Collectibles--Toys/die cast cars

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Expert: - 11/6/2008


Question
Hi Michael.  I was impressed by your expertise and your commitment to collecting.  I have a pretty good size (around 600) collection of a variety of more mid-price (Brumm, Le Jouef,Paul's Auto art, etc.) die cast cars.  Most of my collection is in 1:43 scale but I have several other sizes.  Most are still in their original packaging and many of them date back to the mid 80's.  (Unfortunately when I went off to college so many years ago, my mom tossed out my 320 car collection of original Hot Wheels.  I started it with the Red Baron in 1968 or so).  Anyway, I would like to start collecting again and I want to go upscale a bit to exoto and some of the more pricey units.  Any suggestions on which manufacturers I should be eyeing for fit, finish, and long term value?

thanks for your time.

david r.

Answer
David,
There are so many of the larger scale pieces out there it's really hard to say. There are many that have great scale, fit and finish and there are a few that are very pricey also.
As for long term value, I have to tell you that it's pretty much the same as any collectible. Collect what you like and not for value down the road.
Like those Redlines that you had as a kid, about 20 years from now there will be know one that will want them. All the guys that grew up with them will either have what they want or no longer be interested. And the guys growing up now will have no interest in them. Like Matchbox cars. Twenty years ago, they were hot. Most of those guys that grew up playing with them are very old now and have no interest. See where this is going?
Collect what makes you happy....
Mike

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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