In the previous model car article I took on the notion of limited edition collectibility, laying bare the false promises of it. This month I am going to let you know what my personal collecting goals are.

First, I just like cars; vintage cars! I’m not in it for the money! Even if you have the space, time and money to own a fleet of vintage cars, miniature cars are nevertheless cheaper to buy, store and maintain than the real thing. That could, at least, supplement you collection of real cars. Sure you cannot get in them, hear them run, and drive around. But, to me, it is just fun to find or create either some models that reach new levels of realism (especially if that can be done without costing a lot!) or to find some historically interesting antique toys.

Models also make it possible to own at least the 3-D likeness of a car that is not available for sale, too; like Porsche’s 1948 one-off No. 1 (made by Maisto), or something unobtainably rare like a 1938 VW prototype (made by Vitesse) or does not exist anymore like the 1937 Type 30 VW prototype (except for the running replica recently completed for VW), which was modeled in resin in small numbers by an individual a few years ago.

When I was a teenager, I read about European craftsmen who could, for about $10,000 ($50,00 in today’s dollars), hand build a one-off miniature of your car that had opening doors and correct hinges; fold open antique car engine lids that had realistic, piano hinges; functioning steering with real drag link and gearbox connections; working soft convertible tops; working door latches and handles; spark plug wiring; gas lines and water connections; readable serial number plates and dashboard instrument dials; correct working suspension, etc. I dreamed of future technology that would make it possible to create commercially produced models at affordable price and include many of these features.

Now, it is actually happening! 1/18^th-scale models, especially, have more and more of all that because of the competition between the model manufacturers. That is driving them to produce amazingly higher and higher levels of detail and working features. This is offered at wonderfully low prices!

The 1/24^th-scale models made by the "mints" have the highest level of detail. But they are still kind of pricey. My 1963 VW Microbus is one of those and its is quite good for $135. It is a Franklin Mint [Yatming] product. Sunstar now has an amazing 1/24^th-scale non-VW model that truly approaches the mints in detail for under $25.

But the 1/18^th-scale models are fast gaining on those mints, too, sometimes at around 1/5^th the price!

At this time, some of the best 1/18^th-scale models at under $20 to $60 are made by Ertl, Highway 61, Welly, Maisto, Matchbox, Motore City Classics, Sunstar, Signature, Yatming, Gate, Bburago and Anson, to name a few. Of thos, Maisto, Matchbox, Sunstar, Yatming (Road Legends), Gate Global and Bburago make nice VW models. Some discount places like Big Lots, sell $25 models for as little as $10. I want to see Ertl make a VW in their Precision line (still under $60!); Sunstar models has an early ‘80s Rabbit Cabriolet that is amazingly detailed for under $25. Bburago (correct spelling!) 1955 Beetle is good, as well!

I also enjoy finding quaint old toy VWs too. I do not care if they are reissues. And, I love to fix up old "well played with" toys too! I usually enhance the detail of my model cars. I use clear plastic display cases instead of deliberately keeping them in the original box. I have old toy/model VWs by Dinky (the original Meccano LTD ones, known by the name of Matchbox), Tonka, Hubley, Bandai, Corgi, Lledo (under Corgi ownership now) Match box (owned by Mattel now), Hot Wheels (Mattel), Buddy L, Marx, Tomy, Aurora (slot cars), Process Plastics, PMC, Viking, Strombecker, Pyro, Tootsietoy, Maoil, Playart, Tomte, etc.

Basically, my toys are not for sale. The exceptions are trading up to better condition old toys or more deluxe versions of some models; or passing on duplicates that I might sell or trade. Of course, even if you , like me, do not collect for the purpose of resale investment, you surely know times can get tough and cause you to need to sell off some models. But in my case, I always regret the selling and may spend years relocating the ones I gave up. I am still looking for a Playart 1/64^th 1960s Microbus and a Viking "N" (1/60^th-scale VW Squareback! Do you know of any for sale?