Top 100 fastest diecast cars
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Based on extensive tournaments and time trials, these are my top 100 diecast cars. I've tested thousands of cars including most of the known fast cars.. But there are always new cars to be discovered. Excited to hear your feedback on additional cars to test. Please see information in the site for more cars, lists and information. Good luck racing.
Let me know your thoughts on the rankings and ideas you have for fast racers.
Let me know your thoughts on the rankings and ideas you have for fast racers.
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Number 1
60's Studebaker Johnny Lightning 2004, Coca-Cola Polar Bear series 65 grams, Casting # 416 My fastest overall diecast. Runs smooth, maintains speed throughout the straight away. It's heavy with great balance and great wheels. This version of the 60's Studebaker is found in the Polar Bear series, which is somewhat hard to find. Note that the Surf Rods version (aka "Lava Mama's") is also quite fast. |
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Number 2
1977 Chevy Van Johnny Lightning 2004, Spider-Man Toys 'R Us Exclusive 99 grams, Casting # 400 One of the heaviest diecast cars, weighing in at nearly 100 grams. This cool designed car has an especially wide stance, which creates more stability when racing down the track. I have several other versions of this casting, but this one is easily the best. |
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Number 3
Frontrunnin' Fairmont Hot Wheels 1983, The Hot Ones 52 grams, Gold Hot Ones wheels This car has a great and well earned reputation as one of the fastest racers. This vintage casting features the Gold Hot Ones wheels, good weight and good balance. This is an elite car, although it may take a few before you find a burner. In 1986 this casting was renamed "Race Ace", but stick to the red, metal flake version from 1983. |
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Number 4
Wind Splitter (also known as BMW M1) Hot Wheels 1985, Ultra Hots series 50 grams, Ultra Hot wheels From the very fast Ultra Hots series. There are several Elite level performers from that series, but this is my fastest. Runs incredibly smooth. The wheels and the good weight and balance make this a beast. |
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Number 5
Ferrari Testarossa Hot Wheels 1996, Gold Medal Speed 47 grams, Gold Laced Wheels Rolls effortlessly with the gold laced wheels. Very impressive considering its modest weight. Comes from the 90's Gold Medal Speed series, which features several other Elite cars. |
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Number 6
1977 Dodge Van Johnny Lightning 2004, Marvel Release 4 75 grams, Casting #398 Another very fast Johnny Lightning van. This is the stand out version of the Dodge van. This specific car comes from the Marvel Comics, series 4 release which features a number of fast castings. |
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Number 7
2002 Cadillac Escalade Johnny Lightning 2004, Modern CLUE series 62 grams, Casting #599 Runs smooth and seems to pick up momentum towards the finish. From the CLUE series. |
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Number 8
1978 Midnight Express (aka Li'l Red Express) Johnny Lightning 1997, Truckin' America 69 grams, Casting #418 Heavy and compact. Makes a whistle sound down the track as the hood rattles a bit. The Truckin' America series from JL has many fast trucks. |
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Number 9
Sol-Aire CX-4 Hot Wheels 1984, Ultra Hots series 58 grams, Ultra Hot wheels This is the debut of this Hot Wheels casting and what a great introduction. Heavy with a low center of gravity and excellent wheels. Another great Ultra Hots car. The red 1985 version was also quite fast. |
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Number 10
1969 Chevy Camaro Johnny Lightning 2004, Street Freaks, Black with Flames 61 grams, Casting #537 Perhaps the most famous racer among the Johnny Lightning cars. This is my fastest Johnny Lightning car (excluding the vans and trucks ahead of it). An elite speed car that's heavy with great balance. Note that it took me three purchases before I found this elite speed one. Johnny Lightning cars can be hit or miss, so you need to be patient. Given its popularity, this car can be expensive to pick up. |
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Number 11
Double Demon Hot Wheels 1986, Speed Demons 44 grams, Ultra Hot Wheels From the initial offering of the Speed Demons series from 1986. The Double Demon runs very smooth and fast. Not especially heavy, but very balanced and with great Ultra Hot wheels. This is a lesser known elite car and important to look for the original release cars, as the later models are not nearly as fast. See the details and a blister pack example under the Hot Wheels Speed Demon section. |
