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Collectibles--Toys/Vintage Hot wheels

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Expert: - 1/10/2008


Question
Hello,
I have several cars that I think are vintage cars, and wonder if you could direct me to a site whereas I can look up the ones I have to see information on them.

I have a nice collection and even after giving a nephew 150+, I still have the older ones as he is too young now for them.
I have ones like McDonalds,Baby Ruth, The Oscar Mayer Hot Dog truck. Many from that time which I think may have been in the 60's.

I would appreciate any advice as I want to continue this collection.

Thank you

Lois Woolley

Answer
Hi Lois,
I wish it were that easy. Hot Wheels along with all other diecast cars need to be graded as to condition along with color and variation to determine value. There are no websites out there that will do that for you. Your best bet is to get a book whether it's mine or anyone else’s and read what needs to be done.
Please remember that the date on the bottom does not always mean when it was made. It's just the date that particular casting was copyrighted. There are cars that were made in 2007 that have a 1967 date on the base, so that's why it's so important to have a Guide with photos....
If you have a hobby shop local, you may want to stop in there and see if they can help out, our like I mentioned earlier, pick up a Collector Guide. Look through it before you buy it and see if your cars are in there.
If you get stuck, you can send me pictures via my email, MikeZarnock@aol.com and I will try to help you out.
Remember that Hot Wheels cars will always have "Hot Wheels" or that famous Hot Wheels flame logo on them somewhere.
Good Luck.
Mike Zarnock

Collectibles--Toys

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Michael Zarnock

Expertise

I am able to answer questions about Hot Wheels toy cars and accessories.

Experience

Michael Zarnock is an American author and columnist, who writes collector guides and articles about Hot Wheels toy cars and accessories. Michael's knowledge and his massive Hot Wheels collection has earned him notoriety around the world. Whether it be because of the 11 books and countless magazine articles that he has written about Hot Wheels toys or the sheer size and diversity of his collection, this extensive knowledge has earned him the label,
"One of the worlds leading Hot Wheels authorities."
For more information visit: www.MikeZarnock.com

Publications
Bibliography:
2011-Present - "Die Cast X Magazine" (Hot Wheels Highway Section)
2009-2010 - "The Car Room Magazine" (Hot Wheels Column)
2008-2009 - "Die Cast X Magazine" (Hot Wheels Column)
2002 to 2008 - "Toy Cars & Models Magazine" (Hot Wheels Column & Variation Price Guide)
2002 - "The Ultimate Guide to Hot Wheels Variations"
2002 - *"The Standard Catalog of Die-Cast Vehicles II"
2003 - "Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide"
2004 - "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide, 2nd Edition"
2004 - *"Toys & Prices - 11th Edition"
2005 - "Hot Wheels Accessories, The Ultimate Guide"
2005 - *"Toys & Prices - 12th Edition"
2005 - *"The Standard Catalog of Die-Cast Vehicles III"
2006 - "Hot Wheels: A Warman's Companion Guide"
2006 - *"Toys & Prices - 13th Edition"
2007 - "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide 3rd Edition"
2007 - *"Toys & Prices - 14th Edition"
2007 - "Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide 2nd Edition"
2008 - *"Toys & Prices - 15th Edition"
2009 - *"Toys & Prices - 16th Edition"
2009 - "Hot Wheels: A Warman's Companion Guide 2nd Edition"
2009 - "Once Upon A Street Race" (Based on the true story of the time Mike got kidnapped at a street race!)
2010 - "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide 4th Edition"
2010 - "Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide 3rd Edition"
2011 - "Hot Wheels Prototypes" (Bruce Pascal & Michael Zarnock)
* - Denotes Hot Wheels Collector Number chapters on that publication.

Education/Credentials
There are no Educational Credentials needed for this area, just the need to be obsessed!

Awards and Honors
Michael is a 2 Time Guinness World Record holder! First in 2003 and then again in 2007! He is in the record books for owning the "Largest collection of different model cars". He is featured in the 2008 "Ripley's Believe It Or Not!" book #5 “Prepare To Be Shocked!” And the 2011 "Ripley's Believe It Or Not!" book "Utterly Crazy!" February 2009 Michael was inducted into the "Diecast Hall Of Fame" and later that year Mattel Hot Wheels® honored Michael by reproducing his old Altered Roadster Race Car as part of their Nostalgic "Drag Strip Demons®" Series!

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