Collecting Vintage Car Toys

Since the beginning of the automobile industry, miniature toy versions of popular cars have been popular with both collectors and children. Vintage car toys make popular collectibles because they are small, making them easy to store and display. Plus, with a few exceptions, they are much less expensive than their real car counterparts, making them a wise decision for auto aficionados who can't afford a garage full of classic cars. Vintage automobile toys of an automobile enthusiast's favorite car model also make a great gift.

Diecast cars, including the popular Hot Wheels and Matchbox brands along with countless others, first gained widespread popularity in the 1960's and 1970's. Often the most inexpensive toy cars, they make a wise choice for young children. Their low price also allows collectors to obtain a wide range of different models. The most involved adult collectors often display several thousand diecast toy vehicles. While most diecast cars feature moving wheels but are not motorized, other popular car collectibles are motorized, including wind-up versions.

Pedal cars are another version of children's toy car that has caught on with adult collectors. Popular since the 1930's, most of these pedal toys are made of steel. Collectors enjoy vintage models in both their original and restored conditions. Reproductions are available of the most popular models of the 1950's and 1960's; original versions of these models can sometimes fetch several thousand dollars, making reproductions a wise choice for most collectors.

Like with most collectibles, condition is everything when collecting vintage toy cars. Look for original paint and accessories in the best condition you can find. Consider avoiding those with dents or other damage unless it is a rare model or you plan to use it for a restoration project. If your toy cars are mainly for display, consider reproductions. These shiny new models will show no wear at all, making them ideal display pieces.

Collectors of vintage toy cars often find that their car collection makes a wise investment. The most popular models are quite hard-to-find, and can appreciate in value as more and more collectors join the world of vintage car toy collectibles. When you first begin collecting toy cars, start with your favorite car models. Decide whether you will focus on a particular type of toy, or collect any model you can find of a specific style of car. You will soon realize that many thousands of adult collectors enjoy vintage toy cars, whether they are interested in diecast models or larger steel car toys.

Today, many adult collectors continue to add on to their childhood collection of toy cars. Each year, new adult collectors begin their own collection. Collecting toy cars is an accessible hobby for many, and allows car enthusiasts to have a representation of their favorite classic, hot-rod cars without having to pay thousands for the real thing. Most collectors of vintage toy cars dream of driving the streets in their own restored hot rod, but for now, collecting toy representations of their favorite car models is the next best thing.