Many of us who build model cars seek to recreate as perfectly as possible a real, existing car down to the last detail. Then some like to customize them into ridiculous fantasy creations full of whimsy and wonder. Martin Aveyard straddles the two, creating plausible models of nonexistent one-off racers and off-roaders. For his efforts to make us believe in fiction, Martin Aveyard is inducted into the Model Car Hall of Fame as the Model Builder of the Year for 2024.
His look like they could be real. His model of the latest Nissan Z as a rally car feels like a car that should exist, and might soon, but nope. There have been previous Rally Z cars, so the idea feels natural. And his execution shows details and parts that are all based on plausible, real mechanics. It wouldn’t surprise us if Nissan saw this and is working on a real-life version as we speak.
We apologize for not having a nice headshot of Aveyard or a photo of him with his collection, but they don’t seem to exist online. Aveyard would rather have fans focus on his work, both as a model builder and a photographer than his own visage.
And what photos they are. It’s one thing to put hundreds of hours into building a model car, but to then create a diorama, blend it into real surroundings, and then light and shoot it to perfection is another art form in and of itself. “After I started building again and started taking photos of the finished models I realized that I enjoyed making the finished builds look as realistic as possible,” he said. “I probably enjoy the photography as much as the building itself.”
His models often tell a story, one that is enhanced by the environment around it. Herbie the Love Bug appeared in movies going off road, but Aveyard has reimagined the lovable Beetle as a proper overlanding rally car, jacked up and racked out for adventure. And when you see his photos, you believe this car exists!
For blending fiction and reality in his models and images, Martin Aveyard is our Model Builder of the Year 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.
