Best ACME Diecast Cars - Collector's Guide

Last Updated: November 2026 | Reading Time: 12 minutes

Why Choose ACME Diecast Models?

ACME has carved out a unique niche by focusing on what it does best: authentic American automotive culture with serious attention to detail.

Premium 1:18 Scale Excellence

Perfect Display Size: ACME's 1:18 models measure roughly 10-11 inches long, big enough to show real detail but still easy to display.

Opening Features: ACME's limited-edition muscle and drag cars have opening hoods, doors and trunks, with wired and plumbed engine bays. You're getting a replica you can explore, not a sealed display piece.

Metal Construction: Diecast metal bodies give these models real weight and a solid feel.

Limited Production Runs: Many ACME releases are numbered limited editions of roughly 180-600 pieces worldwide. Once a run sells out, it's gone.

American Muscle and Drag Racing Specialists

ACME excels at 1960s and 1970s Chevrolets, Fords, Plymouths and Dodges, including famous drag cars like the Sox & Martin Cuda and "Dandy" Dick Landy's Challenger that few other brands produce in 1:18.

Shelby Collectibles Partnership

ACME's Shelby Collectibles series offers officially licensed Carroll Shelby replicas, including the Ford GT40s that won Le Mans in 1966, at prices well below premium resin models.

Modern Sprint Car Coverage

ACME is one of the only brands producing detailed 1:18 winged sprint cars from today's dirt track scene, complete with removable wings and hood cowls.

Quick Picks: Best ACME Diecast Models

American Muscle Legends - Golden Era Classics

ACME's limited-edition muscle cars capture the power and attitude of 1960s-1970s American performance.

1. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS "Car Craft Test Car" - Limited Edition

Price: $148.99 | Scale: 1/18 | Limited: 180 pieces worldwide | SKU: A1805734

This special edition recreates the white 1967 Camaro RS/SS that Car Craft magazine used as a test car. At just 180 pieces worldwide, it's the most limited model in this guide.

Why It Stands Out:

• Limited to just 180 pieces worldwide
• Wired and plumbed engine bay
• Opening hood, doors and trunk
• Steerable front wheels and detailed chassis
• Folding front seats

Collector Notes: If you collect magazine-car history or first-generation Camaros, this is the one. With so few made, it won't be around long.

Shop 1967 Camaro "Car Craft" →

2. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Gasser "USA-1"

Price: $163.99 | Scale: 1/18 | Limited: 362 pieces worldwide | SKU: A1800939USA

This isn't your typical Corvette. It's a full gasser drag-car build: nose-up stance, white paint with blue and red stripes, and a highly detailed engine. Gasser-style Corvettes are rare in 1:18 diecast.

Why It Stands Out:

• Limited to 362 pieces worldwide
• Highly detailed, wired and plumbed engine
• Opening hood, doors and trunk
• Steerable front wheels
• Patriotic white, blue and red "USA-1" livery

Collector Notes: At $163.99, it's the priciest 1:18 in this guide, and it earns it. It's a true conversation piece on any shelf.

Shop Corvette Gasser "USA-1" →

3. 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda - Ivy Green Metallic

Price: $148.99 | Scale: 1/18 | Limited: 448 pieces worldwide | SKU: A1806140VT

The AAR 'Cuda was Plymouth's street version of Dan Gurney's All American Racers Trans-Am car, with its signature strobe stripes and side-exit exhausts. This version wears ivy green metallic with black stripes, a black vinyl top and green interior.

Why It Stands Out:

• Limited to 448 pieces worldwide
• Wired and plumbed engine bay
• Opening hood, doors and trunk
• Steerable front wheels and detailed chassis

Collector Notes: One of the most distinctive E-body Mopars ever built. Great alongside the Sox & Martin Hemi Cuda for a Plymouth display.

Shop AAR 'Cuda →

4. 1969 Ford Mustang "Flower Power" - Red

Price: $148.99 | Scale: 1/18 | Limited: 300 pieces worldwide | SKU: A1801890

A fun piece of late-1960s Mustang history, this red 1969 Mustang wears the "Flower Power" special-edition look. It's a colorful break from stripes-and-scoops muscle.

Why It Stands Out:

• Limited to 300 pieces worldwide
• Highly detailed engine
• Opening hood, doors and trunk
• Tilting front seat
• Steerable front wheels and detailed chassis

Collector Notes: A great pick for Mustang collectors who already have the usual Mach 1s and Bosses.

Shop 1969 Mustang "Flower Power" →

Drag Racing Legends

ACME's drag-car replicas celebrate the factory-backed racers who made Super Stock and Pro Stock famous.

