Very true...

A great toy is one that's well used.

I loved all the Tonka trucks I had.

Strange as it may seem, I never had any Tonka trucks when I was a kid.  Model cars were my thing, and I didn't play with them outside.  I used to sit on the floor in front of our couch, use Domino's to make curbs on the couch and then play with my cars.  I had a Texaco gas station that I'd set up too.  Funny thing is I still remember every plastic model I had. 

As I've shared previously, those models were melted in a house fire we had in 1971.  Until I found 1:24 diecast in 1989, I never thought I'd have model cars again.  

This Danbury Mint Chevy changed that for me.  The addiction began!  

@georgeschire Ironic that it is a '57 Chevy.

@georgeschire 

I also remember my plastic models well, cars, planes, military vehicles, and ships.

Posted by: @sizedoesmatter

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@georgeschire Ironic that it is a '57 Chevy.

I think what is ironic is that the mindset of most is that if you're going to produce a model car, it had to be a '57 Chevy, a '49 Mercury, or a '59 Cadillac.  Understanding that mindset, you rationalize the consensus is those 3 cars are what most people think of when they think old cars.  Then along the way, the model producers will put out some off-the-wall obscure car that one can only shake their head at and ask, "Who in the heck, is going to buy this one?".  One model that comes to mind is the ;64 Chevy.  In the scheme of it all, it's must another old car.  And too, and this may be just my opinion, but many times I thought that some of the models that were produced were favorites of the producers, rather than of the collectors that might consider buying them.  

@georgeschire, I guess, in the long run, it works out well. As a collector, you buy what you like. As a maker, you make what you like. If the two intersect, the collector's collection grows, and the maker survives to make another model. I've never thought it was a good idea to survey buyers, as their proclivities are so diverse. So, the makers, as a way of ensuring success, begin by producing models of popular cars, not just among collectors, but also among the general population. They know that Eddie, down the street, may not be a car enthusiast, but he had a favorite uncle who owned a '57 Chevy. So they buy it in fond memories of their uncle. That guy has one; collectors of that scale buy some, and it also enters the collections of those who collect all scales of '57 Chevies. Somewhere along the line, the maker has to begin making models of cars that are not so iconic. When they begin producing those models, some will like them, while others will not. The only question is whether the maker sells enough to recoup his expenses and continue producing. There's not much rhyme or reason behind the decisions, as it depends mostly on personal preferences. Chevrolet sold about 875,000 Impalas in 1964. To some, it must have looked like a no-brainer to make a scale model.

...the off-set irony to ALL this is that there is STILL (in 2025! ) no "large scale"  quality 1957 Chevrolet 2-dr hardtop available.  Arguably, the most replicated model car in history... and yet I still cannot purchase a high-end or ever a "higher-end,"  '57 hardtop!       WHY?!?!?  🙄 😮 

@chris 

Maybe cuz you're the only collector wanting one...🤔   I've no interest in one as I don't care for it, never did and never will.

Posted by: @100ford2003

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"Maybe because you're the only collector wanting one."

Steve, that would be impossible.   

Funny though, as a kid (and even as a younger collector  ) I too didn't care much for '57 Chevys, I liked '55's!  Only in the last 15 years have I really grown to love the '57's. 

- I hate when the model companies CHEAT as they often do!   Here are two examples:  BOTH of these 1/18 replicas should be HARDTOPS to ACCURATELY match the real cars.   Just another THING to make a MANIAC out of me!  😠 😠 😡 

Posted by: @jkuvakas

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@georgeschire, I guess, in the long run, it works out well. As a collector, you buy what you like. As a maker, you make what you like. If the two intersect, the collector's collection grows, and the maker survives to make another model. I've never thought it was a good idea to survey buyers, as their proclivities are so diverse. So, the makers, as a way of ensuring success, begin by producing models of popular cars, not just among collectors, but also among the general population. They know that Eddie, down the street, may not be a car enthusiast, but he had a favorite uncle who owned a '57 Chevy. So they buy it in fond memories of their uncle. That guy has one; collectors of that scale buy some, and it also enters the collections of those who collect all scales of '57 Chevies. Somewhere along the line, the maker has to begin making models of cars that are not so iconic. When they begin producing those models, some will like them, while others will not. The only question is whether the maker sells enough to recoup his expenses and continue producing. There's not much rhyme or reason behind the decisions, as it depends mostly on personal preferences. Chevrolet sold about 875,000 Impalas in 1964. To some, it must have looked like a no-brainer to make a scale model.

You make excellent points that are well taken.  Regarding your example of the '64 Chevy, regardless of why it was replicated (by WCPD), I'll never accept the fact that it is a recognizable car among the masses for the expectation that putting it in to model form can be a return on investment success.  I'm not saying it's not possible, but I'd suggest it's more of a hope.  Whereas the '57 Chevy (having the iconic following it does) is seemingly a no-brainer that production costs can be recouped and surpassed ten-fold.  If I were the one replicating a car into a model, I'd go to every measure to assure the risk is as minimal as it can be, that I can recoup my production costs and make a profit to boot.  

I also agree with you about not polling or surveying, as that would be like asking your 200 wedding guests what they want for the wedding dinner.  You're going to get 200 different choices for the menu.  So, you tell your guests the menu and let them decide whether they want to eat or not.  

Again John, thanks for your excellent points.  

@chris 

I gotcha on that accuracy point. BTW, I prefer the '56 of the Tri-Fives. Jus sayin.

Very interesting post. Apologies if I digress from the key post theme but my main issue is not so much the actual car/vehicle reproduced it is manufacturers producing models of the same car.  Most notably for me was Danbury Franklin Mints producing identical 1/24 models. While depriving collectors of desired models I could never understand the business case. How big is the market for 1/24 1946 Chev Suburbans for example?

Posted by: @geoff-jowett

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Very interesting post. Apologies if I digress from the key post theme but my main issue is not so much the actual car/vehicle reproduced it is manufacturers producing models of the same car.  Most notably for me was Danbury Franklin Mints producing identical 1/24 models. While depriving collectors of desired models I could never understand the business case. How big is the market for 1/24 1946 Chev Suburbans for example?