Often called ‘Japan’s Star Wars,’ theGundamfranchise has inspired fans worldwide for 40+ years with its groundbreaking mechas, rich universe, and complex characters. Alongside the shows and movies, the ‘Gunpla’ market, which is short for Gundam plastic model kits, has grown. These Gunpla range from high-quality model kits to detailed action figures showcasing iconic mobile suits.
Gunpla has become so independently popular that many people who have never even watched Gundam still buy and collect kits. As with any popular collectible, Gunpla, released in limited quantities or through exclusive events, has become a rare and highly sought-after treasure. Here are the rarest Gundam kits available!
Updated on June 11, 2025, by William Quick:We owe Gundam a lot of credit for popularizing the idea of flying and piloting giant robot suits to fight all sorts of threats both on and off Earth, with the new series Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX keeping things going.
Of course, with giant robot suits comes giant robot responsibilities, so it might be less stressful to stick with the shows, movies, games, and models. Among all the types of collectibles available, having what are essentially highly detailed and complex action figures ranks near the top.
So many Gundam models and collectibles have been released over the decades, and here are some of the rarest and most expensive ones an avid collector can hope to own.
13Bandai Hi-Res 1/100 Wing Gundam Zero Endless Waltz (Plated Coating)
$200
A limited color version of the Hi-Resolution Wing Gundam Zero, this kit features pearl coloring for the white armor and a matte metallic finish for the blue, red, and yellow armor. That matte finish is an especially nice touch, as it more closely resembles how metal appears in anime (as opposed to shiny, reflective metal).
There are only a handful of high-resolution kits available for Gundam. These kits have the assembler build armor and apply it to a pre-constructed frame rather than build it. Initially released in 2018, this pearl-coated version of the Hi-Res Wing Gundam Zero remains highly sought after and difficult to find today.
12HGUC 1/144 RX-78 GP03 Gundam Dendrobium
$300 - $500
A stunning recreation of the massive RX-78GP03 Gundam Dendrobium, this kit measures a whopping 3 feet in length and 2 feet in width. With multiple attachable weapons and 108 micro-missile packs, the RX-78 GP03 Gundam Dendrobium includes both the mobile weapon and the Gundam itself.
The RX-78 GP03 Gundam Dendrobium is so massive that its accessory kit is the size of a ‘regular’ Gunpla. The Dendrobium is such a faithful recreation that, over 20 years after its release, the kit is still in high demand.
11Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Hana Metal Build
$250 - $500
Released in 2020, the Metal Build Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Hana features die-cast construction, which sets it apart from the bulk of Gundam kits, which are primarily made of plastic. This exceptional design quality and attention to detail have made it a prized kit among collectors, and it remains in high demand.
Though the Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Hana Metal Build is a beautiful piece that would’ve been well-received no matter the circumstances, a surge in Gunpla interest due to the COVID quarantine may have caused the kit to sell out even faster. Either way, the kit will still cost you big bucks to get your hands on it.
10Premium Limited Bandai PG 1/60 Trans-Am Raiser Gundam 00
$600
A tenth-anniversary celebration ofMobile Suit Gundam 00, this kit recreates the GN-0000+GNR-010 00 Raiser introduced in the show’s second season. Its striking colors are accented by metallic molding, giving an extra pop to an eye-catching model.
Equipped with LED lighting in the GN Drives, the Trans-Am Raiser Gundam 00 even glows a vivid green that mimics the GN particle release. This attention to detail and the fact that the model kit was a limited release for the show’s anniversary make it one of the rarest ever made.
9PG 1/60 Char’s Custom Zaku II Red Metal Version
$700
In 2002 and 2003, the MG Special Mechanic Seal W Chance Campaign gave Gundam fans some of the most sought-after models ever. In 2003, that kit was the PG 1/60 Char’s Custom Zaku II Red Metal Version.
Unlike 2002’s prize, which only produced 30 models, this red metal version of Char’s Custom Zaku II saw 300 kits distributed. Though it may be slightly more available than the 2002 grand prize, it’s still one of the most sought-after Gunplas in the world.
8Perfect Grade Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex Narrative Version
$600 - $900
One of the flashiest and most eye-catching Gunplas, thePerfect GradeUnicorn Phenex Narrative Version, can’t be found in a model kit shop. This isn’t just due to its rarity, but because Bandai only had a limited sale online.
The model is derived from theMobile Suit Gundam NTanime. It has a dazzling gold finish and blue LEDs. The kit sold initially for $550, but high demand has caused the aftermarket price to fluctuate between $600 and $900, with some outliers selling for as high as $1,600.
7TAMASHII NATIONS Strike Freedom Gundam
$1,000
One of the later series in the Gundam franchise was Gundam Seed Destiny, which was released in 2004 and lasted only one season. Despite the short run time, we got to see a whole range of newer and updated models that were all about having as many weapons and extremities as possible. A fantastic example is Tamashii Nations' own Strike Freedom Gundam, with all the spiky wings and big guns it can carry.
As long as you’re careful with it, this model will make an excellent and intimidating addition to any collection. With all the detail and precision put into making this model stand out, it’s worth the price of $1,000.00. If you manage to find a mint-condition version, you’ll be getting an incredible deal.
6MG 1/100 RX-78-2 Gundam Version 2.0 Pure Gold Plating
$2,000
The Pure Gold Plating version of the 1/100 RX-78-2 Gundam (ver. 2) was more destined to become a ‘holy grail’ of collectors than many other kits because only a few people had access to it. The kit wasn’t only available to Club MG members—it was only available to those who had collected a certain number of points.
Today, the MG 1/100 RX-78-2 Gundam Version 2.0 Pure Gold Plating kit is a rare find that can be tough to price accurately. Most estimates put it around $2,000 to $2,350, but a 2024 eBay listing seems to have sold for nearly $15,000.
5Tamashii Nations Metal Structure Kaitai-Shou-Ki RX-93 Nu Gundam
$2,500
When Tamashii Nations goes big, it doesn’t mess around. The Metal Structure Kaitai-Shou-Ki RX-93 Nu Gundam depicts the ν Gundam (the ‘v’ is pronounced ‘nu’) from Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack. The model comprises a staggering 2,000 individual parts, meticulously detailing every aspect of the mecha.
Standing two feet tall with die-cast components, the Nu Gundam features movable armor panels, LED lights, and numerous accessories, including the beam rifle, New Hyper Bazooka, and beam sabers. Regarding its high price point and rarity, the piece speaks for itself.
4Tamashii Nations Metal Structure Kaitai-Shou-Ki MSN-04 Sazabi
$3,000
Another gargantuan model from Tamashii Nations, the MSN-04 Sazabi, comes from Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack. It launched in 2022 and, like the other products in Tamashii Nations' Kaitai-Shou-Ki line, the level of detail and craft skills is unparalleled.
Originally priced at around $1,300, the figure was only available through a timed lottery, making it difficult for most fans to obtain it directly. The limited quantities sold out quickly, with aftermarket listings reaching astonishing prices. The model is still a pricey and hard-to-find item today, but by 2022, prices are expected to reach as high as $8,000.
