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