally kits.
Tamiya 1:24 Toyota Celica GT4 - Full Video Build by The Dan Cave
14. Pocher Rolls-Royce Phantom II
Built at an incredible 1:8 scale, this masterpiece includes thousands of tiny parts that fit together with almost obsessive detail. Once assembled, you interact with it, thanks to its working steering and functioning lights.
Rolls Royce Phantom II Konvertible 1934 K75 von Pocher 72cm by PAUL SCHWARZKOPF
15. Italeri Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza
This kit appeared only in limited runs, which increased its scarcity over time. Builders valued the engine block detail, which rivaled the quality of resin aftermarket upgrades. Italeri also included wire-spoke wheels that demanded careful and intricate assembly, adding to the challenge and appeal.
Italeri 1/12 Alfa 8C2300 Monza (4706) Review on Spielwarenmesse 2020 by DetailScaleView
16. Tamiya Jaguar XJR-9 LM
Tamiya released the Jaguar XJR-9 LM kit to replicate the 1988 Le Mans-winning car with remarkable accuracy. The body design captured the aerodynamic lines that defined endurance racing of the era. A limited production run even included authentic Silk Cut sponsor decals.
Tamiya 1:24 Jaguar XJR 9LM Kit Review by MD Scale Models
17. Revell Corvette Stingray 1963 Split-Window
The Revell Corvette Stingray 1963 Split-Window kit captures the distinctive one-year-only rear window design that made this model a legend. It was first released in the 1960s and featured an opening hood and a detailed V8 engine.
Revell 63 Corvette Stingray snap kit by Ken`s Scale Models
18. Model Factory Hiro Porsche 917K Gulf Edition
Produced in extremely limited numbers, this hand-crafted resin kit delivers exceptional detail, including ultra-fine wire wheels and decals for the iconic Gulf blue-and-orange livery. With such precision and scarcity, it has become a benchmark among collectors.
1:8 Scale Porsche 917K Model in stunning detail by Pocher Model Kits
19. Revell BMW 507 Roadster
The Revell BMW 507 Roadster kit arrived in the 1960s, right when the real car was gaining cult status for its exclusivity. Its authentic interior detail was considered advanced for that era, giving builders a faithful miniature of the rare roadster.
[Revell] 1/24 BMW 507 by adamkr2000
20. Pocher Ferrari Testarossa 1:8
Stretching nearly two feet in length, the Pocher Ferrari Testarossa 1:8 kit commands attention before a single piece is assembled. Produced in small runs during the 1980s, it features a detailed flat-12 engine with moving parts.
Pocher 1987 Ferrari F40 1/8 Scale Model Car Review by Driver's Therapy
