Matchbox Cars:

• Play and learn!
• Drive with your friends!
• For age 3 and up

Product DescriptionStyled to match your favorite characters from TV, this Matchbox Nickelodeon set from Mattel features cool decorations.
A pack of 5 cars. . . . More >>

Matchbox Nickelodeon 5 Packs Die Cast Cars Dora, Diego, Wonderpets, Backyardigans

People all over the country have different hobbies. Some people collect model trains, some people collect books, baseball cards, movies, music, or bobble heads. One of the most popular hobbies around today is the collection of die cast cars. Die cast cars are popular because not only can the person with the hobby build the model that they have purchased but they can put that model in a glass case and display it at their house or office. They could also construct the model, frame it, and then sell it for a tiny profit.

Many people collect die cast cars as a hobby and enjoy attending model car shows where you can purchase old models and new model kits to work on. The die casting method is the use of metal and plastic. The metal that is used is zamak, which is an alloy of zinc and aluminum. Die cast toys come in scale models of fire trucks, police cars, airplanes, construction equipment, trains, buses, trucks, automobiles, and motorcycles.

These scale models can be assembled by the person purchasing them or can be purchased already assembled and ready for display. The fun part of the hobby is purchasing the kit and then assembling the model when you get home. You can build the car, paint it and then set it out for display. The die cast toy industry began in the 1940s in the United States and has grown in popularity ever since. Some of the most popular cars in the die cast world are Matchbox cars. Matchbox cars are incredibly small models of cars that kids enjoy playing with or collecting on a daily basis. One line of Matchbox cars, the 1-75, was named 1-75 because there are always 75 different vehicles in the line. Each car was packaged in its own box and the box looked like it was small enough to hold matches, hence the name Matchbox cars.

Mattel first introduced the Hot Wheels brand in 1968 because of the complaints that there were no toys for boys being produced by the company. Mattel is also famous for their Barbie doll collection for girls. Die cast cars became so popular that McDonald's, Sears Roebuck, Kodak, and Texaco asked toy makers to make vehicles with their business name and likeness on them for advertising purposes and to sell to collectors in their popular stores.

Along with collecting die cast cars, manufacturing companies also produce racetracks, toy restaurants and toy filling stations for children to play with while using their model cars. The racetracks have become increasingly realistic over the years, with cars being electronically driven on the tracks by the players as well as being propelled from the starting line in a pin-ball like manner. Aside from the cars and the accessories, companies also provide carry cases for people to put their die cast cars in when traveling. So, if you are going on a family vacation and your son or daughter wants to bring their cars with them, the carry case can hold their cars perfectly.

First created in the mid-1900s, diecast cars have been a long-time success in the toy and hobby industry. The automobiles are made out of a zinc and aluminum alloy, and then complemented with plastic parts such as windows or doors. Over the past seventy-five years, die-cast cars have quickly evolved into one of the most popular areas of the hobby and toy industry.

One reason that diecast cars are so popular is due to their scaled-to-life appearance. Unlike the unbalanced proportions of the Barbie dolls from the same era, diecast cars are scaled to appear as reasonable as the real thing. Scales range from a larger 1:12 ratio to a 1:72 ratio, where one-sixth of an inch represents one life-size foot. The 1:72 is very prevalent in the United Kingdom and Eastern Europe, but a 1:48 scale is the one commonly used in the United States.

"Matchbox cars" is an alternative name for diecast cars. This name was made popular back in 1947 when Lesney began distributing their diecast cars in small, matchbox-shaped packages. Although most cars are packaged in larger boxes or sandwiched between plastic and cardboard sheets, the generic name "matchbox cars" still remains in use today.

Die-cast cars are a popular item for collectors of all ages. While the older audience willingly pays the money for higher-priced classics, diecast cars are a popular toy of choice for children as well. "Hot Wheels," Mattel's fast-flying collection target towards young boys, are sold by the millions every year. Because of the young target audience, Hot Wheels typically sell for just a couple dollars. Regardless, some of the rarer models have sold recently for hundreds of dollars.

Originally, only a couple companies were producing these miniature classics. However, the popularity of the toys quickly caught on, and the diecast toy industry grew rapidly as hobbyists flocked to expand their collections with the latest classics and collectibles. The price range for diecast cars varies a lot depending on the condition, age, and rareness of the car. The ever-popular Hot Wheels cars only cost a couple dollars, but some difficult-to-find cars from before World War II can bring in hundreds of dollars each. Lifelong collectors are often able to sell their collections for thousands of dollars.

Over the years, the die-cast industry has evolved greatly. At first, the toys were very simple, including only the main frame of the car. However, the cars now include interiors and detailed mechanics under the hood. Only a couple companies produced die-cast cars when they first were introduced, but there are now hundreds of companies around the world producing die-cast toys.

The diecast toy industry is no longer limited to just classic cars. Airplanes, trains, construction equipment, and military vehicles are now popular toys available for purchase. In addition, scenery and landscaping are now a popular expansion to the industry. Buildings, roads, and shrubs are among the popular accessories used to make the models even more realistic. Die-cast toys are sold pre-built for the buyer's convenience; however, kits are also available. These sets come with detailed instructions allowing the buyer to customize their model with their own paint, accessories, and allow for other personalization.

As the value of these toys continue to rise, expect to see the industry to continue to thrive. If any toy has a chance at remaining popular despite the rise in electronic toys, it's the diecast car, with its century of history and growth leading the way.

I remember when Hot Wheels and Matchbox diecast toy cars used to have doors OPENN, how is that new Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars have no doors that open? You know?