Only diehard car model fans realize that model cars come at quite high costs but with good justification. The reason for these costs is because these model cars have such an extreme level of detail. Manufacturers try to make these cars as accurate as possible to the best of their abilities. To the average person, a model car might be a dinky toy car you can purchase at your local grocery store, but you know different.
Car model collectors spend their whole lives building and curating their arsenal, searching for a rare make or beloved model. The hunt is half the fun and can send you to sites unknown to procure that one specific piece. Whether you are a long-time collector or new to the hobby, you might wonder about your collection's value. Keep reading for more on how to determine the value of your model car collection.
Where It All Began
Although automobiles haven't been a part of our history as a people for too long, their impact is immeasurable. Automobiles represented a new world that allowed people to get where they needed to go in a fraction of the time before. Moreover, they brought each person a sense of independence and the ability to take charge of their life. Of course, with such amazing opportunities that automobiles bought to us and the incredible feats they could achieve, it makes sense many of us have such an appreciation for them.
Model Cars
This appreciation came in many forms, one among them being diecast models. After World War II, the economy was on the rise, giving various enterprises many opportunities. The 1950s and the 1960s saw a colossal boom in model cars that had incredible detail and amazing quality. While the popularity waned in the ‘70s and ‘80s, it never completely died and continues to be quite a popular hobby today.
Nowadays, there are still many car enthusiasts out there who continue to feed their passion. They look for places everywhere to find that one piece in their collection. If you are among those people, you might be wondering how to determine the value of your model car collection. The most important thing for you to know is that there are quite a few different variables the value depends on.
The Different Scales
The average person who thinks of diecast model cars might only be familiar with the 1:64 scale. A wide variety of scales are available that range from as big as 1:8 to as small as 1:200. The scale will be a huge determinant of the value of your model car.
1:12 scale
1:12, along with 1:8, is a larger scale of model cars that is less common than the 1:18. The 1:12 will range in price, but you will usually find these sizes in values of $300-700 and sometimes higher. Many people will buy a 1:12 or even 1:8 scale model car if the car is something very meaningful to them or an iconic, rare make.
The larger the scale size, the more material and detail that must go into manufacturing them. That is why a 1:12 model scale size or larger will usually cost more and have a higher value. However, if you want to sell a model car, it might be harder to sell a larger scale model as often you purchase a car in this size for personal and sentimental reasons. Someone else may not be willing to pay as much as you did for a model they have no sentimental value over.
1:18 scale
The 1:18 scale is by far the most popular size to manufacture model cars in. For many collectors, 1:18 is the perfect scale that still shows the fine details of a car while being within size constraints that don't take up a lot of space. If you plan to sell a model from your car collection, you will find it is easiest to sell it if it is in the 1:18 size scale.
Diecast vs. Resin
Another factor that will determine the value of your car collection is whether you have diecast or resin. Diecast and resin both have their pros and cons, and each collector has their own preference. However, certain manufacturing methods take more time and energy, which is why some makes might be more expensive.
Diecast
Diecast is still the go-to method for making model cars and has been the most popular for decades. Diecast models allow for more maneuverability and tend to be more durable. With a diecast model, you can open the doors and check out the fine details of the interior. Due to these cars having as much authenticity as possible, you will also notice they have a heavy feel when you hold them; they bring a level of realism that many adore.
Resin
A resin model car is for collectors who want as much quality, precision, and attention to detail as possible. Resin cars aren't made in the large batches that diecast cars are, so they will usually rank higher in cost. Manufacturers will spend more time on these resin models to make them as accurate as possible, which greatly contributes to their value and selling cost. Moreover, manufacturers will reserve the resin method for rare and iconic makes, further adding to the value.
Whether you are looking for a resin or diecast model in various scales, LiveCarModel has it all. Check out our Cadillac model cars and marvel at each piece's exquisite magnificence, quality, and accuracy.
What To Look For
If you are a collector who also enjoys hunting for gems at garage sales, you might be wondering what you should look for when you come across a model car. Did you just stumble on a diamond, or is it a piece anyone could have? Here are some things to look out for.
Details
One of the best ways to determine the value of your collection or any model car is to pay close attention to the details. As such, take a look at the undercarriage. If it contains metal, that is a pretty good indicator that the car has high value.
Moreover, it can be hard to notice the small details, but you don't want to discover the car has missing pieces after shelling out your cash. Similar to how you would check the rear-view mirror and windshield wipers in your actual car, do the same for your model car. These are pieces that can break off easily that you might not notice or pay attention to at the moment.
Keep in Mind
Keep in mind that many factors determine the value of your model car collection. You can have the most expensive pieces in the world, but if you don't take consistent care of them, their value can depreciate more than expected.
Moreover, at the end of the day, value is also defined by one's perspective. You might be willing to spend more on a model of your first car or the car your grandfather had than someone else would. We can never underestimate the significance of sentimental value; maybe that's what matters most. This hobby is about the love, passion, and enjoyment you gain from finding, owning, and caring for a model car. Much like driving, it's all in the journey.
