If you're planning to kickstart your toy collection and have a knack for cars, you may consider model diecast cars. These often come in different sizes and scales, such as 1:87 (approximately two inches) to 1:12 (about one foot). They're often modeled from real car models, from sedans to racing cars.

While diecast toy cars started way back in the 1930s, their popularity has resurged over the years. Diecast cars have even evolved into modular types and miniature remote-controlled ones.

You may be wondering why diecast cars have suddenly become one of the famous collectibles today. In that case, you may want to know the reasons why they're making a comeback. For that purpose, here's an article to guide you, so read on.

Collecting model diecast cars is an excellent way to have your favorite cars in your stash, albeit in small types. Because of this, many car enthusiasts started purchasing their set of diecast toys that often include Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Audis in vivid and specific details. Today, these toys are so popular that people already know where to buy diecast cars. These may include e-commerce stores, brick-and-mortar shops, and online toy communities.

Other diecast toy car collectors select those based on themes from movies and TV shows. Many of these enthusiasts buy these as they often feel rewarded when doing so, especially the rare types. Yet if you're just planning to start your diecast car collection, you may consider the cheaper and more available models.

Mass-produced diecast toy cars are generally cheap. The price range starts from USD$3 to USD$10. These are good options if you want to start collecting these toys and still know the ropes of the process.

You may join online diecast toy car communities to learn where to buy high-quality yet affordable toys. These are also excellent places to trade toy cars with those you don't own.

You may also consider preloved toy cars for less expensive prices. However, consider the extent of their damage. Check them for dents, scratches, and details that may seem rubbed off.

Typically, these toy cars may only need basic cleaning and maintenance because they've undergone diecasting or the injection of molten metals under pressure, making them compact and easy to clean. Many cars are corrosion-resistant because they're made from aluminum and zinc. All of them have different levels of rust protection, though, so you may need to check their material before paying for them.

Here are some cleaning and maintenance ideas for diecast cars:

You’ll only need a microfiber cloth and water for this. Start dusting by moistening the cloth to buff out all the dirt on your toy's surface. Avoid soaps as much as possible as they often leave streaks challenging to remove.

You may consider alcohol and vinegar and peeling the adhesive, especially the hardened one. Use a paper towel to rub off the adhesive. Continue the process for up to five minutes until the surface is free from the glue.

You may keep your diecast toys inside their original boxes in many cases. These containers won't dent your toys. You may also make or buy customized containers for more open displays, such as PVC pipes, magnet bars, and shelves.

 

The value of diecast cars depends on their popularity and rarity. Toys produced in limited numbers often cost higher than the other types. These are more marketable for newbies. Meanwhile, rare and limited-edition toy cars are generally expensive. These are for seasoned toy collectors who are willing to pay a hefty amount of money to own something they could be proud of.

Either way, model diecast cars are making a comeback and it may involve an active buying and selling process. With the right strategies, you may earn more than you expected. However, before you become an expert in selling these toys, know which toys have increasing value and which ones have depreciating value over the years. For some ideas about these, you may consider the following:

This refers to the general condition of the toy. The more it's free from damage, the higher its selling price could be.

This encompasses the rarity, mass-produced, and limited-edition types.

In some cases, bigger toys are more expensive than smaller ones.

The value of some toys may also depend on the cars' brand and model. Some collectors think that the toy's quality is often associated with its maker.

 

Today, the diecast car collection has become both a hobby and an industry. In many cases, the growth of the toy collectors' population has been attributed to these.

Suppose you're planning to collect a toy car anytime soon. In that case, you may refer to the specific points mentioned in this article. They may help you identify the reasons behind the comeback and guide you in determining what you may need to consider before buying your first-ever diecast toy car.