Diecast Model Cars – A History

There is quite a long history of craftsmen building detailed miniature replicas of transport vehicles and machinery, but it wasn’t until 1934 that die cast model cars and trucks appeared on the scene in any great numbers.

At that time replica cars and lorries weren’t looked on as collectible in their own right – they were produced to lend added realism to model train sets.

Since the early 1920s Hornby had made ever more complex train sets. One of the sets, Meccano Set No 21, was embellished with six die cast models, consisting of a sports coupe, a motor truck, a sports car, a delivery van, an army tank and a farm tractor. These were the first Dinky models, issued under the “Meccano Modelled Miniatures” label, as Set No. 22.

These early diecast cars were pretty simplistic by modern standards, seeing as they were cast from an alloy with high lead content which didn’t lend itself to a high degree of detail. Also they did not try to depict genuine automobiles, although the sports car bore a resemblance to the S.S.1, a popular make at the time and a forerunner of the Jaguar.

In terms of size, 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 such models, and it wasn’t long before individual diecast models based on real cars and lorries were produced and sold on their own. Dinky Set 30 was modeled on the famous Rolls Royce, Set 36A on the Armstrong Siddely, 36B a Bentley, and 36F was a Salmon sports car.

With the passage of time the quality of detail and reproduction greatly improved. The Dinky sets came with diecast alloy bodies and tin-plate radiators and rubber tyres. The later replicas also came with drivers and passengers. The Armstrong Siddely had a footman and chauffeur. Just before the Second World War some superb military models were produced, including tanks with rotating turrets and catterpillar tracks.

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

In the nineteen fifties, new production techniques heralded a new era in the history of die cast replica cars. Lesney, famous 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 colour finish, brings us to the present day, where millions of exquisitely detailed die-cast replica models are produced, at quite reasonable prices for collectors. For example, just take a look at these amazing chevy diecast models.. The diecast model car industry has come a long way since the 1930s.

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

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