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Number 12
2000 Chevy Silverado Pickup Johnny Lightning 2006, Monopoly 70th Anniversary 71 grams, Casting #055 This car is from a special Monopoly set, which can be hard to find. At 71 grams this truck is a beast. The Monopoly, Marvel and Race Emergency versions can also be very fast. |
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Number 13
Flat Out 442 Hot Wheels 1982, The Hot Ones 49 grams, Gold Hot Ones wheels Another classic racer. This car was originally released in 1979 with basic wheels. The Hot Ones version is an elite performer. This car has a wide frame, good weight and balance and the Gold Hot One wheels. I have found more success with the yellow one from 1982 vs the Orange one from 1983. |
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Number 14
2003 Chevy Corvette Convertible Johnny Lightning 2004, Modern CLUE series 48 grams, Casting #735 This small little car packs a powerful punch. Another fast car from the CLUE series. This car features Racer's Edge Speed Wheels. These wheels feature a thin raised "lip" on the the inside of the wheel which means there is less tire surface touching the track. This supposedly creates less friction. |
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Number 15
1950 Ford F-100 Johnny Lightning 2002, Marvel series 64 grams, Casting #413 Super cool car from the Marvel series. Relatively compact, but runs fast and maintains speed throughout the race. Featuring Racer's Edge Speed Wheels. |
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Number 16
Castrol GTX Funny Car Hot Wheels 1992, Pro Circuit 67 grams, Pro-Circuit 6 Spoke wheels Funny cars are typically very fast and this representation may be the best. The design is similar to the Probe Funny Car, a fast mainline casting. Along with the King Kenny car version, this is a popular choice with racers. |
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Number 17
1976 Ford Econoline 150 Van Johnny Lightning 2002, Boogie Vans Release 1 78 grams, Casting #399 This version of the Ford Van comes from the Boogie Vans series. The black, 1977 version in the Boogie series is also very fast. At 78 grams this is a very heavy casting. |
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Number 18
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Johnny Lightning 1995, Muscle Cars 52 grams, Casting #205 This car was a surprise, as this is by far the fastest of the 1995 Muscle car releases. Not to the confused with the '69 Pontiac GTO car that's also Elite Speed level. |
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Number 19
Cadillac V-16 Hot Wheels 2005, Faster Than Ever (Twenty + Series) 40 grams, Faster Than Ever wheels (FTE's) My fastest Faster Than Ever car. The V-16 and the Way-2-Fast are generally regarded as the fastest FTE cars and my results align with that. The series is known for their copper colored wheels (known as FTE wheels) which also signify that the axle is nickel-plated. This axle creates less friction enabling the wheels to spin more freely, resulting in cars that are faster. The Cadillac V-16's long body, wide frame and the FTE wheels make this a strong racer. If this car had a metal base, this car might be unbeatable. |
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Number 20
1995 Chevy Corvette ZR-1 Johnny Lightning 1996, Classic Corvettes 49 grams, Casting #170 Many of the Corvette models from Johnny Lightning are relatively small, but with decent weight and good wheels, they tend to be among the fastest Johnny Lightning cars. This '95 ZR-1 model features Racer's Edge Speed Wheels. |
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Number 21
NASCAR Stocker (aka Mountain Dew Stocker) Hot Wheels 1983, The Hot Ones 48 grams, Gold Hot Ones wheels This super cool Hot Ones casting was only released in 1983, I have multiple copies of this car and the dark green version is faster than the lime green version. In 1986 the casting was renamed Stock Rocket and came in a red color. |
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Number 22
1965 Chevy Corvette Johnny Lightning 1999, Corvette Collection series 48 grams, Casting #733 Compact frame, yet finds a way to generate plenty of speed. This car features Racer's Edge Speed Wheels. |
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Number 23
Way-2-Fast Hot Wheels 2005, Faster Than Ever (Pin Hedz Series) 43 grams, Faster Than Ever wheels (FTE's) Along with the Cadillac V-16, the Way-2-Fast stands out as the best among the Faster Than Ever cars. Already a fast casting, this long body, open wheeled car is made even faster with the FTE wheels and nickel-plated axles. |
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Number 24
