METAL TOYS AND AUTOMATA

As with most books of this type, this should not be regarded as providing an in-depth study of the subject. The main charm will come from the illustrations, and at a size which enables the beauty of the models to be fully appreciated.

After a chapter of introduction, the book deals with a selected range of subjects, namely automata (toys with automation to represent the movements of people or animals), metal toys, model railways, toy soldiers and diecast toys.

In each chapter, the text is sufficient to provide the basic information without going into great detail. Don't therefore expect to put down this book hoping to be an expert on the subjects covered. A work such as this hopefully will whet several appetites and lead to further collecting and/or reading. Shop here

TV CARS: STAR CARS FROM THE WORLD OF TELEVISION

This lively book takes a behind-the-scenes look at four-wheeled stars from the world of television. It covers classic programs of the past, such as The Avengers and Starsky and Hutch, recent series such as Mr. Bean and Only Fools and Horses, and current shows such as Life on Mars and The Apprentice, with a few surprises along the way.

Packed with facts, anecdotes and photographs of the cars and their star drivers from the nations favorite cop shows, dramas, sit-coms, sci-fi classics and documentaries, TV Cars is a great read for all car and TV buffs, and the perfect Christmas stocking filler. Shop here

ASTON MARTIN DB7: THE COMPLETE STORY

The car that would become the DB7 began its gestation in 1991. Developed entirely under the ownership of Ford, this new smaller Aston Martin was intended to add a new higher-volume strand to Aston Martin's range, and when the good-looking car was launched in 1993 it soon became obvious that this was sound policy. The straight-six-powered coupe was an instant hit and sold well. A cabriolet version followed soon afterwards, and in 1998 Project Vantage - a V12 version of the car was unveiled. In 2002 the range was joined by two special editions - the Vantage Zagato and the GT. When production of the DB7 family ended in 2003, giving way to the DB9, just over 7000 cars had been produced, making the DB7 the most numerous of all Astons. Written with the full cooperation of the factory, this is a book for every lover of this superb car. Shop here

FORD GT: THE LEGEND COMES TO LIFE

One of the most exciting new cars of 2004 is profiled in this beautiful book. The Ford GT is the modern version of the incredible GT40, a car created by Ford in the 1960s to beat the Ferraris at Le Mans—which they did! The success of the original GT40, coupled with its great looks, made it one of the most popular cars in automotive racing history. Ford has revived the spirit of the original race car with perhaps its most exciting new car in 30 years—the Ford GT. The new car has lines taken straight off the original GT40 and power supplied by a 500-hp V-8. Three Ford GTs will be built in 2003 to commemorate the 1-2-3 victory at Le Mans in 1966, and the car will see limited regular production beginning in June 2004.

This book includes an in-depth analysis of how the car came to be, complete with original interviews with Ford execs and engineers as well as drawings of concept cars. Also included is a short chapter summing up the origins and race history of the GT40. Also a section discussing the concepts for GT40 revivals. Many of these cars have not been revealed in publications previously. Shop here

JAGUAR: MARKETING THE MARQUE

With over 80 years of continuous production and a wealth of models made during that time, Jaguar and its advertising agencies have produced a vast and varied range of promotional literature. This handsome volume brings together a variety of this fascinating material, which tells not only the story of the company and its cars but also social history throughout the period. This book will be a fine addition to the bookshelves of Jaguar enthusiasts everywhere. Shop here

TOY CARS OF JAPAN & HONG KONG

 

This book presents a unique selection of the most rare and collectible toy cars made in Japan and Hong Kong in the 1950s and 1960s. Three particular groups of toys are covered: the magnificent large-scale tinplate cars made for the American market; the smaller but equally sought-after Japanese diecasts by Model Pet, Micro Pet, and Cherryca Phenix; and plastic friction-drive cars made in Hong Kong. Some of the toys pictured are so scarce that they are believed to be among a mere handful that survive in mint condition with their original boxes. This book provides many fascinating new insights to the history of the companies that made and distributed the toys, using long-forgotten trade journals, rare catalogs, and interview with people who worked in the toy business at that time. See more

THE COLLECTOR'S GUIDE TO TRANSPORT TOYS

This is a magnificent album of gorgeous double page color spreads. Everything from pedal cars, die cast, tinplate, and other materials.

