The bestselling Airfix kits of Christmases past

With so many incredible models in the current range, it is easy to forget that Airfix is a heritage brand that has been delighting modellers at Christmas for over 70 years. Here’s a rundown of some of our most popular Airfix model kits through the decades – do you remember getting any of these for Christmas?

The 1950s: BTK Spitfire

The very first Airfix kit ever made was the 1:72 scale BTK Spitfire. This model had just 19 parts made out of blue polystyrene and the mould included four small bombs on underwing pylons.

Despite the several inaccuracies in the kit, it was revolutionary for the time and incredibly popular for the few years it was on sale. It was soon updated with a new and improved version, with more accurate detail, and Airfix has had a Spitfire kit in the range ever since.

The 1960s: Hawker Siddeley Folland Gnat

At this point in the article, it is probably worth mentioning that the most popular kit almost every year since the beginning of Airfix time, was a Spitfire of some sort.

But in the 1960s, the Folland Gnat came a close second. This 1:72 aircraft kit came in a bag, like previous kits, and represented a current RAF aircraft. It was also part of the Red Arrows display team in the 1960s, almost certainly boosting interest in this kit and introducing many people to the world of model-making.

The 1970s: Messerschmitt Bf 109E

This 1:72 scale Messerschmitt model kit was part of a range of Second World War designs that collectors couldn’t get enough of. This Axis aircraft was fascinating to aviation enthusiasts, boosting sales and providing an alternative view for military dioramas. It one of the most regularly unwrapped kits at Christmas during the decade.

The 1980s: Hawker Hurricane Mk.I

This kit was actually a rerelease of a model from the 70s, but in a fancy new box. Its popularity most likely comes from the fact that it was only released once throughout the decade. But it was well made and appealed to the masses, so the same kit was a regular on Christmas lists.

In fact, this kit was so popular that the tooling was used all the way through to 2011, with various re-releases along the way. There’s a good chance you have one in your collection somewhere!

The 1990s/2000s: Avro Lancaster B.III Dambuster Anniversary kit

Although the Airfix Avro Lancaster had already been released several times before, this 1:72 scale model kit version commemorated 50 years since the Dambuster attacks, making it one of the most popular designs of both the 90s and 00s. It had 108 pieces and included the Wallis ‘Bouncing Bomb’. Modellers praised the accuracy of this kit at the time, and it is still very well regarded.

The 2010s: Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB

The Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB caused a stir in the modelling community, created in a huge 1:24 scale using an advanced CAD technique. This large kit was released to commemorate the D-Day anniversary in 2014 and targeted more experienced modellers who were delighted with the design.

The 2020s: Supermarine Spitfire Starter Set

The Supermarine Spitfire Starter Set is Airfix’s best-selling kit of all time, bringing the story of Airfix Christmases back to the start. Of course, this latest version is far more realistic and authentic than the original, replicating the MkVc.

And because it is a Starter Set, it is simple to construct with clear instructions and an easy-to-follow painting guide. Every Airfix modeller should have a Spitfire on their display shelf, and this is the perfect option.

You can get yours here

Ultimately, the Spitfire holds a special place in the hearts of modellers and aviation enthusiasts, and for good reason. The Airfix representations just keep getting better and better, making it a guaranteed hit at Christmas, no matter what decade you are in.

Discover all our Airfix model kits for Christmas