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(NAPSI)-Toy car collectors are not just spinning their wheels. According to the Toy Industry Association, these collectors spend more than $2 billion a year on their collectible cars.
If you feel driven by the sight of these small vehicles, why not start your own collection of Hummers, Escalades and Mustangs-in 1/64th scale? These tips come from Everett Marshall, proprietor of the Matchbox Road Museum in Newfield, N.J., whose collection includes more than 15,000 miniature hot rods-including some of the first Matchbox vehicles ever produced.
1. Decide What You Want To Collect. Collecting should be something you enjoy, can share with others and has special meaning for you. For instance, most Matchbox collectors start with the Basic Car Collection, in which new models are refreshed year-round. From there, they may expand to Superfast cars (introduced in the 1970s and relaunched in 2004), Convoys (semitrailers), Sky Busters (aircraft), Models of Yesteryear (the original vehicles created exclusively for adult collectors), King-Size (approximately 1:32 to 1:43 scale) and Collectibles.
2. Educate Yourself. When on the hunt for the quintessential toy, you can use price guides and collector publications to help understand the value of different vehicles that are most difficult to find-such as the #41 Ford GT in yellow with Superfast wheels-but they are only a "guide" to approximate values.
3. Keep Your Collection In Good Condition. One collectible in mint condition can be worth more than a hundred battered ones. If something comes packaged, keep it that way. If you really want to play with the car, buy two. To keep your collectibles in good condition:
• Keep out of direct sunlight.
• Keep in a sealed cabinet or display case.
• Try to keep them dust free.
• Be careful not to scratch or break any pieces when cleaning.
4. Attend Collector Shows and Auctions. Once you know what you're looking for, collector shows can be great places to find it. Go with an agenda or have a particular vehicle in mind. That can keep you from making impulsive decisions.
5. Join A Club. It can put you in touch with other collectors who share the same interests through newsletters and conventions. It can also provide an outlet for trading, buying and selling and keep you up to speed on what's new. You can also learn what's scorching the collectible car scene by checking out the Matchbox Web site at www.matchbox.com.
Collecting-and playing with- miniature vehicles can keep people of all ages on the road to fun.