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Auto Extras & MemorabiliaAccessories for your Corvette that aren’t budget-busters. Plus, Corvette memorabilia and die cast models (1:24 and 1:18 scale).
Collecting model cars - in this case,Corvettes = can be fun. It should be... but after many years in the automobilia business (books, models,memorabilia...) I've learned a few things and a casual view at some of these listings make me think some of you could use a little free advice..
For example...
Stick with a theme or a scale. Though not as prolific as, say, Ferrari or Porsche models, there are a lot of Corvette models that have been produced over the years. If you have the means, buy them all... but if you want a special collection, stick to a scale, like 1:43 (small and most popular) or 1:24th (Franklin or Danbury Mint size) or 1:18th (Bburago - big, but takes up a lot of space)
Or, as a theme, collect only race cars or convertibles or, say C1' C2's et al)
Do not think you're going to make a profit. you may, but probably not unless you know something thousands of other collectors don't.
No model manufacturer (most of this stuff comes out of China) is going to halt production so they can make you an exact scale replica of your Pro-Mod '57 Corvette) There are however specialists who offer kits that may allow you to build it yourself, which is fun if you have the skills but once you've customized something that makes it unique, plan on keeping it forever.
Most importantly, buy, collect, or simply enjoy whatever you like. Buy it because you like it, not simply because it looks like your high-school shop teacher's car - although there are worse reasons to collect and at least this would allow you to have a story to tell your guests - just in case they want to admire your collection on their next visit.
If you really like it and you can afford it then buy it. If it's rare, protect it and don't modify it - unless you don;t care about potential future value.
Just have fun at this. Don't take it too seriously. Use it as an excuse to take your kids to toy stores and model shows.
Please feel free to ask me for advice, but it's likely to come down to one question: Do you like it?
OP said:
"Do not think you're going to make a profit. you may, but probably not unless you know something thousands of other collectors don't."
Good point. Very few mass-market diecasts are produced in such limited numbers or in such limited editions or in such select trims as to make them more valuable with time. In fact, as times and markets change the values can decrease to the point that not only do the cars fall out of favor with collectors but also become cheap yard sale and flea market commodities. Just look at how the market for NASCAR diecasts evolved and then collapsed in the 2000s. Today it does not matter that you purchased a $130 "elite" version of a car or the $70 version without the added detail, since both might be a struggle to attract $20 today.
In Corvette diecasts, I will choose the $14.95 Maisto over the $200 Auto Art every time and customize the Maisto's paint, wheels, etc. to suit my taste, also knowing that it is not likely to provide any return on investment. Reinforcing the OP's comment, have fun and collect what you like.
Last edited by snomuncher; 08-11-2017 at 09:25 AM.
OP said:
"Do not think you're going to make a profit. you may, but probably not unless you know something thousands of other collectors don't."
Good point. Very few mass-market diecasts are produced in such limited numbers or in such limited editions or in such select trims as to make them more valuable with time. In fact, as times and markets change the values can decrease to the point that not only do the cars fall out of favor with collectors but also become cheap yard sale and flea market commodities. Just look at how the market for NASCAR diecasts evolved and then collapsed in the 2000s. Today it does not matter that you purchased a $130 "elite" version of a car or the $70 version without the added detail, since both might be a struggle to attract $20 today.
In Corvette diecasts, I will choose the $14.95 Maisto over the $200 Auto Art every time and customize the Maisto's paint, wheels, etc. to suit my taste, also knowing that it is not likely to provide any return on investment. Reinforcing the OP's comment, have fun and collect what you like.
All excellent points. I had to chuckle to myself a little when you mentioned NASCAR die-casts. Many team have multiple sponsors. Some have a single major sponsor with a variety of products. As a result in a single season alone, any given car may appear in several different color schemes. All the better for the die-cast makers and a little more $$$ out of collectors' pockets. Fortunately, most NASCAR models are fairly inexpensive, so it's not overly expensive to some to collect, say, the entire seasons' Joe Gibbs Racing team.
I like your "take" on the Maisto models vis-a-vis the Hot Wheels Standard and Elite series. BTW, for those who collect the Franklin Mint series of Corvettes. One can usually find them in the box, almost new, at a price less than half of what they sold for new on EBay. I've been told FM no longer makes die-cast cars so might be good to pick up what you can while you can. They made a LOT OF THEM though so buy them if you like them, but don't plan to send your kids to college on anticipated appreciation. Teach them how to draw the pirate or the turtle on the matchbook covers so they can get free tuition to art school. If you don;t recognize what I'm referring to here, never mind.
One of these days I'm going to have to post a photo of my collections. A Perfect opportunity to see how I've, until recently, not followed my own advice. I learned the hard way, but it took me years and years and years...
I'll ask some advice from the OP.
Here's a few questions:
Franklin and Danbury related.
1) Parts: I have damage parts over the years, 1954 rear clear license plate cover, 1970s seat belts, 1960s windshield wipers, 1970s antennas to name a few.
