Collecting vintage diecast cars – everything you need to know

20 January 2025

Most sought after diecast cars

In our complete guide to collecting diecast cars, we tell you everything you need to know.

What are vintage diecast model cars?

Diecast cars are miniature replicas of full size cars that are a popular collectable and toy. They are produced using a diecasting method which involves forcing molten metal into a mould under high pressure, creating a specific shape. The mould is created using two hardened tool steel dies that are machined into shape. The main non-ferrous metals used in their manufacture are zinc or lead alloy and aluminium.

The history of vintage diecast cars

The history of the diecast car mirrors the history of the automobile, with the earliest being created in the early 1900s as replicas of the Model T Ford. While building your own model cars was popular in the 1950s, collecting them reached its height 1960s.

Why vintage diecast toy cars are so popular

Diecast vintage cars remain popular because of their appeal to boys and men of all ages. Displaying remarkable attention to detail, they allow the car enthusiast in us to own a realistic, albeit miniature, representation of our dream cars. Diecast toy cars offer the collector a lot of scope and they can focus on a specific theme, manufacturer, year, movie, or model.

Scale and sizes of diecast model cars

Known for their high quality and durability, diecast vintage cars can be found in a variety of scales, or sizes, such as 1:18, 1:24, and 1:43. This is the ratio of the model compared to the original vehicle; the larger the second number in the ratio the smaller the model. 

  • 1:64 – A popular scale for diecast cars, a 1/64 model car will measure about 3 inches in length.
  • 1:43 – this is the most common scale for model cars globally, popularised by Dinky in the 1930s. they measure 4-6 inches in length.
  • 1:24 – measuring around 8 inches in length, 1:24 models are often very detailed and command higher prices.
  • 1:18 – at around 11 inches in length, model cars of this scale show the greatest detail with realistic features such as working bonnets, boots and windows. They may also feature working lights and a realistic interior.

Manufacturers of vintage diecast cars

  • Dinky – started in 1934 and originally owned by Meccano, Dinky Toys was the brand name given to Meccano’s range of diecast scale model vehicles. Manufactured from 1934-1979
  • Corgi - launched by Mettoy in 1956 as their brand of diecast vehicles. Mettoy was originally started in 1933 and was based in Northampton. 
  • Crescent toys – known for dicast models of a variety of vehicles as well as model railway accessories, Crescent began in 1922.
  • Solido - a French company that has manufactured diecast models of cars, military vehicles and commercial vehicles since 1932.
  • Triang – known predominantly for their model trains, Triang manufactured a range of diecast cars between 1959-1967 called Spot-On which were 1:42 scale.

Other well-known brands of diecast cars include Maisto, AUTOart, and Minichamps.

What to look for in a vintage diecast car

When looking for diecast model vintage cars, collectors should consider things like:

  • Condition - the best condition is "mint", which means the car has no visible wear or defects and is in perfect paint condition. A car in "mint in box" (MIB) condition is in perfect condition and still in its original packaging. 
  • Manufacturer - high-quality, highly-detailed cars from a well-known manufacturer are usually more expensive and valuable. Some of the most popular brands include Corgi, Dinky, and Matchbox.
  • Rarity - limited edition diecast models are more sought after. 
  • Year of production - older diecast cars are harder to find and tend to be more valuable, especially if they are in good condition.
  • Scale - the most popular scales are 1:64, 1:24, and 1:18, but many collectors focus on the 1:24 scale. 
  • Casting details - collectors pay attention to small casting details, wheel variations, and colour schemes to distinguish rare models from standard ones. 
  • Zinc pest - zinc pest is a white corrosive that forms on the surface of diecast cars made before the 1960s, compromising the toy's structural integrity. 

Vintage diecast cars value 

In addition to brand, rarity, age and condition, other factors that impact valuation are size and trends.

Larger scale models tend to realise higher prices but can put some collectors off as they are more challenging to display and store. 

Models linked to celebrities or famous films or limited editions will always fetch higher prices. Cultural significance and trends also have an influence (think the James Bond Aston Martin DB5 from Corgi).

Simply put, older models in good condition from a sought after maker will command higher prices.

Most sought after diecast cars

The 1969 Pink Rear-Loading Volkswagen Beach Bomb by Hot Wheels was never released as it had a design flaw which meant it was incompatible with the track sets. Only two are believed to exist and one sold in 2011 for $125,000. Conservative estimates today value it in excess of $175,000

Pre-war Dinky Toys model cars are usually valuable because of age and rarity and one of the rarest is the No.22D Delivery Van 'W.E. Boyce' which realised £20,000 at auction in 2009.

Storing and protecting vintage diecast cars

How you store or display your model cars is important to protect their condition and their value. 

  • Store or display out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
  • Display in glass or hard plastic cases.
  • Do not store anywhere with high humidity.
  • Avoid temperature fluctuations which can warp the car and damage the finish. 
  • Always take out specialist insurance to protect against damage or loss.

Vintage diecast cars for sale from Hemswell Antique Centres

The vintage diecast car dealers here at Hemswell Antique Centres are passionate about their collections, offering fine examples from all the major manufacturers. Whether you are looking for vintage corgi diecast cars or vintage matchbox diecast cars, you will find something to suit every taste and budget in our vintage diecast model cars for sale.