The 25 best vintage cars brands
Mattel, Majorette and Maisto lead our ranking of 25 vintage cars brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Vintage Cars brands, ranked
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1
Mattel
Original 1960s Redline Hot Wheels castings are the sought-after pieces, and the line spans vintage and modern cars alike.
Website: shop.mattel.com |Brands like Mattel
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Majorette
Premium Cars range in 1:64 scale covers classic Jaguar, Citroen and Lamborghini models, well suited to small collections.
Top products: Jaguar E-Type· Lamborghini Countach LP400S
Website: majorette.com |Brands like Majorette
Popularity 7.1/10
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3
Maisto
Affordable scale diecast models with a simple, play-friendly feel, including a My Very First Wheels line for younger children.
Top products: My Very First Wheels
Website: maisto.com |Brands like Maisto
Popularity 6.2/10
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4
Bburago
The Italian brothers Renato and Giuseppe launched BBurago in 1957. The letters "BB" represent for Bburago Brothers, and the name "Burago" comes from their hometown of Verolanuova. The brand is still recognized for its best-quality products and uniqueness today. It includes a variety of interconnected die-cast models with realistic hand-painted details. It is one of the oldest Italian toy firms, having formed automobiles, planes, helicopters, and other vehicles for decades.
Website: bburago.com |Brands like Bburago
Popularity 5.0/10
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5
TOMY
Don’t kids become headstrong when it comes to toys? This means every parent is bound to be concerned regarding the toys their kids play with passionately. Here’s where Tomy plays its magic! The company skillfully manufactures fun-learn toys and nursery products for them. Over the years, they also introduced many of their sub-brands that cater to specific developmental needs of your kids. You will find everything from the Star Trek toys edition to play-together toys on the company website.
Website: us.tomy.com |Brands like TOMY
Popularity 4.1/10
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6
Solido
Solido makes diecast cars, trucks and buses in several scales, with models built in France from metal and diecast materials. The company has produced miniature vehicles for decades, and its models are popular with collectors and toy buyers alike. Buyers can find both cars and buses among its diecast models.
Website: solido.com |Brands like Solido
Popularity 3.9/10
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7
Danbury Mint
Jewelry and gems are some of the most notable and gifted items among people. Danbury Mint offers exquisite designs and bling in its jewelry, coins, and collectibles. Also offering chic and modern handbags, home decor, and other gift ideas, the company guarantees beauty and elegance in every range. With an experience of over fifty years, Danbury Mint is the world leader in jewelry, coins, and collectibles with an unconditional ninety-day return policy to earn customers' trust and deliver premium customer service.
Website: danburymint.com |Brands like Danbury Mint
Popularity 3.7/10
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8
Corgi Toys
British classic-era diecast from the late 1950s to 1970s, with sought-after TV and film cars alongside vintage racers.
Top products: Shadow Ford DN1/1A
Website: corgi-toys.net |Brands like Corgi Toys
Popularity 3.7/10
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9
Lionel
Lionel Corporation ran a chain of toy stores mostly on the eastern side of the United States. It is the oldest toy firm in the United States, founded in 1900 by Joshua Lionel Cowen. At its peak, they sold $25...
Website: lionel.com |Brands like Lionel
Popularity 3.6/10
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10
Jada Toys
Bold, modern-styled diecast with movie and pop-culture cars, a lighter pick than strictly period-accurate replicas.
Website: jadatoysinc.com |Brands like Jada Toys
Popularity 3.5/10
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11
WELLY
Large-volume diecast maker selling affordable classic and modern car models in many export markets.
Website: wellydiecast.com |Brands like WELLY
Popularity 3.5/10
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12
Franklin Mint
Collector-focused producer of limited-edition car replicas, often sold by subscription with certificates and display cases.
Website: franklinmint.com |Brands like Franklin Mint
Popularity 3.5/10
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13
Revell
Plastic model kits for building classic cars yourself, from simple first kits to detailed multi-part vintage builds.
Website: revell.de |Brands like Revell
Popularity 3.4/10
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14
Hasbro
Hasbro designs action figures and toys tied to franchises such as Star Wars and Transformers, along with smaller toys for young children. The company, based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, also works in entertainment content and sells collectibles aimed at fans...
