About Us

Built for collectors who love the details

At Appalachian Outlaws Diecast, we’re here for the people who notice the stance, the finish, the wheel fitment, and the tiny details that make a build feel real. Real cars can be expensive to buy, wrench on, and store—so we bring that same passion to something more accessible: custom Hot Wheels, Matchbox and other diecast builds you can collect, display, and actually afford to chase.

We’re a diecast custom builder and auction house built on the Appalachian spirit—straightforward, hands-on, and proud of the craft.

What we do

We specialize in:

  • 1 of 1 custom builds only (no duplicates, no reruns)

  • Full custom transformations (wheel swaps, paint, detailing, and complete reworks)

  • Auctions focused exclusively on authentic, one-off customs

Every listing is created with collectors in mind: clear photos, honest descriptions, and a focus on quality.

1 of 1 means 1 of 1

When we say 1 of 1, we mean it.

Each custom is treated as a standalone build with its own identity, finish, and story—made to be the kind of piece you don’t see again in the next drop.

Our grading and registry: trust you can verify

We believe a great auction experience starts with confidence. That’s why every car we sell is evaluated using a consistent grading process across eight criteria:

  • Craftsmanship / build quality

  • Paint quality & finish

  • Tampo / decal quality

  • Body condition & detailing

  • Wheel & tire setup

  • Axles / roll test / function

  • Base / undercarriage & fastening

  • Presentation & completeness

Each sold build receives a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with a matching Auction Registry Number. Buyers receive a digital COA by email and can request a printed version. Sold cars are permanently recorded in the Appalachian Outlaws Diecast Registry for long-term traceability.

For builders: bring your best work

We collaborate with builders who take pride in their craft. If you’re submitting builds, you can expect a clear process, fair handling, and professional promotion. Builders typically receive 70–80% of final sale proceeds (shipping, we pay that for you. You just pay processing  fees and taxes), paid within 3 business days after funds clear.

If you’re a builder interested in submitting, head to our Builder Submission section to get started.

The Appalachian Outlaws difference

We’re not trying to be the biggest—we’re trying to be the most trusted.

  • Consistency in grading and presentation

  • Transparency in what you’re bidding on

  • Respect for builders and collectors

  • Community-first growth through collaborations and partnerships

Join the auction

Whether you’re chasing your next centerpiece or looking for a builder you can trust, you’re in the right place.

Keep an eye on our upcoming auctions—and if you’ve got a build that deserves the spotlight, we’d love to see it.

 

ABOUT THE OWNER

 

James Harkleroad—better known to many as Uncle J—brings a rare mix of motorsports credibility, hands-on craftsmanship, and long-game collector instincts to everything he touches. With 10+ years of experience with Goodyear racing, he’s spent a serious chunk of his life around speed, precision, and performance standards where details matter and consistency isn’t optional. That racing background shows up in the way he approaches projects today: measured, methodical, and built to hold up under scrutiny.

Outside the track, James is a proven operator with multiple businesses under his belt, the kind of person who understands what it takes to build something from the ground up and keep it moving. He’s also been a dedicated collector for 30+ years, giving him a deep understanding of what enthusiasts value—authenticity, story, condition, and the pride of owning something that stands apart. That perspective isn’t theoretical; it’s lived experience from decades in the culture.

Over the past 3+ years as a custom builder, James has taken that collector mindset and racing-grade attention to detail and turned it into tangible work—custom pieces that reflect both creativity and discipline. Whether he’s building, collecting, or running a business, the thread is the same: he’s in it for quality, reputation, and the satisfaction of doing it the right way.