A useful feature is the inclusion of the same figure in each spread so that one can immediately see the comparative sizes from one to another. This is especially useful in the case of the early Matchbox which were not made to any consistent scale. Instead they wer made to fit the box!
Thus the overall dimensions in inches are given instead.
More modern diecast is often made in 1:50 scale (metric O guage) and 1:43 scale is close enough to look well on an O guage model train layout.
Not a reference but a dream book: Especially the hard-used timplate Buddy L and pedal cars which were not made as collector's items.
I well remember the Doepke line of construction equipment made in the late forties. Twelve fifty then, now extremely collectable and expensive.--El Cutachero  See more

SCHUCO CLASSIC TIN TOYS: THE COLLECTOR'S GUIDE

The history of Schuco can be traced back to the birth of Heinrich Muller in 1887. Muller had begun making his own toys as a teenager, and he soon joined the Bing Company. In 1912, he left Bing and, together with Heinrich Schreyer, a local merchant, formed the toy company Schreyer & Co., which in 1921 became known simply as Schuco. The company began by making small felt and plush covered mechanised figures and animals. One very famous Schuco toy, which was first produced in the 1920s, was the Pick-Pick Bird. An incredible 20 million were made in a production run that lasted until the 1960s. It was in the mid-1930s that Schuco came up with its Schuco-Patent-Motor-Car. As early as 1946 Schuco toys were appearing in American stores and the boom was about to begin. Sadly, by the mid-1960s, the writing was on the wall and the end of the tin toy was not far away. Diecast metal and particularly plastics were the new high-tech materials, which had begun taking over as early as the late 1950s; tin was perceived to be slightly old-fashioned. There was also the so-called 'safety issue' of tin toys with sharp edges and small children. The company did not turn to plastics until the early 1970s; by then it was very much a case of too little to late. By 1976, Schuco had gone out of business. This informative and beautifully illustrated book is an absorbing record of the history of this internationally famous mechanical toy producer. Anyone interested in collectable toys will be entranced by the illustrations; anyone who is interested in the history of transport will be fascinated by the changes that this century has seen. ---See more

FARM TOYS: IDENTIFICATION AND PRICE GUIDE

Farm toys draw 15,000+ collectors to Iowa for the National Farm Toy Show, and some 30,000 people to the National Farm Toy Museum each year.Features the earliest cast-iron farm toy replicas, to modern 1:64-scale tractors.Explore the continuation of the pioneering work of National Farm Toy Hall of Fame members Bob Zarse and Eldon Trumm.

Whether your loyalties are tied to John Deere, International Harvester, Case or any of the countless other farm implement companies, you will find everything you need to accurately assess your collection, and enjoy your hobby to the fullest, in this ultimate farm toy reference. It covers all sizes of farm toys from 1:8 to 1:64 scale, dating back to pieces from the 1920s, and identifiable through 5,000+ detailed photos and the 16-page color section. Sorted by original equipment manufacturer, with secondary market values and historical insights, this new edition sets the standard of excellence for toy farmers. Buy it now

THE BIG BOOK OF TIN TOY CARS: COMMERCIALS AND RACING VEHICLES

This comprehensive and thoroughly enjoyable reference features hundreds of tin toy cars from toy makers around the world. Included are toys from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, Taiwan, and the United States. The toys represent cars of the 1900s to the 1970s, with a major emphasis on toys produced in Japan during the 1950s and 1960s -- the peak period for toy cars made from tin. Showcased are commercial delivery and public service vehicles organized alphabetically by make, as well as hot rods, jalopies, and race cars. A companion volume features passenger, sports, and concept vehicles. With over 1,140 photographs of toys and detailed information not previously published, this is the most complete work in the field. Each listing contains the make, model, year, body style, size, graphic markings, operation description, producing company, country of origin, trademarks, a scarcity rating, and current values based on condition. Many photos feature the original boxes. A list of the toy companies and their respective marks rounds out this valuable collectors guide. Return to your childhood with this delightful look at colorful toy cars produced in tin! Buy it now

