We believe there are two types of people when it comes to collecting diecast cars. One is concerned about building a great collection for admiration with no intention to sell. The other is actively looking to build its collection to sell in the future. It doesn’t matter whether you’re collecting diecast cars to reconnect with your childhood or to demonstrate your enthusiasm for automotives, your collection is likely to go up in value. However, there are a number of factors to consider with regards to a more investment approach.
Condition of the Vehicle
It goes without saying that the condition of a diecast car plays a huge role in its value. As they are collectable items, serious collectors are looking for mint condition because they don’t have any visible damage. It means that collectors place a higher value on these over the damaged counterparts.
Condition of the Packaging
Like with the condition of the diecast car, the packaging itself determines the extent of the vehicle’s mint condition. First of all, if the vehicle is in mint condition, but it doesn’t come in a box or card, then its value is likely to be less than identical cars with a box or card. However, it’s important to check the vehicle as it still may have some blemishes, thus reducing its perceived value.
Size of the Diecast Car
Typically, the larger the scale of a diecast car, the more valuable it is for collectors because they are more detailed versions of the real vehicle. However, the largest scales are typically too big to store a reasonable size collection, so very few are manufactured and collected. Most collectors choose the 1:24 scale models because they have similar levels of detail as the 1:18 but are small enough to store. They are typically more expensive than the 1:18 models, though.
Scales
- 1:12 (approx. 14 inches)
- 1:18 (10)
- 1:24 (7)
- 1:32 (5.25)
- 1:36 (4.5)
- 1:43 (4)
- 1:48 (3.75)
- 1:64 (2.75)
Manufacturer of Diecast Cars
Manufacturers produce diecast cars to different levels of quality. Some manufacturers focus on reducing the costs of production, thus typically resulting in lower quality diecast cars. These ones are normally sold for less, as you can imagine. Other manufacturers focus on quality, and therefore, costs of production are higher, which is typically reflected in the price. As always, there are some manufacturers in between.
Availability
Limited and special edition diecast cars are naturally more sought after by collectors due to the likelihood of their future value as so few are produced. It’s a simple case of supply and demand.
Age of the Vehicle
Typically, the older the vehicle in terms of when it was first driven on the road (usually similar time produced in diecast) are worth more today. If you’re forward-thinking, potentially, the new diecast cars produced today could be worth a lot more in 50 years’ time.
Summary
Collecting diecasts can be a great investment if a collector invests in the right ones. These are typically in mint condition with the original box, a scale of 1:24, manufactured to high quality, limited supply, and more classic vehicles.