Do you remember the day you received your first model car? It was likely a race car purchased on the 1:64 or 1:43 scale while on a grocery run with your parents. Little did we know that those toy cars we could play with for hours were only the start of a long and fruitful hobby that would last years to come.

Since then, your collection has likely grown considerably to reflect your evolving interest in vehicles. However, you might want to take your collection a step further. In that case, it’s important to discover some of the top ways to increase the value of your diecast cars.

Diecast Model Cars

Those who don’t collect diecast model cars may not understand the excitement and deep satisfaction a collector gains from this type of hobby. As with any other collecting hobby, it’s about preserving a moment in time through a means that is memorable to the collector. Many of us enjoy collecting cars that have sentimental value, resemble a golden era of automobile manufacturing, or resemble automobiles we can only dream of owning.

However, we find ourselves interested in this fascinating and endless hobby for countless reasons. Nonetheless, what binds us all together lies in the discovery of the highest-quality models out there. If you have a hefty collection or have just begun your journey, you likely want to know how to ensure your cars maintain their value throughout the years. Read on to explore the top ways to increase the value of your diecast cars.

What Determines the Value of Your Collection?

There are many factors that will determine the value of the model cars in your collection. Once you know these determining factors, you will have more of an informed understanding when choosing the next models for your collection. That way, you will only choose vehicles that have a higher likelihood of increasing in value. We might find ourselves with a miniature lemon if we don’t know what to look for when it comes to determining the value of a model car.

Scale

You likely know that model cars come available in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 1:87 to nearly 1:12. Scale can make things a little tricky because the larger scales will generally be much more expensive than the smaller scales. This higher price is due to the increased detail and supplies required to create these models, as every aspect is much more noticeable. Many people appreciate the larger scale models as they have an increased realism in their design.

However, the larger scales also come with a caveat—they tend to take up more space and are generally pricier. In that, collectors might be hesitant to choose to purchase the larger model cars and usually will only splurge if the car has sentimental value or historical importance. If you choose to collect larger scales, it’s important to know that, while they will retain their value, reselling can come as a challenge.

Pro Tip

Most collectors will choose a wide range of model car scales, as it adds variety to their collection. Moreover, doing this will greatly improve your chances of reselling your models in the future. If you want a scale that balances quality and size, the goldilocks scale to go for is either 1:18 or 1:24.

Timing

Even the model car world will see trends now and then that increase the value of certain models. For example, a model car could see a sudden increase in value should it get primetime in a major motion picture or if a celebrated driver announces their retirement. If you’re considering the value of your collection, it’s important to pay attention to fluctuations and trends in the hobby. Join forums, threads, and groups so that you can stay up-to-date on the latest excitement in the model car world.

Moreover, you should always consider the manufacturing date of your model cars. It’s not a hard and fast rule, but model cars from the 1990s tend to sell for more, as many believe their quality is higher than recent makes. If you want model cars that have incredible quality, then choose LiveCarModel. Check out our Audi scale models and the many other makes we have available to add to your collection today.

Limited Releases

When a model car manufacturer only releases a limited amount of a vehicle, that model will always sell for much higher than others. You can rest assured that model cars from limited releases will greatly appreciate in value over time. Moreover, the same goes for rarer items as well—as the rarer an item is, the more collectors will pay.

Interestingly, you’ll find that many of the model cars that go for tens of thousands of dollars tend to originate from the 1950s. Few model cars still exist in mint condition from that era. Additionally, many collectors would love to be able to add a small piece of history to their set. When you are looking for vehicles that will add value to your collection, it’s always a promising idea to investigate the piece you are looking at and explore its history.

Maintaining Condition

Now that you know some of the determining factors that will affect the resale value of your car collection, you also need to know how to retain that value. As with anything, your items will degrade and age, which is why taking care of them is essential. There are some simple rules you should follow that will greatly enhance the life and value of your model cars.

The first thing you should do is ensure your model cars do not experience any sunlight or UV light, as these rays can accelerate the deterioration of your cars. Try to store your models in lowlight areas, such as a closet or basement. Moreover, temperature fluctuations can affect your model vehicles, so it’s best to keep your collection in an area that has reliable temperature control.

Finally, humidity can significantly warp and damage the material on your model car. It helps to store your diecast model cars in a plastic case, which will also assist in limiting temperature changes.