Time for the big one. Throughout December Lamley Viewers and Readers have been voting on the Best of 2022 via polls and IG tournaments. As always, they have been focused on the brands I mainly cover – Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Tomica Limited Vintage, Tarmac Works, Auto World, and Mini GT.
But obviously the world of 1/64 is MUCH larger. Each year there seems to be new brands, new lines, and new levels of quality and creativity. It is the truly the golden age of 1/64. A great thing about collecting right now? The immense variety. A terrible thing about collecting? The immense variety.
All of the good stuff leaves us all having to pick and choose what we collect. No one can collect it all.
So, like last year, the team of Lamley Contributors brought our different interests, opinions, and attitudes together and came up with a list of 64 models released this year to compete in a March Madness style tournament. No matter the brand, these 64 models were among the faves and most significant of 2022.
And it was not easy to come up with. Weeks of debate, arguments, frustration, and agreement finally resulted in a list of fantastic competitors. There is obviously a ton of Hot Wheels, the brand that dominates Lamley coverage, but you will see a plethora of brands represented.
And it should be that way. Last year Para64 shocked everyone by winning the 64-car tournament with its Ruf Yellowbird, knocking off a Kaido House 510 in the final. Hot Wheels didn’t even make the Final Four.
Will that be the case again this year? Will a lesser known brand emerge once again, or will a popular Hot Wheels release blow away the competition? We will only know when we vote in the tournament.
Which starts Christmas night, December 25th, on Instagram in the @lamleygroup Stories. We have randomly drawn the pairings, which will be unveiled as we post on Instagram. And some of the matchups are brutal. There was no favoritism at all. Just what the random picker app spit out. Each round will last 24 hours, and will have a champion crowned by New Year’s.
A huge thanks to to the Lamley Contributers for their input, passion, knowledge, quick wit, and photography skills. Alex Winson, Bryan McCarthy, David Kiley, Derek Albert, Graham Heeps, Guillaume Maillard, Sam McConnell, David Tilley, and Reece Brennan are all passionate, knowledgable collectors. This nerd-out with them has been a blast.
So here they are, the 64 releases chosen by the Lamley Group as the best or most significant of the year, with some blurbs as to why they were chosen. There are obviously omissions, and many gems left out. Coming up with only 64 was incredibly tough, but I think we ended up with a good group.
Have a look, think about it, and as you are chilling Christmas night open up your Instagram. There will be a tournament waiting for you to vote on.
That marketing guy you see in the Auto World Preview videos? Chad Reid? He took on the design of this Auto World Store exclusive and nailed it. Won’t be the last we hear from Chad Reid the Design Guy. – jtl
Did you ever think you’d see a tank in the Rumble?! Neither did we, but Greenlight absolutely nailed the design on this WWII-era Sherman. This particular model is a replica of the metal-clad brute dubbed the Cobra King – the first tank to enter the besieged Bastogne perimeter during the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944. Another item to note is that the M4 is also officially the slowest vehicle to participate in the rumble with a top speed of around 30mph. -64wheels/Sam
Pop Race deserve a lot of attention and this Celica is one of the finest 1/64s I’ve seen all year. A flood of Gran Turismo memories came back to me opening this! – Alex Winson (@alex_the_hoarder)
Easily one of the most requested classic cars by the collector masses, the Pantera finally found its way to the Hot Wheels lineup, and this Mark Jones design absolutely did not disappoint. Mark has been getting better and better over the years, and this Pantera hit all the right spots. – Derek “Doomus RLC”
The Mercedes AMG E 36 Estate is an Autobahn tourer the whole family can enjoy — if you can get your hands on one. With only about 170 cars made and roughly 280hp on tap, this W124 wagon is a rarity in real life AND on the pegs. Hopefully we see much more of this beautifully-sculpted wagon in the 2023 line-up. -64wheels/Sam
Up until this point in 2022, Car Culture chase cars were nothing more than standard releases with black paint and wheels. All that changed with this one. The red and black with colorful sponsor logos reverted to gray scale and the yellow rollcage turned red. BM
From The Cannonball Run to the original animated Transformers series, the Lamborghini Coutach is THE iconic Hollywood supercar of the ’80s — so it’s only fitting this model was launched in legendary TV show host Jay Leno’s own Garage line. The standard release is red, but this black chase version deserves is working towards its own star on the diecast Walk of Fame – 64wheels/Sam
