There are several notable advantages to collecting 1/64-scale diecasts versus 1/24 cars. The smaller scale diecasts are far more affordable. You can get a bevy of them for the price of a single 1/24. The smaller scale diecasts are easier and more convenient to display, store and transport. Often enough, there are diecasts only made in 1/64 scale, just to name a few benefits. 

So, why is it that I, along with many other diecast collectors, seemingly dismiss these smaller-scale models?  

There are many factors — 1/24s providing a much higher level of detail, for instance — but I can’t speak for other collectors. I know why I prefer 1/24s though; my eyesight is progressively getting terrible.  

The main rationale as to why I collect 1/24 diecasts is because I want to be able to see them from several feet away, on a wall-mounted case, without questioning which car I’m viewing. I can’t tell what the hell I’m looking at when it’s a 1/64 from a distance. Is that Kasey Kahne’s Budweiser CoT, Scott Riggs’ Checkers ride, Ryan Blaney’s 2019 BodyArmour Mustang or Chris Buescher’s Bit O’ Honey Xfinity car? Dunno. Sitting a few feet away, they are all just red, vaguely car-shaped blobs. In their 1/24 forms, I can at least discern the numbers, sponsor and other tell-tale signs of which diecast I’m viewing.  

This is why 1/64-scale diecasts, NASCAR models and beyond, are primarily geared toward kids — their eyesight hasn’t deteriorated yet, and they can actually see the damn things from afar.  

There’s also the matter of maintaining a collection, something I would not be able to do with 1/64 models. In my house, my daughter knows that she has her own 1/24s, but any that are in the basement are, to quote myself, “Only for looking at.” However, there is an unspoken rule that any 1/64-scale diecasts are fair game for her to play with. What she understands as “play with” is smashing them on any vertical or horizontal surface until, well, these diecasts genuinely become red, vaguely car-shaped blobs.  

Though I prefer 1/24s, I certainly won’t dismiss any collector who, for any reason, collects 1/64-scale diecasts. As NASCAR diecast aficionados we at least get the benefit of having a more detailed versus more affordable option. Whatever scale is your preference, I say, happy collecting. For me, I’ll keep my compendium of 1/24s growing while my extremely small 1/64 collection slowly transfers to my daughter. She’s the only one that can see them, anyway.