Maisto is a Chinese diecast manufacturer producing cars, motorbikes and aircraft in many different scales it is part of the May Cheong Group, based in Hong Kong, which also now owns Bburago (the well-known Italian scale model manufacturer that went bankrupt in 2005). The models at larger scales like 1:18 and 1:24 look amazing, not quite up to the exquisite detail of the more expensive AutoArt or Exoto, but very attractive models. The largest model in my collection is a 1:24 1970 Chevrolet Corvette by Maisto. The 1:18 Datsun 240Z is very tempting, I’ll have to wait until my budget can stretch to 1:18.

These two at 1:35 and 1:36 scale have pull back motors and are of similar quality to Kinsmart. The right door on the VW has too strong a spring, so won’t stay open properly.

Maisto produce a Lamborghini Collection of twelve models but disappointingly from the sixties and seventies they only have this 1965 Miura, a 1970 Urraco P250 and a Countach. I would have liked to have seen Lamborghinis like the 400GT, Jarama or Espada. They have four versions of the Gallardo and two of the Murcielago.

At 1/64 scale the Maistos are a step up from generic Chinese diecasts but they are not as good quality as either Hot Wheels or Matchbox. But they do have some interesting models missed out by other manufacturers like this Pontiac Solstice and Buick Bengal Concept.

More Lamborghinis at 1/64. The Countach looks fine but the Miura is rather basic.

In addition to regular models, there are lots of gimmicky toy vehicles like key cars (Burnin’ Key Cars), where a key is inserted into a spring in the back of the car and when a button is pressed on the key, the car springs forward. These are fun when young children like my grand daughter or godson call over.

There are also cars which change colour with heat and cold (Fresh Paint) and others which glow in the dark (Glow Riders). The fresh paint cars are great for entertaining visitors, even if they are not interested in Diecast Cars. The one I have is light blue when hot and purple when cold. Changes can be made quickly using cold and hot water.

Finally there are some gift sets like the Maisto Road Race, which has a track printed on laminated paper and some plastic buildings.

Maisto was relatively new to me until recently, the gimmicky vehicles are fun to play with, the models only get really interesting for collecting at 1/24.