A very brave choice of casting for Majorette even with Renault link. The Dacia 1300 may not be the most glamorous casting but it is different. And in an increasingly saturated 1/64 world, difference should be celebrated. – Alex Winson (@alex_the_hoarder)
A casting that was unexpected but the execution is top notch. Johnny Lightning’s approach to new tools really shines through on this popular square mini truck, really bringing back memories when these dominated the streets. Already with 5 releases, this light blue one really stood out from the pack. – Derek “Doomus RLC”
When it comes to the 993 generation, the GT2 sits atop the mountain. Schuco’s version in Guards red hits all the high notes, including the multipiece wheels and that instantly recognizable rear spoiler. BM
INNO64 has raised the bar once again with the release of their Jaguar XJ-S casting. Featured here in winning TWR livery from the 1984 Spa-Francorchamps 24H, this brutish British coupe will no doubt benefit from future iterations. BM
Last year, Inno’s Land Cruiser FJ60 did very well and made it in a few Lamley contributers Top 10 lists. This is this years SUV entry from Inno64 and it is no slouch either. It is a highly detailed model of an iconic “Classic.” -Championdjk
The 4th gen Z has been underrepresented in the world of highly detailed 1/64 scale diecast. Before now, the only model you might have been able to find was from an obscure brand named Konami and it wasn’t even that good. As far as accurate 1/64 scale models go, Inno64 stands alone with this Z of the 90’s. -Championdjk
How do you make an R34 GTR stand out in this packed diecast segment? Coat it in Hot Wheels signature Shadow Chrome Spectraflame paint, that’s how. The unique shade coupled with a new NISMO livery and ghost Hot Wheels logo on the sides, made this car one of the hottest RLC drops of 2022.-64wheels/Sam
Many a brand have released this Z car and few have got it even close to right. This effort from Inno64 is arguably one of the most well executed first gen Z’s cast in 1/64 of all time. -Championdjk
A combination of the tuning superpower that is Bisimoto and the shell of an old 911 SC combined to create the electric monster that is the 935 K3V. Tetsuma did an incredible job of replicating it in 1/64. – Alex Winson (@alex_the_hoarder)
For a $1 basic, you cannot go wrong with Hot Wheels’ recolor of the 991 GT3 in matte black. Paired with gray wheels, this teutonic track attack monster is even more menacing for your money over the initial blue release. BM
Any brand attempting to enter 1/64 deserves support, especially when their efforts are this good. MSZ made their first steps in 1/64 this year and the Audi A7 is the pick of the bunch. – Alex Winson (@alex_the_hoarder)
Matchbox’s premium releases through Mattel Creations have been hit and miss so far. We’d like to see more new toolings with moving parts like this Draggin’ Wheels VW, which brilliantly captures the spirit of the Lesney original in a striking, modern, spectraflamed, real-riding package. – Graham Heeps (@diecast215)
It is Johnny Lightning’s second year of releasing brand new toolings since Round2 revived the brand. This time around the toolings are truer to 1/64 scale. This 300ZX is a great addition to their “Import Heat.” -Championdjk
Now you can be the undisputed speed-king of your 1/64th scale collection with Mini GT’s Chiron Super Sport 300+. A model made to commemorate an experimental Chiron’s record-setting top speed run of 304.77mph, this MGT model features the same aero and custom extended rear body work that the real car has. – 64wheels/sam
A tribute to the legendary “Gypsy Rose” lowrider, Greenlight picked one heck of an introduction for their new 1964 Chevy Impala casting. Complete with a base tooled with the lowrider stance, it’s got all the details one could ask for from the brand, and more. An outstanding new casting from Greenlight, sure to have a bright future, but likely never to top the brilliant Rose. – Derek “Doomus RLC”
Mini GT has accurately replicated RUF’s CTR Anniversary model with enough gusto to match the 1:1’s performance numbers. Paying homage to the original “Yellow Bird” CTR, the modern interpretation has a fully carbon fiber body and is a pinnacle of the company, with only 50 set to be produced. BM
When Tomica Limited Vintage began releasing Ferraris starting with the monumental F40, prancing horse fans wondered when the 288 GTO would get its turn. The time has come and it has nearly just as much presence as its 1:1 counterpart. BM
From the big screen straight to your collection. This new-for-2022 ’87 F-150 may have had a minor roll in the newest Jurassic World film, but it’s a major player in Matchbox’s 2022 line. You could say they really knocked in out of the (jurassic) park with this one! – 64wheels/Sam
PARA64 has a knack for niches, and it really doesn’t get much more out there than the Cizeta V16T. The casting is enhanced by the lights being in the up position, highlighting the quirkiness of the double stacked sealed beams. The white version, not shown here, has the Cizeta-Moroder badging on the rear proving once again that details matter to PARA64. BM
