Lamley Awards 2023: 64wheels’ Top 10 Releases of 2023

Award season is upon us again and the ever difficult, yet exciting task of picking 10 castings from the last 365 days of collecting has fallen on my contributing writer duties.

2023 was probably one of the most difficult years in recent memory to pick just 10 (which is also why I doubled-up on two specific entries, but we’ll get to that later). More brands than ever are pumping out more releases than ever — and just keeping up with it all could easily be a full-time job. From Hot Wheels mainlines to the most expensive, limited edition resin models with diorama bases and mini-figs, there is truly a scale vehicle out there for anyone, at any price point, available at any given moment throughout the year.

What does this highly-competitive market mean for us collectors? More choices, but more competition for your dollars — so unless you’re dealing with an unlimited budget, it also means that you have to be more deliberate about which cars you buy. Everything from make/model, quality, and price, all come into play — and each of those factored into my choices when I was assembling cars for this list.

My 2023 list not only represents castings I thought were worthy of a spot, but more importantly vehicles whose real-life counterparts are some of my favorites as well. From a vintage F1 car to retro monster trucks, vehicles that do the stunting and the car that films them – each carefully chosen to share with you.

So hopefully this list will introduce you to some new castings or lines that end up making their way into your collection in 2024.

Also new for this year, I’m adding a Nuts & Bolts rating for each casting which lists the nuts (cons) and bolts (pros) of each release. I hope it’s helpful if not a bit more entertaining.

– The 10 –

10. Sparky Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN C42, 10th Place, 2022 Bahrain GP

Sparky offers highly detailed castings of vintage and modern race cars for an incredibly affordable price point. This Alfa F1 car in particular made its way into my collection because I think the Alfa F1 cars have such beautiful paint schemes, especially with the vintage Afla Romeo text logo featured on the rear. I especially love that this model came with a bust of the driver’s (Zhou Guanyu) upper body which adds a level of realism many other open-cockpit cars lack in this scale. Sparky also has an ingenious way of holding their cars to their display base that doesn’t require using a screwdriver or popping off a plastic tab or wire.

Nuts of this release:

• Feels a bit cheap
• Doesn’t roll
• Less collector value than a similar Mini GT F1 car

Bolts of this release:

• Segment topping base design
• Excellent tampo and parts detail for the price (I preordered it for around $17)
• Driver bust for added detail

Buy this Sparky Alfa F1 car on eBay

9. Era Car SP Nissan GT-R R35 Matte Black Camera Car (2022 Hong Kong Toy Car Salon Exclusive)

The Era Car GT-R Camera Car is an absolutely bonkers release. It’s one of those cars you can’t believe exists in 1/64th scale, but as soon as you find out it does, you have to have it. That’s how it went in my case at least. I have done automotive media as a source of income for the past few years and this car was a must-have because it’s something I’d love to film with myself irl — and it makes for some insane scale Hollywood diorama “behind the scenes” shots. I also have the XCarToys G-Wagon with a Russian Arm on it and this gets displayed right along side of it.

Note: this car was released in 2022, but my preorder of it did not show up until 2023, so I’m counting it as a new-to-me release for 2023.

Nuts of this release:

• Hard to find and expensive when it pops up for sale
• Camera parts fit poorly on some parts of the car
• Fragile and finicky once assembled, basically for display only

Bolts of this release:

• Ultra niche casting that will be a highlight of your collection
• Articulating movement on the boom arms, opening doors
• Super rare and incredibly rad

Attempt to find this Era Car GT-R Camera Car on eBay=

8. Hot Wheels ’92 Dodge Viper RT/10 and Alfa Romeo GTV6 3.0

Hot Wheels seems to be on a roll lately in terms of new mainline castings. This year we had some real juggernauts in the form of the Mercedes 560 SEC, Escort RS2000, ’90 Quattro, the ’82 Supra — but the two that really stood out to me were the Viper and the Alfa.

For starters, I think the Alfa is the new benchmark for how good a mainline Hot Wheels can be. The casting itself is muscular and perfectly sculpted dimension-wise. The colors the design team chose for the initial release are *perfect* and the addition of the new L4 wheel really made this car look like a premium. Whether you’re an Afla fan or not, it’s an absolutely stunning release.

Same goes for the Viper – talk about an all-time glow-up. The original Viper RT/10 casting came out way back in 1993 and lets face it, the car was far from good…but despite all odds it’s still in use in the mainline today. I always gravitated towards the Matchbox RT/10 casting of that era and still think it holds up spectacularly well even today. But the new HWs RT/10 casting? Superb. Gone are the stubby dimensions of the original – the new version is low, sleek, and looks exactly like an RT/10 should. That newer FC3 wheel choice? Ah, chef’s kiss! Designer Fraser Campbell, who penned both the Viper and Alfa, hit an absolute home run with the Viper. Huge fan of both releases — which is why I couldn’t decide between the two and doubled-up on the number eight spot.

