How to Have a Custom Model Car Made: A Collector’s Guide

For many collectors, the ultimate model is not necessarily a famous racing car or limited-edition supercar. It may be a replica of their own vehicle, a treasured family car, a former competition car or a vehicle connected to a special memory.

When no ready-made model is available, commissioning a custom model may provide a solution. However, bespoke model making can be a complex process involving research, design, specialist craftsmanship and considerable patience.

This guide explains the main options available, what information you may need to provide, how to assess a model maker and what to agree before work begins.

Important: Diecast Model Centre is a retailer of ready-made collectable models. We do not produce, modify or commission custom models, and we cannot recommend individual model makers or help customers find someone to undertake a project.

What Is a Custom Model?

A custom model is a miniature vehicle produced or modified to match a particular real vehicle or specification.

This could include:

A replica of your current or former car
A model of a family member’s vehicle
A particular registration number or colour combination
A racing car with a specific livery
A modified road car
A vehicle that has never been produced as a ready-made collectable
A conversion of an existing model into another version

The amount of work required depends heavily on whether a suitable base model already exists.

Start by Checking Whether a Model Already Exists

Before commissioning a completely bespoke model, search carefully for an existing model of the vehicle.

Model manufacturers have produced an enormous variety of cars over the years, including unusual colours, limited-production vehicles, racing liveries and regional variations. A discontinued model may also be available through specialist retailers, collectors’ fairs or the pre-owned market.

If a model exists in approximately the right specification, it may be considerably easier and less expensive for a specialist to modify it than to create the entire vehicle from scratch.

Choose the Type of Custom Model

There are several ways in which a custom model can be produced.

Modified Donor Model

A donor model is an existing ready-made model used as the starting point for the project.

The model maker may change:

Paint colour
Wheels and tyres
Registration plates
Interior colours
Badges and trim
Decals or racing liveries
Lights, mirrors or other exterior details

This is often the most practical option when the correct make and body style already exist.

Conversion

A conversion involves making more substantial alterations to an existing model.

Examples might include changing a road car into a competition version, recreating a different body style or adding parts that were not included on the original donor model.

Conversions may require cutting, reshaping, filling, fabrication and repainting. The complexity will depend on how different the required vehicle is from the donor model.

Scratch-Built Model

A scratch-built model is created largely or completely from individual materials rather than being based on an existing production model.

This method may be required when no suitable donor model exists. It can involve extensive research and highly specialised work, particularly where the model includes a detailed interior, chassis or engine.

Scratch-built models are normally among the most time-consuming and expensive forms of custom model making.

3D-Printed Model

Digital design and 3D printing have made it possible to produce subjects that would previously have been extremely difficult to recreate.

A maker may design and print:

A complete body
Replacement wheels
Interior components
Badges and trim
Conversion parts
Display accessories

Resin printing is commonly used where small details and smooth surfaces are important. Filament printing may be used for larger structural parts, prototypes or components that require greater strength.

Printing is only one stage of the process. A collector-quality model may still require cleaning, curing, sanding, filling, priming, painting, decal application and final assembly.

The quality of the finished model therefore depends on the design and finishing work as much as the printing technology itself.

Decide on the Scale

The scale affects the size, detail, cost and display requirements of the finished model.

Common car model scales include:

1:64 scale: Compact and space-efficient, but very small details can be difficult to reproduce.
1:43 scale: A popular collector scale offering a good balance between size and visible detail.
1:24 scale: Larger and easier to display as an individual piece without requiring as much room as a 1:18 model.
1:18 scale: Provides strong display presence and greater scope for detailed interiors and mechanical components.

A larger scale does not automatically guarantee a better result. The most suitable choice depends on the available reference material, the maker’s experience and the amount of detail required.

It may also be sensible to choose a scale that matches the rest of your collection.

Define Exactly What You Want

Before contacting a model maker, prepare a clear description of the required vehicle.

Include as much of the following information as possible:

Manufacturer and model
Year or generation
Body style
Exact exterior colour
Interior colour and trim
Wheel design
Registration number
Badges and model designation
Optional equipment
Aftermarket modifications
Racing number, sponsors or livery details
Your preferred model scale

Minor differences that seem unimportant at the beginning can become very noticeable on the finished model. It is better to identify them before work starts.

Gather Good Reference Material

A model maker can only reproduce details that can be seen or accurately described.

Whenever possible, provide clear photographs showing:

Front and rear views
Both sides of the vehicle
Front and rear three-quarter views
Wheels and tyres
Dashboard and seats
Badges and registration plates
Any unusual accessories or modifications

Photographs taken in natural daylight are particularly useful for showing paint colour and trim.

For a vehicle that no longer exists, family photographs, sales brochures, magazine features, workshop manuals and historic images may all help. However, incomplete references may require the maker to make reasonable assumptions about details that cannot be confirmed.

Finding a Suitable Model Maker

Custom model makers often specialise in particular scales, materials or types of work. Someone experienced in repainting 1:18 road cars may not necessarily be the best choice for a completely scratch-built 1:43 commercial vehicle.

When considering a maker, look for:

A portfolio showing similar completed projects
Clear and detailed photographs of previous work
Independent customer feedback
Experience with your chosen scale and production method
Clear communication
Written prices and payment terms
Realistic timescales
Appropriate packaging and delivery arrangements

Pay particular attention to close-up photographs. These may reveal the quality of paintwork, decals, panel lines, glazing, wheels and smaller finishing details.

