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Model cars have long been a popular hobby for both kids and adults. NASCAR model cars, in particular, have attracted a devoted following since NASCAR’s founding in 1948.
As with model cars in general, collectors have two primary options for NASCAR models—diecast cars or model kits. Diecast cars are preassembled, factory-produced miniatures made out of metal, most prized in mint condition in their original boxes.
Kits, on the other hand, contain molded plastic pieces that must be carefully assembled and decorated with decals over many hours. Collectors value unassembled kits in their orig...
The first NASCAR model kits were produced right after World War II, back when race cars were fairly similar to their street relatives. In 1982, Monogram released the first modern NASCAR car kits, which launched the product into even wider popularity. Ertl followed in 1984 with kits and radio-controlled diecast models, and companies like Revell, Action, Team Caliber, Aluminum Model Toys (AMT), Tamiya, and, later, Hot Wheels also joined the market.
Unlike other types of model car collecting, in which the maker and year of the car itself are paramount, NASCAR model car collectors are most loyal to the drivers, like Jimmie Johnson and Brett Bodine. As model car collector and builder Les Smirle says, “People don’t build Chevrolet NASCARs, they build Dale Earnhardt NASCARs…. With NASCAR, the loyalty to the driver is far stronger than the loyalty to individual brands of cars.” Thus, the value of any NASCAR model is tied to the popularity of its driver.
In recent years, the landscape of NASCAR model cars has changed due to the licensing costs that NASCAR imposes on model-car manufacturers. Naturally these costs have risen with NASCAR’s popularity, which has made model kits more expensive to produce relative to diecast cars. This has caused a shift on the part of manufacturers away from kits and toward diecast models. For example, Revell—one of the main manufacturers of NASCAR model kits—recently discontinued its line of NASCAR models because of prohibitive licensing fees, though it still sells NASCAR slot cars.
Today, collectors tend to favor drivers from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, but some younger collectors have also taken a liking to models derived from the movie franchise “The Fast and the Furious.” The most common scale for NASCAR models is 1/24, but many other sizes are also popular.
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Source: Google News
BAHOUKAS Antique Mall & Beer MuZeum
ABC2 News, May 22ndWe have almost everything imaginable: old toys, trains, tools, kitchen, Elvis, sports collectibles, oil paintings, art glass, pottery, WWII, Boy Scout items, jukeboxes, arcade games, radios, old board games, vintage Halloween, vintage Christmas items...Read more
12 Questions with Ryan Newman
USA TODAY, May 22ndOur series of weekly NASCAR driver interviews continues with Ryan Newman, who is 17th in the points standings heading into Sunday's Coca-Cola 600. USA TODAY Q: Do you collect any of your own memorabilia, such as diecasts, firesuits or helmets?...Read more
Maple City Flea Market Opens in Adrian, MI
FleaMarketZone.com, May 22ndIt will also sell items on consignment. Merchandise will change continually as vendors and consigners bring in new items, and as new vendors come in, according to the Daily Telegram. Shoppers will find merchandise such as collectibles, NASCAR items,...Read more
2013 Charlotte (Coca-Cola 600): Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup ...
PaddockTalk, May 21stGoodyear.com/GivesBack, where they can bid on authentic autographed race-used Goodyear NASCAR Support Our Troops tires, rides in the Goodyear blimp, VIP at-track experiences and other racing memorabilia. In addition, fans can make direct donations,...Read more
What's Going On
The Harlan Daily Enterprise, May 21stBuilt in 1917, this historic depot, now home to the Berea Welcome Center, will be filled with memorabilia for show and sale, exhibits, working model trains,and much more. Visitors can even have a commemorative ticket stamped with the original ticket...Read more
Estate Jewelers celebrates 45 years
Lincoln Times-News, May 20thThe store also offers custom-made pieces and a selection of engagement rings, in addition to a wide range of unique collectibles. “If we don't Among some of their former customers are a few celebrities, including Whoopi Goldberg and NASCAR drivers...Read more
Flea market provides vendor, consignment services
The Daily Telegram, May 20thCurrently, a visitor walking around the various booths will find wares such as collectibles of various kinds, NASCAR merchandise, CDs and DVDs, handcrafted items, antiques, purses, artwork, doll furniture, toys and glassware. What the owners have...Read more
WNY Auto Racing: Two authors bring Watkins Glen history to life
Buffalo News, May 19thThe first book featured was “Watkins Glen International,” co-authored by Michael Argetsinger and Bill Green and published as part of Arcadia Publishing's new NASCAR Library Collection series. of doing a brand new chapter about how many of the cars...Read more