Mike's Die Cast Collecting Page

Collecting Diecast cars is a hobby which goes back to the start of the automotive age. Very early reproductions of cars were made from materials such as lead and tin plate. Today, casting steel in a die is the most efficient and practical way to produce these models. My personal collection contains examples from only a few of the companies producing replica vehicles. Due to lack of space (and funds!) I started collecting only those models which cost around one or two dollars, and mainly in 1/64 or 1/43 scale. Following is information on the types of cars in my collection, as well as some links for further information.

There are a number of companies which produce vehicles of much greater quality and better detail than what I collect. I'm sure that these will be covered on other collector's pages, so I won't go into details of them here.

If you are a collector, or have an interest in this area, check out the rec.toys.cars newsgroup, where enthusiasts from all around the globe gather to discuss the latest finds, items for trade or swap, and occasionally a few articles for sale. An excellent place to locate that scarce piece missing from your collection!

Most of these guys are happy to help you find what you need, and don't try to rip you off doing it! Most are just in it for the fun of collecting, but occasionally someone will try to rip you off. These people are dealt with fairly quickly in the manner they deserve. I have personally traded with a number of collectors in the USA, and all have so far delivered what they said they would.

Hot Wheels Cars

These are about the same size as Matchbox cars, (around 1/64 scale) but were made (originally)in the USA. Mattel produces a limited number of models, and only occasionally introduces a new model. However, regular changes to colour or paint style of each model keep them fresh, and ensures their collectability.

I have been collecting these for a few years now. I collect the American classics of the Fifties and Sixties, including muscle cars, hot rods and customs. One of my favourite models is the Passion, a custom '51 Mercury which has received all of the traditional custom modifications. I have been lucky enough to acquire a fairly wide variety of this model. Some of the different Hot Wheels types are listed below:

Red Lines - These are the original models. Mattel starting producing Hot Wheels models in 1968. All of these early production cars were fitted with tyres with a red line around them; hence the name. These cars, if in mint condition, are the greatest of prizes for collectors, and can be worth some many hundreds of dollars. The collecting scene is, obviously, a lot larger in the USA than it is here in Australia.

Series Models - Mattel has started to produce a number of "series" models, which contain standard castings with special colours or designs. An excellent marketing ploy, as all of the "serious" collectors are buying the same model over and over again!

Limited Editions - Hot Wheels are also produced as Limited Editions, where a specific event or company can have a model produced in limited numbers just for themselves. Some of the companies to do this have been McDonalds, Hungry Jacks, various American cereal and food companies, and even washing powder! Some of the Toy Collectors fairs, Swap Meets and even Hot Rod runs have had limited editions produced in the past. These items are very collectable due to their low production numbers (typically 5,000 - 10,000) and can demand a fairly high price.

Treasure Hunts - These are regular castings, identified by a green band on the package, and are produced in limited numbers. They are eagerly sought by collectors, and are responsible for near riots in supermarkets and toy stores across the USA! In 1995, only 10,000 of each model were produced. In 1996, this number increased to 25,000. In 1997, no numbers are provided, only "Limited Edition". These cars are offered regularly for trade on the rec.toys.cars newsgroup, and occasionally for sale.

Hot Rods by Boyds - These are a Limited production run of replicas of Boyd Coddingtons most famous rods. A fellow Hot Wheels collector in Australia organized a set of these for me. The detail in these cars is amazing! They are 1/64 scale, just as normal Hot Wheels, but the quality of construction and finish show what is possible in a model of this size.

Johnny Lightning

These were introduced around the same time as Hot Wheels, and originated in the USA. They were the main competition to Hot Wheels sales, and used similar themes of modified American muscle cars and reproductions of famous customs of the day. These were never released over here in Australia, and can only be obtained from collectors in the States or occasionally at Diecast swap meets etc.

Racing Champions

While the mainstay of the Racing Champions company is Nascar replicas, the company also produces some very nice series other than racing.

Muscle Cars - These are replicas of the greatest US muscle cars from ther sixties and seventies. Vehicles such as Chevelles, GTO's and Mustangs etc. are released in a number of colours on a regular basis. Us Aussies are really missing out when it comes to 1/64 diecast.

Mint Editions - Some of the best reproductions in 1/64 scale. Beautiful cars such as the 1956 Customline, 1957 Thunderbird, 1956 Chev Belair and others are produced. These are limited editions, of around 20,000 of each model produced.

Hot Rods - These are copies of vehicles covered in Hot Rod magazine, using the available Racing Champions body styles. These are also limited editions, of around 20,000 of each model produced.

To see examples of all of the above models, go to the Racing Champions website.

Matchbox Cars

I also collect Matchbox cars where they relate to my areas of interest as above; that is the Hot Rods and such. One classic example is the 57 Chevy, which has been produced in a number of colors over the years. Another model I collect is the A Model Hot Rod.

Trax is a name you may not be familiar with. These are reproductions of Australian cars, in 1/43 scale. As these cost around $30.00AU each new, I don't have a great collection. but have purchased some of their products. Obviously, as they produce replicas of EH Holdens, I have a few of these! Pictures of some Trax models are below.

Following are links to some of the Die Cast manufacturers with sites on the 'net. Click on the logo!

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Mike Long, MSLDesign, PO Box 4123, Croydon Hills, Victoria, 3136, Australia.
Copyright © 1997-2003, MSLDesign.

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