Questions to Ask Before Commissioning the Model

Before paying a deposit or approving the project, establish exactly what is included.

Useful questions include:

Will the model be based on an existing donor model?
Who will supply the donor model?
Which parts will be changed or produced?
Will the model have opening parts?
Will the wheels rotate or steer?
Will the interior be fully detailed?
Will a display base or case be included?
How many design revisions are included?
Will progress photographs be provided?
What deposit is required?
When will the remaining payment become due?
What happens if the project cannot be completed?
Who is responsible if the donor model is damaged during conversion?
How will the finished model be packaged and insured?

A detailed written agreement reduces the risk of misunderstandings later.

Understanding the Cost

There is no standard price for a custom model. Costs can vary considerably depending on:

The scale
The availability of a suitable donor model
The amount of research required
The complexity of the conversion
The number of specially made parts
The quality of the paint and finishing
The interior detail
The need for custom decals or artwork
Whether digital design work is required
The inclusion of a display base or cover
Packaging, insurance and delivery

A relatively simple colour change and registration plate alteration may cost far less than a scratch-built model. However, even apparently straightforward work can require many hours of careful preparation and finishing.

Ask for a written quotation that clearly explains what is included. It is also sensible to establish whether changes requested after approval will result in additional charges.

Allow Plenty of Time

Custom models should not normally be treated as quick purchases.

The process may include:

Initial discussion
Research and reference gathering
Finding or purchasing a donor model
Digital design or fabrication
Approval of colours and specifications
Production and finishing
Final inspection
Packaging and delivery

Established makers may also have a queue of existing commissions.

Projects involving scratch building, extensive body alterations or several specially produced parts can take considerably longer than a repaint or minor conversion.

If the model is intended for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas present, begin enquiries as early as possible. Do not assume that a project can be rushed to meet a fixed date.

Reviewing and Approving the Design

Depending on the production method, the maker may provide sketches, digital renderings, colour samples or photographs of the donor model before starting.

Check the proposed specification carefully, including:

Body colour
Interior colour
Wheels
Registration plates
Badges
Decal positioning
Vehicle stance and ride height
Display base wording

Once formal approval has been given, changes may be difficult or expensive. This is particularly important if parts have already been printed, the model has been painted or custom decals have been produced.

Following the Production Process

Agree in advance how often you will receive updates.

Progress photographs may be provided after important stages such as:

Preparation of the donor model
Body modification
Completion of printed components
Priming
Painting
Decal application
Final assembly

Regular updates can be reassuring, but excessive messages may interrupt the maker’s work. A sensible update schedule should be agreed at the beginning.

Inspecting the Finished Model

Before the model is despatched, request clear final photographs where possible.

Check the finished model against the agreed specification, paying particular attention to:

Paint colour and finish
Alignment of decals and registration plates
Wheels and ride height
Interior details
Mirrors, aerials and other delicate parts
Display base wording
Any specially requested features

A handmade model may not have exactly the same uniformity as a mass-produced factory model. However, the expected finish and any limitations should have been explained before the commission was accepted.

Delivery and Packaging

Custom models can be particularly vulnerable during transit, especially if they include delicate mirrors, aerials, wings or photo-etched components.

Confirm:

How the model will be secured
Whether it will be attached to a display base
Whether the parcel will be insured
Who is responsible for transit damage
Whether collection is available

Keep the packaging after delivery. A bespoke model may be difficult to transport safely without its original packing materials.

Displaying and Caring for a Custom Model

A display case can protect the model from dust, accidental contact and handling damage.

For long-term care:

Keep the model away from prolonged direct sunlight
Avoid excessive heat, cold and humidity
Handle it by the base or strongest parts
Do not lift it by mirrors, spoilers or aerials
Use a soft brush or suitable air blower to remove light dust
Avoid household cleaning chemicals
Retain the original packaging and project documentation

Resin and 3D-printed parts may be more fragile than traditional diecast components, particularly where sections are thin or highly detailed.

Warning Signs to Look Out For

Exercise caution if a prospective maker:

Cannot provide examples of previous work
Uses photographs belonging to other makers
Will not provide a written quotation
Promises an unusually fast completion time
Requests full payment without explaining the project terms
Provides vague answers about materials or production methods
Refuses to discuss what happens if the project cannot be completed

Custom work often requires trust, particularly when a valuable donor model is being supplied. Take time to research the maker before making a payment or sending any model to them.

Final Thoughts

Commissioning a custom model can be a rewarding way to recreate a vehicle with personal or historic importance. The most successful projects usually begin with clear expectations, good reference material and a model maker whose skills match the work required.

Before proceeding, decide exactly what you want, understand the proposed production method and obtain a clear written quotation. Allow generous time for the work and carefully review the specification before giving approval.

A well-made custom model can become a unique centrepiece within a collection, but it should be approached as a specialist commission rather than a standard retail purchase.

Please note: Diecast Model Centre does not manufacture, modify, source or commission custom-made models. We are also unable to recommend model makers or provide assistance in finding a suitable specialist. This independent guide has been created in response to the custom-model enquiries we regularly receive.