CORGI JUNIORS AND HUSKY MODELS BOOK

Corgi Juniors and Husky Models brings together the story of these small-scale model cars and other toys into one book for the first time. Once the #3 brand in many markets, they competed head-to-head with Mattel's Hot Wheels cars and Lesney's Matchbox Series. This widely collected line of diecast toy cars and trucks are examined in every detail. Over 500 full color photos and well-researched text presents the entire history of these cars, from the introduction of Husky Models in 1964, to the Corgi Classics of today. Here are Corgi Juniors, Corgi Rockets, Husky Toys, Whizzwheels Conversions and many more. The text includes never before published information on prototype, pre-production, and promotional models. An extensive section of variation listings, and details on every known model. The alphabetical cross-reference section provides readers with easy access to model numbers and current values. Buy it now

Mustang memorabilia abounds in this all-color look at the collectible treasures used over the years to promote America's favorite pony car. Filled with promotional models, clocks, drinking glasses, posters, and more! Nostalgic Mustang collector's items are featured in stunning color photos complemented by lively descriptions that tell the unique story behind each collectible piece. Contains a beneficial price and value guide for hard-core collectors. Mustang Collectibles is in the same format as the best-selling John Deere Collectibles. Buy it now

VW BEETLE TOYS (SCHIFFER BOOK FOR COLLECTORS WITH PRICE GUIDE)

Volkswagen Beetle toys and models from the late 1930s to today are all displayed in this lively book dedicated to this enduring, endearing automobile. Over 350 color images display tin, die cast, sheet metal, and plastic Beetles by major manufacturers, including Corgi, Matchbox, Hotwheels, Lledo, Tonka, and many others. Also included are examples of glass and ceramic Beetles, along with a Beetle Transformer*TM. Additionally, a history of the Beetle and Beetle toys, guidelines for developing and maintaining a Beetle collection, current market values, and a bibliography are all included. This book is a must for anyone who has an affection for this unique little car that has been on the roads for over seventy years! Buy it now

A WORLD OF BUS TOYS AND MODELS

Whether you are interested in toy vehicles or real buses, this book offers a feast for the eyes. An astounding array of model buses from some 20 nations - diecast, plastic, tin-plate, and cardboard - awaits you; the material is extremely captivating. But beware, if you do not already collect model buses, you may find yourself doing so after perusing this book. Also included are many antique and rare models one doesn't see all the time. Granted, not every model is included and the survey could be a little stronger regarding models from the former Soviet Union. Nevertheless, this book has a lot to offer and I heartily recommend it to anyone with more than a passing interest in buses. --Daniel L. Berek Buy it now

THE BIG BOOK OF SUPERFAST MATCHBOX TOYS

When Mattel's Hotwheels toy cars exploded onto the market in 1968, venerable Matchbox Toys met the challenge with its Superfast line. The successful result is now presented in the largest book on Matchbox Toys ever produced - so big it is two volumes that celebrate 35 years of Matchbox Superfast production with over 7000 color photos and over 10,000 listed variations! The detailed, beautiful photographs are a great assistance to collectors for identification and color reference. The Variation Listings, found in Volume 1, are arranged alpha-numerically by product numbers, making location and cross-referencing easy. Photos are arranged by major product lines, with Basic Models in Volume1, and everything else from Adventure Pack to White Rose Collectibles arranged alphabetically in Volume 2. Superfast models from late 2004 and early 2005 also appear in Volume 2. Each photo includes the product number and name for easy reference to the Variation Listings. To further aid in identification there are helpful indexes by MAN number and model names (actual base names), as well as a general alphabetical index. The model variations have current market prices for each variation. Taken together, these two great books are a must for Matchbox collectors everywhere, a monumental effort by one of the world's greatest authorities! Volume 1: Over 2050 Color Photos of Basic Models Illustrated Promotionals Miniature 1-75 Basic Listing Variations Listing with Values Volume 2: Over 5000 Color Photos of Adventure Packs & Action System to World Class Models with late 2004 Models Alphabetical Index Index to Annual Basic Range Listings 1998-2004 by Issue Numbers (MW numbers) MAN Number (frame number) Listing Alphabetical Index by Actual Base Names. Read more

