Collectibles--Toys/toy cars

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Expert: - 7/30/2007


Question
Michael,

There is an older lady who lives across the street from me and she wanted me to try and find a rough value of these antique toy cars that she has had forever.  They are cast iron toy cars with the rubber wheels, I'm told that the rubber wheels are rare/unique.  That is pretty much all of the information that I have, I might have a date, but she couldn't give me one as of yet.  I just know they are old, at least early 1900s I think.  If you could give me a rough value/ range of value I would really appreciate it.  If you need any more information I can try and find it, but as of now, this is all she has given me.

Thank you and I look forward to your response.

Answer
Thanx for writing.... but you have to give me a lot more info than you have. I need photos of each of them outside and underneath. A lot of times, the manufacture name is embossed on the inside along with any other tell-tale signs.
Color and condition make a difference, wheel type as in what they are made of and of course what the vehicles themselves are made of. All these things matter in finding value. There is no way possible that I can give a value without seeing what we are talking about.
If you get photos, you can send them directly to me at MikeZarnock@aol.com and we can go from there.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Michael 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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