Collecting Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars brings us back to our childhood and our young adulthood by reminding us of the vehicles we rode around with our parents in as well as those first cars of our own. For car buffs, the rare or fantasy models can be an intriguing place to start. For the rest of us, starting with what triggers our memories is more common. How often have you been wandering an antique shop, flea market, or estate or yard sale and thought, oh, I had one of those!
As a kid unable to own the real thing, the smaller versions to pretend with were a great way to imagine ourselves driving a race car, big rig, tractor, milk truck, cement mixer, or just mom or dad’s sedan. As adults, it allows us to own a collection of vehicles we could never afford otherwise.
While the history of miniature toy vehicles has been around for ages, die-cast metal cars have been around as long as cars have, starting around the turn of the 19th century. Europeans developed cars as far back as 1672, although the first gasoline-powered vehicle was put out in 1886 by Karl Benz.
The die-cast cars that we are familiar with were initially produced in Europe in 1934 by Meccano Dinky, and became known as Dinky Toys. They are still very popular throughout Europe. In 1953, Matchbox cars were made by Lesney Company in England. Mattel created Hot Wheels in 1968. Matchbox is now owned by Mattel.
The appeal of these tiny reproductions varies amongst collectors. Some collect only rarities such as limited editions, themed cars, and specific series. Others collect based on production year, vehicle makes, color, style, or packaging. Beyond just the cars themselves, both companies created a full line of accessories including race tracks, garages, storage cases, and displays.
For Hot Wheels collectors the coveted “red line” cars, which ended production in 1977, are an easy place to begin. For Matchbox collectors, vehicles in their original cardboard boxes are highly desirable. In either case, vehicles in their original packaging tend to have higher values. Whether you collect for fun or profit, nostalgia or rarity, collecting Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars can be a great way to connect with your inner child and your own children or grandchildren as well.
Here are a few articles to help you get started with collecting Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars:
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