Diecast Model Cars – A History

There is a fairly long history of craftsmen building detailed miniature models of transport vehicles and machinery, but it wasn't until nineteen thirty-four that diecast model cars and trucks appeared on the scene in any great numbers.

In those days the model cars and lorries were not looked on as collectable items in their own right – they were produced to lend added realism to model trainsets.

Since the early nineteen twenties Hornby had made increasingly complex train sets. One of these sets, Meccano Set No 21, came complete with six die-cast models, consisting of a delivery van, a sports coupe, a farm tractor, a sports car, an army tank, a farm tractor and a motor truck. These were the first Dinky models, issued under the "Meccano Modelled Miniatures" label, as Set No. 22.

These early die cast models were fairly simplistic by modern standards, seeing as they were cast from an alloy with high lead content which did not lend itself to a high level of detail. Also they didn't intend to depict genuine automobiles, although the sports car looked somewhat similar to the SS1, a popular make of the period and a forerunner of the Jaguar.

In terms of scale, they weren't well suited to the train sets which they were intended to adorn.

It soon became clear, however, that there was a healthy market for models like this, and it wasn't long before individual diecast models based on real cars and trucks were produced and sold on their own. Dinky Set 30 was based on the famous Rolls Royce, Set 36A on the Armstrong Siddely, 36B a Bentley, and 36F was a Salmon sports car.

With the passing of time the quality of detail and reproduction hugely improved. The Dinky sets had diecast alloy bodies and tinplate radiators and rubber tyres. The later replicas also came with passengers and drivers. The Armstrong Siddely had a footman and chauffeur. Just prior to World War II some superb military models were produced, including tanks with catterpillar tracks and rotating turrets.

Few replicas from that era have survived in acceptable condition, and items in good condition are extremely collectable – pre-war Dinky models can fetch prices up to one thousand dollars in auction.

In the nineteen fifties, new production methods heralded a new era in the history of die-cast model cars. Lesney, renowned for their splendid Coronation Coach, and Corgi, ("the ones with the windows"), joined the market to compete with Dinky.

This new generation of die cast vehicles, with better detail, finer running gear, and better color finish, leads up to the present day, where millions of exquisitely detailed die cast replica models are produced, at very reasonable prices for the collector. For example, just take a look at these diecast aircraft models. The diecast model car industry has come a long way since the 1930s.

And, better not forget, eBay can be a terrific source for those hard-to-find, rare die-cast models: classic diecast auctions.

For detailed, precision-built die cast motor car replicas, visit classic diecast.

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