Never saw a parts department link on the manufacturer website (did not telephone them) or any e-bay departments.
So where can one easily obtain parts?
2) Disassembly: Never found any good instructions for disassembly such as C6 interior removal for a color change.
Any links?
3) Boxes: These boxes sure take a lot of storage space. I would like to "trash" them all.
Do the boxes add substancial resale valuation?
I especially enjoy the 1953 to 1967 models. The Indy cars are nice too.
I'll ask some advice from the OP.
Here's a few questions:
Franklin and Danbury related.
1) Parts: I have damage parts over the years, 1954 rear clear license plate cover, 1970s seat belts, 1960s windshield wipers, 1970s antennas to name a few.
Never saw a parts department link on the manufacturer website (did not telephone them) or any e-bay departments.
So where can one easily obtain parts?
2) Disassembly: Never found any good instructions for disassembly such as C6 interior removal for a color change.
Any links?
3) Boxes: These boxes sure take a lot of storage space. I would like to "trash" them all.
Do the boxes add substancial resale valuation?
I especially enjoy the 1953 to 1967 models. The Indy cars are nice too.
All good questions and you're not the first to ask. I do not know anyone who has had any luck with either FM or DM in replacing parts. Your best bet would be Ebay. Try Google using Franklin Mint parts, same for Danbury. It should not only give you the Ebay links, but will often list sources for some parts. You may end up having to buy a model with (other) missing parts to get what you need, but they should be pretty cheap.
With few exceptions, most Danbury and Franklin mint models do not appreciate in value. They make a lot of them, the (1:24) scale is not as popular among model car collectors. Figure $35 to $50 for a good used one. Less if there is no box, but then you've already lost half the original value so th box isn;t going to add much to the value, but may very well have more appeal to a buyer. I'd say keep the boxes - and their packing materials, like the styrofoam until you figure out what to do and possibly find the parts you need.
I've nver had much luck disassembling a FM or DB mint car. Somebody managed to put them together (in China most likely) but the chances of losing a small part like a mirror or a door handle or spring is high. If you do try to do this make sure on the clear plastic parts to NOT use super glue or any think with a CA or instant on the label. Even the fumes will fog the clear plastic. Find some stuff that model train buliders use to make or apply windows. Usually called Crystal Clear r something like that.
Oh, finally, unless you plan to keep the model "forever", do not change the color. Nobody I'v seen can apply paint as well as the factory and you'll find little interest if you try to sell it.
Happy hunting. Have fun with this and make sure to ask yourself why you want to repair them. It'd not going to be easy.
I have always collected a few cars over the years, and last year I gave most of them to my nephew's kid and started my vette collection. the case I bought on Amazon, and I have a shelf with some oddball ones on it too, including the yellow Lego Corvette.
The Gas Monkey Garage C3 Corvette I have made a few dollars on, buying them in Walmart and selling them on Ebay for a small profit.
I love your collection. Really. Just a lot of "fun" (or whimsical, if you will) models of Corvettes). Nice job, though if you're going to continue his same theme because I'm sure there are a lot more going to be produced. I'm also reminded of how many Hot Wheels Corvettes have been produced and could be a reasonable theme itself, though HW collectors are a savvy bunch and know what the rare models are worth.
Oh, a word about COSTCO. Great source for many things, but they also act as a third party in selling things for others. They also rarely get into anything more exotic that the Hot Wheels 1/18-scale cars. If it's on CSRCO it is probably also on sale for a lower price elsewhere - though often not worth the search
It would seem you're enjoying picking up these small scale Corvettes. Did I see a Porsche among the mix?
Enjoy the collection. It's perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, BTW, on your profitable sale on Ebay, did you factor in your shipping costs, fees and acquisition costs? I've found that some would-be "dealer/collectors" tend to neglect these costs.
Would love to see more pics as your collection grows. I like it!
I love your collection. Really. Just a lot of "fun" (or whimsical, if you will) models of Corvettes). Nice job, though if you're going to continue his same theme because I'm sure there are a lot more going to be produced. I'm also reminded of how many Hot Wheels Corvettes have been produced and could be a reasonable theme itself, though HW collectors are a savvy bunch and know what the rare models are worth.
Oh, a word about COSTCO. Great source for many things, but they also act as a third party in selling things for others. They also rarely get into anything more exotic that the Hot Wheels 1/18-scale cars. If it's on CSRCO it is probably also on sale for a lower price elsewhere - though often not worth the search
It would seem you're enjoying picking up these small scale Corvettes. Did I see a Porsche among the mix?
Enjoy the collection. It's perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, BTW, on your profitable sale on Ebay, did you factor in your shipping costs, fees and acquisition costs? I've found that some would-be "dealer/collectors" tend to neglect these costs.
Would love to see more pics as your collection grows. I like it!