Ferrari F40 Hot Wheels 1994, Gold Medal Speed 51 grams, Gold Laced Wheels Well regarded racer, this Gold Medal Speed (GMS) version is the strongest of the F40's. Good weight, great wheels, and a wide stance that helps with stability. There is also a GMS F40 with UH wheels, but the Gold Laced wheel version is better in my testing. |
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Number 25
Turbulence Hot Wheels 1999, First Editions release 49 grams, 5 Dot Wheels This mainline casting was issued from 1999 through 2008. The black First Editions version is the fastest. Nice weight and low center of gravity. I have four of these and found some variation in speed, so may need to be patient before you find an elite speed one. |
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Number 26
1971 Dodge Charger Funny Car Johnny Lightning 2001, Kay Bee 5-Pack 57 grams, Casting #322 Very fast funny car. This dragster as actually not from the Dragsters USA series, but found in a Kay Bee value 5- pack. Featuring Racer's Edge Speed Wheels. |
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Number 27
1971 Dodge Challenger R/T Johnny Lightning 2004, Mopar or No Car series 60 grams, Casting #216 There are other fast versions of this casting, but this purple one from the Mopar series is the best. A heavy, relatively compact car. |
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Number 28
Kenworth T600 (also known as Big Rig) Hot Wheels 1996, Just Trucks 5 Pack 58 grams, Good Year Wheels Long body, wide frame and heavy weight, along with the Goodyear Tires makes this specific casting very fast. Note that other Big Rigs are not especially quick, so focus on this release. |
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Number 29
2005 Ford GT Johnny Lightning 2005, Muscle Cars 53 grams, Casting #011 This car has a wide stance and low center of gravity. Good weight and features the Racer's Edge Speed Wheels. These wheels feature a thin raised "lip" on the the inside of the wheel which means there is less tire surface touching the track. This supposedly creates less friction. |
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Number 30
1972 Dodge Charger Funny Car Johnny Lightning 1995, Dragsters USA series 53 grams, Casting #332 One of four Elite level dragsters from Johnny Lightning. This 1972 funny car is represented by "Wild Willie Borsch". Featuring Racer's Edge Speed Wheels. |
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Number 31
2005 Ford Mustang GT Johnny Lightning 2007, Coca Cola Sports Cars 57 grams, Casting #910 Tougher to find release. This car features Racer's Edge Speed Wheels. |
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Number 32
Custom GTO Johnny Lightning 2003, Cat in the Hat series 56 grams, Casting #102 A fun car from the Cat in the Hat series. This car is heavy with a reasonably wide stance. Note that it took three purchases before I found this fast one. |
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Number 33
Eeevil Weevil Hot Wheels 1986, Speed Demons 41 grams, Ultra Hot wheels Another crazy fantasy car from the surprisingly fast Speed Demons series from the 1980's. Very fast car despite its relative small size. |
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Number 34
Predator (also known as P-928) Hot Wheels 1984, Ultra Hots series 57 grams, Ultra Hot wheels This is the fastest Porsche 928 in my rankings. The third fastest car within the Ultra Hots series from the mid-80's. The purple 1985 Ultra Hots version was named "Nightstreaker" , but I have not found that car to be nearly as fast. |
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Number 35
1967 Pontiac GTO Johnny Lightning 2003, Marvel series 58 grams, Casting #222 Another strong Marvel series casting. This car has a long body and wide frame. |
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Number 36
2000 Chevy Silverado Extended Cab Johnny Lightning 2000, Brickyard 400 Emergency Trucks 73 grams, Casting #051 With its heavy weight and very long frame, this truck is fast, although it seems like it has the potential to be even faster. Featuring Racer's Edge Speed Wheels. |
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Number 37
Way-2-Fast Hot Wheels 2000, Auto Show Car 46 grams, 5 Spoke Wheels This is a cool looking casting that debuted in 1997. This specific car is from an auto show and is harder to find. The 2005 Faster Than Ever version is ranked 23rd. |
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Number 38
Turboa Hot Wheels 1986, Speed Demons 44 grams, Ultra Hot wheels Another unusual looking casting from the original release of the Speed Demons cars. Runs very fast with the Ultra Hot wheels. Low center of gravity. |
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Number 39
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Johnny Lightning 2004, Street Freaks, Black with Flames 58 grams, Casting #840 From the Black with Flames series which also contains the famous '69 Chevy Camaro. |
