The modern era of toy cars started in 1933, when the British company Dinky Toys first began manufacturing diecast miniature cars and trucks. Dinky Toys sat atop the British toy market for years, until Mettoy Playcraft Ltd. began producing its own in 1956.
Mettoy called its diecast miniatures Corgi Toys. Produced in Wales (and named after a Welsh breed of dog), Corgi Toys sought to compete with Dinky Toys by introducing more realistic models—the very first cars, for example, were advertised as “the ones with windows,” a phrase which became famous as the company ascended to market dominance.
Mattel purchased Corgi Toys in 1989, but Corgi Classics regained its independence in 1995 and continues to produce model cars today. In the meantime, Corgi Toys and their endless variety—from police cars to race cars to Batmobiles and everything in between—have become coveted items for collectors.
Interviews & Articles
Dave Rasmussen Knows Show Rods

I got interested in show rods as a boy in the late 1960s. We all built models back then. There was no Nintendo and only three or f… [more]
Japan's Best Postwar Export? Tinplate Cars

I used to have a huge collection of diecast 1/43rd-scale Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys, and things like that. I had so many that it got t… [more]
Collecting Toy Cars, from Diecast Chevys to Lithographed Tin

Ron Sturgeon: I had an automotive repair shop in about 1976 and spent a lot of time repairing Mercedes. About 1979 I decided to st… [more]
Toy Cars, A Healthy Addiction

I’ve been collecting vintage toys since 1982. I started slowly and methodically, partly for lack of information, mostly for lack o… [more]
Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)
DFW Elite Toy Museum

Ron Sturgeon's excellent gallery of fancy model cars and other vehicles. Nice high resolution shots with classy mus… [read review or visit site]
Race Car Toys And Automobilia

Paul Chenard's impressive collection of vintage model race cars (mostly European) including Hotwheels, Dinky, Match… [read review or visit site]
The Show Room

This gallery at Dave's Show Rod Rally features model show rods from 1960 to 2001. Favorites include the 1958 Thunde… [read review or visit site]
VW Toys and Models

A comprehensive site completely dedicated to miniature Volkswagen vehicles. Browse hundreds of toys by country, man… [read review or visit site]
Other Great Reference Sites: Model Cars
Top eBay Auctions
Recent News: Corgi Model Cars
Source: Google News
Toys sale makes £92000 at Hartleys auction in Ilkley
Wharfedale Observer, May 12thA Corgi GS16 Ecurie Ecosse Set found £200, a Corgi 270 James Bond Aston Martin in bubble pack £260, and a 267 Batmobile and 107 Bat Boat £250, all in good and boxed condition. A boxed Dinky 942 Foden 14 ton tanker “Regent” reached £200 and enthusiasm...Read more
Fusion puts up nice front - North Shore News
North Shore News, May 10thHe lives in the suburbs with wife, two children and a middle-aged corgi named Samantha. He, like Doubtless the sport model will give you a bit more poise in the corner-carving department, but the chassis is willing at this more comfort-oriented...Read more
Guide to Toymaster 2013
Toy News, May 9thNew dinosaur figure brand, Predasaurs, will be a huge focus, as will Magic Choc, the chocolate model making kit. Alongside the original sku, Skylanders Giants and Moshi licensed versions will join the range. A preview of summer launch Zombie Zity will...Read more
Civil War reenactor remembered - Clarkston News
Clarkston News, May 8thWhen he wasn't pushing dirt or living the life of a 19th-century soldier, Blissett was passionate about trains (both real ones and model sets), air shows, drawing, motocross, NASCAR racing and his beloved Pembroke Welch Corgi dogs. CJ Carnacchio is...Read more
Bidders race to buy rare toy car
shropshirestar.com, May 8thAll the Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox and Spot-On toys in the auction found buyers, underlining the enduring demand for diecast models. The top price went to a group of 24 boxed Matchbox models that made £240. The next toys and collectibles auction is on July...Read more
Editorial: Ed chief recognizes 'innovation'
Gloucester Daily Times, May 2ndBy the end of his tour, Malone clearly recognized O'Maley for what it is — a model for others to follow. That's very good to hear. Text Only | Photo Reprints · Opinion .... CORGI PUPS reds and tri's available. 8 weeks old 1st shots, health certs. $700...Read more
The fabulous baker boy: How Greggs is a lot more than just sausage rolls
Express.co.uk, April 29thAs he relates in his book about the family firm, it remains the model nearly half a century later for what is now a household–name chain of 1,600 shops across Britain. "Today Greggs seems to have penetrated the To pre–order Bread: The Story Of...Read more
Specialist model train event
Forfar Dispatch, April 20thThere seemed to be traffic jams everywhere with Triang Minic and Spot On along with Dinky, Corgi and other diecasts. The proceeds of the day went to the Guides for the use of the hall and Kirriemuir Wargames Club who provided the manpower at the...Read more
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