Luke Judge

What are Nascar Diecast Model Cars

Nascar diecast model cars are collectible toys that are produced using a die casting method. The cars are made of a metal alloy of aluminum and zinc, with the remaining parts of the car being plastic. Along with the growing popularity of Nascar racing in the 1990s, came the die cast cars and trucks of Nascar painted in the colors of the different racing teams. There were several different manufacturers of these products in the beginning with many of these manufacturers either dropping or selling their Nascar line as time has gone by.

The History of Die Cast Cars

Diecast (or die cast, or die-cast) toys were first produced early in the 20th century by manufacturers in the United Kingdom and in the United States. The first models on the market were basic, consisting of a small car or van body with no interior. In the early days it was common for impurities in the metal alloy to result in metal fatigue and the casting would crack or decompose for no apparent reason. As a result, diecast toys made before World War II are difficult to find in good condition.

In or about 1947, the popular Matchbox 1-75 series was developed and manufactured. The series was so named because there were always 75 different vehicles in the line, each packaged in a small box designed to look like those used for matches. These toys became so popular that “Matchbox” was widely used as a generic term for any diecast toy car, regardless of who the actual manufacturer was.

Nascar Diecasts Become Collectibles

As with anything developed with the sports fan in mind, these toy cars quickly became collectible items. As drivers such as the late Dale Earnhardt arrived at the track with different paint color schemes, a new diecast car would quickly arrive to match that new paint scheme and the fans of each driver would have to have the new car to add to their collection of memorabilia. Many of these cars are produced in special or limited additions which immediately make them attractive due to their limited availability. Thus, with the limited availability, as well as the addition of autographed models, these unique little diecast cars have become a favorite of Nascar collectors everywhere.

glamour Collectables collectible toys, die cast cars, diecast model cars, toy cars, world war ii

Q I Have a Wade commemorative porcelain decanter celebrating the birth of Prince William. It is still in its original box (slightly torn).

But the decanter itself is still in it’s original condition, sealed and still has the “Bells Specially Selected Scotch Whisky”. Could you please let me know if this item is worth anything? -Greg Parry, South Ruislip, Middlesex

A these decanters are produced by the Wade pottery and today are collectable items. If all are sealed and boxed the values are much higher. The Charles and Diana wedding decanter is very sought-after: it sells for up to £250 if sealed and £450 together with a mint box. The Charles and Camilla Wedding Decanter is very rare and only 975 were made. Expect to pay about £200-£350+ for that one. Your Birth of William decanter is worth around £25-£50 currently.

Q I Own what I believe to be a French singing bird in a cage. It is certainly more than 100 years old.

We know my greatgrandmother had it in her youth.

The bird is mechanical and sits in a gilded cage. It still works beautifully and is a fine antique. It is quite worn in terms of appearance but is complete. Any value? – Simon Letts, Fulham, London

A you have an example of something known as Automata. These are often very delicate and carefully crafted amusements which would never have been meant for children. Your item most likely would have been placed in the centre of an upper middle-class Victorian drawing room and would have been wound up and played for guests.

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Like most examples of singing birds, your cage is most likely un-stamped, though it is likely to be an original, made in France, between 1800 and 1850 and designed by a firm like Bontem, Lambert or Roullet & Decamp.

If it was in fine condition, they can range in price from £600 to £2,000 or more. Yours is worth insuring separately for sure.

Q I Have been given a Royal Doulton figurine and would like to find out her value and which collection she came from.

I hope these details on the bottom of the figurine can help you: Rhapsody HN 2267. Your help would be much appreciated. – Mr Adams, via email

A doulton figurines are one of the most popular collectables ever made. There is something for everybody and plenty of rarities to keep the interest of enthusiasts. I haven’t met anybody yet who has a complete collection as there are thousands of different figurines.

Rhapsody is a depiction of an elegant lady wearing a blue dress. She was designed by M. Davies at Doulton. Your piece was produced from 1961 to 1973 and she stands 6.75in tall.

Send questions to Treasure Hunters, Sunday Mirror, 1 Canada Square, London E14 5AP or send an email (with your address) to – sorry, but he can’t reply personally. Visit jamesbreese.co.uk

glamour Collectables fulham london, greg parry