Solido Diecast Models: Are They Good Quality, and Who Should Collect Them?
The short answer: Solido is a French diecast brand, and in my view it is one of the best mid-range values in the hobby. Its 1:18 models have solid heft, clean paint and accurate proportions, and they sit above entry-level brands on finish. They do not have the engine detail of premium brands, because the doors usually open while the engine bay and trunk usually stay sealed.
What is Solido?
Solido is a French maker of metal model vehicles. Its own website describes it as the oldest French brand of metal vehicles with opening parts, and says the company was founded by Ferdinand de Vazeilles. According to Solido's brand history, he filed the patent that let him make toys in 1932, and the Solido brand itself was created in 1934.
The range has grown over the decades. Solido's history page says the 1:43 scale arrived in its catalog in 1957, and that its Prestige series brought 1:18 into the line. Today the official site lists collections in 1:18, 1:43 and 1:64, plus a military collection. The same history notes that made-in-France production ended in 2006, when the Oulins factory closed and production moved to China.
You can browse everything we carry on our Solido brand page.
| Solido | |
|---|---|
| Best known for | Mid-range 1:18 models with solid heft, clean paint and accurate proportions |
| Origin | France; the brand was created in 1934 |
| Scales we carry most | 1:18, with a small number of 1:43 |
| Detail | Opening doors; engine bays and trunks usually sealed |
| Typical buyer | Enthusiasts who want European and Japanese cars, tuner builds and racing cars |
| Brand page | Shop Solido |
Company history is from Solido's official website (solido.com). "Scales we carry most" is from Fairfield Collectibles' catalog as of October 2026 and will change as new shipments arrive.
Are Solido diecast models good quality?
Yes, and I would call them very good value for the middle of the market. In my view the 1:18 models deliver clean paint finishes, accurate proportions and a satisfying heavy feel in the hand. On those points they punch well above budget-oriented brands such as Maisto and Bburago.
The trade-off is detail. Unlike premium brands such as AUTOart or Minichamps, Solido models usually have opening doors only. Engine bays and trunks often remain sealed. If opening every panel matters to you, a premium brand is the better choice. If you want a well-finished model with real presence on the shelf, Solido is hard to fault. Check each listing to confirm which features a particular model has.
What does Solido make?
Most of the Solido range we carry is 1:18, and it falls into a few clear groups. As of October 2026 these are the ones our customers browse most:
- German performance cars. BMW M models and Alpina in our BMW collection, and 911s in many forms, including the RWB body-kit cars, in our Porsche collection.
- Japanese cars and tuner builds. Skylines, GT-Rs, RX-7s, Supras and Liberty Walk body-kit cars, gathered in our JDM collection.
- Racing cars. Recent grand prix cars from McLaren, Williams and Alpine in our Formula 1 collection.
- Vans and buses. The Cool Combi and classic buses in our Volkswagen collection.
Who should collect Solido?
Solido suits enthusiasts who want European and Japanese cars, tuner builds and racing cars, the kinds of models the American-focused brands do not make. That makes it a natural second brand next to Maisto or Motormax rather than a replacement for them. If you are still deciding between sizes, my diecast scale guide shows how 1:18 and 1:43 compare.
A few Solido models
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1:18 1990 BMW E30 M3 Sport EVO - Glanzschwarz -
1:18 2024 RWB Porsche Bodykit Taikano Kaishin - Red -
1:18 1970 Nissan Skyline (C10) Hakosuka Solido Works - Red Metallic -
1:18 2025 F1 McLaren MCL39 Orange L.Norris #4 - GP Monaco -
1:18 2024 Cool Combi - Mint Green & White
Common questions
What is Solido?
Solido is a French maker of diecast metal model vehicles. Its official website says the company was founded by Ferdinand de Vazeilles and that the Solido brand was created in 1934.
Are Solido diecast models good quality?
In my view, yes. Solido 1:18 models have clean paint, accurate proportions and solid heft, and they sit well above budget brands on finish. They usually have opening doors only, with the engine bay and trunk sealed, so they do not match the detail of premium brands.
Is Solido better than Maisto or Bburago?
In my view Solido has the edge on heft and finish, while Maisto and Bburago are strongest as entry-level brands. Check each listing for the features of a particular model.
Where is Solido from?
France. Solido describes itself as the oldest French brand of metal vehicles with opening parts. Its history page notes that production moved from France to China in 2006.
What scales does Solido make?
Solido's official site lists 1:18, 1:43 and 1:64 collections, plus a military collection. The scale we carry most is 1:18.
Do Solido models have opening parts?
Usually the doors open. Engine bays and trunks often remain sealed, so check each listing to see what a specific model offers.