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Number 40
1978 Indy Car Johnny Lightning 1996, Indy Race Car Winners 39 grams, Casting #456 The fastest of the Johnny Lightning Indy cars. It's also my fastest cars under 40 grams. The good wheels and low center of gravity contributes to the speed. Featuring Racer's Edge Speed Wheels. |
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Number 41
Pontiac Stocker Hot Wheels 2000, Pro Racing 42 grams, Goodyear Eagle 10-Spoke The fastest car among the four Pro Racing stock car castings. Reasonable weight, despite the plastic base. The Goodyear wheels are very good and it has a relatively wide frame creating stability on the track. |
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Number 42
1933 Willy's Panel Van Johnny Lightning 2002, Woodies & Panel Series 60 grams, Casting #837 This fast van has a more narrow frame, but the weight helps keep it stable down the track. Other models with this casting are not as strong, so stick to this version. |
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Number 43
1972 Pontiac GTO Pro Stock Johnny Lightning 2002, Marvel series 54 grams, Casting #559 Like the Haulin' Hearse, this car is quite narrow and therefore wobbles, limiting its speed. Despite that it finds a way to be en Elite Level car. Featuring Racer's Edge Speed Wheels. |
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Number 44
1954 Chevy Panel Van Johnny Lightning 2000, Surf Rod Series 58 grams, Casting #154 Fun car from the Surf Rods series featuring surfboards on the roof. |
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Number 45
1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Johnny Lightning 2004, Mopar or No Car Box Set 59 grams, Casting #420 A number of fast versions exist of this casting. This particular car comes from the Mopar or No Car Box Set. Long body and relatively wide stance helps keep the speed going. Featuring Racer's Edge Speed Wheels. |
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Number 46
Land Rover MkII Hot Wheels 1997 release 57 grams, 5 Spoke Wheels This is the only release of this casting by Hot Wheels, although there were variations made by Corgi in prior years. This is a somewhat obscure release, but if you can find it you won't be disappointed. |
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Number 47
Probe Funny Car Hot Wheels 1997, Funny Car Racing 4-Pack 72 grams, 5 Spoke Wheels This heavy, fast casting is well known among racers. The "Hot Stuff" car is from a funny car pack which can be tough to find. The 1996 Splatter Paint, the 1997 Bonneville and Trix cars, the 1998 Hershey car, the 1999 Mega-Graphics and the 2003 Crazed Clown versions are also very fast. I have about 50 cars of this casting covering most of the versions, but the Hot Stuff was the fastest. |
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Number 48
1968 Chevy Camaro Johnny Lightning 2004, Spider-Man, Toys 'R Us exclusive 52 grams, Casting #536 The '69 Chevy Camaro may get the limelight, but this '68 model is no slouch. Both the '69 and '68 were issued in 2004, the pinnacle of Johnny Lightning releases. Just noticed that my top 4 JL's are all from 2004 releases. |
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Number 49
1973 Pontiac GTO/Grand Am Johnny Lightning 2006, Street Freaks, American Glory 58 grams, Casting #858 Strong performer from the American Glory series. |
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Number 50
Ferrari F40 Hot Wheels 1993, 25th Anniversary Exotic 5 Pack 52 grams, Ultra Hot Wheels This is a well known gravity racer. There are many fast versions of this casting including the black one from 1999, the yellow release from 2000 and the gold Dash 4 Cash version. The car has good weight and a wide stance which creates stability on the track. The Gold Medal Speed version is ranked 24th. |
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Rank 51-75
Cars are color coded by brand. You'll see the Matchbox BMW 850i coming in at #69. The list is dominated by early-1990's to mid 2000's releases. The only exceptions are three Hot Wheels 80's cars with Speed Seeker at #51, Cargoyle at #58 and Mirada Stocker at #66 from the Hot Ones release. Two well known Hot Wheels funny cars make the list with the mainline Mega-Graphics Funny Car and the King Kenny Funny Car from the Pro Circuit series. A diverse set of Johnny Lightning cars makes this competitive list including a variety of trucks, dragsters and cars.
Rank 76-100
A contemporary car is seen with Storm, a Marvel Character Car from 2020 at #82, but otherwise mostly fast cars from the mid-1990's through mid-2000's, across both Johnny Lightning and Hot Wheels. The Honda Odyssey from Tomica is a surprising entry at #99.
Rankings at the High Speed and Good Speed levels are highlighted in the breakouts sections of the site under Hot Wheels, Johnny Lightning and Matchbox and other Brands,