Collecting Muscle Car Model Kits: A Nostalgic Guide

In the 1960s, model kit building was one of the most popular hobbies. Kids built plastic kits of planes, tanks, race cars, spaceships, and even creatures from classic movies. Before baseball card collecting, Pokémon, and video games, model kits were the go-to pastime. Among them, car and airplane kits were the biggest hits—and within that, muscle cars were king.

Many of today’s muscle car owners were too young to buy the real thing when these cars first hit the streets, but they could live the dream through model kits. Companies produced hundreds of these kits, and many are now highly collectible—especially unassembled originals. Though people still build kits today, the nostalgia market for vintage muscle car kits is thriving. Collectors are drawn by the stunning box art, the memories of childhood builds, and the connection to full-scale cars they may now own.

World-leading authority Tim Boyd explores this golden era of muscle car model kits, delving into their history, collectability, and enduring appeal. He explains the differences between original kits, older reproductions, and new reissues often found at swap meets. Whether you’re starting a collection, chasing kits from your favorite manufacturer, or looking for models that match cars you’ve owned, this book is your essential guide to the world of muscle car kits.