If you’re like me, I was a model car collector as a child (and even as an adult). Most of them were 1/25 scale AMT kits that I bought and assembled (with or without paint) back in my pre-teen years. When I became an adult, the detailed (and expensive) Franklin Mint models caught my attention. The seller has a collection of more than 70 models that was accumulated by a retired gentleman. We’re guessing he has passed on, and the seller doesn’t share his affinity for these cars. Located in Hayden, Idaho, this collection is available as a package deal here on craigslist for $1,975 OBO. Thanks for the tip, “Spokane Jeff”!
My first impression is that this group of models is/was a labor of love. He spent a lot of time and money assembling this assortment with no particular inclination for automobile brand, year, or type. There’s even a police car in the mix. The goal may have been to have a traveling miniature car show that even comes with a display table and a building (gas station or car lot?). I’m guessing all these cars, trucks, and other things are 1/43 scale since the photos show a real, live collector car parked next to the table.
But how did all of these come to be? Did the seller buy them already assembled and painted from manufacturers who specialize in these things? Or did he take the time and effort to do all the heavy lifting himself? I’m guessing the former is the case, and it would be nice to know who the sources were, as some of them look to be darn accurate.
The seller says the cars come with their boxes, but they’re not shown in the really good photos that are supplied. At the seller’s asking price, the models work out to about $28 each with no value placed on the table or building. Trades will be considered, and the items that are at the top of the seller’s wish list are a mini-bike, motorcycle, go-kart, or some tools. Just the right kind of buyer will need to come forward, as most of the folks looking at the listing might want this Ford or that Chevrolet and not the whole enchilada.
I’ve collected model kits,it seems forever.I have a bunch of
(mostly) unbuilt ones that I’ll probably never get around to building.
I’ve often thought about selling them off.
Here’s most of the rest of them.
That’s a cool collection of unbuilt models. I spy…. a Ford LNT kit. I mentioned these a week or two ago when the Ford Louisville truck was on BF.
That is an impressive collection you have Angliagt. I see the Louisville on the top of the stack too, that would be a fun build.
I can say without reservation, if you are a fan of this site, there’s an excellent chance you built models as a kid. I’m not sure the scale, but I don’t think these are 1/43, the detail is too much, and look to be all plastic models, 1/32? Many parts appear to be hand made, extremely difficult with 1/43. I had a big collection too, but after the drivers license, and being able to have the real thing, or a reasonable facsimile there of, models fell by the wayside. My daughter got me one of those “visible V8s” as a gift, the Haynes one. I had the Revell one as a kid, with poor results, but this Haynes one was really well engineered, and I strongly recommend building one. As far as models again, you can never go home, and old “shaky” hands tests the patience, and after having the real thing, it’s not that much fun. Plus,,,they aren’t $1.99 anymore! What is? I do like the Jeep one, natch.
This is a terrific collection. That really had to have taken a lot of time and patience. And I’m sure they really enjoyed collecting them, and making them. I fall exactly in the catagory of Howard, Bob and Angliagt, and I’m sure others will comment on here as well. I made a ton of models as a kid. I love cars ( and trucks and tractors and………… well you know). If I had money and space to spare, I’d like something like this. Thank you very much for writing this up Russ. I saw this on Fast-finds and hoped this would get featured. And Spokane Jeff for the tip too. And I hope they goto a good new home.
I don’t know of a present car car nut that didn’t own or build car models. I know I did but not to the extent for sale here. We’re down to 2 models of the Mini Coopers we have owned but I do check the model display every time I go to the drug store. Seems to be in our blood. My cousin gave me a Hess truck hauling a Viper for my birthday that lives in our garage work shop so I guess it runs in my family. Long time friend and car nut gave me a Porsche Type 1 in a box with a viewing window that is also in the garage with the box unopened. They’re everywhere!
That’s a very interesting observation bobhess. I suspect most of us Barn Finders had model cars or trucks, or Matchbox cars or trucks, or Hot Wheels. I had all three, not a big collection of any of them, but I had some nonetheless. My built models are down to three, plus my small collection of promo cars. Plus I still have a few of the Matchbox and Hot Wheels. Most are in “well played with” condition– kind of like when we see cars here which are described as “used but not abused.”
You made me laugh Bob. I still have some of my Matchbox and Hotwheels. But unfortunately, not in good condition. Lets just say that if they were real, and shown on Barnfinds……….
They’d be classified as parts cars with salvage titles!!! But I still wont part with them. I’m sure that ince I’m gone, I’m sure they’ll probably go too.