Meccano first began to create die cast models in 1931 by issuing a series of railway model cars along with other accessories like passengers, track workers and station workers among others. Within three years they began to produce diecast airplanes and model ships as well under the trade name Meccano Dinky Toys. and it was in 1934 that they released the first set of “Dinky Cars” which were one 1:43 scale models. They created a delivery van, a tractor, a tank, a sports car, a sports coupe and a model truck in the world and never been the same for collectors.

Unfortunately Dinky toys made before World War II are very rare and difficult to find. They were cast from an impure alloy and suffer from what is known as zinc pest. This is a destructive, intercrystalline corrosion process of zinc alloys that contain lead impurities. Any diecast zinc models from the 1930s, 1940s and early 1950s usually suffer from this malady and is a real threat for collectors of old model trains, radios or toys. If you ever have the good fortune of coming across one of these models in good condition for sale be aware that high humidity and significant temperature changes in the area where you keep your collection could be damaging.

As mentioned, the early dinky toys were made in England and became quite popular in the United Kingdom by the 1950s. But over the years they began to ship models to their old colonies under excellent Commonwealth wealth trade agreements. This is an important point because you can find some special or rare items that were manufactured specifically for certain countries. Meccano produced a limited edition set of military vehicles for the South African Defense force in the 1950s. The set included a van, a dispatch rider, a covered wagon, an ambulance and a motor truck that were all painted military green. And many of the models created for South Africa into the 1960s were very limited and are a real find for any collector today.

By the 1950s French Dinky Toys began to reflect a European flavor and models for French manufacturers like Citroen, Renault, Peugeot and Simca were produced instead of the UK models. By the 1960s pretty well only European [and some favorite American] models were being produced in France and make a fascinating addition to the usual United Kingdom models for collectors.

By 1972 production of French dinky toys was stopped and the English dinky toy stopped production near the end of the 1970s as well. The dinky toys trademark passed through several hands on till it is now part of Matchbox International who produce the “Dinky Collection” today. But, to a collector, these models are not the same as the “real dinky cars”. They are not as heavy and robust as the early Maccano models. But at least the dinky toy named carries on and you can still collect a series of models with this name.

The collection of Dinky Toys is an old and beloved hobby. Some started out by nostalgically looking for a model from their childhood and just kept on collecting. Others simply fell in love with these diecast models when they saw someone else’s collection or a display at a fair or a museum. Whatever the reason, dinky toy collectors are a breed apart and love the little models and we hope you enjoy your hobby.

It might surprise you to find out that the original matchbox design came from an English product company, and by a co-owner, named Jack Odell. He redesigned the first car for his daughter, from a toy that was sold at the company, except it was a much smaller version. The need for the small car was that apparently, she could not take any toys to school that would not fit inside a matchbox, so this is how the idea of die-cast small cars was dreamed up.

Lesney company, as it was known, marketed and distributed through the Moko Lesney company, and after the Lesney legacy went out of business, all of the rights to the name and design went to Moko. If you want to collect the line of vehicles, then be aware that the original distributing company name will be on the toys.

One of the most brilliant plans for the Lesney line was when they developed a retirement plan for their line for the die-cast model of cars. Vehicles would taken off the market after a season of production for the buying public. That is why collectors look for them so vigorously, and will pay high prices for originals. Also, production would be limited, which today draws the value of them to high prices on the open market.

If you are looking for the cars, then known that all originals will come in their unique bright yellow little box, in the shape of a box of matches. If a car is trying to be sold without the box, then look for other defining marks on the car, such as the Moko imprint on the vehicles. Popularity and rarity of certain models, like the die-cast caravan, is just one example of what to look for in the little vehicles.

The condition of cars, trucks, and jeeps, and the packaging it came in is very important, when trying to decide if the selling price is worth the cost. As with other vintage or antiques, all of these factors play into the real worth of it. Only you can decide if it is worth that much to own.

Many new collectors of die-casts do not realize that catalogs of the toys in the Lesney/Moko line, are just as valuable. Any price guides that can be found are a collectible too. As with the vehicles condition on both publications does mean a lot, in value and collectability. Do not be surprised to find more vehicles that are in better shape than the books and magazines. Rough handling by kids does not bode well for paper products.

Knowing all of these facts of history about collecting these rare toy cars and trucks, might just keep you out of being taken advantage of by a sly seller. Read more about the fascinating history of collectible cars and trucks from decades past, and fall in love with them all over again, or for the very first time.

Fully constructed die cast metal scale model cars are very popular with collectors. Scaled models are manufactured in a range of scales such as 1:12,1:24,1:43,1:64 and others. Cars that are especially attractive are those with a real eye to detail. Doors, hoods, trunks and fuel caps that open, ashtrays that slide out and glove compartments that work are some of the realized features. Some models cars even have hanging ignition keys and removable hood pins to open the hood. Most have working car steering and suspension with real materials used in the interiors.

