1/18 Model Cars in Switzerland — 250+ diecast and resin

1/18 Model Cars — the collector’s reference scale, delivered in Switzerland

The 1/18 scale is the king of scales in collectible model cars. At about 25 cm long, this format offers the highest level of detail accessible to collectors: opening doors, hoods and trunks, faithfully reproduced interiors, alloy wheels with real screw patterns, multi-layer paint, finely engraved badges and logos. For these reasons, 1/18 concentrates most of the production from major manufacturers (Norev, GT Spirit, Minichamps, Bburago, KK Scale, Spark).

At Frakaxessoires, over 250 1/18 models are in permanent stock, all shipped from our Collombey (Valais) shop in 1 to 3 working days throughout Switzerland — Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Zurich, Basel, Lugano. We offer both classic diecasts (injected metal, opening mechanisms) and premium resins (exceptional finish, numbered limited series).

Why 1/18 rather than another scale?

Criterion	1/18	1/24	1/43	1/64
Length (sedan)	~25 cm	~18 cm	~10 cm	~6 cm
Opening doors/hood	Often yes	Sometimes	No	No
Interior detail	Very high	High	Visual	Silhouette
Average price	50-250 CHF	30-80 CHF	25-90 CHF	15-40 CHF
Audience	Collector	Beginner	Large collection	Thematic

The 1/18 is the most rewarding investment in usage value: it’s the scale where you actually see the craftsmanship.

Diecast vs resin: what you need to know

Diecast (injected metal)

Historical process of car modelling since the 1950s. Molten zinc-aluminium is injected under pressure into a mould. Advantages: pleasant density in hand (realistic weight), opening doors/hood/trunk often included, rotating wheels, excellent price-detail ratio. Diecast reference manufacturers: Norev, Bburago, KK Scale, Minichamps, Solido, Maisto Premium.

Resin (sealed body)

Resin models are cold-cast in unique pieces. This allows for superior bodywork finish (cleaner lines, complex paints, limited series). Downside: no opening parts as a rule. Resin reference manufacturers: GT Spirit, Otto Mobile, BBR Models, Spark, Make Up.

Top 1/18 manufacturers available

Norev — French manufacturer, European leader in 1/18 diecast. Specialty: French cars (Peugeot, Renault, Alpine, Citroën), Porsche, BMW.
GT Spirit — premium resin, numbered limited series (500 to 1500 ex.). Ideal for supercars and tuning.
Minichamps — absolute reference for F1 and rally. Very high fidelity to the actual model.
Bburago — affordable, large official Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti catalogue.
KK Scale — youngtimer specialist (BMW E30, Mercedes W124, Volvo 240…).
Spark — endurance and Le Mans, detailed resins.
IXO — rally, buses, trucks, popular.
Greenlight — American culture, cult movies (Fast & Furious, Bullitt).

1/18 selection by car category

Modern sports cars: Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari F80, Lamborghini Huracán, McLaren 720S, Aston Martin Vantage
Prestige classics: Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, Ferrari 250 GTO, Mercedes 300 SL, Jaguar E-Type
Group B rally: Lancia Delta Integrale, Audi Quattro S1, Peugeot 205 T16, Ford RS200 — see our rally model cars
80s-90s youngtimers: BMW M3 E30, Mercedes 190 E Cosworth, Renault 5 Turbo, Audi RS2 — see our youngtimers
Endurance racing: Porsche 919 Hybrid, Toyota TS050, Audi R18, Ford GT40, Mazda 787B
Historical F1: McLaren MP4/4 Senna, Williams FW14B Mansell, Ferrari 312T Lauda, Lotus 72D

How to display your 1/18s

Closed display case essential (dust damages paint over 5 years)
4000K neutral white LED lighting (avoids resin yellowing)
Shelves at least 30 cm deep for a 1/18 sedan
Individual acrylic stands if displayed openly
Humidity 45-55% (resin shrinks when dry, swells when humid)

1/18 shipping in Switzerland

French-speaking Switzerland (VS, VD, GE, FR, NE, JU): 1-2 days, CHF 9.–
Bern, Basel, Zurich, rest of German-speaking Switzerland: 2-3 days, CHF 9.–
Ticino: 2-3 days, CHF 9.–
From CHF 200 purchase: free shipping

Reinforced collector packaging: double crate, foam padding, “Fragile” marking. No transport-related returns in 18 years of activity.

Physical shop in Collombey

Our 80 m² showroom in Muraz-Collombey (Valais) is the only place in French-speaking Switzerland where you can see over 200 1/18 models displayed simultaneously. Touch the material, open the doors, compare Norev and GT Spirit side by side.

📍 Rue du Pré Court 1, 1893 Muraz-Collombey
📞 +41 24 471 98 50
🕒 Mon-Thu 8am-12pm / 2pm-5:30pm · Fri 8am-12pm / 2pm-4:30pm · Sat-Sun closed

FAQ 1/18 Model Cars

How big is a 1/18 model exactly?

About 25 cm long for a standard sedan, 22 cm for a compact car, up to 30 cm for a supercar like the Lamborghini Aventador.

How much does a quality 1/18 model cost?

Count 50-80 CHF for a Norev or Bburago production, 100-180 CHF for a GT Spirit or Minichamps, 180-300 CHF for a premium resin limited edition.

What are the differences between Norev, GT Spirit and Minichamps in 1/18?

Norev: versatile French diecast, opening parts, good value for money. GT Spirit: premium resin, numbered limited series. Minichamps: reference for F1, rally and technical fidelity.

Do you sell used 1/18 model cars?

Yes, a selection of carefully verified second-hand models is available in the shop. Trade-in possible: contact Pascal at +41 24 471 98 50.

Also discover our 1/43 model cars, premium 1/64 model cars, and our complete catalogue of collectible model cars.