Are Franklin Mint cars worth it?
As a collector, one of the things we’ll always hear is the premium brands of diecast models. Well, one of the famous premium brands is Franklin Mint cars. I have many questions from my readers about this brand, so I decided to share what I know about this brand. Plus, I did some research to make sure I could also have the opinion of others with this brand. So, are franklin mint cars worth it?
Franklin mint cars are worth a lot. These are considered a premium brand when it comes to diecast model cars. The quality of materials and the minute detail they give to their models are top-notch. Thus their models are worth a lot of money.
This article would talk about if Franklin Mint cars are worth buying, plus, we would also talk about if they are collection-worthy. But, of course, this article won’t be complete without knowing more about the company itself. You will learn all of them in this article. Enjoy!
Are Franklin Mint cars worth anything?
Franklin Mint brand collectibles are like a medal for every diecast model collector. That’s why they are worth a lot. They are usually sold for $50 to $2,000 based on their attention to detail, quality materials, age, and rarity.
There are Franklin Mint cars that are worth a lot. For example, a rare Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1907 Franklin Mint Connoisseurs Edition was sold in an auction in 2022 for 1,499 GBP or about $2,000.
Another example is the Franklin Mint 1907 Henry Ford Quadricycle sold for $1,328.00 in an online auction.
Furthermore, in 2021, a 1913 Franklin Mint Limited Edition Ford Model T car model was sold for $1,195.00.
As you can see, while many Franklin Mint models go for $50, there are lots of Franklin Mint collectibles that can go for thousands of dollars.
However, the worth of Franklin Mint models doesn’t stop on car models.
In 2021, a rare 1996 Franklin Mint Model Harley Davidson Easy Rider Set was sold for $1,120.90.
What’s surprising about this is the model isn’t in mint condition. It was slightly opened, and paint discrepancies are already apparent on the model.
However, due to the quality and rarity of the model, it was still sold for more than a thousand dollars.
Also, note that signed Franklin Mint models are also worth the money.
For example, In Nebraska, a 1966 Franklin Mint Shelby Cobra signed by Carroll Shelby was sold for $985.00.
Having a chance to get high-quality model cars like these is a dream for some diecast model collectors. They are worth it.
Franklin Mint prides itself as a company that sells its scale models at a premium price because of the quality.
They usually sell new models in a price range of $50 to $500, which in my opinion, is worth the money paid.
However, as you can see with the examples above, rare models can go for thousands of dollars.
The quality of their brand is very promising, with very minute details seen on the original model possessed by the replicas.
Even though with good quality, Franklin Mint is often considered low-priced when compared to other toy car brands.
The Franklin Mint brand vehicles are also available in several different paint schemes. The brand never gets compromised in its quality in producing the huge variety of diecast models.
What scale are Franklin Mint cars?
Franklin Mint Cars are made using the 1:8 to 1:64 scale. A scale is size relative to the size of the actual unit. However, Franklin Mint started its production by making 1:24 Scale Models. Right now, they are also famous for their 1:43 scale, which is what others call the collector’s scale.
The different sizes of the diecast cars are mentioned in scales that range from 1:8 to 1:64.
However, common models range from 1:18 to 1:64 scale.
Whether one wants to keep the diecast to decorate the shelve or keep it as a masterpiece, scale is the primary thing to consider.
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Scale is also significant when talking about buying and selling models.
For example, some collectors only collect a specific scale.
Scale is defined in a ratio like 1:8 or 1:64, in which the larger the second number in the ratio, the smaller the car will be.
So, for example, the 1:64 scale denotes that the model is 64 times smaller than the original car.
Even the smallest car will have every detail prominent on the larger car.
Based on history, Franklin Mint cars were first produced on a scale of 1:24.
Now, it has also been produced on the scale of 1:43, 1:18, and 1:8.
However, 1:43 is recognized as the best scale for diecast cars, and this scale is commonly known as the “Collector’s scale.”
For an in-depth discussion about diecast scales, feel free to check this article: Diecast Model Scale analysis.
In that article, I’ve explained each of the diecast scales and compared them with each other. I think it is a good article if to read to know more about them.
The 1:43 scale is the most popular scale in the field of diecast vehicles. This scale became famous by Dinky in the 1930s because it was compatible with O gauge model railways.
This scale is widely used in Britain, Europe, Japan, and Australia for hand-built resin and white metal models.
If you’re interested in Dinky toys, I made a blog post talking about how worth it these models are, you can find the post here: How Valuable are Dinky Toys?
Are Franklin Mint cars worth collecting?
Franklin Mint Cars are worth collecting because they are considered one of the premium brands for model cars. They make their cars with accurate precision and attention to detail. Plus, they are usually made with high-quality materials, which are what collectors are looking for.
Collecting the diecast model car is a very brilliant hobby of all ages. It has been available with the online resellers, which minimizes the risk of going to the shops and waiting till the model arrives.
Depending on their condition and demand, these diecast vehicles are also available in auction for a few hundred dollars.
Buying diecast cars, such as franklin mint, is a good investment as a perfect collectible because of its quality and accuracy in providing detail.
Some limited-edition models are considered a good investment as their market value will get appreciated over time.
The diecast model’s value and rarity increase with the number of moving parts it possesses.
The large vehicle model has more moving parts when compared to smaller ones. Some of the world’s most valuable toy cars cost $100,000 and are considered precious like jewels.