Though most car models are not powered vehicles, some individual model builders have powered vehicles using different devices. Such models may suffer in comparison to the more detailed replicas found in the best static models. However, some more sophisticated commercial examples have the scale and details to be comparable. Commercially-produced power car models include those developed in the 1930s that could be found until the 1960s. Most of these cars known as tether cars used small internal combustion engines. There are models that are wound by a key or a friction mechanism. These were common until electrically slot cars that run on tracks succeeded them in the 1960s. In fact, the original Scalextric line which was sold in 1957 for the first time was essentially a motorized version of earlier clockwork Scalex racers. Radio-controlled cars can be bought assembled or can be built from kits.

Some collecting tips

To a new collector the number of models available may seem daunting. Some degree of specialization will make choice more manageable. How about a certain style or model, by manufacturer, a certain year, a certain scale, type of material used or a themed collection? NASCAR models have a large number of fans. If you single out a manufacturer, brand new models can be purchased on release and you can search for bargains and rare examples from car boot sales, flea markets, yard sales, forums and that great resource internet auction site like ebay. Before you start you may want to check out helpful sources online such as instructional videos, books and links about the hobby of collecting model cars.

When you decide to start collecting you will find you can purchase cars on many venues: the internet, trade magazines and trade shows, in toy stores and hobby shops, or other ways like estate and garage sales, flea markets and the like. When you purchase that is not new, be sure to check the condition of the model and whether it has original parts before you commit yourself.

Joining a user forum will get you acclimated and you will become more informed. Here you might need to explore the options as you might like some forums and not others. A good forum for you will be a very positive experience. Collectors are a friendly community where members assist others to locate a desired model. Get familiar with the abbreviations and terminology collectors use in discussing cars in these user forums. You will become familiar with terms like chase cars which signifies a rare car collectors covet. Almost every Diecast company has its own chase car. It may be a particular model and make, color, or a series.

You should get familiar with how much cars cost. Cost of chase cars and vintage cars is useful knowledge to acquire. Vintage cars in mint condition, can be worth a packet. Consider anywhere between USD30-15,000. They can even sell for higher as the USD 85,000 purchase price of a very rare old Hot Wheels Red Line some years ago illustrates. I bet the kid who bought that car long ago never dreamed it could sell for this price. Attending Diecast shows are also very helpful. They can take place locally as well, so travel time can be saved. For example Dallas has one every month. When attending these shows consider being there from the start to the end. Morning attendance will aid your effort to obtain any hot cars you are interested in that may disappear later in the day. At closing time, dealers wishing to unload their stock will lower their prices or be in the mood to reduce the price for a determined bargain hunter.

Collectors are drawn to this hobby and the time and money involved for different reasons. It could be a passion for collection of skillfully crafted replica cars in miniature. It could be an investment with the hope the collection will increase in value; or some other urge to collect these miniature models of motoring perfection. Once you start on the collection route you may not be able to stop. You may want to expand your activities into restoration and the building of cars from kits. This could become an addiction. No matter what your age, collecting model cars can become an exciting hobby. Some enterprising individuals have even turned it into a business; and its growing audience now includes the female gender, especially former tomboys who loved playing with model cars in their childhood are revealing a passion for collecting Diecast model cars.

If a persons interest lies with miniature cars, diecast cars would certainly be the popular choice. More specifically,certain diecast cars are often sought after by collectors. However for the beginner collector, the cost of building up a specific diecast collections can be quite expensive. A lot of collectors argue that
spending a great portion of their hard earned savings to aquire and maintain their collection robs them of its enjoyment. One option these type of collectors have is to look for bargains on Ebay. While some sellers may jack
up their prices in order to gain a large profit on the Ebay internet trading website, others are just in it for the sheer love of collecting. Therefore, one stands a very good chance at finding that certain diecast model at affordable prices so that the desire to own a collection may be satisfied.

So how does an inexperienced collector get to know a good deal from rip-off?

First, one must consider the make, model and manufacturer also the various features of the car before determining its real value. On of the main things that determine the price of a diecast car is the scale size, the general rule always being, bigger the scale size the bigger the price tag.

For a many good reasons the 1/64 scale is the best way to get started collecting diecast cars: they are low-priced and easy to store. A best way to get started is to buy in bulk lots. This way one gets a good amount of cars for quite a reasonable price and they can then be easily displayed in a case or on shelving. If you are on the opposing end of the collecting spectrum and are considering parting with some or all of your cars, selling in a bulk lot is a great option. Ebay the best place to get started buying and selling in bulk lots, just remember to proviide a lot pictures and very thorough descriptions in order to get the greatest amount of bidders.

There are a great many options for more intelligent collectors who desire a more sophisticated collection. The 1/24 and 1/8 scale cars are more expensive than the 1/64 scale, but they are bigger and have opening hoods and doors and more realistic interiors and a better finish. There are different styles of 1/24 and 1/18 scale cars such as the race,rally,muscle,factory,vintage just to name a few. All of these boast quality detail, but the 1/18 scale is by far the better. But this does make the 1/8 scale cars the more expensive than the other scales.
If space is going to be an issue, you will have to consider where you will store these models before purchasing them.

In summing up it all depends on the individual collectors own tastes and budget, so just have fun and collect away.

