Model Vehicle Types
Not all Model Vehicles are Alike
Several different model vehicles against a white background: on the left, a green Einbecker lorry, with a blue Beetle toy car and a small green wooden car in front of it; in the centre, a large tin figure riding a motor scooter; on the right, a yellow motorcyclist and a detailed blue racing car model.
Miniature vehicles can serve many different purposes, and may be grouped into various categories depending upon what they are for, how they are used, how they are made, their scale and the materials they are made from. However different they may be though, they all show how deeply our fascination with vehicles is part of everyday life – as toys, collectibles, mementos or works of art.
Collector’s Models:
High-quality, true-to-scale models with fine detail. They are usually made from metal (die-cast/zinc alloy) or resin, often produced in limited runs and aimed at adult collectors.
Toy Models:
Usually sturdy, low-cost models made for play. They are often less detailed and may include features such as pull-back motors or moving parts. Toy models may also be collected, and some may become sought-after collectibles over time.
Functional Models:
Models with remote control or electric features, such as radio-controlled cars (RC), slot cars or vehicles for model railways.
Kit Models:
Models for self-assembly and painting, usually supplied as kits made of plastic, wood or metal.
Custom Models:
Models modified by hobbyists or artists according to their own ideas. They may be rebuilt, personalised or repainted.Promotional Models:
Promotional Models:
Models made for advertising and marketing, given out by manufacturers, brands or companies, often with a logo and special packaging.
Everyday Objects:
Items that combine a practical use with a vehicle’s form, closer to car-related memorabilia than to classic model collecting. Examples include money boxes, soaps, pencil erasers, key rings and bottle openers.
Handmade One-of-a-Kind Pieces:
Unique items designed and built entirely by artists or model makers, often as one-offs.
Industrial Models:
Models made by companies and designers for development, presentation or research, often as prototypes, design studies or wind tunnel models.
Teaching and Display Models:
Models used in education, science or technical work to explain and show how something works, for example cutaway engines shown at trade fairs or in exhibitions.
Art Objects:
Artist-made vehicle models, often using unusual materials, without any claim to scale, accuracy or function.