Matchbox
In 1947 Lesney Products produced the first Diecast toy, known by the household name of Matchbox. The company operated until 1982. Diecast is the name given to the process in which the toy was made. Zinc or lead alloy in a Moulton form, is poured into a reusable mould to cast the design of the toy. Matchbox has grown into a huge market. Children like playing with these toy vehicles. Collectors seek boxed vehicles and certain model vehicles. Enthusiasts like to restore the vintage toy vehicles back to their original state.
Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels are a product of the American Toy Company Mattel. The first Hot Wheels diecast toy was manufactured in 1968. The first line of these models were known as The Original Sweet Sixteen. The first series were named The Red Line Series as they had a red stripe to the edge of the tyres. Hot Wheels still exists today. They have had to keep up with the every changing toy market with regards to designs and accessories like racing track for the slot car racing kits. However 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of this product and a marketing campaign was launched across America. The program was called The Hot Wheels Legends Tour. At certain Walmart stores members of the public could enter a competition. If they were picked their vehicle would be cast as a new Hot Wheels Toy. Over 5,000 vehicles were entered and a staggering 111,000 people attended the events.
Corgi Toys
Corgi Toys is a brand of diecast vehicles by Hornby. This brand was introduced into the UK in 1956. They operated until they went into liquidation in 1983. The company was bought in 1984 and operated under Corgi Toys Limited. By 1989 the Corgi brand was sold to Mattel. 1995 and Corgi had established itself as an independent company and moved it’s headquarters to a new home in Leicester (East Midlands). Corgi is well known for model vehicles based on Batmobile and James Bonds Aston Martin DB5.
Tootsie Toy
The origins of Tootsie Toys dates back to 1890 founded in America. There were 2 manufacturing casting companies involved Dowst and Shure Brothers. In the 1920’s a very simplistic diecast vehicle was manufactured by Dowst. They had a single diecast body, two axels and four wheels. Tootsie cars were produced in this way until around 1970’s/1980’s when they turned to plastic interiors. Tootsie still operate today owned by J. Lloyd International, Inc based in Chicago.
Wildcard Curiosities Collection
We have a variety of vintage Matchbox, Hotwheels, Corgi and Tootsie Toy vehicles available for sale in our online shop. The condition of the ones we have for sale do show they have been well played with. Therefore the price reflects this. Click on the link below to take you to our online shop: