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24/03/2026 8:55 pm
Hello, my name is Jennifer. First, I'm not sure if I'm in the right place so if I'm not, I humbly apologize.
I inherited my father's collection when my brother passed away this last August. My dad has over 560 vehicles in his collection and I do not know what to do with them. Selling them would be too time consuming and I don't have a Master List, only binders that contain information on each vehicle; when and where they were bought, price etc. Most of the items have a display case, as well.
All of the vehicles have their original packaging and paperwork and only a few were displayed, under glass.
I do not know where to turn, this is my only hope. Any suggestions, recommendations or advice is welcome.
My email is thorburnj0313@yahoo.com
Thank you.
Jennifer
24/03/2026 11:03 pm
Jennifer, you may wish to contact Jim Cowan at Automodello. https://www.automodello.com/default.asp
They buy full collections, have been in business many years, and are genuinelly reputable
25/03/2026 7:00 am
Jennifer, I commend you for wanting to see that your Dad's model car collection is moved on in a respectful way. I'm guessing if your Dad is like most of us here who have collections of these cars, we all hope that our loved ones will want to do this for all of us when we pass on.
Interestingly, all of us who have these seemingly large collections have gotten so much joy out of having them. Collecting is like an addiction, but when it's something like these models, it's a safe and fun addiction.
I think you are thinking along the right lines in wanting to "liquidate his collection by keeping it together", if your Dad was like me, I think he would like that. Perhaps you can come up (in your head) what you feel is a fair price and offer them "For sale" that way. Prepare though to be flexible and be willing to come down a little if a buyer should counter-offer you.
Another idea is, if you're (perhaps) okay with seeing that they get a good home, you could donate them to a local museum or historical society in your city.
And one other idea (that some collectors have done) is to "Donate" them to your church, and let the church handle the liquidating of them, and with the money raised from the sales of the models, you've done a kind thing by indirectly making a financial donation to the church.
Whatever you do decide, I wish you luck and prayers. And if you can, I think it would be nice if you'd keep all of us here on the Diecast Forum informed of what you end up doing with the collection. God Bless you for respecting what your Dad loved, I just know he's proud of you!
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
25/03/2026 7:28 am
Hi Jennifer, yes, I'm sure your father would be proud of you seeing that his collection goes to good hands. Jim @ Automodello would be a good place to start as stated above, there is also Philly Mint. I believe Vinny still buys collections as well. And also as stated, donating them for a worthy cause is heartfelt, and could be considered a tax deduction in some cases. Please keep us informed. Many blessings to you and your family. 🙏
Topic starter
25/03/2026 2:24 pm
@georgeschire Thank you for all of the suggestions! This is way more than I could have hoped for...I'm going to talk to the church and see if we can come up with something. I will keep you posted
Geno and John Kuvakas reacted
25/03/2026 3:44 pm
@georgeschire Thank you for all of the suggestions! This is way more than I could have hoped for...I'm going to talk to the church and see if we can come up with something. I will keep you posted
God Bless you! Prayers that it all works out for you.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
Topic starter
25/03/2026 5:29 pm
@geno Thank you! I'm going to look into Philly Mint and my church...I'll keep everyone posted
Geno and John Kuvakas reacted
27/03/2026 12:27 pm
You're welcome Jennifer, You're doing your poppa proud. It'll work out, keep the faith.😊