Anyone who collects 1/8-scale models has to be pretty choosy about what they buy. The size of the models is prohibitive for most collector spaces, and the price definitely calls for quality over quantity. Amalgam Models understands the assignment as well as any other company, and for that, their Aston Martin DB5 model has been voted the 2024 1/8-Scale Model Car of the Year for the Model Car Hall of Fame.
That car sure looks familiar in that color, doesnât it? As it turns out, this is NOT a James Bond car, but just a plain old production DB5. As âplain oldâ as a DB5 can be, right? What it lacks in gadgets it makes up for in purity of form (and it has to be a lot lighter than 007âs car, right?). The sheer beauty of the design almost gets lost among everyone who is disappointed that it isnât the weaponized version. At this very large scale, Amalgam can include breathtaking detail.
And since it has no working gadgets, there are no tiny but visible levers or buttons to distract the viewer. It just looks like a pure, very realistic British GT as much form as function. The opening parts and realistic finishes, especially in the interior just ooze elegant performance. By the way, to open the doors, one must press the tiny thumb button on the door handle. None of this comes cheap, but collectors can rest assured this high-quality model will fit their very large collections.
The model arrives in a large crate like an important artifact, which it may as well be. You could buy a late-model used car for what this model costs, so the presentation fits the theme.
For making such a beautiful non-spy-spec model of this timeless classic, the Amalagam Models Aston Martin DB5 is the inductee as the 1/8-Scale Model Car of the Year for 2024.
The Model Car Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, on  January 30, 2025. Thanks to everyone at Spielwarenmesse for having us as a part of their event.
