Deep into the winter months of 1999, as the final sands of time drained out of the second Millennium, a group of 132 renowned automotive journalists gathered in Las Vegas to cast their ballots and elect ‘The Car of the Century’.
As you would probably expect, the car voted into pole position was the mother of modern motoring, Ford’s Model T. But what may surprise you is that in an incredibly close run race, crossing the line in second position wasn’t a Ferrari, Maserati or Lamborghini but that truly iconic car of the ’60s, Morris’s mighty Mini.
So, with this in mind, it is inconceivable that any decent collection of diecast cars could be considered complete until it contains at least one diecast Mini.
But out of the many models and marques available which one should you strive to obtain?
Mini diecast models have been, and still are, manufactured by all of the major diecast model companies. ERTL, Corgi, Kyosho, Maisto and Auto Art, who recently introduced the BMW Mini diecast, all have a massive range to choose from.
However, if you’re looking for something a little rarer, something which will impress other collectors, something you can be really proud to own, then keep your eyes peeled for one of the few Mini diecast vehicles created by the Franklin Mint.
Examples to watch out for include the 1967 Morris Mini Cooper released in a striking British Racing Green colour. With only 1000 of these produced worldwide unearthing one will be a real find.
Or, probably even rarer is the 1967 Mini Cooper rally car. This Mini diecast is based on the Mini Cooper made famous during the 1960’s for it’s impressive performances in the Monte Carlo rallies. This 1:24 scale model is red with a white roof and detailed with the rally number 177. It features a bumper mounted array of spots, a roof rack complete with spare tyres and the doors open, as does the bonnet and boot.
Another 1:24 scale model to actively search out is the Mini diecast police car. This vehicle is once again based on the 1967 Morris Mini Cooper and measures just 16cm long. Production was limited to 1500 numbered and certified models. This striking diecast has authentic British police livery, light and siren mount, and features working wheels and steering, opening doors, boot and bonnet and a finely detailed engine.
Any of these three Mini diecast models would form the highlight of any serious collection and you would be lucky to own one. However if there isn’t currently a Mini diecast model car in your collection, then I urge you to clear a space and start hunting one down.
A diecast car collection, no matter how good it seems just isn’t complete without a Mini diecast in its midst.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Z_Pickett
The young, the old, men and women, boys and girls, all love to collect. We have a passion for collecting just about anything. Collecting anything can become a very entertaining hobby and sometimes it can become a lucrative investment. One of the most popular collections to have today is diecast models.
These little “toys” can bring in a lot of money and the popularity of collecting diecast models continues to grow. You can’t visit anyplace without seeing these models on display and being sold everywhere you go and travel. The diecast model has become the subject for many articles, publications, and even talk shows.
They are being sold and traded everyday at auctions, hobby stores, gift shops, garage sales, and the internet. One of the most popular collection pieces that you can buy, sell, and trade is the airplane. The airplane has long been a fascination for all of us. What is better than to collect the many diecast models of airplanes that are available on the market.
You can collect the military planes, the airlines of past and present, helicopters, and the small aircraft. For example, used and damaged diecast Cessna small aircraft are great little pieces that you can start collecting. With the popularity of the Cessna name, there are plenty of models to select for your collection.
Whether you are just getting started or a veteran of collecting, there are many airplanes on the market. You can buy a diecast Cessna for as little as $4.00 and your collection is underway! There are many magazines that can help you learn about collecting diecast models. These magazines even offer price guidelines for collectors so that you will know the value of each piece.
If you are a serious collector you can find shows, seminars, and workshops to attend. There is plenty of information about this great little hobby. You will find many websites for diecast collectors and many sites with diecast models for sale or on the auction block. The other day I discovered a diecast Cessna 172 for sale on an internet site for a very reasonable price. It is a hobby that you can enjoy and actually learn quite a bit of information.
You don’t have to stop with airplanes for your collection. You can make a collection of anything you want. Diecast models are created for just about everything you can imagine. Airplanes are perhaps one of the most popular but certainly automobiles and vehicles are at the top of the list too. The diecast Cessna collection of airplanes would be a great place to start your collection. It will become a hobby with many benefits!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hwang_Keum-Ok
