How to get started with your miniature car collection?

Who has never dreamed of collecting cars in their garage? If this idea remains a dream for many of us, it is fortunately possible to console ourselves with reproductions as realistic as the original models. Collecting miniature cars is the hobby of many car enthusiasts , however, how can you collect many models without breaking the bank? Can a collection worthy of the name contain several brands and scales of models? We explain to you how to start a miniature car collection !

5 steps to get your miniature car collection off to a good start!

1. Find a location to display your collection

You've decided to collect model cars, but do you know where to display them? A collection can represent hundreds, even thousands of models and while acquiring them is a small joy, knowing where to place them to showcase them is essential.

Several options are possible:

• In a living room , so that everyone can appreciate it throughout the day.
• On the contrary, in a quieter place like an office to make it a more personal passion. This possibility offers 2 advantages: no risk of breakage or fingerprints on the window!

Be aware that your new hobby will take up some space! In addition, also provide a display case to protect your little ones from shocks, scratches, but also dust.

Find our plexiglass display cases and our rotating bases here !

2. Set a monthly budget

Collectors are often willing to pay hundreds or thousands of euros to acquire that rare gem. However, so as not to let yourself be guided solely by the flame that animates you and explode your expenses, defining a budget is essential.

In fact, prices vary extremely. If it is a rare miniature car , prices can skyrocket very quickly! Especially if it’s an auction !

Monthly, weekly or annual, it's up to you to set your limits so that your collection of miniature cars remains a pleasure !

3. Choose the theme of your collection

A prestigious collection brings together models of the same brand, the same type of vehicle or the same scale. For example, get into miniature cars on a scale of 1/43 , reproductions of military vehicles or Porsche 911s . If several ranges are important to you, you can then start several collections.

A specialized collection is more valuable than one that has no criteria. Indeed, initially wanting to expand it with new acquisitions is normal, however, you will end up with numerous reproductions which have no connection between them . The result: a somewhat messy collection…

Choosing each new protected item carefully brings great preciousness to your collection.

However, don't neglect your favorites !

4. Document yourself

Precisely, if you want to develop a collection worthy of the name, do your research before acquiring your first pieces! While this is often a natural reflex for many enthusiasts, some rush headlong and start adding to their collection without doing any research in advance.

There are miniature models with very different prices ! So, a reproduction of a Ferrari F40 can cost €50 on one site and €400 on another! To understand these price differences, research the materials used, the manufacturer, the attention to detail, whether there are opening parts or not, the number of pieces produced of this model, the base and the display case are included , etc... This also allows you to enrich your knowledge of the fascinating world of automobiles in miniature version.

Finally, doing your research can help you determine the theme of your collection in terms of brand, scale or type of vehicles. For example, you realize that your initial choices are models with insufficient finishing quality to meet your expectations or too rare to find.

Furthermore, obtaining information and exchanging information physically or via forums with collectors is strongly recommended.

5. Start acquiring your model cars

Now is the time to acquire the first pieces of your collection! Find your miniature cars in flea markets , private classified ads and specialized stores! Let yourself be seduced by exceptional models and expand your collection!

Bugatti , Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini and many other car manufacturers!

Find the legendary cars of your childhood and the supercars of tomorrow already available for pre-orders! AN Model Cars offers you a wide range of vehicles in miniature version. Discover our scale models and their impressive finishes on our online store .

To get started with a miniature car collection, start by determining where you will display them and planning the space . Then set a limited monthly, weekly or annual budget , so that this passion remains 100% pleasure and does not become a financial pit. Finally, do your research to choose the theme of your collection ! Take the time to study the offers and exercise patience and discernment. Finally, find some favorite pieces, expand your collection with exceptional scale models and treat yourself!

If you have already started your collection, do not hesitate to share the theme of it in the comments.