PARA64 is looking to capitalize on last year’s victory with two brand new castings. This Celica Supra is the second generation of Toyota’s six-cylinder sports coupe and PARA64 included the option of either lights up or down. This affordable diecast should check a lot of collectors’ boxes, whether it’s JDM, 80s or outright awesome castings. BM
Hot Wheels’ run of classic AMG racers continued with the DTM C-Class, which was complemented later in the year by the Alfa 155. The Mercedes casting showcases Mark Jones’s usual precision, but it’s the accurate, intricate, all-over deco that lifts this release to another level. – Graham Heeps (@diecast215)
With the last Super Silhouette Skyline being released by Tomica Limited Vintage over a decade ago, with their values rising handsomely year after year, it’s nice to see TLV re-introducing the casting. Now more recent collectors and those who initially missed the originals can add one to their ranks without breaking the bank. BM
The first-generation Impreza has been finally getting its due in premium diecast and Tomica Limited Vintage selected the WRX wagon to bestow their craftsmanship on. All the TLV details are there, including proper badging, coloring and add them yourself parts. Overall, this is a great representation of an underappreciated attack hammer. BM
A 510 wagon was the next logical step for Kaido House after debuting their Pro Street 510 in 2021. Like its predecessor, it strays from being true to 1/64 scale which is a departure from Mini GT’s typical recipe. However, the amount of detail in the design makes this and other Kaido House x Mini GT releases unignorable in the 1/64ish scale diecast collector world -Championdjk
The Sparky Porsche 917 K in Gulf livery was announced for preorder by many hobby dealers over a year before it finally was released. Now that it is out, it still can be found for around $15. That price is bargain for what you get with this nicely detailed 1/64 scale representation of one Porsche’s most iconic race cars. -Championdjk
The Kaido House world continued its expansion in 2022, and soon might stand on its own as a brand. This Z furthers that Kaido House vibe. -jtl
The Super Chase concept is divisive among Matchbox collectors but this GT3 was arguably the hottest MBX release of the year. Now 15 years old, this Porsche is a classic, collector-favourite casting that looks sharp here in black with a throwback Superfast tampo. With slightly larger wheels, it would be perfect. – Graham Heeps (@diecast215)
MiJo’s second Patina release for 2022 and third overall might just be the best. Not only does it have the perfect California desert paint fade of its turquoise base color, but the chrome wheels make it look like whoever dragged it home only tuned it up before pressing it into service. BM
Greenlight showcases what they do best in this all-new casting of the first generation Ford Taurus. Once a staple on American roads, this 1:64 scale replica is the perfect way to introduce an 80s game changer to your collection. BM
Arguably the best generation M5, it’s a wonder it took so long to be reproduced in 1/64 scale. While the M coloring suits the casting well, a more stock approach will easily catipult this model into the timeless category. BM
When thinking of a Maxima wagon, I’m sure this Hot Wheels modified version doesn’t immediately come to mind. But with the debut of the FC3 wheels and a visible RB26 engine, the new-for-2022 casting is a welcome addition to the Mainlines, tacked on flares and all.
Chevy’s 454 SS has a presence unlike any other OBS offering and Hot Wheels RLC amplifies that tenfold. From an opening hood and tailgate to the 5-spoke wheels and lowered stance, anyone’s collection would benefit from having this be a part of it. BM
Is green the new hype color? It is if the Hot Wheels Essenza SCV12 has a say. This standard version of the Essenza SCV12 is painted in Hot Wheels version of Lamborghini’s own Verde Selvans – a color which even edged-out its sister chase casting in all-black. Which gives a whole new meaning to green with envy. 64wheels/Sam
The Hot Wheels Car Culture line was full of epic castings this year: Lamborghinis, AMG Mercedes, and a…Nissan Sentra? Don’t let this little ’90s coupe fool you – this Nissan doesn’t need a widebody kit or a fancy racing livery to pull off one of what is arguably the cleanest looks of the 2022 Car Culture line. 64wheels/Sam
While the Chase car in this set is the one to have, don’t sleep on the standard issue Skyline either. It’s an homage to the Tomica branded Super Silhouette racers of the early 80s, drawing a straight line right through the Skyline lineage to the R34. BM
Truth be told the Mainline’s color might be a more accurate representation of Brendon’s 1:1, but who can argue with the exceptional execution of this RLC release? BM
