As humans, we have taste and love to collect things, and these things are usually of personal taste. Some of us enjoy a vast collection of coins. In fact, this type of traits is one of the key factors that set us apart from other animals. This behavior may appear odd, but to those of you who have some collection related hobby; it makes perfect sense! One of the more frequent targets for this human condition is the collection cars models. Let’s have a look at the ins and outs of this amusing and entertaining hobby.
Why Model Cars?
When you were younger, and you had many toys, before the days of cable television and laptops, can you remember your toy cars? I won’t say that this is a male only feature, but it probably excludes the opposite sex to a large degree! Can you remember making the engine noises yourself, as you raced against your brother or best friend? I suppose the interest in these model cars may have stemmed from this early interest. But make no mistake, these are no longer toys, they are replicas, and the hobby is a huge interest worldwide.
The Two Main Types
Can you remember your ‘Hot Wheels’ and ‘Matchbox’ cars? These companies both started off in the sixties, and they were a staple part of every young boy’s toy collection. Well, both companies are still around, but the models they make are now part of the collecting hobby.
The Two Sizes
Essentially there are two sizes or scales of model cars available to collectors. The 1:18 size is the typical model car scale favored by semi-serious collectors, and these are priced according to their availability. The other size is the much larger 1:8 scale; these are for the more serious hobbyists amongst us.
Prices
The smaller scale car models are usually available for around thirty dollars apiece; this price depends on the quality, availability and the demand. The 1:8 scale cars are a lot more expensive. Would you be surprised to learn that they often fetch more than six thousand dollars for a rare item? At that price, it is no wonder that they aren’t to be found in a six-year-olds toy box.
Popular Replica Cars
The real cars that are replicated are usually the ones we couldn’t afford to buy, perhaps it’s a second best option, but at least we can dream about the real thing. Usually, racing cars are modern; also luxury cars and iconic vehicles are always popular.
Where To Start?
So you are thinking to enter the world of collecting model cars, but you are not sure where you can begin to build your dream collection. Well, many toy shops will stock plenty of the popular models. You could do nothing good than investing a few hundred in some of the rarer 1:18 models; this will be a sensible base for you to build from.
An Investment?
If you choose your model cars wisely, you may be surprised to learn that some of them will increase in value. You should aim to keep up to date with the collection cars community. You can do this by reading the relevant magazines and attending the collection fairs in your locality. This way you can meet like minded individuals and also trade your prized models for more sought after options.
REFERENCES:
- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/2740918/Everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-cars-but-were-afraid-to-ask.html
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/hannahelliott/2012/11/06/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-the-bond-car-in-skyfall/#19ccbcfe5dd7
- https://www.amalgamcollection.com/
- http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/75861-largest-collection-of-model-cars
