Finding model cars from the late 1950's through the 1970's is getting difficult these days. What makes these years of production so special? When the 1961 Plymouth Fury ( for example ) was a new car, JOHAN Models made a replica kit in 1/25 scale for the kids and adults who were interested and fascinated in scale modeling. Since the car would have been *new* in 1961, it was a hot subject! Back in them days, nearly every American and foreign make was replicated in a scale plastic kit the year it was introduced. The "assembly" type kits I am talking about, came after the craze of Promotionals given away at dealerships. These were a nice way to promote automobiles to kids as well as give the potential buyer a good idea of what they would get. The majority of 1960's promo's had a detailed list of options on the undercarriage and some had paperwork on top of the dealer catalogs. NOTE: Many assembly kits came in "promo style" with molded shut hoods with no engine.

Back to "assembly" kits.

These kits are desirable for many reasons. 1. People collect them, 2.. Someone had one years ago 3. The artwork and extra options not available in recent releases of the same kit 4. Americana, 5. Automobilia, 6. Nostalgia and much more. The single most important reason is, the fact many of the cars have not been issued again since their original production date by any manufacturer. What this means is, the year the automobile was brand new.....so was the model kit. Since each year brought new cars, the companies such as AMT, SMP, MPC etc..  saw no reason to keep releasing the previous year car more than a couple to a few times and then the tools were retired. Production, options and variety were so high at the time, that there was constant interest in what's coming next year. New kits came out several times a year, which is what built the hobby into what it is today. Companies like Revell and Monogram did a lot of special interest kits like showrods, drag racing and hot rods. *Simply speaking of autos in this particular blog*

In the last 30 some years, many of those hard to find oldies have been reproduced time and time again, with different options and box art. Many auto's didn't make the cut due to budget and limited interest during the late 1970's and through the 1990's.  Please keep in mind, there is another reason these models are wanted. Guys like me, as well as women and young adults have certain likes in our model kits. I personally like cars and trucks older than 1969. I don't collect models for value, but many people do. And like Myself, there are many who buy to build them. Since ( for example ) I build cars previous to 1969, the price of cars or trucks I am interested goes way up from the stuff you find on the shelf at your local hobby shop. I have paid 10 times and more for one model than the regular cost of a new kit. I am not exactly "cheap" but I have to watch my dollars, especially today.

The highest priced kit I bought was an AMT 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 Hardtop. The kit was only produced once in 1967, and mine was still in the shrink wrap. The Galaxie fetched $250.00 at auction and that was after the cellophane was removed. On many occasions, I find good deals on vintage models. I learned from a friend of mine in PA, that you can save a lot of money by restoring built models. Yes, even those built models that you have in your attic or maybe on your shelf at home are worth something. Say for example, I am looking for a Monogram Sizzler Dragster. The Sizzler is pretty hard to find and rarely do we find one that is unbuilt. The unbuilt kit could easily bring $300.00 at auction. If I find a built Sizzler, even if it is missing parts and looks horrible, I will buy it. Chances are I could get one for under $30.00 and even find missing parts through another modeler or by luck at another sale. My word of advice is do not ever throw models away. I have heard many stories about people thinking these are junk after cleaning an estate and just tossing them out. By the way, if you want to find out how to restore model kits, do an internet search to find many countless sites loaded with information. If you have not been a part of this hobby in many years, or maybe ever in your life...give it a try and have some fun!

With the high level of interest in vintage model kits, the major model companies recognize potential for sales. Keep an eye out for up and coming releases of some scarce kits available again after a 40 plus year nap!

Since working at the Brass Armadillo in Omaha, Nebraska, I have already secured some good deals on vintage models!

You might be interested in this website: www.thedpmcc.com/trak.html

-Bob Black
Brass Armadillo Employee / Antiques Dealer