Nuts of these releases:

• Paint imperfections plague both models (the Viper came out of the blister with that chip on the driver’s side fender as did the Alfa’s driver’s mirror)
• Don’t roll as well as they should for toys
• Chrome coating on the wheels cracks too easily

Bolts of these releases:

• Excellent wheel choice on both
• Castings are worthy of play and display
• For the price they can’t be topped

Buy the Hot Wheels Alfa on eBay           Buy the Hot Wheels RT/10 on eBay

7. Mini GT Lotus 78 1977 Presentation

A vintage Lotus F1 car in the iconic John Player Special livery? How could you not buy this release?! Mini GT has quickly established itself as the go-to for affordable, high quality models and the Lotus is a shining example of that cred. The paint is high gloss and free of major blemishes, the tampos have a crisp look, wheels are spot-on perfect, and the slick white letter Goodyears are just the icing on the cake. My example rolls well and has the stance of a champion. The fact this car was only $12.99 makes me rethink every double-in-price RLC purchase I’ve made this year. It’s incredible how much detail Mini GT is able to put into these relatively low cost models.

Nuts of this release:

• Having a driver sculpt would have been great
• I didn’t buy two

Bolts of this release:

• Incredibly affordable
• Packed with detail that makes it well worth displaying
• Feels high-quality in-hand

Run, don’t walk, to add the Mini GT Lotus to your collection

6. Muscle Machines Series 4 #19 “Old Smokey” 1949 Ford F1 Pickup

I’m probably the only person who put a Maisto of any sort on a Lamley list, but Old Smokey is worth the hype imo. Muscle Machines were everywhere around the turn of the century and then took a break after their parent company was bought out and merged several times, then finally Maisto ended up with the licensing and tooling in 2012. It wasn’t until a year or two ago that they really started ramping up the line with new castings, licensing, and packaging — with the Chuckle’s Garage pickup being one of those castings.

I was able to see and photograph the actual Old Smokey in 2017 at the SEMA show in Las Vegas (shameless plug – pic from my automotive photo IG page above) and was blown-away by how badass it was. I love ratty appearing, patina-covered rides with insane power plants, so the vintage Ford was right up my alley.

The truck went through a ton of modifications since I saw it and the popularity of the truck exploded via internet, racing, and Hoonigan lore. Owner/builder Scott Birdsall raced the truck multiple times at the famous Pikes Peak Hillclimb — even setting the diesel climb record with the truck back in 2020. But earlier this year during a Pikes Peak run, it suffered a brake failure that sent the duo 714 feet down the hill, totaling the truck (wild video of the indecent below). Gladly Scott walked away unharmed, a testament to how well the truck was built.

The Muscle Machines version is the only scale version of the truck available and it is awesome. It has a metal body, rubber tires, and tons of great patina tampos. They even molded that 1,400hp engine in two different colors for added detail. Maisto nailed the giant wing and aero bits too. While the tooned look might not be for everyone, this is one Muscle Machine that definitely earned a spot in my collection and top 10 this year.

Nuts of this release:

• Tooned look isn’t for everyone
• Scale isn’t *exactly* 1/64
• RIP to the real Old Smokey

Bolts of this release:

• Packed with character and detail
• Affordable price ($4.99 retail)
• Fully licensed

Snag Old Smokey on eBay before it disappears

5. Tomica Premium Unlimited The Fast and The Furious Toyota Supra with Removable Targa Top

2023 marked a DECADE of the Hot Wheels Fast and the Furious line and the F&F fatigue really set in with collectors during the year — but this release is different. Tomica broke 10 years of Mattel Supra stagnation and released the first removable-targa Brian’s Supra in 1/64th scale. This is actually the second version of the orange Supra Tomica has released, with the first being from their basic line, but alas, no targa. This car has been upgraded with more accurate wheels, a better-looking body kit, and of course that removable top. While the OG release Racing Champions Brian’s Supra still reigns supreme, this version is definitely locked-in for a solid second place.

Nuts of this release:

• Rear spoiler uprights look a bit bulky
• Lacks the sponsor decals the RC version has
• Sparsely detailed interior

Bolts of this release:

• REMOVABLE TARGA, BABY!
• Accurate body kit and nice wheels
• Tomica build quality throughout

Recreate Race Wars on your desk for FAMILY with the Tomica Supra

4. DCT Maserati Gran Turismo 1/64 scale

The Maserati Gran Turismo is arguably one of the most beautiful vehicles ever made and a car I lust after getting behind the wheel of day after day. That sweeping, Pininfarina-designed body, aggressive front end, and an engine note sent straight from the heavens, it is THE attainable Italian dream car.

