CMC vs Amalgam: the two most expensive scale model brands compared
CMC and Amalgam are the two names that come up when discussing the absolute pinnacle of scale models. Both brands produce objects that blur the line between model car and work of art. But the similarities largely end there: in approach, pricing and target audience, CMC and Amalgam are fundamentally different.
CMC: extreme detail in 1:18 for the serious collector
CMC is a German brand focused on historic cars in 1:18. The models are assembled from hundreds to over a thousand individual parts, are fully disassemblable, and achieve a level of detail that no other manufacturer in this scale can match. CMC focuses on pre-war racing cars (Mercedes-Benz W125, Auto Union C), Italian classics (Ferrari 250 GTO, Alfa Romeo 8C) and iconic post-war models. Purchase prices range from €400 to €900. Sold-out models rise steadily in value.
Amalgam: handmade in Bristol, prices up to €15,000
Amalgam Collection is a British atelier in Bristol that produces scale models in 1:8 and 1:18, entirely by hand. The brand is an official supplier to virtually all major Formula 1 teams and car manufacturers: Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes-AMG order from Amalgam for their own showrooms and as corporate gifts. An Amalgam model in 1:8 costs €2,000 to €15,000. The models are primarily for corporations and high-net-worth individuals, not the average collector.
The key differences
- Scale: CMC primarily 1:18, Amalgam 1:8 and 1:18
- Focus: CMC on historical classics, Amalgam on modern F1 and supercars
- Price: CMC €400 to €900, Amalgam €500 to €15,000
- Target audience: CMC for the serious private collector, Amalgam also for corporations and F1 teams
- Market: CMC has a broader resale market, Amalgam a smaller but active buyer group
Which is the better investment?
CMC is more accessible and has a proven resale market. Sold-out models rise steadily in value and are relatively easy to trade. Amalgam models appeal to a narrower market: prices are high but the buyer group is limited. For the private investor, CMC is the safer choice. Amalgam is a status symbol for enthusiasts with a very generous budget.