Heads up, kids and car geeks! It’s time to bring your love for cars to the next level. If you dream of having your own car collection, there is an easier and more economical way to do so. Enter the marvellous realm of die-cast toy models a.k.a. die-cast cars!
Die-cast or diecast is the description we use for toys (or other objects) that are made of metal and were manufactured through a process which involves molten non-ferrous alloys – such as aluminium, zinc, and magnesium – feeding them into dies in a high pressure and fast moving environment to create a miniature replica. Die-cast toys are painted and designed to make them look authentic and true-to-life models of the originals. Almost every detail is realistically captured!
Diecast Cars – More than Just Toys for Play
Die-cast cars are more than just playthings; they are collectable models that can increase in value with the passing of time. Your collection can serve as great mementos which you can pass on to your children and grandchildren.
Whether for play or display, diecast model cars are excellent gift ideas for kids, toy aficionados, and automobile enthusiasts. There are many different brands of diecast models available on the market. And because we're the #1 toy store in Australia, it's our pleasure to highlight the top brands in the diecast toy manufacturing industry.
You may want to have a look at the Top LEGO Cars and Top Monster Jam Toy Trucks too!
The Hottest Diecast Car Brands on the Market
Move over, Land Rover, Porsche, Jaguar, McLaren, and Bugatti! Your mini-mes are here to take over... at least in this article.
So if you’re up for an exciting journey into the miniature world of muscle cars and monster trucks, then read on as we explore the most popular brands of die-cast toys on the market today.
Hot Wheels
We can thank Eliot Handler and Harry Bradley for bringing Hot Wheels into the hands of millions of children and toy collectors around the world. Since 1968, Hot Wheels has been providing its fans thrilling vehicle experiences through innovative products and content. It has evolved into a true, global lifestyle brand by making the coolest cars imaginable and diversifying into licensed apparel and other kids’ merchandise.
Read some Fun Facts about Hot Wheels or get to know about the Hottest Wheels from Mattel!
Majorette
This cult brand from France is popular with car fans all over the world! Majorette’s little metal cars have been an international hit for decades. They appeal to kids and adults from every generation as collector pieces and as toys for play. Majorette has been an automotive industry partner and has developed realistic vehicle models for many years. From passenger cars, commercial and construction vehicles to racing cars and matching playsets, Majorette has something for everybody.
Matchbox
Drive your adventure with Matchbox! The Matchbox line of toys was introduced to the world in 1953 by Lesney Products. It was sold to Tyco Toys in 1993, but in 1997 Matchbox was bought by Mattel, the mother company that owns Hot Wheels. For decades, Matchbox cars have inspired generations of children, enabling them to unleash their imaginations. Treat yourself and your young driver to a collection of fascinating cars, action playsets, oversized vehicles, and more!
Bburago
Bburago started off as an Italian brand named after Burago di Molgora, a municipality in Lombardy where all its products were used to be manufactured from 1974 to 2005. In 2006, the May Cheong Group, a Hong Kong based toy company bought the rights to the brand. Bburago keeps its heritage alive by instilling freshness in its products, designs, and marketing – yet keeping the look, the feel, and the aura of an Italian icon at the forefront.
New-Ray
Established in 1997, New-Ray specialises in the design and manufacturing of die-cast and plastic toys. They produce a wide range of die-cast models such as cars, motorbikes, and trucks scaled down to various sizes to suit adults as collector items or as toys for children. Die-cast scale models are one of the best highlights of their extensive product lines. With over 200 licenses, there are more models to come for everyone to collect and enjoy!
GreenLight
GreenLight Collectables is a premier manufacturer and marketer of authentic die-cast vehicle replicas, scale figures, and other automotive-related products. GreenLight replicas are produced under various themes in 1:12, 1:18, 1:24, 1:43, and 1:64 scales and are officially licensed by a wide variety of the world’s most recognisable car brands.
Tomica
Building on more than 50 years of heritage, Tomica’s range of die-cast toys drives collectability like no other. Each release is highly detailed with working features and includes a collector’s display box packed inside the blister card packaging. From 1970 to the present, Tomica has sold more than 1,100 different types of cars and a total of more than 700 million cars as of 2021. Tomica cars are loved by both parents and children across generations.
Maisto
Another toy brand owned by the May Cheong Group, Maisto which was founded in 1967 became a prominent die-cast manufacturer in the 1980s. Maisto models are manufactured and distributed in a number of different ranges and scales, both ready-built and as kits, depicting a variety of popular vehicles.
Jada Toys
Southern California based Jada Toys Inc is a leading manufacturer of licensed die-cast vehicles, radio control vehicles, and collectable figures. Popular items produced by Jada include vehicles from the Fast & Furious franchise as well as their in-house collections: Hollywood Rides, Big Time Muscle, Just Trucks, and JDM Tuners. A new line of stylised diecast toys called Metals Die-Cast has become one of the fastest-growing collectables under the Jada brand, featuring an ever-expanding range of top-tier entertainment licenses such as Disney, Marvel, DC, Universal, Warner Brothers, WWE, and Sanrio among others.
Siku
Siku offers high-quality and durable die-cast vehicles, renowned for their authentic details licensed after popular brands. The SikuControl Series comprises diecast tractors and trucks that are fitted with state-of-the-art electronics and powered by 2.4GHz radio technology. Siku provides the same thrilling variety as in real life which includes police cars, rescue equipment, and commercial vehicles with regional designs. Original lacquerwork and lettering make the Siku range even more desirable. Siku is the first choice of children who want to get into the world of vehicles.
Quality Diecast Model Cars and More
For the broadest selection of die-cast toys and models, Mr Toys is the best place to shop at. You can find not only cars but other vehicles like aircraft, boats, spaceships, and even robots too. Check them all out!