5. 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda "Sun Kissed 'Cuda" - Sox & Martin

Price: $148.99 | Scale: 1/18 | Limited: 444 pieces worldwide | SKU: A1806139

Ronnie Sox and Buddy Martin were Plymouth's most famous drag racing team. This Hemi 'Cuda in Vitamin C orange with a black vinyl top wears their "Sun Kissed 'Cuda" look.

Why It Stands Out:

• Limited to 444 pieces worldwide
• Wired and plumbed engine bay
• Opening hood, doors and trunk
• Steerable front wheels and detailed chassis

Collector Notes: Sox & Martin is one of the most recognizable names in drag racing. This is a must for Mopar and drag fans.

Shop Sox & Martin Hemi 'Cuda →

6. 1970 Dodge Challenger "Boycott" - "Dandy" Dick Landy

Price: $148.99 | Scale: 1/18 | Limited: 500 pieces worldwide | SKU: A1806031

"Dandy" Dick Landy was one of Dodge's top drag racers. This 1970 Challenger in white with black and red stripes and graphics captures his "Boycott" car.

Why It Stands Out:

• Limited to 500 pieces worldwide
• Wired and plumbed engine bay
• Opening hood, doors and trunk
• Steerable front wheels and detailed chassis

Collector Notes: Pairs perfectly with the Sox & Martin 'Cuda for a Chrysler drag racing display.

Shop Dick Landy Challenger →

7. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro "Mr. Bardahl" Drag Car

Price: $148.99 | Scale: 1/18 | Limited: 312 pieces worldwide | SKU: A1805735

The "Mr. Bardahl" Camaro wears blue metallic paint with red and white Bardahl graphics. It's a classic piece of Chevy drag racing history.

Why It Stands Out:

• Limited to 312 pieces worldwide
• Wired and plumbed engine bay
• Opening hood, doors and trunk
• Steerable front wheels and detailed chassis
• Folding front seats

Collector Notes: Display it next to the "Car Craft" Camaro to show the street and strip sides of the first-gen Camaro.

Shop "Mr. Bardahl" Camaro →

Shelby Collectibles Series

ACME's Shelby Collectibles series offers officially licensed Carroll Shelby replicas at accessible prices.

8 & 9. 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 - Lime Green or Yellow

Price: $92.99 | Scale: 1/18 | Colors: Lime Green Metallic, Yellow | SKU: SC18004/SC18005

The 2007 Shelby GT500 brought the Shelby name back to the Mustang, with a supercharged 5.4L V8 making 500 horsepower. Both versions wear silver stripes over bold paint.

Why It Stands Out:

• Officially licensed Shelby Collectibles release
• Two bright color options with silver stripes
• Steerable front wheels and detailed chassis
• ACME's entry price for 1:18

Collector Notes: At $92.99, this is one of the best values in the ACME lineup and a great first ACME model.

Shop GT500 Lime Green → Shop GT500 Yellow →

10. Shelby Cobra Super Snake with Custom "Rat Fink" Hauler - 1:64 Set

Price: $43.99 | Scale: 1/64 | SKU: SC64006

A fun, affordable way into Shelby Collectibles: a blue metallic Cobra Super Snake with flames, paired with a matching Rat Fink-themed hauler.

Why It Stands Out:

• Diecast metal body and chassis
• Matching Cobra and hauler in blue with flames
• Blister pack, great for dioramas and window boxes
• Under $50

Collector Notes: A great gift for younger collectors or anyone who loves hot rod culture.

Shop Cobra & Rat Fink Hauler →

Ford GT40: Le Mans 1966

In 1966, Ford finished 1-2-3 at Le Mans and ended Ferrari's run of victories. ACME's 60th Anniversary series and 1:12 Masterpiece Collection capture the cars from that race.

11 & 12. Ford GT40 MKII #2 Winner and #5 Third Place - Le Mans 1966

Price: $92.99 each | Scale: 1/18 | SKU: SC-408-60 / SC-403-60

The #2 car of Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon (Shelby American) won the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. The #5 Holman & Moody car of Ronnie Bucknum and Dick Hutcherson finished third. Both are part of ACME's 60th Anniversary of the historic 1-2-3 finish series.

Why They Stand Out:

• Officially licensed Shelby Collectibles release
• 60th Anniversary series for the 1966 1-2-3 finish
• Steerable front wheels and detailed chassis
• Collect both to start a full podium display

Collector Notes: The winning #2 car is the one to start with. At $92.99, it's the best value in this guide for such an important race car.