Website: hasbropulse.com |Brands like Hasbro
Popularity 2.9/10
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15
Muscle Machines
Muscle Machines produces exaggerated diecast cars, trucks and vans based on classic American muscle and later JDM and European models. The line includes scale models in several sizes, from small cars to large 1:8 vehicles. Its collectible diecast toys are...
Website: musclemachines.com |Brands like Muscle Machines
Popularity 2.9/10
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16
MOTORMAX
Motormax manufactures and sells toys for children and adults alike, including a wide variety of high-quality plastic, soft, and electrical toys for all ages. These toys have the greatest quality control, production efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Designing, prototyping, engineering, tooling, production,...
Website: motormaxtoy.com |Brands like MOTORMAX
Popularity 2.9/10
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17
Husky
Husky makes tool boxes and rolling tool chests for organizing wrenches, sockets and power tools in home garages and workshops. The chests come in several drawer counts and sizes, with heavy-duty models for workshop use. The brand is sold at...
Popularity 2.8/10
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18
Oxford Diecast
Oxford Diecast produces diecast model cars, buses and railway equipment for collectors, gift buyers and promotional campaigns. The models come in several scales, so collectors can match sizes across a display shelf. The company runs a collectors' club with members...
Website: oxforddiecast.co.uk |Brands like Oxford Diecast
Popularity 2.7/10
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19
Marx
The playset figures from Marx's Wild West and Pirates bring the American Old West to not only life but also pirate adventure on the open seas. A Marx playset allows you to create anything you can think of for hours...
Website: marxwildwest.com |Brands like Marx
Popularity 2.7/10
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20
Barclay
Barclay offers beautifully curated products for your bathroom and kitchen. The company believes everyone deserves a sanctuary and a place to relax after a hard day. Barclay, with its exclusive range of bathtubs and shower, provide a perfect setting for...
Popularity 2.5/10
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21
M2 Machines
M2 Machines provides a variety of toys, games, and entertainment devices for children. They feature many toy vehicles and accessories such as remote control cars, toy car playsets, slot cars, and race courses. Toy automobiles play an essential role in...
Website: m2machines.com |Brands like M2 Machines
Popularity 2.5/10
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22
Funrise
Toys are a method to instill imagination and creative learning among children. Funrise is an American toy company that distributes worldwide as the creator of enjoyable toys for children as they define themselves as creative fun! Founded in 1987 and...
Website: funrise.com |Brands like Funrise
Popularity 2.5/10
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23
Aurora
From its American roots in model and toy making, Aurora sells slot cars, including AFX models, along with stuffed animals and white light products. The slot car line appeals to hobbyists who race miniature cars on tracks. Stuffed animals and...
Popularity 2.4/10
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24
NOREV
Norev's products include die-cast scale model cars. They are based traditionally in Villeurbanne, a suburb of Lyon, France. Norev models are usually made of zinc alloy and come fully assembled, painted, and ready to display. The company has produced famous...
Website: norev.com |Brands like NOREV
Popularity 2.4/10
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25
New-Ray
Die-cast model cars, trucks and bicycles are the main lines from New-Ray, a company that has made toys for more than 30 years. Its replicas are built for display and collecting, and many models include details such as opening doors...
Website: newrayusa.com |Brands like New-Ray
Popularity 2.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mattel | shop.mattel.com | – | – | – | – |
| Majorette | majorette.com | /MajoretteGermany | majorettegermany | – | – |
| Maisto | maisto.com | /MaistoToys | maistotoys | @maistotoys | MaistoDesign |
| Bburago | bburago.com | /BburagoCollezione | bburago_collezione | @bburago | Bburago |
| TOMY | us.tomy.com | /tomy.toy | tomy_toy | @tomy_toy | – |
| Solido | solido.com | /Solido.official | solidomodels | @SolidoModels | – |
| Danbury Mint | danburymint.com | /thedanburymint | danbury_mint | @TheDanburyMint | – |
| Corgi Toys | corgi-toys.net | /andrewx | – | @judgeno5 | – |
| Lionel | lionel.com | /Lionel-Trains | lionel_trains | @Lionel_Trains | LionelModelTrains |
| Jada Toys | jadatoysinc.com | /JadaToys | jadatoys | @jadaclub | jadatoys2day |
Vintage Cars Buying Guide: What You Need to Know
Purchasing a vintage car can be a thrilling experience. These beautiful and timeless classics are not only a collector's dream but also a piece of history that has been preserved for generations to come. However, buying a vintage car can also be quite challenging if you're not familiar with the process. There is a lot to consider when purchasing a vintage car, from the quality of the car to the authenticity of its parts, and much more. In this guide, we'll dive into some of the key considerations when buying a vintage car.
