| First created in the mid-1900s, diecast cars have | | | | grew rapidly as hobbyists flocked to expand their |
| been a long-time success in the toy and hobby | | | | collections with the latest classics and collectibles. The |
| industry. The automobiles are made out of a zinc and | | | | price range for diecast cars varies a lot depending on |
| aluminum alloy, and then complemented with plastic | | | | the condition, age, and rareness of the car. The |
| parts such as windows or doors. Over the past | | | | ever-popular Hot Wheels cars only cost a couple |
| seventy-five years, die-cast cars have quickly | | | | dollars, but some difficult-to-find cars from before |
| evolved into one of the most popular areas of the | | | | World War II can bring in hundreds of dollars each. |
| hobby and toy industry. One reason that diecast cars | | | | Lifelong collectors are often able to sell their |
| are so popular is due to their scaled-to-life | | | | collections for thousands of dollars. Over the years, |
| appearance. Unlike the unbalanced proportions of the | | | | the die-cast industry has evolved greatly. At first, the |
| Barbie dolls from the same era, diecast cars are | | | | toys were very simple, including only the main frame |
| scaled to appear as reasonable as the real thing. | | | | of the car. However, the cars now include interiors |
| Scales range from a larger 1:12 ratio to a 1:72 ratio, | | | | and detailed mechanics under the hood. Only a couple |
| where one-sixth of an inch represents one life-size | | | | companies produced die-cast cars when they first |
| foot. The 1:72 is very prevalent in the United | | | | were introduced, but there are now hundreds of |
| Kingdom and Eastern Europe, but a 1:48 scale is the | | | | companies around the world producing die-cast toys. |
| one commonly used in the United States. "Matchbox | | | | The diecast toy industry is no longer limited to just |
| cars" is an alternative name for diecast cars. This | | | | classic cars. Airplanes, trains, construction equipment, |
| name was made popular back in 1947 when Lesney | | | | and military vehicles are now popular toys available |
| began distributing their diecast cars in small, | | | | for purchase. In addition, scenery and landscaping are |
| matchbox-shaped packages. Although most cars are | | | | now a popular expansion to the industry. Buildings, |
| packaged in larger boxes or sandwiched between | | | | roads, and shrubs are among the popular accessories |
| plastic and cardboard sheets, the generic name | | | | used to make the models even more realistic. |
| "matchbox cars" still remains in use today. Die-cast | | | | Die-cast toys are sold pre-built for the buyer's |
| cars are a popular item for collectors of all ages. | | | | convenience; however, kits are also available. These |
| While the older audience willingly pays the money for | | | | sets come with detailed instructions allowing the |
| higher-priced classics, diecast cars are a popular toy | | | | buyer to customize their model with their own paint, |
| of choice for children as well. "Hot Wheels," Mattel's | | | | accessories, and allow for other personalization. As |
| fast-flying collection target towards young boys, are | | | | the value of these toys continue to rise, expect to |
| sold by the millions every year. Because of the young | | | | see the industry to continue to thrive. If any toy has |
| target audience, Hot Wheels typically sell for just a | | | | a chance at remaining popular despite the rise in |
| couple dollars. Regardless, some of the rarer models | | | | electronic toys, it's the diecast car, with its century |
| have sold recently for hundreds of dollars. Originally, | | | | of history and growth leading the way. |
| only a couple companies were producing these | | | | If you collect diecast cars we have a very large |
| miniature classics. However, the popularity of the | | | | selection of high quality 1:18 diecast cars to select |
| toys quickly caught on, and the diecast toy industry | | | | from. |