I joined these forums because I don't even know where to start.
My late father had a collection of 1:18 die cast cars collected over decades.
They are currently in glass display cases in his home and many of them have the original boxes in storage.
My dad was the car buff having been a car mechanic when he was alive.
But aside from 1 or 2 we may keep for sentimental reasons, we'd like the rest of the collection to go to people who loved the cars as much as Dad did.
Where do I go to start to figure out what he had (in terms of a baseline value), and how can we sell the cars preferably in one shot.
I dont want them to be thrown out when others could appreciate them.
Thank you so much for any assistance you can lend.
I've included a couple quick pictures I took when I was last there.
- My condolences to you & your family; I'm (we're ) sorry for your loss. This topic has come up several times.
First and foremost, the TOTAL value must be assessed.
You will NOT want to hear this but based on the 3 pics (8 models shown ) there's virtually no value there. All but one of those models would be considered "entry level, toy-like stuff." They were inexpensive when new, have decreased since, and are easily purchased today for pennies on the dollar.
My QUICK point: If the bulk of your late father's collection is comprised of models such as these - you'd be wise to save TIME & ENERGY, donate them to charity, and take the tax deduction.
My QUICK advice: Post as many pics as possible so that we can see the entire collection. Only then can we move forward with a reasonable "P of A." (Plan of Action ).
Again, please do NOT be offended. We could lie to you, but what purpose would that serve? The pragmatic approach is the ONLY way forward, otherwise you'll be heartbroken again.
OP, again sorry for your loss. Would help to know where you are located as someone may be willing to come by, assess what's there and offer a fair market value. Most of us aren't collecting these with the thought of financial gain. We generally buy what we like and let the chips fall where they may.
@modeldadeeee ...at the very least, simply post as many pics as possible. Many of us, among these Forums, can quickly assess the collection, from your pics, and give YOU an accurate value so that YOU can move forward - in any fashion you deem necessary - with confidence.
Thanks to all who have replied.
As you can imagine, the last little while (over the holidays) has been a whirlwind.
We are located near Hamilton Ontario in Canada.
I'm not necessarily surprised that there may be no value. As a collector of Pokemon cards, I know what it's like to have a lot of bulk. However, I also know there can be one or two that can make a collection valuable.
As I mentioned, he spent his life loving cars. One of my last memories was taking him in my new Kia Telluride and being able to show him all the gadgetry that make up cars now was a shared moment that I will remember for a lifetime.
@zunni Again, we're very sorry for your loss and YES, we're aware that it has been a "whirlwind." 😔 😔 😔
Here's some values for you - PLEASE NOTE, that if I fail to mention a model it's because its value is "insignificant." That is, it's a used model that might bring $5 - $15.
Also know that these prices represent value ranges if these models were sold off individually on eBay, for example. An estate-sale firm would offer less for the lot, selling them at trade shows might bring a bit more.
Beginning at the top of your pics and working down:
- 1/6 Engines: $20 - $40 each
- 1/16 HW61 red firetruck: $90 - $120
- 1/18 Sunstar 1961 red Chevrolet Impala: $30 - $50
- 1/18 Anson 1938 Buick Y-Job: $25 - $45
- 1/18 Anson 1963 Red Thunderbird: $20 -$40
- 1/18 Ertl black 1968 Charger: $75 - $110
- 1/18 Ertl green 1968 Mustang: $40 -$55
- 1/8 Franklin Mint 1886 Benz Motorwagen: $65 - $85
- 1/32 Franklin Mint 1954 La France firetruck: $110 - $150
- 1/18 HW61 blue/white 1957 Oldsmobile: $55 - $75
- 1/18 Ertl black 1967 Buick GS: $45 - $65
- 1/18 Sunstar gray 1959 Dodge convertible: $85 - $110
- 1/18 Ertl purple Plymouth Duster: $35 - $55
- 1/16 HW61 white firetruck: $90 - $120
- 1/24 Road Signature 1939 American La France firetruck: $60 -$90
- 1/24 Road Signature 1923 Maxium firetruck: $30 -$50
- 1/18 Road Signature Model T firetruck: $35 - $50
- 1/18 Motor City 1931 Ford pickup truck: $40 -$60
- 1/18 Motor City 1932 Ford Model A two-door: $50 -$70
- 1/18 Eagle (Universal) black Model T: $30 -$40
- 1/18 Sunstar blue/white 1955 Pontiac convertible (Lucy figures): $160 - $240
- 1/18 Ertl 1985 Monte Carlo T-tops: $70 -$100
- 1/18 Ertl 1970 black Monte Carlo: $75 - $110
- 1/18 Ertl red Pontiac Grand Prix: $35 - $50
I do like the firetrucks and the Benz, and perhaps putting the items up for auction on TDZ might be an option.
@perrone1 +1 Chris. Note, no mention of boxes which would eliminate many dealers who have to ship the models to their customers.
OP says "many of them have the original boxes in storage."
Should be noted which have boxes.
John Bono
North Jersey
- My two cents: You guys make some good points; the virtues of original packaging (OP) can't be ignored. However, I've received many models that were "packed safely," w/o OP but arrived just fine. Interestingly, more from overseas - because the smaller the box = the lower the costs.
- With this collection, as John noted, OP is in storage but with the exception of a few models (the FMs, Sunstar's Lucy Pontiac, Ertl Bullitt cars.... ) I don't see where OP would change values.
NOTE: Please don't confuse my OP (original packaging ) with John's OP (original poster ). In effect, John stated, "The OP said the op is in storage." 😀 😀🤣 😆 😊
In effect, John stated, "The OP said the op is in storage." Chris, of course I don't see it that way.- My two cents: You guys make some good points; the virtues of original packaging (OP) can't be ignored. However, I've received many models that were "packed safely," w/o OP but arrived just fine. Interestingly, more from overseas - because the smaller the box = the lower the costs.
- With this collection, as John noted, OP is in storage but with the exception of a few models (the FMs, Sunstar's Lucy Pontiac, Ertl Bullitt cars.... ) I don't see where OP would change values.
NOTE: Please don't confuse my OP (original packaging ) with John's OP (original poster ). In effect, John stated, "The OP said the op is in storage." 😀 😀🤣 😆 😊
John Bono
North Jersey











































