17 February 2025
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You don't need any previous experience to start a diecast collection. Many interesting diecast models are around that won’t break the bank.
To start your collection, you can have a look at different models that are cheaper to buy and fun for you to collect. You will find that many models are now considerably cheaper than they were a few years ago. Most models now cost between £1 and £5, giving toy collectors affordable choices that are within their price range!
Toy collectors can use the Toy Collectors Price Guide (special edition book) to understand the value of vintage toys. The Toy Collectors Price Guide has nearly 100 pages of auction prices from the past year, including a list of collectables sold on eBay.
Related article: How to value your diecast collectables
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How can I start collecting Diecast cars?
Toy collectors don’t need to visit a model shop or a toy fair to start a diecast collection. The search can begin in the aisles of your local supermarket where Hot Wheels will almost certainly be on sale.
The recent releases of Hot Wheels are widely available and sell for around £2. They are so widely available because production numbers are huge. Some models gain more value, especially when kept in sealed packaging.
The USA has much better access to the Matchbox range on retail shelves than we have in the UK. We have seen this change starting at Tesco. At Tesco, you can usually find a selection of Matchbox cars individually or in packs of five.
Usually, you can find the diecast models displayed on pegs in Tesco's toy aisle. Keep an eye out as they often put trade boxes on the shelves. Allowing you to easily rummage through to find the models you want.
What type of Diecast models can I collect?
Matchbox has some recent releases that toy collectors might be interested in. Some interesting models include the 70th anniversary specials released in 2023 or the 2024, ‘European Streets Series’, which features modern cars like the Citroen Ami electric city car. One model that might be of particular interest to UK toy collectors is a series of Minis, from the classic 1960s Mini Cooper to the 2011 Countryman.
A popular Matchbox range is the ‘MovingParts’ range. Featuring models with doors or bonnets that open. These features are common on diecast models from the early sixties.
Although Mattel markets Hot Wheels and Matchbox together, they have completely different styles. Hot Wheels has a more 'flashy' style, made with flames and vibrant colours to reflect the high performance and more customisable cars.
Whereas the Matchbox range models have a more realistic finish. Matchbox likes to release classic cars and modern range vehicles at the same time. This means that you can find a contemporary Tesla or a Lexus LX alongside a classic MGB GT or Morris Minor. In short, the Matchbox range offers the cheapest way of building up a collection of genuinely interesting vehicles.
Another budget car that is suitable for both children and toy collectors is the French equivalent of Matchbox: Majorette. These can be harder to find in the UK but Asda supermarkets usually have these models in stock. Similarly to Matchbox, you will find plenty of simple replicas of contemporary cars. Some examples of the Majorette models you are likely to find are from the 2024 ‘Street Car’ series, which includes the Renault Twingo, Fiat 500e, Suzuki Swift Sport and Ford Focus ST.
What are some cheaper Diecast models that I can collect?
Some cheaper lines of diecast models are those that have now become obsolete. This happened with the Matchbox Yesteryears range. Another range that has become obsolete is the Lledo Days Gone range. This range of vintage vans in endless variations saturated the market.
The price of many Lledo models has dropped to as low as £1, judging by recent swapmeets. Models such as the Ford Model T and other vintage vans no longer seem to have much appeal. If you look through clearance boxes you can find some interesting models like the Morris Minor van, Morris Traveller or Austin 7 Mini.
The Matchbox Dinky Collection and the early Corgi Classics of the 1990s avoided overproduction. This meant that for a while the rivalry from the 1960s between Dinky and COrgi returned. This time the diecast models were aimed at adult toy collectors instead of children.
Collectors could choose from different Corgi Classics, based on popular cars of the 1950s and 1960s. The new model releases were tightly controlled compared to Yesteryears. New generation Dinky and Corgi models are still easy to find for less than their original prices. This is also a result of people buying up ‘limited editions’ in the belief that they will one day be valuable.
Are Dinky Toys worth collecting?
Atlas Dinky Toys started in France in 2008, but UK toy collectors were no able to get them. This brand has now become less popular. In 2013 a British series launched, which started with its first release: Morris Mini Traveller which at the time cost £1.99.
This release set the toy-collecting community into a phase of wheeling and dealing. Where British collectors sold to French collectors on eBay and vice versa. De Agostini (parent company of Atlas) distributed a Dinky replica series to the UK in 2016.
Toy collectors can find plenty of the Dinky Atlas replicas at toy fairs for a lower price. Some De Agostini models, like the Triumph TR2 and Bedford Van in Kodak livery, recently sold at £3 and £5 each. Many have sold online for even less.
Some replica Dinky Atlas models like: van ‘Heinz’, Leyland Octopus and ‘Nestles’ trucks are rare and can be more expensive. These can be found in the £10 - £15 range, but might not appeal to toy collectors who collect originals. However, for other collectors, these are a great substitute for the price.
For instance, A Volkswagen fan, might not want to pay £500 for that most desirable of Dinky Beetles or the first issue Swiss Postal Car, when they can have the Atlas version for about £7.50.
Are Atlas Dinky Toys and 90s/2000s Diecasts a Good Investment for Collectors?
These are just a few suggestions to get you started if you’re new to collecting. Atlas Dinky Toys, partworks and many diecasts of the 1990s/2000s are currently at a lower price point.
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