Volkswagen, the German car manufacturer based in Wolfsburg, Germany, has been building cars since the 1930s. While some models have become cult classics, this devotion to the brand also extends to die-cast replicas. Die-cast replicas of the the Beetle, Microbus, and other models have generated a dedicated following of collectors.
History of Volkswagen Replicas like many die-cast replica products, early replicas were produced primarily as children's toys. Wiking marketed 1:40 scale beetles, transporters and pickup truck replicas in the 1950s. Corgi followed in the 1960s with a wide range of Volkswagen vehicle replicas. Taiyo and the EF White Co. also produced model toys in the 1960's. Not many of these older replicas and toys are still available on the market, and when they do appear, they can command a hefty price at auction. A Hot Wheels 1969 Beach Bomb replica, of which only 25 are known to exist, was sold for a record $72,000 at auction in 2000.
Most Popular Replica Models the Beetle and the Microbus are by far the most prolific models in die-cast circles. For over 40 years, these two models have been replicated in die-cast form by many manufacturers in a huge range of standard and customized formats. While most of the other models are represented in die-cast replica manufacturers' product lines, they do not match the scope of replicas available for these two models. This is not surprising, given the cult following of the Beetle and the Microbus in full-size form beginning in the 1960s and continuing to the present day. Manufacturers of Volkswagen Replicas over the years, several manufacturers have produced replicas of Volkswagen vehicle models. Some of these manufacturers include:
Revel Germany - Revell Germany, most known for their plastic model kits, also currently has a popular line of ready-made 1/18 scale die-cast vehicles, including several Volkswagen models. In addition to the standard Beetle and Microbus models, Revell also manufactures some older Volkswagen models, such as the Karmann-Ghia.
Jada Toys - Jada produces standard replicas of a wide range of models, as well as customized models in both 1/24 and 1/64 scales.
Corgi Toys - Corgi Toys manufactured a few models in the late 1950s and through the 1960s.
Hot Wheels - A beetle model was one of the first Hot Wheels products in 1968. Hot Wheels continues to manufacture a variety of 1/64 scale Volkswagen replicas.
Micro-Machines - Micro-Machines released a line of Volkswagen replicas in the late 1980s through the 1990s. Micro-Machine models are slightly larger than N-scale models, which range from 1/148 to 1/160.
Maisto - Maisto manufactures a line of VW replicas, but the quality of their models and the vehicle detail are lower than those of other manufacturers.
Volkswagen die-cast replicas continue to be a popular choice for collectors in a variety of scales. Manufacturers are taking advantage of the popularity by continuing to maintain product lines that contain Volkswagen models, particularly the Beetle and Microbus.
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This article was researched and written by Edward Fisher who grew up on a Farm in the middle of Saskatchewan and then spent years chasing Oil Rigs all over Canada. Edward settled in Newfoundland in late 1980 where he met and married his wife Ada. As a child his dad bought some Die Cast farm tractors that were the start of a fascination for Die Cast products. Please visit us at or our site http://www.numberfirstsales.com .
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