1. Define Your Budget
The first and most important step when purchasing a vintage car is to define your budget. As a buyer, you'll want to consider not just the initial purchase price but also the long-term costs associated with owning the car. Some things to consider include:
- The cost of insurance: Vintage cars typically have higher insurance costs than modern cars, so it's essential to factor this into your budget.
- The cost of maintenance: Vintage cars require different levels of maintenance than modern cars, and their parts may be more challenging to find.
- The cost of restoration: If you're purchasing a vintage car that requires restoration work, you'll need to factor in the cost of that work into your budget.
One rule of thumb in the classic car market is that you should allocate around 50% of the value of the car to restoration expenses. So, if you're buying a car for $20,000, expect to spend an additional $10,000 on restoration work.
2. Research the Car's History
When buying a vintage car, it's essential to learn as much as you can about the car's history. Researching the car's history can help you determine its condition, originality, and any significant repairs or upgrades it has undergone. Some ways to research a car's history include:
- Reviewing the car's documentation: This includes title information, registration information, and maintenance records. These documents can help you track the car's history and any significant events it has gone through over the years.
- Running a vehicle history report: This can help you identify any major accidents or damage that the car may have undergone in the past.
- Asking the previous owner: The previous owner of the car may have valuable information about the car's maintenance history or any major repairs that have been made.
3. Determine the Car's Condition
The condition of the car is one of the most critical factors to consider when buying a vintage car. Not only will it impact the value of the car, but also the time and money required to get it in top condition. Some things to look for when determining the car's condition include:
- Rust: Rust is a common issue with older cars and can be costly to repair. Check the body, undercarriage, and wheels for signs of rust.
- Paint: Original paint is ideal, but repainted cars are common. However, poor-quality paint jobs can be costly to repair, so examine the paint job carefully for any signs of bubbling, chipping or peeling.
- Interior: Inspect the upholstery, carpet, and dashboard for any signs of wear, rips, or stains. Evaluate the condition of the headliner, door panels, and windows.
- Mechanical: Test drive the car to ensure that it runs smoothly and that the brakes, steering, and suspension are in good condition.
4. Check for Authenticity
When buying a vintage car, it's essential to verify the car's authenticity to ensure that it's a genuine classic car and not a replica. Some things to check for include:
- Matching numbers: Check to ensure that the engine and transmission serial numbers match the numbers listed on the car's documentation.
- Original parts: Check to see if the car still has its original parts, such as the transmission and engine, or if any parts have been replaced or upgraded.
- Documentation: Ensure that the car's paperwork, including its title, registration, and maintenance records, match the car's model, year, and make.
5. Consider Working with a Professional
If you're not an expert in vintage cars or don't have the time to perform the necessary research and inspections, consider working with a professional. A vintage car specialist can help you identify the right car, determine its value, and find any potential issues.
There are different types of vintage car specialists you can work with, including:
- Classic car dealers: Dealers specialize in buying and selling classic cars and can help you find the right vintage car for your needs.
- Classic car clubs: Clubs can provide valuable resources and connections with other classic car enthusiasts, allowing you to learn more about the vintage car market.
- Classic car appraisers: These specialists can help you evaluate a car's value and condition to ensure that you're paying a fair price.
6. Be Patient
Finally, be patient when buying a vintage car. It's important to take your time and not rush into purchasing a car without doing your due diligence. Take the time to research, inspect, and verify the car's condition and authenticity before making an offer.
Conclusion
Buying a vintage car is an exciting and unique experience, but it requires careful consideration and research to ensure that you're getting a quality car that meets your needs. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you'll be better equipped to evaluate vintage cars and make an informed decision when it comes time to buy.
