Diecast Toy Cars of the 1950s & 1960s: The Collector's Guide (General: Diecast Toy Cars) [Paperback]

Andrew Ralston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2009 | Series: General: Diecast Toy Cars

Collecting diecast toy cars has become an increasingly popular hobby over the last 25 years. Many of the classic diecast cars of the 1950s and 1960s are now valuable collectors’ items, and surviving examples in mint and boxed condition regularly fetch significant sums at specialist auctions. This book provides a comprehensive survey of the companies that made these toys in the 1950s and 1960s, not only in Britain but in other European countries, the USA, Japan and beyond. Major names such as Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys, Spot-On and Matchbox (Great Britain), Solido (France), Marklin and Gama (Germany ), Tekno (Denmark) and Tootsietoy (USA) are examined, but a unique feature of the book is the wealth of information provided on many smaller and more obscure brands. These include Crescent, Budgie, Chad Valley and Lone Star (UK), CIJ and JRD (France), Dalia (Spain), Buby (Argentina), Gamda (Israel) and many others about which information is hard to come by. A special chapter is devoted to early Japanese diecast models by Cherryca Phenix, Model Pet and Diapet, which are among the rarest and most sought-after of all diecasts. Fascinating insights into company histories are provided, together with 250 photographs of rare examples of the toys themselves, in mint condition with their original boxes. A further unique feature is the inclusion of a large selection of colorful and evocative illustrations from catalogs and period trade advertisements. For the newcomer to the collecting hobby, this book will provide an ideal guide to the history of the manufacturers active in this field, while experienced collectors will make many new discoveries. At the end of the book, readers will find a handy glossary listing the names of many of the companies that manufactured diecast toy cars in the 1950s and 1960s.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fascinating glimpse of the variety to be found, from naive Hong Kong 'penny toys' to sophisticated European model with a multiplicity of working features." – Octane


"Nicely produced and well written, this book will be of interest to established and knowledgable collectors as well as being a valuable introduction for new collectors." – Model Auto Review

"This book provides fascinating insights into the history of individual companies, accompanied by 300 photographs of rare examples from all around the world, with guide prices for collectors. A heart-warming read." – Hertfordshire Countryside magazine

"This new book has marvelously rekindled old childhood memories with over 300 fabulous colour photographs of examples in mint condition, with handy, if somewhat gally, 'price today' tickets." – Gay Classic Car Group

"Provides a general global review of toy car manufacturers from Dinky to Diapet with a colourful selection of products and price guides. Best bits, though, are the featured catalogues and box art." – Classic & Sports Car

 "A fascinating insight in to the world of the toy car, visiting many countries as the story unfolds." – Jaguar World Monthly

"... a very nicely-produced book with plenty of appeal." – New Zealand Classic Car

"Includes more than 250 brilliant color photographs of these toys, along with a glossary listing the names of many of the companies active in this field in the 1950s and 1960s." – S Gaugian

"A comprehensive overview ..." – Startline

Book Description

 Collecting diecast toy cars has become an increasingly popular hobby over the last 25 years. Many of the classic diecast cars of the 1950s and 1960s are now valuable collectors’ items, and surviving examples in mint and boxed condition regularly fetch significant sums at specialist auctions. This book provides a comprehensive survey of the companies that made these toys in the 1950s and 1960s, not only in Britain but in other European countries, the USA, Japan and beyond. Major names such as Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys, Spot-On and Matchbox (Great Britain), Solido (France), Marklin and Gama (Germany ), Tekno (Denmark) and Tootsietoy (USA) are examined, but a unique feature of the book is the wealth of information provided on many smaller and more obscure brands. These include Crescent, Budgie, Chad Valley and Lone Star (UK), CIJ and JRD (France), Dalia (Spain), Buby (Argentina), Gamda (Israel) and many others about which information is hard to come by. A special chapter is devoted to early Japanese diecast models by Cherryca Phenix, Model Pet and Diapet, which are among the rarest and most sought-after of all diecasts. Fascinating insights into company histories are provided, together with 250 photographs of rare examples of the toys themselves, in mint condition with their original boxes. A further unique feature is the inclusion of a large selection of colorful and evocative illustrations from catalogs and period trade advertisements. For the newcomer to the collecting hobby, this book will provide an ideal guide to the history of the manufacturers active in this field, while experienced collectors will make many new discoveries. At the end of the book, readers will find a handy glossary listing the names of many of the companies that manufactured diecast toy cars in the 1950s and 1960s..

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Veloce (July 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845841808
• ISBN-13: 978-1845841805
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #628,785 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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