The rapid expansion of the Moving Parts line has quickly made it a collector favourite, although distribution issues remain. The Carrera 4S is beautifully done, playing to traditional Matchbox strengths of authenticity and understatement. More colours, please! – Graham Heeps (@diecast215)
General Motors G-body vehicles are all the rage, and Johnny Lightning’s introduction of the 1978-1980 Monte Carlo is no different. With their current approach to new toolings being much truer to 1:64, this 1978 Monte in black checked all the boxes and was an instant hit. – Derek “Doomus RLC”
With Moving Parts expanding to 50 models and still keeping the MSRP low, it’s easy to see it elbowing out the Basics for peg dominance. The newly introduced Lancer Evolution IV benefits from an opening hood that shows off the legendary powerplant – the 4G63 turbocharged 4-cylinder. BM
Each year the Leipzig Convention selects a casting and produces it in a handful of colors and limited amounts depending on what it’s for. This year, Matchbox’s recently released Opel Kadett Coupe was chosen to represent the German show, with the highly detailed yellow and black version being the main Convention release and limited to just 300 pieces. BM
This GT3 Touring shows Mini GT’s strengths as a diecast manufacturer. The details are all there, the wheels are appropriately sized and easily roll, and the color is spot on. The Touring’s lack of a spoiler balances the standard GT3 nicely, and Mini GT replicates them both just as well. BM
Auto World’s lone all-new tool to debut in calendar 2022, this light weight snake would do the late Carol Shelby proud. With all the amazing details Auto World is known for, this reptile looks track ready sitting on display. A fantastic debut. – Derek “Doomus RLC”
The Stratos might just be the most recognizable rally car in the world. Mini GT’s take on the Stradale version, finished in a deep red with bronze wheels, accurately captures Bertone’s wedge-shaped design. BM
There isn’t a shortage of boutique 911s these days, but Tarmac’s first release of Gunther Werks’ take on the task is a lead-off home run. The pale green exterior combined with a fully detailed interior only scratch the surface of this incredible model’s strengths. BM
The Hilux is a great representation of the gamut that Tomica Limited Vintage can run. This absolute powerhouse of the pickup world is fully detailed, including chrome side mirrors and a variety of trim and decos. There is no doubt TLV will dig into Toyota’s archives and present collectors with some fantastic releases in the future. BM
Tarmac aimed high with this first release of the new Hobby64+ line with opening parts. The 037 is well timed amid huge interest in Group B rally cars and has fabulous engine-bay detail. The Lancia has already been issued in several versions but it’s hard to see how the works Martini deco can be topped. – Graham Heeps (@diecast215)
The TW Zonda nearly took the crown in last year’s tournament, and it is back for another run, this time with a clean blue street look. -jtl
M2 was on to a winner when it brought the OBS Silverado and Sierra onboard in 2022. We’ve seen Coke bottles and Christmas trees in the back of slammed Chevys and lifted GMCs, but this purple SEMA Exclusive with custom grille, hood and bed cover is an eyecatching ’90s throwback. – Graham Heeps (@diecast215)
The Lamley readers have spoken and the Zonda R has taken home the award for Best New Mainline in 2022! Despite the low price point compared to many others on this list, the Zonda’s well-sculpted lines and excellent color combination gathered praise from much of the writing group too. -64wheels/Sam
The ultimate Ryu Asada Tribute Model. Enough said.
The S14 is a JDM classic, and TW’s team-up with Vertex has resulted in a near-perfect casting. White was an obvious choice, so we mixed it up with the spoiler-less beauty in purple.
Tarmac Works surprised us all with their line of racing Ferraris. We could have chosen any of them for this list, but this DHL livery stood out against a sea of red.
LBWK has a huge presence in diecast, and in turn on this list. No surprise this one is here. But the real reason it’s in the final 64? This is one of the best built models on the list.
What happens when you combine the latest technology with the world’s most recognizable diecast brand? You get ultra-rare Hot Wheels NFTH cars. Randomly inserted into digital “packs” of NFTs via a redeemable “token”, the NFTH ’55 Chevy Gasser quickly became one of the hottest — and most valuable — Hot Wheels releases of 2022. – 64wheels/Sam
While the 1992 LX casting from 2008 has been quite popular, this Brendon Vetuskey designed Cobra R has been lights out amazing. Chosen as the dinner car for the spring nationals dinner honoree Julian Koiles, this teal release really eccentuats how amazingly detailed this casting is. – Derek “Doomus RLC”
Matchbox caused a splash with this model last year, but this red Japan Market exclusive is more “MBX” than its white predecessor, with its proper plastic wheels completing the look.