Sell Your Collectables
Are my toy cars worth anything?
You never quite know what you’ll find during a good old loft clear-out. Among the photo albums and mismatched Christmas decorations, perhaps there’s a box of vintage toy cars - Corgi, Dinky, Matchbox - perhaps a little scuffed, but still full of character. And as you turn one over in your hand, you find yourself wondering: are these worth anything today?
The answer? Sometimes, surprisingly, yes.
The big three: Dinky, Matchbox and Corgi
If you were a child in the UK from the 1950s through to the 1980s, chances are you had toys from at least one of these three brands. Dinky Toys, produced by Meccano, were among the earliest diecast models and are loved for their craftsmanship and pre-war charm. Matchbox, true to its name, offered pocket-sized cars that were sold in tiny boxes, perfect for taking to school or sneaking into church. And then there was Corgi, famous for adding features like opening doors, spring suspensions, and best of all, connections to pop culture. Who could forget the gold-painted Aston Martin DB5 with ejector seat, straight from the James Bond films?
Each of these brands has its own loyal following, and within their ranges, some vehicles are far more valuable than others.
Which diecast toys are worth the most?
Among collectors, certain models have become legends. Dinky’s early delivery vans, especially the advertising liveries from the 1930s and 40s, are highly prized, particularly if they still have their original rubber tyres and are free from paint chips. One rare Dinky Foden flatbed truck from the 1950s sold for over £2,000 at auction, simply because it was in exceptional condition and had the right colours.
Matchbox collectors tend to favour the earliest "1-75" series models made between 1953 and the late 1960s. A rare BP petrol tanker with grey wheels once sold for around £1,000, purely due to its scarcity and immaculate condition. Some Matchbox collectors will pay thousands for a complete run of early superfast cars, all lined up in crisp boxes.
Then there’s Corgi, with its flair for drama. A pristine James Bond DB5 in its original 1965 packaging can fetch upwards of £700. Rarer models like the Corgi Rocket-firing Batmobile or TV tie-ins from The Avengers and The Saint have also seen strong prices at auction.
So yes, your toy car could be worth something. But it really depends on the brand, the model, and above all, the condition.
Are cars the most collectible vehicles?
It’s easy to assume cars are the main attraction, and they are certainly the most familiar. But diecast collecting isn’t just about sports cars and saloons. Vintage tractors, fire engines, military vehicles, and lorries are all part of the mix. In fact, trucks and commercial vehicles can sometimes outshine cars in terms of rarity and value, especially older Dinky models with detailed liveries.
Then there are the oddities. Thunderbird 2 from the Gerry Anderson series is a big hit with collectors of TV-related toys. Trains too, especially diecast engines and wagons from pre- and post-war sets, have a small but passionate following. So while cars do dominate in terms of popularity, they’re not the only ones worth looking out for.
What affects the value?
Collectors love originality. A toy that’s never been played with and still lives in its original box is the holy grail. But let’s be honest, how many of us kept our toys that way? That said, even a well-loved car can be valuable if it’s rare or unusual. Paint condition, working parts, the presence of decals or stickers, and whether the wheels are the original type all make a difference.
Packaging can add considerable value too. An old Corgi box, even if slightly worn, gives the toy much more appeal. There’s also the question of whether your toy was part of a limited run or a special edition. Some collectors specialise in specific colours or features, like silver hubs or a particular window style, which can turn an ordinary-looking car into something much more desirable.
Are they valuable outside the UK?
Very much so. Dinky, Matchbox and Corgi all had international markets, and collectors span the globe. Some of the biggest prices at auction have come from American and Asian buyers who are keen to complete their collections or find pieces they remember from childhood. Rarity, of course, is universal - and so is nostalgia.
Which brand is the best to collect?
That really depends on your taste. Dinky tends to appeal to those who love the history and simplicity of pre- and post-war toys. Matchbox is often the favourite of those who grew up in the 60s and 70s, with its bright colours and pocket-size charm. Corgi sits somewhere in between, offering cars with play features and links to beloved films and TV shows.
In truth, many collectors dabble in all three. It’s not always about value, it’s about rediscovering a little joy from the past.
So... are my toy cars worth anything?
They might be. If you’ve got a James Bond DB5, a rare Matchbox tanker, or a pre-war Dinky van in decent nick, you could be sitting on something worth hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds. But even if they’re not high-value collector’s items, your diecast cars might still bring in some money, especially as part of a mixed lot. More importantly, they tell a story. A story of who we were, and what we loved.
And if you are looking to sell your Corgi, Dinky and Matchbox toys or get an expert opinion, we’re here to help. At PM Antiques & Collectables, we offer friendly quotations, fair prices, and a deep appreciation for the toys that made our childhoods magical.
See our full range of vintage diecast models to buy online:
