Picture this: a room buzzing like a beehive, packed with people swapping stories over tiny Ferraris, haggling over vintage Mustangs, and debating whether a 1:18 scale Lamborghini counts as “luggage” on a flight. This isn’t a souvenir shop—it’s the Diecast Collectors of Bangladesh (DCBD) Convention, where miniature cars reign supreme.
On February 7, 2025, Dhaka’s Riddhi Book Cafe Gallery transformed into a hub for automotive connoisseurs and history enthusiasts alike, as the Diecast Collectors of Bangladesh (DCBD) hosted its 9th annual convention, bringing together collectors, fans, and curious onlookers to celebrate the art of scale model cars.
Countless diecast models—from vintage trucks to sleek modern supercars—crowded the tables, proving that big passion can come in very small packages.
In addition to high-end manufacturers like Autoart, CMC, and Otto, this year’s DCBD Convention showcased models from well-known brands like Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Tomica, and Ferrari. “Whether it was focused on race cars, Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) legends, or iconic muscle cars from the 1960s, each collection told a unique story,” said Quazi Ashfaq Uz Zaman, a member of the organizing team.
“This year, we wanted to showcase not just individual collections but also tell stories through them,” said Quazi, who has been collecting Diecast cars since 2000, with over 7,000 cars in his collection.
The daylong event attracted thousands of visitors, many of whom shared their journeys into the world of Diecast collecting. Shariful Islam Shawon, an admin of the DCBD group, recounted how the racing anime ‘Initial D’ sparked his interest in collecting. His collection of over 200 models, each with its own story, features everything from Century Evoque Range Rover to the iconic Nissan GT-R32.For passionate collector Abdullah Muntasir Nabil, Diecast collecting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a journey that has spanned over ten years and resulted in a collection of more than 2,000 1:64 scale cars, alongside top-tier 1:18 luxury models. “It’s about curating pieces that are not just visually stunning, but historically significant,” Nabil said while showcasing some of the crown jewels of his collection.
Among the standout models was a top-of-the-line CMC Mercedes “Red Baron” 620, a rare piece previously owned by Paris Hilton’s father. “These models come with their own stories, and that’s what excites me,” Nabil added. His collection also features high-end models from brands like Amalgam and BBR, including a 1:18 scale LaFerrari inspired by Lewis Hamilton’s F1 success and a Pagani Zonda Revolution Edition with an ultra-realistic detailed finish.
But Nabil’s favourite piece? The legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, also known as The Redpig. “It’s a model of a car that defined an era in racing,” he shared. “The detail is impeccable—it’s as close to the real thing as you can get without stepping on a track and the significance it holds is beyond understanding.”
For Tanvir Sami, another collector, the world of Diecast collecting isn’t about speed cars or luxury ones—it’s about purpose and precision. His 80-piece assortment of 1:72 scale models includes heavy-duty military vehicles, helicopters, jets, and firetrucks.
“I’ve always been fascinated by machines that serve a critical purpose,” he explained while highlighting a meticulously crafted Russian cruiser and US Army helicopter.
Sami’s collection showcases everything from tactical tanks and armoured vehicles to fighter jets and firefighting aircraft, each model representing real-life counterparts.
“It’s not just about aesthetics,” he added, “I choose models that tell a story of defence, rescue, or exploration.” One of the highlights of his collection is a 1:72 scale United Nations helicopter, known for its role in military transport missions. “It took me six months to track this down,” Sami said. “It’s more than a model to me—it’s a piece of history.”
The event was filled with collections of various Diecast-related niches and interests. For collector Kanak, the die-cast world is defined by two obsessions: Coca-Cola and Ferrari. “I’ve been collecting Coca-Cola-branded vehicles and Ferrari models for years,” he said, standing beside a showcase filled with vintage Coca-Cola delivery trucks and iconic prancing-horse supercars. His Ferrari lineup includes legendary models like the F40, Enzo, and 250 GTO. “It’s about brands that hold history and emotion,” he added.
Alvi Haque, another collector, shared his niche as a Lamborghini enthusiast. His collection ranges from the Miura and Countach to modern marvels like the Aventador SVJ and Huracán STO. “Lambos aren’t just cars—they’re works of art,” Haque explained. “Their boldness is what draws me in.”
There was also collector Wasequr, whose passion lies in motorsport-oriented models from the year 2009, with his display focusing on Le Mans racers and Formula 1 cars. On the other hand, collector Sajid Dewan’s interest leans toward JDM forecasters and racing cars, being a big fan of legendary drivers. His collection featured models like the Lancia 037 in 1:43 scale, the Mitsubishi Evo VI Tommi Makinen Edition, and the rare Lamborghini Gallardo Valentino Balboni edition. “I love cars built for speed and endurance,” Sajid said. “They embody engineering excellence.”
Beyond the individual collections, the convention represented a strong sense of community among collectors, with many attendees sharing stories of how the Diecast hobby has brought them together. Pritom, who has been a member of the community for five years, said, “We help each other find rare models, trade duplicates, and share advice on maintaining and displaying our collections. It’s more than just a group—it’s a family.”
A key theme of the event was preserving automotive history through diecast models. Many collectors see their collections as a way to honour the legacy of iconic cars and the stories they represent. Veteran collector Mohammad Rafi, whose collection focuses on pre-2000s classics, explained how he uses his models to educate others about the evolution of automotive design and engineering. “I want people toappreciate the craftsmanship of these cars,” he said. “Every model tells a story—not just about the car itself, but about the era it was built in. These models are more than just collectables—they’re pieces of history.”
Customisation is another aspect of die-cast collecting that was prominently showcased at the event. A special section was dedicated to modified and hand-painted models, where collectors displayed their creativity by adding custom decals, changing colour schemes, and even altering the rims and interiors of their models.
A dedicated ‘Collectors’ Corner’ allowed enthusiasts to network, trade, and sell models, creating a vibrant marketplace within the venue. Nujhat, an eleventh-grade student who attended the event for the first time, was able to trade a Porsche 911 model for a 1968 Corvette. “It was a great experience,” she said. “I didn’t just gain a new car—I made a new friend.” Alongside this, there were contests and raffle draws for the attendants.
The DCBD Convention 2025 was more than just a display of miniature cars; it was a celebration of automotive history, craftsmanship, and the shared passion of a growing community.
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