Discover the Famous Miniature Cars of Yester Year
When you think about the words of “famous miniature cars”, it usually comes to mind matchbox cars. The tiny vehicles are know the world over, and later Mattel would make the line of tiny cars and truck famous. Finding out what the history of the play toy is, is a must for collectors. Being informed, will certainly help to decide if it is an original, their true value, and if it is a good deal or not, to buy one.
It might surprise you to find out that the original matchbox design came from an English product company, and by a co-owner, named Jack Odell. He redesigned the first car for his daughter, from a toy that was sold at the company, except it was a much smaller version. The need for the small car was that apparently, she could not take any toys to school that would not fit inside a matchbox, so this is how the idea of die-cast small cars was dreamed up.
Lesney company, as it was known, marketed and distributed through the Moko Lesney company, and after the Lesney legacy went out of business, all of the rights to the name and design went to Moko. If you want to collect the line of vehicles, then be aware that the original distributing company name will be on the toys.
One of the most brilliant plans for the Lesney line was when they developed a retirement plan for their line for the die-cast model of cars. Vehicles would taken off the market after a season of production for the buying public. That is why collectors look for them so vigorously, and will pay high prices for originals. Also, production would be limited, which today draws the value of them to high prices on the open market.
If you are looking for the cars, then known that all originals will come in their unique bright yellow little box, in the shape of a box of matches. If a car is trying to be sold without the box, then look for other defining marks on the car, such as the Moko imprint on the vehicles. Popularity and rarity of certain models, like the die-cast caravan, is just one example of what to look for in the little vehicles.
The condition of cars, trucks, and jeeps, and the packaging it came in is very important, when trying to decide if the selling price is worth the cost. As with other vintage or antiques, all of these factors play into the real worth of it. Only you can decide if it is worth that much to own.
Many new collectors of die-casts do not realize that catalogs of the toys in the Lesney/Moko line, are just as valuable. Any price guides that can be found are a collectible too. As with the vehicles condition on both publications does mean a lot, in value and collectability. Do not be surprised to find more vehicles that are in better shape than the books and magazines. Rough handling by kids does not bode well for paper products.
Knowing all of these facts of history about collecting these rare toy cars and trucks, might just keep you out of being taken advantage of by a sly seller. Read more about the fascinating history of collectible cars and trucks from decades past, and fall in love with them all over again, or for the very first time.
About the Author
If you are looking for Diecast model cars, diecast models cars or diecast cars, then our site is your one stop shop for information and products.
Texas Special Extended Play Version
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AURORA 1:18 1985 Bejing Jeep Cherokee Die Cast Model White Color $340.00 |
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AUTOart 1:18 JEEP WILLYS Die Cast Model $330.00 |
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JEEP WILLYS ARMY GREEN 1/18 DIECAST MODEL CAR BY AUTOART 74006 $246.15 |
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WW2 Willys Jeep by Autoart Diecast Model Car 1:18 $245.61 |
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1:18 Autoart GRAND CHEROKEE JEEP Die Cast Model $230.00 |
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1:18 Minichamps Mercedes-Benz ML350 Jeep Die Cast Model New ARRIVALS BLUE/SILVER $180.00 |
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antique JEEP army metal military MP diecast model car Modell Metall Auto US Army $150.00 |
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1/18 Landwind X9 SUV Off-road Jeep Die Cast Model NEW $118.00 |
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Dinky Toys Meccano 405 Military Jeep Diecast Model $99.99 |
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53 1953 JEEP WILLYS PANEL VAN TRUCK MODEL KIT DIECAST Liberty Classics Specast $99.99 |
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4×4 Jeep Rubicon Lara Croft Tomb Raider Revell 1:25 Model Off Road Diecast Body $79.99 |
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1:18 Welly Willys-Overland Jeep World War Two Die Cast Model New $75.00 |
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1:24 • UAZ Hunter • Diecast Model SUV • Russian analog Jeep Land Rover Defender $49.99 |
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Jeep Wrangler Sahara Maroon Diecast Model 1:18 Die Cast Car $46.10 |
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DIE CAST REPLICA 1:32 CADILLAC SIXTEEN 2004/ESCALADE/JEEP SET OF 3 MODELS $45.00 |
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1953 JEEP WILLYS STAKE TRUCK CANADIAN TIRE LIMITED EDITION MODEL DIE CAST BANK $44.99 |
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HOBBY MASTER 1/72 US WILLYS JEEP DIECAST DISPLAY MODEL BRAND NEW IN BOX HG1601 $44.97 |
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New w/Case– Minichamps 1/43 Porsche Cayenne V6 Jeep Limited Car Diecast Model $42.69 |
