Diecast Toy Auctions

Diecast toys have proven to be as valuable as they are popular, especially in recent times. With an extensive history and plenty of cultural relevance, these toys are highly sought after in auction houses. Diecast toys have been manufactured by many reputable brands, meaning dedicated collectors are eager to expand their collections featuring notable brands such as Meccano.

At Cullens of Surrey, we appreciate the value of diecast toys and understand their importance to collectors. Our auctions often feature valuable and desirable diecast toys, so keep an eye out for our upcoming auctions to expand your own collections. If you’re considering selling a collection of diecast collectables, our expert team is knowledgeable in this department, ensuring you get a fair, accurate valuation.

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About Diecast Toys

The history of diecast toys is a fascinating journey that spans over a century, marked by innovation, creativity, and a passion for miniature replicas of real-world vehicles. The earliest origins of diecast toys can be traced back to the late 19th century, when miniature replicas of vehicles were made, typically from cast iron or lead. This progressed to further developments post-World War One with the introduction of brands such as Dinky Toys, which quickly became collectables for children and adults alike.

The aftermath of World War Two saw a surge in demand for diecast toys, driven by economic prosperity and advancements in manufacturing technology. Companies like Matchbox and Corgi emerged as industry leaders, producing highly detailed and affordable diecast model cars on various scales. These miniature replicas of popular vehicles captured the imagination of children around the world and became cherished possessions for generations to come.

The 1960s through to the 1980s is often considered the golden age of diecast toys, marked by fierce competition amongst manufacturers and an explosion of creativity in design. Brands like Hot Wheels and Tomica revolutionised the industry with their innovative designs, featuring sleek cars, intricate detailing, and exciting play features.

Recent and High-Value Sales

Today, diecast toys remain beloved by collectors of all ages, preserving the rich history of automotive design and engineering in miniature form. There have been more than a few examples of diecast toys that have skyrocketed in demand and value, especially considering some of the unique and limited edition vehicles released over time by reputable manufacturers. Perhaps the most valuable example of this is the Volkswagen Beach Bomb by Hot Wheels. This candy-pink 1969 prototype is unique, hence the high price valuation of €125,000 (£106,766). It's precisely the sort of diecast toy that collectors dream of owning.

At Cullens of Surrey, we’ve acquired a range of diecast toys that budding collectors have eagerly bid on at our auctions. In March 2024, we sold a large diecast collection, which included the sought-after French Dinky Fourgon Peugeot J7 Depannage Autoroutes which sold for £375 including buyers premium. Keep an eye out for upcoming toy auctions, and you may come across valuable diecast toys to expand your collections!

Fun Fact

Did you know that Hot Wheels released a single diecast toy car to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2008, which is worth €140,000 (£119,578 at the time of writing)? You’re probably wondering why it is so expensive… that’ll be because it is made of 18-carat white gold and has 1,388 blue diamonds, 988 black diamonds, 319 white diamonds and 8 rubies!

What Makes a Diecast Toy Worth More?

There are several factors which can influence the value of a diecast toy. If you’re looking to start a collection, these factors could be worth keeping in mind, or, if you’re looking to sell, consider if any of your diecast toys contain the following:

Cultural Relevance - Diecast toys based on popular or iconic vehicles, such as classic cars or movie replicas, are often in high demand among collectors. Models associated with well-known brands or historical events may also command higher prices due to their cultural significance.
Original Boxes - Dinky toy cars in their original boxes usually have a higher value, especially if these boxes are in good to mint condition. This gives a buyer confidence that it is genuine.
Gift Sets - If you happen to own a gift set, these often contain some of the highest-valued diecast toys. Gift sets have multiple models in one box, such as the Dinky No.4 Racing Cars set.
Pre-War Models - Dinky Toys that were made pre-war are usually more valuable than those that were made post-war. Pre-war models often featured more intricate designs, including a greater level of detail, compared to models which featured later.
Good Condition - All of the above become less relevant if the diecast toy is of bad quality. Models which have not been affected by discolouration and disfiguration, including the box, are worth more, especially if they’re rare models.

Looking to Sell With Us?

If you have Diecast toys that you’re looking to sell, or any other toys and models, we offer various routes, such as at auction, direct purchasing or third-party sellers. You can read about each selling route in more detail on our dedicated “Selling At Auction” page.

We’re Here to Answer Your Questions

At Cullens of Surrey, we’re committed to ensuring that all of our customers’ questions are answered regarding how our auctions work, or the other services we offer. We pride ourselves in offering an enjoyable experience when you get involved in our auctions, so please feel free to get in touch with us so we can answer your queries.

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