Shop GT40 #2 Winner → Shop GT40 #5 Third Place →

13. Ford GT40 MKII-B #7 Graham Hill / Brian Muir - 1:12 Masterpiece Collection

Price: $613.99 | Scale: 1/12 | SKU: M1201009

For collectors who want one definitive GT40, ACME's 1:12 Masterpiece Collection delivers a much bigger model with more room for detail. This is the Alan Mann Racing #7 car driven by Graham Hill and Brian Muir at Le Mans in 1966.

Why It Stands Out:

• Large 1:12 scale
• Opening hood, doors and engine compartment
• Steerable front wheels
• Real rubber tires

Collector Notes: This is the ultimate ACME centerpiece. It's a big-ticket item, but nothing else in the range has the same presence.

Shop 1:12 GT40 Masterpiece →

Winged Sprint Cars - Modern Dirt Track Racing

ACME's winged sprint cars bring today's dirt track racing into 1:18 with removable wings, removable hood cowls and detailed chassis.

14. Winged Sprint Car #87 Aaron Reutzel "Power Plus" (2026)

Price: $132.99 | Scale: 1/18 | SKU: A1826009

Aaron Reutzel's #87 "Power Plus" car in white is one of ACME's 2026 releases. It captures a current top-level sprint car in full detail.

Why It Stands Out:

• Removable top and side wings
• Removable hood cowl
• Detailed chassis
• Steerable front wheels

Collector Notes: A great first sprint car for dirt track fans, and a current-season car.

Shop Sprint Car #87 →

15. Winged Sprint Car #27 Emerson Axsom "WCI - KPM" (2026)

Price: $132.99 | Scale: 1/18 | SKU: A1826014

Emerson Axsom's #27 in white with WCI and KPM sponsor graphics is another 2026 release.

Why It Stands Out:

• Removable top and side wings
• Removable hood cowl
• Detailed chassis
• Steerable front wheels

Collector Notes: Line it up next to the #87 for a side-by-side current-season display.

Shop Sprint Car #27 →

16. Winged Sprint Car #35 Jamie Veal "SWI Earthworks" (2025)

Price: $127.99 | Scale: 1/18 | SKU: A1825020

Australian sprint car star Jamie Veal's #35 SWI Earthworks car in clean white makes a striking display piece.

Why It Stands Out:

• Removable top and side wings
• Removable hood cowl
• Detailed chassis
• Steerable front wheels

Collector Notes: The lowest-priced 1:18 sprint car in this guide.

Shop Sprint Car #35 →

17. Winged Sprint Car #87 Aaron Reutzel "Power Plus" (2026) - 1:50 Scale

Price: $23.99 | Scale: 1/50 | SKU: A5026006

Want sprint cars without the 1:18 price? ACME's 1:50 versions come in team clamshell packaging.

Why It Stands Out:

• Detailed interior and exterior
• Exclusive team packaging
• Under $25

Collector Notes: Perfect for building a full field on a small shelf, or as a gift for young race fans.

Shop 1:50 Sprint Car #87 →

Bonus: Pop Culture Pick

18. 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 #01 "The General" - Orange

Price: $148.99 | Scale: 1/18 | Limited: 510 pieces worldwide | SKU: A1806034

A modern take on the most famous orange #01 in TV history, built on a 2010 Challenger SRT8.

Why It Stands Out:

• Limited to 510 pieces worldwide
• Wired and plumbed engine bay
• Opening hood, doors and trunk
• Steerable front wheels and detailed chassis

Collector Notes: A fun crossover piece for muscle car fans who grew up on the Duke boys.

Shop Challenger "The General" →

ACME Diecast Collecting Guide

Understanding ACME's Quality

Construction: Diecast metal bodies and chassis give ACME models real weight and durability.

Detail Level: On the limited-edition muscle and drag cars, opening hoods reveal wired and plumbed engines, and the interiors and chassis are fully detailed.

Price Ranges Explained

Under $50 (1:64 and 1:50): The Cobra and Rat Fink hauler set ($43.99) and 1:50 sprint cars ($23.99) are affordable ways into ACME.

$92.99 (Shelby Collectibles): The GT500 and Le Mans GT40s. ACME's entry price for 1:18.

$127.99-132.99 (Sprint Cars): Specialized models with removable wings and hood cowls.

$148.99-163.99 (Limited Editions): Numbered runs of 180-510 pieces with full opening features.

$613.99 (1:12 Masterpiece): The 1:12 GT40 for collectors who want one definitive piece.

Where ACME Fits in the Market

ACME sits in the "premium production" tier: above mass-market brands like Maisto or Welly, but below ultra-premium resin models. You get serious collector quality without $500+ price tags (outside the 1:12 Masterpiece line).

