Little Wheels, Big Business: Diecast Car Collecting for All Ages

The popularity of collector items rises and falls. It’s difficult to project the value of an item years from purchase. It’s best to collect things that interest you and make it into a hobby. Such is the case with diecast car zealots. The original models were meant to be small gifts and unique art pieces. However, the demand for the ornate cars fueled widespread sales and collection.

Unique Items

The first cars were produced by a company out of Chicago and meant to be novelty gifts used as cufflinks, charms, etc. The Dowst Brothers were familiar with quirky charms, such as the Monopoly game pieces. The first car was produced in 1915. By 1922, a variety of toy cars were produced.

Cheap Novelty

The original fleet of cars was not well made and models would often chip, break, and bend in the hands of aggressive children. The pre-war zinc alloy cars are highly valued because so few survived the era. The popularity of the cars was not exclusive to America. Brands produced toy cars in German and French markets as well. World War II put a damper on the diecast car market, for metal was used for military efforts.

Increased Competition

By the end of World War II, the Dowst Company could direct more attention towards the diecast cars. In the same era, they were met with competition from burgeoning companies. Matchbox was born in this age and among companies producing cars of higher quality and improved detail. Also, manufacturers began placing each car in a protective cardboard box, an addition that would play an important role in collection and pricing.

Hot Wheels

Matchbox and other companies paved the way for diecast popularity. However, Hot Wheels began to change the industry with its productions. The Mattel models caught on fast. The cars were a unique size, featured wire axles, and were produced by an American company. Hot Wheels included classic muscle cars in addition to show cars. The models were superior and more interesting than those produced by rival brands. By the 70s, Mattel had a hold on the market.

Varied Interest

Why do adults and kids collect diecast cars? For adults, it may be for nostalgic reasons, to remember times of the past. Others pledge allegiance to certain manufacturers or models and representations of each production. Some admire the artistry of the cars, the attention to detail and patience provided by manufacturers. Others collect for money.

Smart Storage

A number of diecast advocates purchase models and store them for later trades, sales, etc. However, you need to be smart about how you store the collector’s items. To start, cars should be kept in a dry environment and at room temperature. Next, buy anti-varnish bags if you’re going to store them. Alternatively, those put on display may be maintained with kits that include polishing wax and cleaning solution. To clean the inside of cars, use a Qtip or compressed air.

Wise Deal

Collecting items gets tricky when it comes to buying and selling privately. Keep up to date with trends and current prices through industry media outlets and magazines. Of course, the price of an item can be relative depending on a range of circumstances. However, if you’re buying and selling to make a profit, use price guides.

Diversified Collection

It’s always an issue as to whether a collector should open a car or keep it in the box. Of course, the car maintains more value when kept in perfect condition. However, keeping collector’s items in the box and never opening them takes a lot of discipline, and for some, takes the fun out of it. Therefore, diversify your collection of diecast model cars, keeping some valuables in the box to maintain higher value while taking others out to further appreciate.

Community Hobby

If you’re serious about diecast cars, you’re not alone. There’s an entire community of people who collect for nostalgic, artistic, and monetary reasons. Find like minded fans online or at offline events around the nation. Visit related forums to ask questions, see photos of cars, and find out about upcoming events in your area. Those who are really proactive start meetups in their area.

Open Eyes

Keep your eyes open for diecast cars at mainstream stores, garage sales, and novelty shops. Additionally, some businesses release special edition cars during the holidays. Part of the fun of collecting diecast cars is understanding that it’s an all-the-time hobby. The ‘best’ collection may not consist of the most expensive models, yet hardcore enthusiasts strive to make theirs unique.

Howard Fox is the President and CEO of Fairfield Collectibles, the largest diecast collectibles catalog and internet retailer in America. Upon acquiring Fairfield in 2015, Mr. Fox executed a vision of providing a state- of-the-art ecommerce website, expanded print catalog offering, and an aggressively competitive pricing model. His leadership has placed Fairfield Collectibles well ahead of the competition. Prior to acquiring Fairfield Collectibles, Mr. Fox was President and CEO of Collector’s Armoury, Ltd, COO of BudK Worldwide, EVP Operations at Benchmark Brands, SVP Operations at ShopNBC/ValueVision Media, and SVP Operations at Robinsons-MAY.