The Exciting World of Rally Model Cars

The Exciting World of Rally Model Cars

They say that anyone who competes in motorsport must be a little crazy — and that goes double for rally drivers. Drivers and their co-drivers chase victory through sand, snow, gravel, asphalt, or mud, often on incredibly narrow roads and at breathtaking speeds. Most of us are merely spectators of this amazing sport, but what can a fan do if they want a worthy keepsake of their favorite? A great solution is to acquire a scaled-down model of their favorite team’s, brand’s, or driver’s car.
However, newcomers to the hobby often feel overwhelmed by the many options. In this post, we’ll help you navigate the exciting world of rally model cars.

Storage

Before diving into model car collecting, it’s worth considering how much space we have available. Smaller scale models take up less room, but larger ones tend to be more detailed — and require more space. While a 1:12 scale model might occupy half a desk, it can become the centerpiece of a room, whereas many 1:43 scale models can fit in the same space.
It’s best to store these cars in their original boxes or in dust-free cabinet with glass doors, so they retain their original condition as long as possible. If you keep them on your desk, always in sight, don’t forget to dust them regularly, protect them from direct sunlight, and avoid exposing them to cigarette smoke.
Rally cars can handle rough conditions on the track — but treat your model cars with care!

Why Did the Drivers and Co-Drivers Disappear from the Cars?

The most noticeable difference between rally models and Formula 1 models is that rally cars don’t include driver and co-driver figurines. But why is that? The exact answer likely know only the manufacturers themselves, but let’s look at two probable reasons.
First, producing figurines would significantly increase costs — and therefore prices. Designing, manufacturing, painting, applying decals, and placing them inside the car is no simple task. It would require extra time, money, and expertise, which most manufacturers wouldn’t consider worthwhile.
Second, it simply wouldn’t be visually impactful. While driver figurines enhance the look of open-cockpit race cars, they’d barely be visible in closed-body rally cars. It’s no coincidence that WEC prototypes don’t include figurines either.
But not everything is lost! Both Spark and IXO have released special editions that — however not seated inside the car — include separate figurines of the driver and co-driver. From there, it’s up to our imagination how we display them next to the model — we can even build an entire diorama around them.

Manufacturers: Spark or IXO?

Now that we’ve looked at how to store and care for these models, let’s explore which manufacturers produce rally model cars. If you browse our website, you’ll mostly encounter two brands offering rally cars in 1:43 and 1:18 scale: Spark and IXO. Which one should you choose? That’s entirely a matter of personal preference.
Spark produces high-quality resin model cars with finely crafted details, mounted on wooden bases. These are true miniature works of art — and their price reflects that.
IXO, on the other hand, is known for its die-cast metal models and plastic box packaging. While they don’t match Spark’s level of detail, their more affordable pricing makes them an ideal choice for many collectors.
The larger the scale, the more noticeable the price difference between the two brands. Both offer a range of new and classic rally cars. Whether you’re after a Dakar Rally or WRC model, you’re sure to find something appealing from these manufacturers.
To simplify things: IXO is the budget-friendly option, while Spark is the higher-end, collector-grade choice. It’s also worth noting that not every car is released by both brands — so a specific model may only be available from one of them.

OttOmobile

If you prefer larger scales and value a good price-to-quality ratio, OttOmobile might be the perfect choice. This French manufacturer focuses mainly on 1:18 and 1:12 scale models, offering both classic and modern rally icons. In terms of quality, they sit in the mid-range: not as detailed as premium brands, but far superior to entry-level ones — and all at a very reasonable price. For example, their 1:18 scale models cost around €99. By comparison, Spark’s 1:43 models are similarly priced. OttOmobile’s 1:12 cars are available for about €180 — which is an excellent price considering their level of detail.
Overall, if you’re looking for a 1:18 rally car, OttOmobile is the perfect middle-ground solution.

Other Manufacturers

Of course, these aren’t the only three brands making rally model cars. Here are a few more names that are also active in the market:
Solido is known for offering surprisingly good quality models at very affordable prices. They produce rally models in 1:18 scale and have become serious competitors to BBurago in the Formula 1 segment — surpassing them in both quality and price. This French company is increasingly active in the rally world, whether it’s modern or classic models.
Altaya and CMR offer similar quality to IXO. They’re popular among collectors mainly for their great value. Altaya produces models in 1:43 and 1:24 scale, while CMR offers 1:43 and 1:18. Altaya has released many Sébastien Loeb models, while CMR’s lineup includes classic Group B cars — like the legendary Lancia 037.
If you’re a fan of classic cars and have the space and budget, we recommend checking out Top Marques 1:12 scale models — some even come in “rally-dirt” editions.
For those seeking larger models at a lower price, MCG (Model Car Group) is a solid choice. The brand has proven itself in the Formula 1 world and offers good quality at an affordable price. Some of their models are also available at Tibormodel. Additionally, brands like Kyosho, Top Speed, Minichamps, and BBurago have also released rally cars.

Conclusion

No matter what you choose, it’s hard to go wrong when picking a rally model car. It’s important to consider which manufacturer released your favorite model — and if multiple brands did, your budget will likely determine your choice.
Collecting model cars is a wonderful way to bring your favorite drivers and vehicles into your everyday life — so you can admire them anytime you like.