A Guide To Diecast Cars: Determining Value and Tips
Introduction to Diecast Cars
Diecast cars are the epitome of nostalgia. Many adults can look back at their childhood fondly and remember their budding collection of diecast cars. For some people, diecast cars are a hobby that stays in childhood. Still, for car enthusiasts and collectors alike, it’s a heartwarming pastime full of options and an exciting look at automotive history.
Diecast cars surged in popularity at the turn of the 20th century. Toy manufacturers started by producing miniature models of the Model T and MG sports cars. As technological advances expanded the imagination’s limits in the 1930s, diecast cars evolved into highly realistic, miniature versions of the life-sized vehicle.
While diecast cars were most popular during the 1960s, the hobby is still alive and well today. Auction houses, like ours, conduct diecast model car appraisals regularly. At Bodnar’s Auction, we are happy to bridge the gap between experienced and knowledgeable collectors with interested hobbyists looking to build a new collection and proud to offer one of the largest toy auctions in New Jersey!
How Is the Value of Diecast Model Cars Determined?
Determining the value of diecast cars is based on several factors. Often people come into our showroom or enter our virtual auction setting and their first question is: What is the value of my diecast cars?
Some diecast car models are worth far more than others. Rarity and condition play a role in determining the valuation of your diecast car. Still, there are also various other factors that can determine the fair market value of your model cars in today’s auction setting.
Five main factors help appraisers determine the estimated auction value of your diecast car. They are:
- Size: Larger model cars tend to have a higher value than smaller diecast cars, but they can be more challenging to sell due to their space requirements.
- Manufacturer: In general, diecast cars manufactured in the early 1900s are the most sought after. More recent manufacturers have come under fire for creating low-quality replicas.
- Availability/rarity: Limited edition diecast cars and other rare models will also have a higher valuation than easier to find models.
- Trends: Sometimes, a specific trend increases the value of a particular diecast car model. Certain model cars can increase in value after a celebrity driver has retired or won a championship.
- Condition: One of the most important factors to determining the value of a diecast car is its condition. Diecast cars can be rated Mint condition, which means there are no signs of wear or damaged pieces. Mint in Box (MIB) and Mint on Mint Card (MOMC) means the car is still in its original box and also has no signs of wear, damage, or missing pieces. If a diecast car is in “Other” condition, it likely has some form of damage such as chipped paint, damaged components, or missing pieces.
Tips for Maintaining the Value of Your Diecast Car Collection
Because the condition has such a strong bearing on the potential value of diecast cars, it’s always recommended that collectors take excellent care of their collectibles. You can take care of your diecast car collection with the following tips:
- Direct sunlight will cause fading and damage to your car’s finish, so it’s essential to store them in a location where the UV light is limited. Basements, closets, and attics are good places to store your items.
- Like direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations and humidity can age your diecast cars and even warp the model vehicle’s body.
- Whenever applicable, it’s a good idea to utilize glass and plastic display cases.
- Purchase an insurance plan and consult a specialist insurance broker for your high-value collectibles.
For more information about diecast cars and our collections coming up for auction, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today!