THE COLLECTOR'S GUIDE TO TRANSPORT TOYS

This is a magnificent album of gorgeous double page color spreads. Everything from pedal cars, die cast, tinplate, and other materials. A useful feature is the inclusion of the same figure in each spread so that one can immediately see the comparative sizes from one to another. This is especially useful in the case of the early Matchbox which were not made to any consistent scale. Instead they wer made to fit the box! Thus the overall dimensions in inches are given instead. More modern diecast is often made in 1:50 scale (metric O guage) and 1:43 scale is close enough to look well on an O guage model train layout. Not a reference but a dream book: Especially the hard-used timplate Buddy L and pedal cars which were not made as collector's items. I well remember the Doepke line of construction equipment made in the late forties. Twelve fifty then, now extremely collectable and expensive. --El Cutachero Buy it now

MATCHBOX: THE OFFICIAL 50th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

For over half a century Matchbox vehicles have entertained children and collectors of all ages. This book is a celebration of the classic toy car from its inception to today.

Take a historical journey through the past fifty years with Matchbox vehicles. Along the way, you'll read about how Matchbox cars were invented, the history of diecasting, and the large variety of vehicles produced over the years.

Have you ever wondered why certain vehicles are considered more collectible than others? Or why Matchbox cars are numbered and what those numbers mean? The answers to these questions and more can be found throughout the pages of this authoritative book.

Accompanying the informative text are photographs of more than a thousand spectacular vehicles from throughout Matchbox history and its diverse product lines. Read more

PRESSLAND'S GREAT BOOK OF TIN TOYS BY DAVID PRESSLAND

Tin toys will always probably have that special appeal, for they enjoy a particular charm that seems virtually impossible to capture today. Perhaps their appeal lies in their bright colours, adopted so that the toys were attractive to the intended young audience.

That is why a book such as this will offer many hours of fascinating browsing, looking at these toys of a by-gone era which can only be marvelled at. All the more so, since the items select are rare, in many cases being unique.

Fortunately full colour has been used throughout this book, and great care has been taken both with the original photography and with the colour reproduction.

The book is divided into three sections corresponding to particular time periods: 19th century; 1900 to 1940; 1945 to 1970. Within each period, there are appropriate sub-division, such as nautical, aeronautical, novelty, horse-drawn and automotive.

The toys depicted are not only from Great Britain, but span the world, with natural emphasis on Germany, France, Italy and Spain, plus some Japanese.

An introduction is provided for each period, but the main thrust of this book is its illustration
s, and the fulsome captions provided with each toy depicted.

This book is offers a good reflection of the times, not only of toy manufacture, but also of the objects depicted, which range from the horse-drawn vehicles of the previous century to the robots of more modern times.

Clearly this is not a cheap book, but will provide many hours of enjoyment, simply flicking through its pages. --Model Collector

THE COMPLETE BOOK OF HOT WHEELS BY BOB PARKER

The appearance of Hot Wheels and their effect on the toy market has been frequently recounted: has there ever been a greater influence which resulted in toy companies throughout the world wondering how they could make their toys move faster.

This book traces the history of these famous toys. It provides a potted background, before looking at each year from 1968 to 1999, examining the main features of the year and listing the new items released.

Each of these year accounts is accompanied by excellent colour illustrations occupying nearly 394 pages of this A4 sized book.

Well over half, however, is taken up by tables of all the variation found on each of the toys and a price guide.

As far as Hot Wheels are concerned, this book will probably not be bettered.

MATCHBOX TOYS: THE TYCO YEARS 1993-1994 BY CHARLIE MACK

It is well known that Tyco acquired the Matchbox brand from Universal in 1992: perhaps for many collectors the major change came through Models of Yesteryear and The Dinky Collection, although those who collect the Miniatures and Convoys have not been denied their excitement.

Anyone who believes that all has been relatively quite on the Matchbox front should think again - as this book amply demonstrates. Despite the fact that it only covers two years, the illustrations of the models released occupy nearly 100 pages. Since on each page there is shown some ten to twenty models, the extent of the output can be gauged.

This book follows the pattern established by several published by Schiffer. Brief notes on each of the models is followed by the mass of pages of illustrations, all of them in colour.

Certainly if you collect Miniatures, this book should prove essential.--Model Collector