About Franklin Mint Cars
Franklin Mint is one of the model car manufacturers that Joseph Segel founded in 1964. It is a very prestigious brand that every diecast model collector boasts of having.
Franklin Mint models are very descriptive that possess every minute note which the original model owns. Primarily Franklin Mint is a private mint company owned by two Long Island businessmen who produce coins that can be used as currencies.
Franklin Mints started making high-quality coins using the diecast method by using different alloys. Finally, however, there came a time where they began making diecast vehicles.
Franklin Mint cars are the highest range of collectible diecast vehicles since 1964, which was started with a total investment of $10,000.
But now, the company is making $10,000 each month, which is a massive success in the field of diecast vehicles.
Diecast vehicles are the models produced using the die casting method of putting molten lead or zinc amalgam in a mold to create a particular shape.
Usually, the models are made of metal, plastic, glass, rubber, etc.
Diecast models were first introduced to the world in the 20th century. Many brands produce diecast vehicles, but Franklin Mint models have their own market values. They are often called adult collectibles as their price range falls between $50 to $500 depending upon the size and model of the diecast vehicle.
To give some perspective, you can get Hot Wheels for about $10 each. That’s a big difference compared to Frankling Mint Models.
Although Hot Wheels are also good for collectors, they are not solely made for collectors. They are also known as child’s toys, like what we’ve seen in cartoon advertisements.
What’s Next? For an article discussing Hot Wheels, here is my article discussing if Hot Wheels are worth collecting: Are Hot Wheels Worth Collecting?
“Only the things I love”
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So, here are the things I love when taking care of my Diecast Models.
Cleaning the Models
The first we are going to talk about is cleaning the models.
Removing Dust
- Air Brush – For me, this is the best since it not just removes dust but you can use it in painting/clear coating.
- Air Duster – This is a good alternative to Airbrush
- Normal Brush – If you are short on budget, you can use a normal brush. However, make sure that the brush has soft bristles because there are some hard brushes than can cause scratches. That’s why I recommended a good brush that can do the job properly.
Cleaning and Shining Hacks
Well, here are some of my cleaning hacks for removing scratches, oxidation, and so much more.
- Removing Decal Adhesive – Use Goo Gone on those hard-to-remove decal adhesives. It works fast and works like charm!
- Waxing and Polishing – Here is something a lot of people don’t know. Waxing protects the clear coat and paint while polishing shines the model. Instead of buying it separately, use a 2 in 1 to save money. Get this instead.
- Beginner Wax – The wax I recommended earlier is good and provides the best results based on my experience. But a beginner might have a problem especially if they’re not good at applying wax. Solid wax reaching hard to reach surface can be hard to remove. You have two choices here. One is to use a qtips to reach those surfaces, another is to use a liquid wax I recommended.
- Cleaning Wheels, Rubber, Plastic – Do not forget that rubber and plastic surface are quite different, especially in the cleaning process. Just wiping it down won’t do the job. That’s why I use Meguiar’s Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner and Conditioner. Works like charm!
- Make the Wheels Shine! – Making our models look good won’t be complete without tiny details such as shiny wheels! Do not forget this because however small this is, the difference can be as big as night and day.
- Remove Scratches Easily – Tiny scratches are not the end for your model. Here is a simple trick I’ve been using to make my models look scratch-free even without repainting. Use T-Cut.
Painting the Models
Painting Tools
Make sure when you paint models, have these ready.
- Tape – A tape is important if you are painting a straight line. Furthermore, it will prevent your paint to scatter on other parts. I recommend Tamiya Tape since it is really made for models. Furthermore, they stick really well preventing paint splatters.
- Brush (Beginner) – Find a good set of brushes to paint your models. Of course, you can opt for an airbrush but it’s quite expensive.
- Airbrush (Intermediate/Expert) – This will yield a significantly better result than an ordinary brush because you can easily spray the paint evenly. I recommend this if you know what you’re doing.
- Stand(Optional) – Stands are good because it can be hard to manually hold the models while painting. It is optional but in my opinion, the price is well worth it for the comfort it gives.
- Drop Cloths – Drop Cloths will protect your surroundings from the paint.
- Primer – The most common beginner mistake I see is painting models without any Primer. A primer will prevent imperfections such as bubbles or paint not sticking to your models. It is a small price to pay for quality results.
- Clear Coat – A clear coat will protect the paint of your models. This will make the paint last longer. Also, it is the one responsible for making your models shine.
Paints
Of course, you can’t do painting properly without paint. So here are the ones I recommend.
- Acrylic Paint – Good for beginners because it dries quickly. However, it doesn’t produce results as good as enamel paint.
- Enamel Paint – Provides a good quality finish and longer-lasting paint. However, it takes longer to dry and requires expertise to use.
Model Maintenance
Model Storage
- Simple Wood Cabinet – While it doesn’t let you display your models, wooden cabinets are good storage for these models. For one, they are not heat conductors which means that the temperature inside will remain constant and remain cool. Furthermore, they prevent light from reaching the models which can cause oxidation.
- Clear Cabinet with Lock – If you want to display your models, then I recommend this. It closes so dust won’t easily get to your models. I also recommend you don’t put more than 1 model in each compartment since metals are good conductors of heat.
Model Photography
So you want to show off your models to others? Well, I got you covered.
Here is my beginner-friendly model photography tutorial that teaches everything from taking pictures to the editing process.
You will also see me doing hands-on photography in that tutorial.
Here is the link: How to Take Pictures of a Diecast Model or Model Kit | Helpful Illustrated and Video Guide