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MODEL POWER DIE CAST AIR & ROAD KINGS MILITARY TANK, TRUCK, JEEP & AIRPLANES $41.00 |
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Classical Car Model TOY Mint 2007 Jeep 1:24 Scale Diecast V-18 $39.98 |
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DIE CAST REPLICA MODEL 1:18 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON 1997 DARK BLUE $39.00 |
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HM-HG1602 Hobby Master Jeep Diecast Model, US Army 82nd Airborne Div, Europe $38.99 |
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1:27 MAISTO Jeep WRANGLER RUBICON Die Cast Model Red $38.00 |
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OLD R1283 FIRE DEPARTMENT JEEP DIECAST MODEL TOY $38.00 |
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HM-HG1601 Hobby Master Jeep Diecast Model US Army 101st Airborne Screaming Eagle $37.99 |
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BbURAGO 1:18 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA NEW DIECAST MODEL CAR RED $32.99 |
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BbURAGO 1:18 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA NEW DIECAST MODEL CAR METALLIC OLIVE $32.99 |
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GREENLIGHT 1:43 2012 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON NEW DIECAST MODEL DARK GREEN $32.99 |
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1961 MITSUBISHI JEEP J30 WAGON Diecast Model 1:43 Scale $31.00 |
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DIE CAST REPLICA MODEL 1:18 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON 1997 AS IS $31.00 |
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JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON DEEP BLUE 1:18 DIECAST MODEL CAR 31663 $29.99 |
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1/18 Jeep Wrangler Rescue Concept Diecast – Jeep Rescue Concept Die Cast Model $29.99 |
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JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA RED 1:18 DIECAST MODEL CAR BY BBURAGO 12014 $29.99 |
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JEEPNEY: 9 inch Mini Jeep – Philippines Taxi in DieCast – Promite Model – NEW $29.99 |
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HM-HG4209 Hobby Master Jeep Diecast Model, USAAF $29.99 |
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JEEP RESCUE CONCEPT ORANGE 1:18 DIECAST MODEL CAR $28.99 |
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1/18 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Diecast 2003 Jeep CJ Wrangler Rubicon Die Cast Model $28.99 |
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JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON FIRE UNIT 1:18 DIECAST MODEL $28.99 |
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New 1:24 JEEP Rubicon Alloy Diecast Model Car Yellow B1594 $28.99 |
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New 1:24 JEEP Rubicon Alloy Diecast Model Car Red B1593 $28.99 |
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New 1:24 JEEP Rubicon Alloy Diecast Model Car White B1592 $28.99 |
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New 1:24 JEEP Rubicon Open Alloy Diecast Model Car Red B1584 $28.99 |
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New 1:24 JEEP Rubicon Open Alloy Diecast Model Car Yellow B1583 $28.99 |
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New 1:24 JEEP Rubicon Open Alloy Diecast Model Car White B1582 $28.99 |
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JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA Diecast Model Car 1/18 BURAGO 9in RED 12014 $28.45 |
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JEEP WRANGLER FIRE RESCUE OPEN TOP Diecast Toy Model CAR 1/18 MAISTO 9inch RED $28.45 |
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JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA HARDTOP Diecast Toy Model Car 1/18 MAISTO 9inch BLACK $28.45 |
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2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE SUV Diecast Toy Model Car 1/18 MAISTO 9.5inch GREEN $28.45 |
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JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE SUV Diecast Toy Model Car 1/18 MAISTO 9.5inch GOLD $28.45 |
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Maisto Jeep Wrangler Sahara wht Diecast 118 Model car $27.99 |
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Maisto Jeep Wrangler Sahara Maroon Diecast 118 Model $27.99 |
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LAUREL & HARDY IN JEEP 1/32 SCALE DIECAST MODEL BY GATEWAY GLOBAL $26.86 |
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JEEP WRANGLER 1980 DIE-CAST MODEL CAR KIT by BURAGO – SCALE 1:24 BRAND NEW $26.86 |
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1/18 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diecast – 2005 Jeep Cherokee Limited Die Cast Model $26.99 |
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JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA KHAKI 1/18 DIECAST MODEL CAR BY BBURAGO 12014 $26.99 |
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JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON RED 1:18 SCALE DIECAST MODEL $25.99 |
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JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA WHITE 1:18 DIECAST MODEL CAR BY MAISTO 31662 $25.99 |
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JEEP WRANGLER 1:18 SCALE DIECAST MODEL $25.99 |
