Car Model magazine was started in July 1962, by Oscar A. M. Koveleski (of Auto World) and Robert MacLeod.

The first seven issues were printed bimonthly before switching to the monthly format in September of 1963.

The magazine's original focus of building plastic model cars was soon overtaken by the slot car rage. Car Model magazine covered all scales, ages and skill levels in an uninterrupted string of monthly issues, until May 1973. In late 1973 and through 1974, an additional 10 issues sputtered out before the magazine finally folded.