Car models are exact replicas or representations of automobiles scaled down to miniature size. Once upon a time they were manufactured as toys for children to play with. Since the sixties however, collecting these tiny treasures has become a hobby unto itself and today scale classic cars models for collectors is fairly big business.

The car-collecting craze began in the post World War II thirties and forties with wooden, tinplate or iron die cast metal scale replicas. Car manufacturers began making 1 to 25 scale cars as promotional tools for their dealers and salespeople. Inevitably, kids got their hands on them and started trading and collecting in addition to playing. By the fifties and sixties the collecting hobby had caught on and car model-making kits first made an appearance. With these fans could pay homage to their favorite classic cars by building them, chrome component by chrome component.

Over time, kits became more and more sophisticated and detailed, with astonishing degrees of accuracy and working parts. Collectible plastic and metal cars, cast or in kit form, now come in a range of scale to original from the most loved scale of 1 to 43 (this is even referred to as the collector scale) of rare vintage hand-made models all the way down to 1 to 64 or even smaller of matchbox replicas.

As with most collectibles scale models of beloved classic cars tend to appreciate in value over time. Limited editions are always desirable and mint condition vintage models or kits can command astonishing re-sale prices. But trading and collecting is much more than a profit-making venture.

All the hobby experts give the same advice to collectors. Never buy something you do not actually love. They also suggest that diversifying a collection as much as possible will maximize overall value when it comes time to sell. At the other end of the spectrum, lower price models made of innovative new resins have become attractive to a new generation of collectors.

Collectors are resourceful when it comes to uncovering the most coveted cars. These tend to be the more classic models that everyone recognizes and admires. Aside from specialty shops catering to the informed collector, there are many online forums and hobbyist sites to choose from. Collectors tend to band together in associations and clubs where they can trade deals, information and news about their hobby. They also share tips about spotting fakes and counterfeits made without the blessing of the classic car manufacturer.

Limited edition and vintage classic car replicas can sometimes be found on eBay and other auction sites. And for the old-fashioned treasure hunter, flea markets, garage sales and junk shops can still sometimes yield hidden gems.

Today there is a profusion of outlets selling scale classic cars models for collectors. Building a strong collection will likely one day prove profitable when it is finally sold but most model car buffs will tell you that they are in it for the love not the money. Either way there is a lot of fun to be had with these miniature marvels.

Author Bio: Offering to American passionate collectors a wide variety of high quality 1:18 scale diecast cars and trucks such as 1 18 scale diecast cars and more.

Category: Automotive
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