Diecast collectable model cars come in all shapes and guises so that the appeal of diecast models collecting, encompasses a broad spectrum, mirroring the history of the motor car from its earliest inception. When that was, is a matter of debate, for as early as the 14th century, designs were recorded for self-propelled vehicles.

Diecast models of the present however, may owe their beginnings to Cugnot and Brezin back in 1769, as they gave birth, in France, to a four-ton monster which was steam-powered (used to haul canons) and had a top speed of 2 miles per hour. Even diecast models cars can be propelled at higher speeds than that, I am sure!

In 1806 the first internal combustion engine running on gas appeared; and later in 1885, petrol engines arrived (historic note, remember that was less than a decade after the Battle of the Little Big Horn and Colonel Custer's demise). Car designs soon started to move away from the bulky Cugnot Steam Trolley of the 18th century. Perhaps there may be some diecast models available of these early representations nowadays, but diecast model car production did not start until the early 1930's born from the process of diecasting, originally used in the 1850's print industry.

Early diecast model cars were first produced as accessories for Frank Hornby's early model railway sets of the 1920's. Model car enthusiasts ensure the 1:43 scale diecast model cars are very popular and these particular scale models fit in very well with O'Gauge railway models. Meccano Dinky Toys of 1:43 scale were successful diecast model vehicles at this time (1934), now affectionately referred to as Dinky Toys, part of Frank Hornby's empire (Liverpool's famous Meccano set inventor, who died in 1936). 

Diecast models of this period were basic by today's modelling standards, being modelled from an alloy with a high lead content, not therefore lending itself to a great degree of fine detail. However, as the market for these diecast model cars grew, so too did the level of detail and craftsmanship. Dinky produced diecast models with tin-plate radiators, alloy bodies and rubber tyres. Interior detail started to appear, with model drivers and passengers sitting proudly in their now wonderfully painted diecast model vehicles.

Currently, millions of very precise, scale diecast models are produced and at remarkably affordable prices, catering for all tastes of motoring enthusiasts, from rallying, NASCAR racing, formula one grand prix to very detailed production cars. Other popular model formats include long-haul articulated lorries, vans, buses, coaches, heavy construction equipment, agricultural machinery and military vehicles, in fact nearly all of the real world scaled down to fit neatly into our most nostalgic of imaginations.

My own experience of diecast models came in the shape of the famous Matchbox cars of my childhood in the late 1950's and 1960's and this period must have been the golden age of British diecast model makers with the world market seemingly dominated by Dinky, Corgi and MATCHBOX diecast model cars, my particular favourite being the Matchbox version of the Vauxhall Cresta, dig those rear american-style fins, groovy baby!  Very James Dean.