Diecast Toy Auctions – Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox & More

Our roots are in collectable toys, including diecast models, vintage toys and model railways. These are the things that spark memories for many of us, and they remain a hugely popular area of collecting.

At Excalibur Auctions, diecast toys are a particular area of expertise for our principal auctioneer and valuer Jonathan Torode, whose interest in vintage toys began in childhood. His knowledge of the market helps us identify interesting and desirable models and present them to collectors in our specialist auctions.

We sell vintage diecast cars, lorries, buses, military vehicles, emergency vehicles, racing cars and other collectable models, from individual pieces to large collections.

Condition can make a significant difference to value. A common-looking model in exceptional, mint or unused condition with its original packaging can be worth considerably more than a similar example that has been heavily played with.

Dinky Toys Auctions

Dinky Toys was one of the pioneers of diecast vehicles. Originally introduced in the 1930s, Dinky models were designed to add realism to model railway layouts before becoming hugely popular in their own right.

We regularly handle Dinky Toys from different periods and ranges, including:

• Pre-war Dinky
• Post-war Dinky
• French Dinky
• Dinky military vehicles
• Commercial vehicles
• Cars and racing cars
• Special and unusual models
• Dinky models with original boxes

The condition, colour, variation, rarity and originality of a Dinky model can all have a significant effect on its value.

Matchbox Models Auctions

Matchbox models were introduced by Lesney in 1953 and quickly became one of the most recognisable diecast toy ranges in the world.

The original Matchbox 1-75 series is particularly popular with collectors, as are Matchbox Superfast models, gift sets, garages and other associated ranges.

We sell both individual Matchbox models and collections, including vintage examples that have survived from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

Recent Excalibur results include a group of 1950s Matchbox (Moko Lesney) models selling for £600, demonstrating the potential value of desirable vintage examples

Corgi Toys Auctions

Corgi Toys launched in 1956 and became famous for its detailed models and innovative features, including opening parts, windows and working accessories.

Some of the most recognisable Corgi models are associated with popular films and television programmes, including James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 and Batman's Batmobile.

We also sell Corgi Juniors, commercial vehicles, aircraft and other Corgi collectables.

Original boxes, unusual variations and particularly desirable models can all attract strong interest from collectors.

Other Diecast Models We Sell

Our diecast auctions aren't limited to Dinky, Corgi and Matchbox.

We regularly consider models from manufacturers including:

• Oxford Diecast
• Gilbow
• Britains
• Solido
• Tekno
• Spot-On
• Lledo
• Minichamps
• Kyosho
• Autoart
• Norev
• Schuco
• Politoys
• Majorette
• Hot Wheels
• Lesney

We are interested in cars, buses, lorries, military vehicles, emergency vehicles, racing cars, commercial vehicles and other diecast models, in a range of scales.

Gerry Anderson & TV-Related Diecast Toys

Diecast models connected with films and television can be particularly appealing to collectors.

Our auctions have included Gerry Anderson-related vehicles and toys, including models associated with Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and UFO.

These can appeal to both diecast collectors and fans of the original programmes, particularly where models are scarce, boxed or in excellent condition.

How Much Are My Diecast Toys Worth?

The value of a diecast model depends on much more than its age.

Important factors include:

• Manufacturer
• Model and variation
• Rarity
• Condition
• Original paint
• Completeness
• Original packaging
• Scale
• Production period
• Provenance
• Current collector demand

A model that was inexpensive when new can sometimes be surprisingly valuable today, while a large collection of common models may be worth less than a small collection containing rare examples.

This is why specialist knowledge matters when valuing diecast toys.

Selling Diecast Toys at Auction

If you have Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys, Matchbox or other diecast models to sell, we'd be very happy to hear from you.

We accept:

• Individual diecast models
• Collections
• Boxed and unboxed toys
• Vintage and modern models
• Cars and racing cars
• Lorries and commercial vehicles
• Buses
• Military vehicles
• Emergency vehicles
• TV and film-related models
• Large collections from estates or downsizing

We can advise on the best way to present your collection for auction and, where appropriate, separate particularly desirable pieces so they have the opportunity to attract individual collector interest.

Free Diecast Toy Valuations

If you've inherited a collection, are clearing a loft, downsizing or simply have a box of old diecast toys that you'd like to know more about, contact Excalibur Auctions for a free, no-obligation valuation.

You don't need to know what you've got before contacting us. That's rather the point.

Give Jonathan and the team a call on 020 3633 0913, use our online valuation form, or contact us to discuss bringing your collection to our saleroom.

If you have a large collection that you can't easily transport, we can also discuss our collection service.

And yes, if you prefer to visit us, we'll get the kettle on.

Previous Diecast Toy Auction Results

Our auction results show the range of diecast models that can attract strong collector interest.

Recent Excalibur results include:

• Matchbox (Moko Lesney), group of 1950s models – £600
• Gilbow 1:24 scale MCW Metrobus – £550
• Oxford Diecast 1:76 scale cars and vans – £480
• Pair of diecast vehicle sets – £220
• Husky 3006 Service Station Gift Set – £250

These are examples of prices achieved at auction and shouldn't be treated as valuations for other examples. Condition, rarity and the exact model can make a substantial difference