You can always put non-film-themed car models on your desk but that's not quite as exciting and is unlikely to distract you from the home office tedium to the same degree. Cars in films capture our imaginations in a firmer and admittedly more Hollywood grasp.
In pursuing this train of thought that occurred to me whilst docked at my home office, I've put together a collection of the best film-themed car toys, models, and kits. Fear not, I have a distinct disdain for tacky merchandise, so it's not simply a list of garbage. Without further ado, let's dive in.
Kits
The LEGO Batmobile isn't the biggest set ever - 45cm (L) x 25cm (W) x 16cm (H) - but it's exquisitely detailed and aimed at the LEGO and/or Batman enthusiast. It consists of 2,049 and comes with a display plaque.
Meanwhile, if the Batmobile from the latest film is more your thing, you'll be pleased to learn LEGO wasted no time bringing out its iteration of it. Consisting of 1360 pieces and neat touches such as the exposed engine, this is a great kit to build and display.
A highly detailed Creator Expert set consisting of 1,295 pieces. The kit aims to be as rewarding to look at as it is to build with its rotating number plates, deployable scythes in the wheels, and other Bond bits. The model measures 34cm (L) x 12cm (W) x 10cm (H).
We've had a play with this kit and concluded this 1,077-piece kit is a great but possible challenge for youngsters while being a satisfying build for adults. It possesses lots of detail such as the 'working' V8 engine and the nitro tanks in the boot.
Revell, along with Tamiya, is well-known for its detailed car, boat, and plane models. And like almost everyone else, Revell is tapping into the Fast And Furious franchise goldmine. Revell's Plymouth GTX is a 1:24 scale kit, consisting of 81 parts. It's skill level four (out of five), meaning it's a reasonably complex build and requires glue and paint. There are a couple of other Fast And Furious models from Revell too, such as Dom's infamous Dodge Charger and Brian's neon green Mitsubishi Eclipse.
In contrast to the LEGO kits above is this 35-piece kit. We've got our hands on VW and Porsche Playmobil kits before and they're excellent and carry more detail than one expects. Where the LEGO kits are more complex, this is good for even the youngest of car fans. It's robust enough for them too. Dimensions are: 25cm (L) x 12cm (W) x 13cm (H).
Another neat, simple, and fun Playmobil kit. This 69-piece kit includes the four A-Team members and the van itself has a removable roof and opening tailgate.
Only one person was going to make a 1980s muscle car cool. This Playmobil K.I.T.T. won't drive you to work on its own, or at all. But it's a fun set to adorn a bookcase with.
If the LEGO DB5 kit is too LEGO-y, the sleeker lines of the Playmobil set may tickle your fancy. Don't worry, it still has the ejector seat and wheel scythes, plus other gadgets.
The Micro level of Scalextric is very easy to control but still fun and is therefore good for a range of ages. You get a generous 408c track that has 10 layout configurations. The track is battery-powered but a mains powerbase can be bought and used. You get an Aston Martin DB5 and an ominous black Jaguar XF saloon to race.
Models
Die casts and models don't require individual explanation like the kits do. What we will say of our collection of favourites below it that they are all well made, detailed models from brands that have been doing this many years.
1:24 scale.
1:64 scale; comes in collector packaging.
Highly detailed 1:32 scale car.
1:24 scale.
1:24 scale.
1:24 scale.
1:24 scale.
1:64 scale; Lykan Hypersport, Dodge Ice Charger, Toyota Supra.