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Sunday, 24 July 2011

Collecting Scale Model Cars Is A Growing Passion For Adults

By Adriana Noton


A passion for collecting scale model cars can develop easily. Miniature authentic samples of beloved brands offer car lovers the opportunity to own affordable examples of cherished vehicles. These miniatures may be bought without need for building or in kits that need some effort to realize a replica.

These miniatures are usually produced at a specific scale to a normal sized vehicle. Generally, they are approximately between 10 and 12 inches long. Their size allows them to fit easily in a display or book case. Vintage samples and limited editions can become investments whose value appreciates over time.

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.

At about the same period, more affordable and smaller toy cars also began to be offered. An American toy company began selling a 1.43 scale car by 1911. The period from the 1960s onwards was when the smaller models started to lead the market. Children were also no longer a major segment by the 1990s of this market.

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.

Certainly, the older vintage cars that were originally intended for children, can go for a high price, if they are rare and in mint condition. For instance, in 2008 a prewar van that originally cost 4 shillings was purchased for 19,975 pounds. This was by then the highest price for a single sample. A set of six vans was purchased for 35,000 pounds by a collector. As Model Collector magazine experts have noted, the most coveted items have fetched two or three times their estimated price at auctions. The oldest bring the highest prices, as few remain without blemishes. However, distinctive samples may also carry high values.

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 lower value and frauds require expert help for less experienced potential buyers. They should not be leery of seeking guidance, until they have become experts themselves in evaluating their options. The safest best is to buy what is in mint condition and still comes in its original packaging. Relying on a dealer with a trusted history is an insurance that risk on a chance on the internet will not provide. Collectors should avoid undocumented items that are purported to be rare. They can portend a risk that is better not taken. Collecting scale model cars means investment values alter over time, but for a passionate collector the joy is in the keeping of a treasured item.




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