miniature cars

miniature cars

Matchbox challenged the domination of established brands such as Dinky and corgi.

In the battle for school boys pocket money, we will also look at some smaller die cast manufacturers from the 60s and 70s.

The Matchbox  miniature cars range was established in 1953 Lesney products.

Which had started making die-cast toys in 1948?

Although millions of original series of the 1.75 scale models were made, values have been rising steadily.

Most early models fetch at least $30, and if boxed and in mint condition considerably more, advertising logos on vehicles can also go a considerable way to increase their values.

In 1956 Lesney released a new line called models of yesteryear cars, initially limited to 15 pre-1930s vehicles.

The high standard of casting and detailed hand paintwork make these ,first series of yesteryears cars  extremely attractive.

Mint condition boxed examples are worth at least $60.

The next series was started in 1960, and marked a shift to plastics for some of the components.

Models from the early 1960s are highly desirable.

In response to US manufacturers Mattels successful hot wheels line, Lesney launched its superfast range in 1969.

The models in this series had frictionless axles and therefore run faster.

The first issue of superfast models made from 1969 to 1974, was produced in high numbers, so prices are  just a few dollars each at the moment, making this range a good starting point for collecting Matchbox toys.

Limited editions models can fetch $500 or more.

Lesney’s demise in 1982 prompted the original director Jack Odell to create a company named Liedo.

Although it made only 30 models in its first six years, hundreds of colours and styles and variations were released.

As with other die-cast models, unusual colours variations and transfers add to the value.

Liedos ranges included vanguards and Days gone 

.

Most are valued at about $5-$10, but limited editions and promotional models based on days gone series can fetch considerably more.

Liedo is still manufacturing today.

As with Matchbox, newly released limited editions could be worth investing in..

Tri-ang toys, active from 1924 to 1971 released a new range of 1.42 scale die-casts models.

In 1959 under the name spot-on these detailed perfect models were only made until 1967.

Try -angs innovation was to introduced correct scaling on each vehicle and their models are highly sought after, Mint toys with boxes range from $30 for an Austin A40 and can go up to $550 for a Oval -tine   Route-master  bus.

Hornby which also launched the dinky name took over tri-ang in the early’1970s.

Collectors top tips.

Consider investing in past and present limited editions.

When buying a boxed example check that the box and the model match

Be aware of repaints and make sure paint colors match.

I hope you have found this page on   miniature cars    to be both informative and helpful.

Happy hunting from the collectibles coach.