The Rarest Model Cars AroundModel car building usually starts out simple: pick up a kit, follow the steps, and proudly place the finished piece on the shelf. But every hobby has a deeper level, and for model cars, that’s the world of rare kits. Some vanish the moment they’re released, and others are discontinued before most collectors even hear about them. That mix of scarcity and surprise makes them irresistible. So, here are twenty of the rarest model car builders that can only dream of completing.1. Tamiya 1:12 Ferrari F40 Super KitThe Tamiya 1:12 Ferrari F40 Super Kit arrived in the late 1980s as a showcase of just how detailed scale modeling could get. With more than 500 individual parts, it offered builders working suspension and a fully realized engine bay, both rare achievements for its era. 2. Pocher 1:8 Lamborghini AventadorProduced in limited numbers, this high-end kit immediately set itself apart with its sheer size, stretching over two feet long once completed. Builders were treated to working suspension with metal springs, a meticulously crafted V12 engine, and scissor doors that opened just like the real car. 3. Revell 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL GullwingModeled after the famous car with its upward-opening doors, this was first produced in the 1960s using molds that have since been retired. Early kits featured functioning hinges, while specific box art versions turned into highly sought-after treasures. 4. Hasegawa Toyota 2000GTHasegawa’s Toyota 2000GT kit paid tribute to Japan’s first true supercar, as it captured the sleek lines of the original vehicle with impressive accuracy for its time. Released in the 1980s and retired soon after, it quickly became a scarce find.5. Airfix Aston Martin DB5 James Bond EditionAirfix tapped into the 1960s Bond craze with its Aston Martin DB5 James Bond Edition, a kit that stood apart from regular releases. It was designed with hidden gadgets such as ejector seat mechanisms. Moreover, the original boxes carried distinctive 007 branding, which is rarely found intact today. 6. Tamiya Porsche 959 Rally CarModeled on the Paris–Dakar version, the Tamiya Porsche 959 Rally Car was released in the middle of the 1980s Group B rally boom, complete with authentic sponsor decals. A short production run led to the molds being retired.7. Monogram Shelby Cobra 427 S/CMonogram’s Shelby Cobra 427 S/C kit surfaced in the 1970s, right in the middle of muscle car mania. It earned recognition for faithfully reproducing the car’s details, including accurate racing stripes and authentic Cobra emblems. 8. Italeri Bugatti Atlantic 57SCInspired by one of the rarest cars on Earth, of which only two originals exist, this kit brings history into your hands. Its large 1:12 scale release was kept intentionally limited, making it just as exclusive as the real masterpiece it celebrates. 9. AMT 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28Among AMT’s most popular releases, AMT’s 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 kit stood out not only for its accuracy but also for the rare racing decals that appeared in early editions. Adding to its charm, the packaging featured vibrant late-60s artwork, which captured the Camaro’s energy in bold strokes.10. Gunze Sangyo Ferrari 250 GTO 1:24Produced only in small batches during the late 1980s, it pays homage to one of the most valuable cars in the world with striking authenticity. It was often admired for its resin detail upgrades, which elevated the kit beyond standard plastic offerings.11. Fujimi Lamborghini Miura SVFujimi’s Lamborghini Miura SV kit gained attention before its mold was discontinued, making it rare. Builders valued its gold wheels, faithfully matching the real SV, and the intricate engine visible beneath a rear opening hatch.12. Model Factory Hiro Lotus 49 Formula 1This kit recreates the 1967 Formula 1 car that introduced the Cosworth DFV engine to racing history. Builders often consider it more of a display piece than a typical kit, and its immediate sell-out status only reinforced its reputation as one of the brand’s most sought-after releases.13. Tamiya Toyota Celica GT-Four RallyTamiya captured a World Rally Championship legend with its Toyota Celica GT-Four Rally kit. The company produced it in limited runs tied to specific WRC seasons, making each release distinct. Collectors now chase it as one of the most prized rally kits.14. Pocher Rolls-Royce Phantom IIBuilt at an incredible 1:8 scale, this masterpiece includes thousands of tiny parts that fit together with almost obsessive detail. Once assembled, you interact with it, thanks to its working steering and functioning lights.15. Italeri Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 MonzaThis kit appeared only in limited runs, which increased its scarcity over time. Builders valued the engine block detail, which rivaled the quality of resin aftermarket upgrades. Italeri also included wire-spoke wheels that demanded careful and intricate assembly, adding to the challenge and appeal.16. Tamiya Jaguar XJR-9 LMTamiya released the Jaguar XJR-9 LM kit to replicate the 1988 Le Mans-winning car with remarkable accuracy. The body design captured the aerodynamic lines that defined endurance racing of the era. A limited production run even included authentic Silk Cut sponsor decals.17. Revell Corvette Stingray 1963 Split-WindowThe Revell Corvette Stingray 1963 Split-Window kit captures the distinctive one-year-only rear window design that made this model a legend. It was first released in the 1960s and featured an opening hood and a detailed V8 engine.18. Model Factory Hiro Porsche 917K Gulf EditionProduced in extremely limited numbers, this hand-crafted resin kit delivers exceptional detail, including ultra-fine wire wheels and decals for the iconic Gulf blue-and-orange livery. With such precision and scarcity, it has become a benchmark among collectors.19. Revell BMW 507 RoadsterThe Revell BMW 507 Roadster kit arrived in the 1960s, right when the real car was gaining cult status for its exclusivity. Its authentic interior detail was considered advanced for that era, giving builders a faithful miniature of the rare roadster. 20. Pocher Ferrari Testarossa 1:8Stretching nearly two feet in length, the Pocher Ferrari Testarossa 1:8 kit commands attention before a single piece is assembled. Produced in small runs during the 1980s, it features a detailed flat-12 engine with moving parts.