Is it possible to buy resin or diecast model cars as an investment? The short answer, is, yes, sometimes, if you purchase cars from a reputable seller, such as DNA Collectibles.
The scale model cars from DNA Collectibles are always worth it because they are made to a really high standard and are very detailed for a reasonable price. The care and passion that goes into every car are reflected in the end product, a vehicle that is sure to increase in value as time goes by.
If you love cars but aren’t a billionaire, collecting scale models is an excellent way to have your dream fleet without having to spend thousands of euros. Model cars take less space than a real vehicle and need much less in the form of maintenance (you won’t need to worry about taking them to the garage for an annual service!) Although you can check our blog on “How to take care of your scale models” to make sure you do it the right way.
The value can only grow with time and scarcity, especially if it is a limited edition or at least a numbered edition.
You always can find your preferred type of cars, such as vintage, movie cars, trucks, your favorite brand, childhood car, the list is endless.
Collecting cars can also be a friendly hobby. There are many online forums and communities where you can share tips with other like-minded people.
If you are planning to start collecting replica model cars as an investment, let’s look in more detail at the five factors which can affect the resale value:
1. Size
The size of a replica model car is a significant factor in terms of value. Although bigger models tend to be worth more money than smaller ones, they need more space to display, which may put off some collectors.
2. Manufacturer
Some manufacturers of replica model cars are more collectable than others, particularly vintage car makers from the early years of the twentieth century. This is usually because more recent manufacturers are associated with producing replicas of substantially lower quality.
However, there are exceptions to every rule, and DNA Collectibles, although makers of modern replica models are extremely appealing to collectors as the quality and attention to detail is second to none, making all their cars worthwhile investment pieces.
3. Availability
If a replica model car was only made in a limited number, its comparative scarcity would make it hold a higher value. The collectors market follows the laws of supply and demand. The rarer the car, the more it is worth. DNA Collectibles makes rare cars from resin on limited runs, often as few as 500 or less.
4. Fashions
The replica car market is subject to changing trends, causing the value of collectable cars to fluctuate. If a film is released, or a certain driver suddenly dies or wins a championship, cars associated with them often rise in popularity which in turn causes prices to inflate.
5. Condition
It will come as no surprise to learn that keeping your replica car in as near mint condition as possible is crucial if you want it to retain or increase its value. Serious collectors are only interested in vehicles, which have practically no visible wear or tear. These replica model cars will always command a higher resale value compared to an identical vehicle with scuffs and scratches. So, when your lovely DNA Collectibles car arrives, treat it like a newborn baby!
If you want to explore the replica car marketplace, it’s worth getting to grips with the terminology. The four primary descriptors of a replica model car are:
Mint condition: No visible signs of damage or faults and the paintwork is pristine.
Mint in Box (MIB): The replica car is in mint condition and in its original box, completely intact with no missing or damaged parts.
Mint on Mint Card (MOMC): This describes a diecast or resin replica scale model car and box that is in perfect condition and in the original packaging.
Other: This indicates that the model has suffered some type of damage, for example, flaky paint, broken parts or merely general wear and tear.
How to store and protect replica model cars
Whether you are buying diecast model cars for investment, have inherited a collection or worked hard to compile one, it is essential to know how to protect and store them properly to preserve their value.
As we have already outlined above, the value of a diecast car is heavily dependent on its condition. If possible, always keep any original documents, containers or packaging as this can help to establish the item’s its origin and provenance, increasing its worth.
Here are a few final tips for storing your replica model cars in the best possible condition:
Keep your model cars out of direct sunlight to avoid fading and sun damage to the box or the paintwork.
Display your cars in a place that has a regular temperature and even humidity levels to prevent damage or warping. Above a radiator, for example, would not be a suitable place.
Use a good quality display cabinet if at all possible. Locked doors are an advantage to prevent visitors from handling them without your permission and protecting your cars from dust and cats, which have been known to knock expensive cars off open display shelves.
Don’t forget to buy adequate insurance to cover rare models or limited editions.
Although collecting diecast model cars is a popular and rewarding hobby, it’s worth remembering that they are collectables, and it is crucial to enjoying ownership of your collection. Diecast model cars are only of ‘value’ to a collector or someone who wants them.
Putting together a collection of diecast cars should not be about money, it should be about the fun you have doing it. Forget about the ‘price’ you could get for it and look at the collection’s value to you.
If you do want to find the exact value of a diecast model car, do not place too much emphasis on the prices you see on various internet auction sites. These ‘asking prices’ are NOT actual realised prices, and the amount being sought can vary massively from current market values.
It can also be tempting to value your car based on the price of a similar diecast model. However, cars can have dramatically different values depending on the year they were produced – even if they have the same driver or other similar features.
For more information about replica cars for sale from DNA Collectibles, contact the team today and we will be happy to supply you with information about our latest models and plans for forthcoming developments. DNA Collectibles has quickly earned a reputation for manufacturing some of the finest quality model cars around. Don’t miss out – get in touch with DNA Collectibles today!