1902 Ford 888 Record Breaker Barney Oldfield 118 Diecast Car Vehicle Model

1902 Ford 888 Record Breaker Barney Oldfield 1/18 Diecast Car Model Exoto

Citroen C4 WRC #1 2008 Winner Rally France S.LoebD.Elena 118 Diecast Vehicle Car

DESCRIPTIONS:

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of Citroen C4 WRC 2008 S.Loeb/D.Elena Winner Rally France #1 die cast model car by Auto Art.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Detailed interior, exterior.
• Dimensions approximately L-10.5, W-4, H-3.5 inches.

1948 Chrysler New Yorker Diecast Car 118 Convertible Blue Vintage Die-Cast Vehicle Car

DESCRIPTIONS:

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast car model of 1948 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible die cast car by Signature Models.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-12, W-4, H-3.5 inches.

1936 Chrysler Airflow Diecast Model Black 118 Vintage Die-Cast Vehicle Car By Signature Models

DESCRIPTIONS:

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of 1936 Chrysler Airflow die cast model car by Signature Models.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-11.5, W-5.5, H-3.5 inches.

2006 Mini Cooper S Diecast Model Silver 118 Diecast Vehicle Car

DESCRIPTIONS:

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of 2006 Mini Cooper S die cast car by Auto Art.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-7, W-3.5, H-3 inches.

Volkswagen Type 82 Kubelwagen Diecast Model 118 Tripolis 1942 Diecast Vehicle Car

DESCRIPTIONS:

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of 1942 VW Type 82 Dubelwagen die cast model car by Minichamps.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10.5, W-4.5, H-3.5 inches.

Volkswagen New Beetle Diecast Model 118 Cabriolet Silver DieCast Vehicle Car

DESCRIPTIONS:

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of VW New Beetle Cabriolet die cast car by AUTOart.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensionsapproximately L-7.5, W-4, H-3.5 inches.

Volkswagen Nardo W12 Diecast Model Orange 118 Die Cast Car by Yat Ming

DESCRIPTIONS:

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of Volkswagen W-12 Nardo die cast model car by Road Signature.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10.5, W-5.5, H-3.5 inches.

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast F1 Renault #1 by Hotwheels.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10, W-4, H-3.5 inches.

Dmegs Web Directory

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of 2004 Michael Schumacher Belgium GP F1 die cast model Car by Hot Wheels.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Detailed interior, exterior.
• Dimensions approximately L-10.5, W-4, H-3.5 inches.

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of Ferrari 612 Sessanta Super Elite die cast car by Hot Wheels.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Detailed interior, exterior,enginecompartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-9.5, W-4, H-3.5 inches.

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast car model of 2004 Ferrari 575 GTC die cast car by Kyosho.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10, W-4, H-3.5 inches.

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of BMW 645ci die cast model car by Hotwheels.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, enginecompartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-8, W-4.25, H-3.5 inches.

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of Acura RSX die cast model car by HotWheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10.5, W-4, H-3.5 inches.

DESCRIPTIONS:

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of Audi R8 die cast car by Maisto.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior,engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10, W-4.5, H-3 inches.

• Brand new 1:24 scale diecast car model of Toyota MR2 Spyder MR2 #938 die cast car by Jada.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-8,W-3, H-2.5 inches.

DESCRIPTIONS:

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of Lamborghini Reventon die cast car by Burago.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10.5, W-4, H-3 inches.

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster Grey die cast model car by Auto Art.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10.5, W-5.5, H-3.5 inches.

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of Jaguar XK die cast car By Welly.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10, W-4, H-3.5 inches.

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast Jaguar XKR by ERTL.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of 1936 Mercedes 500K die cast model car by Maisto.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast car model 1936 Mercedes 500K Roadster die cast car by Bburago.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10,W-4,H-3,5 inches

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of 1931 Mercedes SSKL Die Cast Car by Bburago.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.

• Brand new 1:24 scale diecast model of 1935 Chevy Canopy Truck by Unique Replicas.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensionsapproximately L-10, W-4, H-3.5 inches.

• Brand new 1:24 scale diecast model of 1935 Chevrolet Canopy Truck by Unique Replicas.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Comes with accessories.
• Made of diecast with some plasticparts.
• Detailed interior, exterior, enginecompartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10, W-4, H-3.5 inches.

• Brand new 1:24 scale diecast model of 1934 Chevrolet Canopy Truck die cast by Unique Replicas.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10,W-3,H-3 inches

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of 1953 Corvette die cast model car by Auto Art.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Millenium Edition.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-9, W-4.25, H-3.5 inches.

DESCRIPTIONS:

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast 2006 Porsche 911 (996) GT3 Cup GREEN LIVERY by AutoArt.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-10, W-4, H-3.5 inches.

• Brand new 1:18 scale diecast model of 1948 Porsche Type 356 Roadster die cast model car by Maisto.
• Has steerable wheels.
• Brand new box.
• Rubber tires.
• Made of diecast with some plastic parts.
• Has plastic display stand with window box.
• Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
• Dimensions approximately L-8.5, W-5.5, H-4 inches.