Comparison to Competitors:

• vs. AutoArt: Similar quality, ACME focuses on American subjects
• vs. GMP: ACME has a broader range beyond drag racing
• vs. Resin models: ACME provides opening features resin models lack

Understanding ACME Limited Editions

Production Number Significance

Under 350 Pieces: The rarest releases. In this guide: the "Car Craft" Camaro (180), "Flower Power" Mustang (300) and "Mr. Bardahl" Camaro (312).

350-510 Pieces: Still limited, with a bit more availability. The Corvette Gasser (362), Sox & Martin Cuda (444), AAR 'Cuda (448), Dick Landy Challenger (500) and "The General" (510).

Packaging Considerations

ACME boxes feature custom graphics for each model. If you care about resale value, keep the original box even when displaying the model.

Do ACME Models Go Up in Value?

Some low-production ACME releases do sell for more on the secondary market after they sell out, but that's never guaranteed. Collect what you love first.

Display & Care Tips for ACME Diecast

Optimal Display Conditions

Lighting: Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade paint and age plastic parts. LED strip lighting gives even light without UV damage.

Cases: Acrylic display cases keep dust off while keeping models visible. For 1:18 models, look for cases at least 12" × 6" × 5".

Shelving: Standard bookcases or glass display cabinets work well for 1:18 models.

Handling Best Practices

Handle models by the chassis or body, never by mirrors, wings or small parts. When opening hoods, doors or trunks, support both the part and the body. Store models with everything closed to avoid stressing the hinges.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Dusting: Use soft makeup brushes or compressed air. Microfiber cloths work on bodies, but avoid hard rubbing on metallic finishes.

Cleaning: For fingerprints, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth with water only. Avoid glass cleaners, alcohol or chemicals.

Creating Thematic Displays

Mopar Showcase: The AAR 'Cuda, Sox & Martin Hemi 'Cuda and Dick Landy Challenger.

Camaro Street vs. Strip: The "Car Craft" test car next to the "Mr. Bardahl" drag car.

Le Mans 1966 Podium: The #2 winner and #5 third-place GT40s, with the 1:12 #7 car as the centerpiece.

Dirt Track Lineup: The #87, #27 and #35 sprint cars side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ACME diecast models good investments?

Some limited editions do sell for more after they sell out, especially low-production runs like the 180-piece "Car Craft" Camaro. But appreciation isn't guaranteed, so collect primarily for passion.

What makes ACME different from cheaper brands?

ACME's limited editions have opening hoods, doors and trunks, wired and plumbed engines, and much more detail in the interiors and chassis. A $25 mass-market 1:18 might look similar from across the room, but up close the difference is obvious.

Are the Shelby Collectibles officially licensed?

Yes. The Shelby Collectibles series, including the GT500 and the Le Mans GT40s, carries official Shelby licensing.

What's the best ACME model for beginners?

The Ford GT40 MKII #2 Le Mans winner or the 2007 Shelby GT500 (both $92.99). For a smaller budget, the 1:50 sprint cars ($23.99) or the Cobra and Rat Fink hauler set ($43.99) are great starting points.

Do ACME models require assembly?

No. ACME models arrive fully assembled. Sprint car wings and hood cowls are removable for different display looks.

What scale should I collect?

1:18 ($92.99-163.99) is where ACME's detail shines. 1:64 and 1:50 work for budget collecting or small spaces. The 1:12 Masterpiece Collection is for one big centerpiece.

How long do ACME limited editions stay available?

It varies, but low-production runs can sell through in months. If a specific car matters to you, don't wait.

Can I display ACME models with other brands?

Absolutely. ACME's 1:18 models match AutoArt, Kyosho, Maisto Special Edition and other 1:18 brands.

Start Your ACME Collection Today

These 18 models cover the best of ACME right now: limited-edition muscle, legendary drag cars, Shelby Collectibles, the 1966 Le Mans GT40s and current sprint cars.

Our Top Recommendations by Collecting Goal:

Best First ACME Model: Ford GT40 MKII #2 Le Mans Winner ($92.99), with real history at ACME's entry price

Rarest Pick: 1967 Camaro RS/SS "Car Craft Test Car" ($148.99), only 180 pieces

Most Impressive 1:18: 1961 Corvette Grand Sport Gasser "USA-1" ($163.99)

Best for Drag Fans: 1970 Hemi 'Cuda "Sox & Martin" ($148.99)

Best Budget Pick: 1:50 Sprint Car #87 ($23.99)