The problem? Until recently, Maserati was owned by Ferrari so we never got a Hot Wheels or Matchbox Gran Turismo due to the lack of Ferrari licensing, so the car has been underrepresented in the 1/64th scale world. A few other versions exist, one higher end Liberty Walk casting, and an RMZ City release that I did a feature on a few years ago. But the TDC version is the first regular MC version of the car released in 1/64th scale.

The second problem? Licensing. The TDC (an abbreviation of Team DieCast) cars lack licensing. I’m not here to debate the ethical and business issues behind the lack of licensing, as there will be several others on this list with the same issue, but I am here to talk about the diecast that blew me away in 2023…and these Maseratis were certainly deserving of that credential.

They are designed well, have superb detail, rubber tires, separate plastic lenses for head and tail lights, color-matched seats, side mirrors, sit on amazing replicas of the modern Maserati Birdcage wheels, and have dual exhaust that actually goes through the bumper. Those are Mini GT, Tarmac Works, or 100% Hot Wheels traits rather than $6 (yes, these cost only $6 each) unlicensed knock-offs. Unlicensed or not, they are damn good.

Nuts of this release:

• Unlicensed
• Probably won’t hold value
• Cheap packaging

Bolts of this release:

• Incredibly realistic design
• Stupid low cost to high quality ratio
• Only premium stock Gran Turismo casting currently available

Buy these affordable, unlicensed Italian outcasts on eBay before Stellantis sues

3. Kaido House x Mini GT Chevrolet Silverado 1983 KAIDO V1- Red

I was a hold out on the Kaido line until midway through last year when I caved and bought a few Datsun models, but was thoroughly impressed with each of them. The build quality and sheer heft of the models are second to none, and they roll exceptionally well. So when the Silverado popped up for preorder this year, I jumped on it. While the Squarebody Chevys have seemingly been produced to death recently, the Kaido truck sets the bar higher in my book. The details on these models feel closer to a one-off custom build rather than a mass market product. Basically, the Silverado is a mini diecast work of art for the $18 or so it cost. High quality design, custom-level wheels, heat-treated chassis, moving parts — what more could you ask for?

Nuts of this release:

• Flawless victory – I couldn’t find any issues and have zero complaints about this truck

Bolts of this release:

• Quality is near the top of the segment, if not the leader
• Casting and execution is impeccable for the price
• It’ll be released in several colors in 2024

Buy the Kaido Silverado on eBay and never look back

2. Greenlight Kings of Crunch Bigfoot 9 Monster Truck (and honorable mention Mopar Magic)

For starters, Greenlight’s Kings of Crunch line is one of my all-time favorite lines of diecasts. KoC has given us countless vintage trucks that most MT fans thought we’d never see in any scale, including of course castings of my personal favorite, BIGFOOT. These scale trucks have such a presence that there is no denying they’ll tower over lesser trucks in your collection. I have an entire Carney display case dedicated to them — and will need to get a second here soon as we are now on wave 14 of these battling behemoths.

2023 was a big year for the line as it introduced the 80’s Ram to the series and the first chassis update in the form of a more modern tube chassis design as seen on Bigfoot 9.

Bigfoot in the blue/red/yellow racer paint schemes were a HUGE part of my childhood in the form of the Hot Wheels Bigfoot Champions line. The 1991 Bigfoot Crunch Area is still a Christmas present that has yet to be topped — and Greenlight has brought an extra level of realism to the truck that hasn’t been seen in this scale before. It’s so good it’s taking home my licensed release of the year award – it’s that impressive.

But I couldn’t get through 2023 without at least mentioning one of the Ram monster truck releases as well, and I really liked both the Mopar Magic and Desperado. So I popped open the Mopar Magic to get some shots with Bigfoot — which also allows you to see the difference between the older leaf spring chassis under the Dodge and compare it to the new tube style chassis under Bigfoot.

So congrats to the team at Greenlight and Bigfoot for the stellar release!

Nuts of this release:

• Quality control can vary
• Generic tires
• I wish it had at the Ford flag hanging off the back

Bolts of this release:

• Updated chassis design
• Accurate brick nose era Ford monster truck
• One of the best looking Bigfoots and monster trucks of all time

Browse all of Greenlight’s Bigfoots on eBay and start your own Kings of Crunch collection

1. Street Weapon 1977 Ford F-150 Hoonitruck

Almost a year ago exactly to the release of this article, the world unexpectedly lost one of the greatest extreme motorsports pioneers to ever slide a car: Ken Block.

