Bburago is one of the oldest and most recognized names in diecast collecting. Founded in Italy, the brand built its reputation on affordable replicas of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and other European supercars — covering multiple scales from the displayable 1:18 down to the pocket-sized 1:64. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first large-scale model or a seasoned collector hunting for premium licensed replicas, Bburago offers something at nearly every price point.
The Bburago brand originated in Burago di Molgora, a small town near Milan, Italy — a name that directly inspired the brand. The company began producing diecast vehicles in the 1970s and quickly established itself as a leader in European diecast with its focus on Italian and German sports cars at 1:18 and 1:24 scale.
In 2005, Bburago was acquired by the Maisto group (MZ Berklin), which expanded distribution globally while retaining the original Italian brand identity. Today Bburago and Maisto are sister brands sharing some tooling infrastructure, though they maintain distinct product lines, price tiers, and collector audiences.
💡 Brand identity: Despite operating under the same parent company since 2005, Bburago and Maisto are sold as separate brands with different model lineups. A Bburago Ferrari is not the same product as a Maisto Ferrari of the same scale.
One of Bburago's key strengths is its multi-scale catalog. The brand covers four major scales, each suited to different collector needs and display preferences.
Bburago's 1:18 models are approximately 25–28 cm long and represent the brand at its highest detail level. Opening hoods, doors, and trunks; detailed engine bays; steerable front wheels; and rubber tires are common features. These models are designed for shelf display and are the go-to choice for collectors who want a significant physical presence without climbing to the cost of higher-end brands.
At roughly 18 cm long, 1:24 models offer a balance of detail and space efficiency. Most feature opening doors and detailed interiors. This scale is popular with collectors who have limited shelf space but still want models large enough to appreciate close-up detail.
At approximately 10 cm, 1:43 is the traditional European collector scale — historically preferred for its ability to replicate the detail of larger scale models in a more compact form. Bburago's 1:43 range focuses primarily on iconic European sports and race cars.
Bburago's 1:64 models are sold primarily under the Street Fire line and are priced comparably to Hot Wheels. They're available in multi-packs and individual blister cards, making them accessible to younger collectors and those building large display counts on a budget.
The top tier of Bburago's current lineup. Signature Edition models are 1:18 scale with a focus on accuracy and premium finish. They feature rubber tires, opening body panels, and detailed interior with fabric seat elements on some releases. Gold Edition variants carry a premium foil box presentation. These are the models that compete most directly with brands like Maisto Special Edition and AUTOart at a lower price point.
A mid-tier 1:24 and 1:43 line blending collector-grade detail with sturdier construction suitable for handling. Commonly features Ferrari and other licensed sports cars with opening doors and detailed paint.
The entry-level, budget-friendly line primarily in 1:43 and 1:64 scales. Street Fire models focus on volume and accessibility over premium detail. Multi-packs and gift sets are common packaging formats. A good starting point for younger collectors or for filling out a varied display affordably.
| Feature | Bburago | Maisto |
|---|---|---|
| Brand origin | Italy (1970s) | USA / China (1990s) |
| Primary focus | European supercars, Ferrari | American muscle, global variety |
| Top scale | 1:18 Signature Edition | 1:18 Special Edition |
| Ferrari license | Yes (primary identity) | Limited |
| Lamborghini license | Yes | Yes |
| 1:64 budget line | Street Fire | Fresh Metal |
| Price range (1:18) | $20–$60 | $20–$60 |
| Parent company | MZ Berklin (same) | |
Bburago holds one of the most important licenses in affordable diecast: an official Ferrari agreement. This allows Bburago to produce replicas of Ferrari road cars and F1 cars with authentic branding, Cavallino Rampante crests, and accurate livery colors. For collectors on a budget who want a genuine Ferrari-branded diecast, Bburago is often the most accessible option.
Similarly, Lamborghini models — Huracán, Aventador, Urus, Countach — appear regularly in the Bburago catalog across multiple scales. Other represented marques include Bugatti, Porsche, Bentley, Alfa Romeo, and McLaren.
Yes — Bburago offers some of the best value in the 1:18 collector space. The Signature Edition line in particular delivers opening panels, rubber tires, and accurate licensed models at a price point significantly below AUTOart, Minichamps, or Kyosho. For the money, it's hard to beat for European supercar replicas.
They share the same parent company (MZ Berklin) and some manufacturing infrastructure, but are marketed as distinct brands with separate model lineups, packaging, and collector identities. A Bburago product is not interchangeable with a Maisto product.
Yes. Bburago holds an official Ferrari license allowing it to produce replicas with authentic Ferrari branding, including the Cavallino Rampante (prancing horse) logo on both the models and packaging.
1:18 offers the most impressive shelf presence and detail for display purposes. 1:24 is a strong compromise if space is limited. For very large collections, 1:43 allows many more models per shelf.
Log models by scale and marque, scan with AI, and build the perfect display. Free on iOS and Android.
📚 Related Guides