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