Many diecast collectors dream of owning a model of their own car. Not just a model of a similarly optioned car, or one that comes in a different color, but an exact replica. Short of scratch building it yourself, where do you turn? And not everyone has the time or resources or patience to modify an existing model.
Jon Wood founded Custom Diecast Replicas in 2003 to help fill that need. His hyper-detailed reworkings of existing models are the reason he is inducted as the Model Customizer of the Year for 2024 by the Model Car Hall of Fame.
Custom Diecast Replicas specializes in modifying existing 1/18 models to match a client’s car to perfection. CDR claims to be the first diecast custom company in the diecast industry to modify different models into a different body style, according to Wood. “We can cut a roof off and create a convertible, create a custom hood from scratch, create a convertible from a diecast fastback, or create a sedan from a convertible.” he said, “CDR was the first Company to create a concept car in diecast for the retail market.”
Requests have been as simple as adding a vinyl top, tire and wheel swaps, or creating a year car that is not produced. They also add custom stripes, swap engines, create custom hoods, or change interior parts like seat configurations or transmission options.
As long as there is an existing scale model to start with, Wood is happy to dig in. For making diecast dreams come true for collectors, Jon Wood is the Model Car Hall of Fame Model Customizer 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.