Yes, I bought the cars for 1.99 and sold them for 18.00. Cost a few bucks to ship, it was more of the search and score than for profit. I actually bought a set of Corvettes on Ebay too, so I really didn't make anything. Haha.
I have a few 911's too, The 934 is the Magnus Walker one, he is a Major 911 guy that Hot Wheels actually produced a car for him. My nephew met him and I thought that was cool.
If you look on the bottom row, I grabbed the Camaro collection that came out last year too.
I've only collected Corvette Promos, those 1:24th scale plastic models. At least those were "limited" production runs for certain models. According to the source that was partners with the latest distributor (who recently passed), they will no longer be producing new models. So unless anyone else buys the rights and works with China to make more, this is it.
I probably have close to 50-60 of them, most of which were from the early 90's to today. Many of the 90's models are a dime a dozen now, only worth a few bucks. Within the past 3-5 years I was focusing attention on any that were Pace Cars and more limited production (ex. 1.5 Millionth Corvette). I do have a 1972 Ontario Orange original model and a 1953 Reproduction that was signed by Myron Scott with certificate of authenticity and limited to 300 models, but most are more modern reproductions. Since maybe 2010 or so, most were limited to about 1500-2500 units made. I'd love to get some older original models from the 50's/60's/70's, but the prices are absurd and I can't justify the costs for something that will just sit there and look pretty. The $40/car I was spending on the last few models was plenty.
Sometimes I think about selling, then realize there is no money in it and I still enjoy just having them for my kids if they want them someday. Some are on display for all to enjoy, others are in original boxes in storage. Empty boxes I just open the flaps and let them fall flat if they can. Saves on storage space.
I've only collected Corvette Promos, those 1:24th scale plastic models. At least those were "limited" production runs for certain models. According to the source that was partners with the latest distributor (who recently passed), they will no longer be producing new models. So unless anyone else buys the rights and works with China to make more, this is it.
I probably have close to 50-60 of them, most of which were from the early 90's to today. Many of the 90's models are a dime a dozen now, only worth a few bucks. Within the past 3-5 years I was focusing attention on any that were Pace Cars and more limited production (ex. 1.5 Millionth Corvette). I do have a 1972 Ontario Orange original model and a 1953 Reproduction that was signed by Myron Scott with certificate of authenticity and limited to 300 models, but most are more modern reproductions. Since maybe 2010 or so, most were limited to about 1500-2500 units made. I'd love to get some older original models from the 50's/60's/70's, but the prices are absurd and I can't justify the costs for something that will just sit there and look pretty. The $40/car I was spending on the last few models was plenty.
Sometimes I think about selling, then realize there is no money in it and I still enjoy just having them for my kids if they want them someday. Some are on display for all to enjoy, others are in original boxes in storage. Empty boxes I just open the flaps and let them fall flat if they can. Saves on storage space.
I like your style - or theme - with "Promos". They are a category unto themselves and quite collectible. They are rarely as well detailed as more expensive models, but they are also unique and I think there is a fairly large community "out there" that also treasures them. Quite possibly even a group or individual who publishes a price guide or a listing of what's available and what's rare. That is if you care that much.
Promo models were about as good as one could get back in the 50's and 60's. A great theme to collect.
Happy hunting. Keep it going... Would like to see pics of your collection as it grows. Take pictures of them and include the kids holding them for the photo. You can watch the collection and your family grow together.
I've only collected Corvette Promos, those 1:24th scale plastic models. At least those were "limited" production runs for certain models. According to the source that was partners with the latest distributor (who recently passed), they will no longer be producing new models. So unless anyone else buys the rights and works with China to make more, this is it.
I probably have close to 50-60 of them, most of which were from the early 90's to today. Many of the 90's models are a dime a dozen now, only worth a few bucks. Within the past 3-5 years I was focusing attention on any that were Pace Cars and more limited production (ex. 1.5 Millionth Corvette). I do have a 1972 Ontario Orange original model and a 1953 Reproduction that was signed by Myron Scott with certificate of authenticity and limited to 300 models, but most are more modern reproductions. Since maybe 2010 or so, most were limited to about 1500-2500 units made. I'd love to get some older original models from the 50's/60's/70's, but the prices are absurd and I can't justify the costs for something that will just sit there and look pretty. The $40/car I was spending on the last few models was plenty.
Sometimes I think about selling, then realize there is no money in it and I still enjoy just having them for my kids if they want them someday. Some are on display for all to enjoy, others are in original boxes in storage. Empty boxes I just open the flaps and let them fall flat if they can. Saves on storage space.
I had the same idea and am also only collecting the promos. I think I'm up to about 200 now...
Just in case you didn't know about this website, it is really informative and a nice listing of them
Thanks for the site, I have been on that in the past. Most times to validate a car I see for sale. But I haven't been actively purchasing new ones as of late. It is a very comprehensive research tool for sure.
08-10-2017, 08:38 PM
A Bit of Advice.. If you'll allow me...
