Best Model Car Kits for Adults 2024

Finding the best model car kits for adults can be challenging since many are designed for children or lack accurate details. Fortunately, our list is here to help navigate options based on scale, price, difficulty, and reviews, making it easier to channel your passion for automobiles into a rewarding hobby.

Building model cars can be a solitary pursuit or a shared activity with friends and family. Assembling one of the best F1 models is a fantastic way to bond with another Formula One fan, or you can build one of the best car LEGO sets with a friend or on your own. No matter who you're building with, our list offers something for everyone. Let's get into it...

Best model car kits for adults

1. Maisto Lamborghini Aventador LP-700 Roadster - best metal model kit
2. AMT USA-1 Chevy Silverado Monster Truck - a great plastic alternative
3. Tamiya Toyota Supra - top choice for beginners
4. Tamiya Nissan Skyline GT-R V-SPEC R34 - a cheap but superb set
5. LEGO Creator Expert Ford Mustang 10265 - best LEGO model

Credit: Maisto

1. Maisto Lamborghini Aventador LP-700 Roadster

Best metal model car kit for adults

Maisto's Lamborghini Aventador metal kit emerges as a top pick, particularly for novices delving into car model assembly.

With just 24 components and no requirement for glue or paint, this model offers an optimal entry point for beginners in the hobby.

Its assembly process mimics a realistic production line though, yielding a true-to-life depiction of the car. From operational doors to a responsive steering wheel, the final result impeccably encapsulates the essence of the LP-700 Roadster, solidifying its rightful place on our recommended list.

Credit: AMT

2. AMT USA-1 Chevy Silverado Monster Truck

Best plastic model car kit for adults

If you're an experienced modeler looking for the ultimate all-American monster vehicle, the Chevy Silverado is the perfect kit for you.

Crafted with meticulous detail, this kit boasts a supercharged engine, an operational hood, and a suspension system equipped with an impressive sixteen shocks. It doesn't stop there - the double rollbar comes adorned with lights, while the colossal monster truck tyres, accompanied by bonus chrome rims, dominate the scene.

To amp up its American spirit, the kit proudly showcases USA-1 decals, ensuring it's an authentic replica. In a nutshell, the Chevy Silverado won't disappoint if you're looking for a tricky plastic model to sink your teeth into.

Credit: Tamiya

3. Tamiya Toyota Supra

Best beginners model car kit for adults

Tamiya, a renowned manufacturer of vehicle kits, continues to impress with its exceptional quality, with this 1993 Toyota Supra no exception to its excellence.

This particular model stands out as an ideal choice for new modelers due to its manageable number of parts, striking a balance between simplicity and providing a satisfying challenge.

The Toyota Supra itself is a visually appealing vehicle from the '90s, featuring design elements that capture the essence of that era, such as its prominent, rounded headlights.

So, if you're embarking on your first journey as a car modeler, the Tamiya Toyota Supra is an excellent selection that combines ease of assembly with an attractive representation of a classic automobile.

Credit: Tamiya

4. Tamiya Nissan Skyline GT-R V-SPEC R34

Best budget model car kit for adults

Choosing to stick with the trusted Tamiya brand while still being mindful of your budget, the Nissan Skyline kit showcased here presents an excellent opportunity to enrich your collection without overspending.

This rendition of the Nissan Skyline mirrors the iconic vehicle featured in the Fast & Furious film series, making it a must-have model for fans of the movies.

Maintaining Tamiya's renowned attention to detail, this kit offers a 1:24 scale replica of the Skyline, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your display without overwhelming your space too.

With its accessible price point and meticulously crafted chassis, the Nissan Skyline kit stands out as a well-balanced option for enthusiasts of model cars.

Credit: LEGO

5. LEGO Creator Expert Ford Mustang 10265

Best LEGO model car kit for adults

LEGO was bound to feature in our list at some point, and we've picked out this '60s Ford Mustang model as our top LEGO pick. Adorned with distinctive white racing stripes and elegant five-spoke rims, this kit perfectly captures the spirit of the vintage Mustang, making it a great model car to build and display.

Diving deeper into the details, it features a miniature V8 engine, air filter, and battery for a realistic representation of the real-life vehicle. Functional doors and trunk, alongside removable roof panel, radio, and steering wheel also add to the realism, showcasing LEGO's immense attention to detail.

The personalisation possibilities elevate this LEGO Ford Mustang model even further. You can tailor your build with an array of add-ons, such as alternate exhaust pipes, front chin spoilers, rear ducktail spoilers, customisable license plates, and even a nitrous oxide tank, allowing you to add your own flair into the mix when building. With 1,471 pieces too, this model will have you building for hours, making it an excellent choice for adults.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Don't worry if you've got a few questions about model kits, we've answered some of the most commonly asked queries below.

How long do model car kits take to build?

There is no one set answer as to how long a model car will take to build as it will depend on the pace you work at. Smaller models may have fewer parts and should, therefore, be completed slightly quicker. However, this isn't always the case.

Generally speaking, a car kit could take weeks, months, and sometimes even years to completely finish depending on the level of detail.

What do you need to build a model kit?

Even though most of the components will be included in the kit, it's worth keeping in mind what you'll typically need to build a model.

Firstly, some sort of glue or superglue is almost always required, except in the case of LEGO. A small, soft-bristled brush can also be required to wipe away debris.

You may also need a hobby knife and/or a pair of clippers to remove the parts of your kit from their housing.

Finally, you may need some paint to finish off your model depending on the type of kit. Some, for instance, come pre-painted for ease and finer detail.

Do model cars come with spare parts?

Model car kits may or may not come with spare parts, depending on the manufacturer and the specific kit. Some manufacturers may include a few extra pieces in case of breakage or loss, while others may not. Generally, however, it is a good idea to take care when building model cars to avoid breaking or losing any parts, as it can be difficult to find exact replacements.

If you do end up needing a replacement part for your model car, you may be able to find it by contacting the manufacturer or by searching for it online. Some specialty hobby shops may also carry replacement parts for popular model car kits. It's always a good idea to keep track of any spare parts that come with the kit and to store them in a safe place in case you need them later.

Should you paint a model before assembling it?

A model should generally be painted after assembling and gluing it together; however, there are times when it is easier to paint small pieces first and then attach them to larger, different-coloured pieces.

It's likely the painting order will be detailed in the manufacturer's instructions, so we'd recommend checking that first before you begin.

Do you need to prime a plastic model before painting?

The short answer is no, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't.

Priming your model before painting essentially helps the paint stick to the surface. As a result, priming your model should make the painting process easier. Priming can also help smooth out uneven surfaces, meaning the paint should look better when applied.