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