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LTD RESTOCK 1/72 DRAGON ARMOR TWO x DIECAST MODEL JEEPS 101st AIRBORNE #60505 $25.99 |
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HM-HG4206 Hobby Master Jeep Diecast Model $25.99 |
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2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE GREEN 1:18 SCALE DIECAST MODEL $25.99 |
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2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE GOLD 1:18 SCALE DIECAST MODEL $25.99 |
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HM-HG4205 Hobby Master Jeep Diecast Model $25.99 |
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New JEEP Cherokee 1:24 Alloy Diecast Model Car With Box Red B515 $25.99 |
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New JEEP Cherokee 1:24 Alloy Diecast Model Car With Box White B514 $25.99 |
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JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA BLACK 1:18 DIECAST MODEL CAR BY MAISTO 31662 $25.99 |
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Dinky Jeep kit U.S Jeep model NIB military diecast $25.00 |
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WILLYS CJ5 JEEP IKA CAR MODEL DIECAST simil MICRO MACHINES $25.00 |
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New JEEP Rubicon 1:24 Alloy Diecast Model Car With Box Red B512 $24.99 |
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New JEEP Rubicon 1:24 Alloy Diecast Model Car With Box White B513 $24.99 |
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New JEEP Rubicon Open 1:24 Alloy Diecast Model Car With Box Yellow B511 $24.99 |
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New JEEP Rubicon Open 1:24 Alloy Diecast Model Car With Box White B510 $24.99 |
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New JEEP Rubicon Open 1:24 Alloy Diecast Model Car With Box Red B509 $24.99 |
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1/43 LuAZ-967M or LuAZ-969 Soviet jeep Diecast model IXO & magazine 66 or 33 $23.99 |
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1/72 DRAGON ARMOR 2 x DIECAST MODEL JEEPS w/ .30 CAL MACHINE GUNS #60507 $23.24 |
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BRAZIL MINIATURE CAR Jeep Willys 1960 VINTAGE SERIES DIE CAST MODEL $23.00 |
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WELLY 1:24 Diecast Model Car JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON New. $22.99 |
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Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4×4 Red Diecast Model Maisto New $22.99 |
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WELLY 1:24 Diecast Model Car JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON Convertible New. $22.99 |
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1/72 DRAGON ARMOR 2 x DIECAST MODEL JEEPS w/ .30 CAL MACHINE GUNS #60507 $21.99 |
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1/72 DRAGON ARMOR 2 x DIECAST MODEL JEEPS w/ .30 CAL MACHINE GUNS #60507 $21.99 |
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SET OF 2 DRAGON ARMOR DIECAST MODEL JEEPS w/ .30 CAL MACHINE GUNS #60507 $21.38 |
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De Agostini Ixo IST 1/43 UAZ 469 Jeep Russian Diecast Model Car $19.99 |
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Tootsietoy M-38 1/4 Ton Army Jeep Diecast Model Toy Car $19.99 |
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DAIMLER CRYSLER 2000 Willy’s Jeep Military Die Cast Model $19.99 |
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De Agostini Ixo IST 1/43 GAZ 69 Russian Jeep Diecast Model Car $19.99 |
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1/43 UAZ-469 Soviet jeep IXO Die cast 4WD car model Military or Civil $19.99 |
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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 1/18 Red Model Car Diecast $19.99 |
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1/43 GAZ-69A Soviet jeep or Fire or dozer GAZ-69 T-3 die cast model IXO $19.99 |
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1/43 GAZ-61-40 Soviet jeep 4×4 military die cast model IXO 4WD $19.00 |
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Lot of 1 Die Cast Jeep Wrangler & 2 NASCAR Model Car Kits Speedy Power Monogram $17.99 |
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SUPERIOR DIE-CAST JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE MODEL JEEP IN THE BOX $17.50 |
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Jeep Jeepster 1:38 diecast metal model 1/38 scale $16.99 |
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1/24 scale Maisto 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon White Diecast Model $16.99 |
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Testors Diecast Model Kit Willys WWII Army Military Jeep Scale 1:32 $16.95 |
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Jeep Wrangler 1:35 diecast metal model 1/35 scale $15.99 |
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Maisto Diecast 1:24 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011 WK2 (Red) Diecast Model Car – loose $15.95 |
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Irish Police Corgi 4×4 Jeep Die Cast Model Scale 1:36 $15.50 |
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MAISTO 1:24 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 LAREDO NEW DIECAST MODEL WHITE $14.99 |
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Military Combat Jeep China Russia Army 1:24 Diecast Model Car Convertible BJ213 $14.99 |