Ken Block was more than motorsports and wild cars, he was also an accomplished businessman. Co-founder of DC Shoes, he combined his knowledge of skate wear with his love for cars to create the massively popular Hoonigan Industries brand. He truly changed car culture as we know it with the Hoonigan brand, along with popularizing the term “hooning” — which is now the go-to verb for doing anything even remotely wild in a vehicle. Drift-jumping a custom, 1000hp Mustang around some closed lanes of interstate 75 in Detroit? Hooning. Yanking the e-brake of your Scion TC with a “Tire Slayer” decal on it while in the parking lot of a TJ Maxx? Also supposedly Hooning. But out of all of Ken’s accomplishments, most people probably know him from his groundbreaking Gymkhana video series.

Ken’s first Gymkhana video, named DC SHOES: KEN BLOCK GYMKHANA PRACTICE, was among the first viral internet car videos of the social media generation. Remember, that first video dropped in 2008 when Youtube and other platforms weren’t woven into every part of our society like they are now. Ken was wheeling a 2006 Subaru WRX STI in that 2008 video, a model that was just introduced to the States two years before — a wild fact that also makes me feel like an ancient dinosaur that should be filing for social security soon.

As the years went on, Ken’s skill, the Gymkhana videos, and the cars featured in them progressively got crazier. Like going from a relatively tame rally-prepped Subaru Impreza drifting on an empty runway, to a fully custom, AWD 1965 Ford Mustang dubbed Hoonicorn, equipped with a 1,400hp twin-turbo Roush Yates engine being driven up Pikes Peak. But out of all of Ken’s Gymkhana vehicles, the Hoonitruck is my absolute favorite.

The Hoonitruck is a one-off 1977 Ford F-150 that was designed by Ken and largely built by the fabrication team at Detroit Speed. Powered by a custom-tuned, 3.5L Ecoboost engine based on the Ford GT Le Mans motor, it packs 914hp and drives all four wheels. It was first featured in Gymkhana 10 and made a follow-up appearance in the subsequent video, Climbkhana TWO.

The Street Weapon branded truck (or Street Fighter, the release is advertised under both names) is a version of the truck used in the Climbkhana TWO video. A casting with two manufacturer names? Remember when I said there would be more unlicensed castings in this list? Well, here’s another one.

You probably could have figured the truck was unlicensed as most of the wilder, more heavily-branded diecast are. This is due to the fact that most diecast companies can’t afford to pay every brand’s licensing fee, coupled with the difficulty of advertising certain products, like alcohol or energy drinks, on “kid’s toys”. Even the holder of the NASCAR license, Lionel Collectibles, can’t produce a number of the Cup series cars in-scale due to licensing issues with brands, even though they are the league’s diecast provider.

Licensing issues aside, the Hoonitruck is effing fantastic. For starters, the casting itself is extremely detailed. I am assuming the truck’s casting and overall design was lifted from the also unlicensed, HPI 64 version of the truck, but with some small changes. I also have the HPI 64 Hoonitrucks and they each cost almost five times as much as the Street Weapon version. That’s due to several factors, including better parts overall, better bases and cases, and a smaller production run. The HPI 64 trucks I have are out of 360 and 599 build numbers, while the Street Weapon truck is out of 999 — still a very short run compared to even the most limited releases many companies are dropping today. You can see the some of various differences between the two in the pics below (the HPI 64 trucks are the case queens).

But seriously, the details on this truck are next-level. From the individual rear spoiler supports to the separate lenses used for the headlights and turn signals, it’s overflowing with parts. I know it’s unlicensed so it’s in a bit of a different category than most, but from an overall design and aesthetic aspect, it’s what every $30 car should be. Tons of color and excellent tampos/decals, perfect stance, just stellar detail from top to bottom — it embodies what I think most people would consider a near perfect all-around release. Just look at all the pics above and tell me that it doesn’t genuinely look kick-ass. You could be a die-hard Chevy guy and still get wowed by the mini Ford Hoonitruck. It’s genuinely that good.

Despite the Hoonitrucks that are already on the market, I just hope one day we can get a fully licensed line of all of Ken’s Gymkhana vehicles so generations of diecast nerds and car nuts can cherish his rides for years to come.

RIP to the HHIC himself, Ken Block. November 21, 1967 – January 2, 2023.

Nuts of this model:

• Unlicensed
• Packaging is just okay
• Doesn’t roll

Bolts of this model:

• Casting dimensions and overall execution are nearly perfect
• Priced at a fraction of its sister knock-offs
• It’s the Hoonitruck!

So, that was my 2023 top 10 list. Hopefully it introduced you to some new brands, new lines, and new castings that make their way into your collection in 2024. But if not, thanks for reading anyways and I look forward to seeing what 2024 has in store for us diecast collectors.

-Sam/64wheels