Once bitten by the bug for collecting scale model cars, a growing passion is bound to develop. These miniature replicas allow automobile aficionados to collect affordable versions of their favorite vehicles. Collectors can purchase one readymade or use kits to put one together on their own.

These miniature autos are typically made at a certain scale to the original. They are generally about 10 to 12 inches in length. Their size renders them an easy fit for your display case or your bookshelf. Limited edition releases and vintage models can be great investments as they appreciate in value.

These replica models have a history dating back to the emergence of the automobile. German companies started production of tinplate in the early 1900s. Originally the size was larger and they could be set in motion by different types of mechanisms. They were meant for the sons of wealthy parents. After World War I, European companies continued to manufacture this type of replica.

Smaller and more affordable cars began being sold in the early 1900s, as well. By 1911, an American toy company was an early entrant with a 1.43 scale type. From the 1960s onwards, the smaller scaled miniatures began to dominate the market. Adults grew to become a major segment of the market by the 1990s.

From the 1990s, onwards, more authentic and detailed models with improved quality and higher prices became an established factor. The 1.18th and 1.43 have become most popular with adults. There is a huge variety currently available in 1.43 scale. However, 1.18 offerings are best-sellers due to their greater level of detail.

Of course, vintage vehicles intended for a younger market, can also fetch a high price today if they are sufficiently rare and in good condition. For instance, in March 2008 a prewar delivery van that originally cost 20 pence sold for 19,975 pounds. This was a record price for an individual toy. A boxed set of six vans was bought by a collector for 35,000 pounds. As experts at the Model Collector magazine have noticed, the most sought after examples have been fetching two or three times their estimated prices at auctions. The oldest samples tend to bring highest values, as few remain unscathed, but unique samples can also fetch high prices.

As thousands of different replicas have been manufactured over the years, a guidebook will be essential for sorting through variations. Contacting Collectors Associations to obtain toy trading advice and subscribing to magazines are useful and recommended options. This is especially useful as unscrupulous sellers are taking advantage of interested novice investors.

Restorations that lower value and frauds on offer require expert assistance for the less experienced. Collectors should not be wary of seeking help, until they are expert enough themselves to tell the difference. The safest option is to purchase vehicles that are in near perfect condition and still come in their original boxes. Buying from a reputable dealer is a form of insurance rather than risking a chance on the internet. Undocumented, rare promotional can be a risk not worth taking. Collecting scale model cars means their values can change in time, but for the passionate collector the joy is in possessing something of personal value.

Author Bio: Offering a wide variety of high quality scale Diecast model cars, passionate hobbyists and collectors will love these 1 18 scale Diecast cars in the catalogue. Choose between high quality scale Diecast models cars of different shapes, sizes, and designs.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: cars, auto, vehicles, driving, entertainment, hobbies, recreation, leisure, shopping, society, tips