Die-cast model cars
Die-cast model cars like the ‘Hotwheels’ designs of the 70’s generated by Matel remained in a favourite for children and were as popular with boys as were Barbie dolls for girls. The die-cast design Ferrari is currently still in production.
The term die-cast describes a technique of creating the toys and models, die-cast models was not restricted to aircraft with automobiles, motorcycles, trains as well as robots were also created. The approach included pouring molten metal under pressure right into a two-part die which created a high quality finish.
The metal utilized in the very first castings were a lead alloy; later on zinc with small quantities of aluminium and copper was made used to cast models as we became increasingly aware lead was toxic.
Where zinc was made use of great care was needed to prevent lead or iron pollutants. Where these existed they displayed a defect called ‘zinc pest’. This led to unforeseen splitting and breaking of the product and also is a factor accounting for the fact that so few pre World War 2 cast versions exist.
The resulting die cast design vehicles were created with small low friction wheels and also free running axles and also were truly rapid! They definitely suited their brand name. Actually there was an entire childhood generation who suffered accidents in their youth resulting from the desire to watch these flyers hurtle towards you, the problem was that young reflexes were not always up to it!
The die cast design was constantly mosting likely to be a collectable. Today a die cast design of a vehicle to have optimum value requires its original box. Vans were cast in the livery of Coca Cola, Cerebos salt, Smiths crisps and Coleman’s mustard and are scarce, if they have the livery of the German Sunshine soap version are especially valuable.
Vectis public auctions, a professional auction house marketed a Dinky pre-war collection of delivery vans in their original boxes for the shocking amount of ₤ 35,000 back in 2008.
Die-cast cast designs have an unique location in history for the ‘baby boomer’ generation particularly the grown up kids! The dazzling red die-cast version Ferrari model car is no exemption and is highly treasured.
1-24 diecast model cars tend to be about 8 inch in size and are the most treasured by adults. This scale tends to be most collected in America. With the company Franklin Mint producing some beautifully detailed die cast models worldwide though American vehicles are popular.
Today the die cast design Ferrari Enzo, Ferrari 355 Spider and the Ferrari F50 are available as 1-24 scale models, kit versions are still extremely collectable.
To complete we need to discuss the 1-32 range. This was the port vehicle range, so all our Scalextric design cars and trucks were this dimension, I could still remember the pale electric burning scent as my Ferrari red F1 racer sped round the figure of eight track, yet that is for afterward!
To finish we have to mention the 1-32 scale. The Scalextric model cars were this size and it became know as the slot car scale many still remember the buzzing transformer and the smell of ozone as the Ferrari red F1 racer screamed over black plastic to give hours of entertainment.
