Top-10 Most-Wanted Die-Cast Toys

By Justina Huddleston
September 2014

^{With additional reporting by Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero}

Toys that roll, zoom and fly are always popular, and these fun die-cast toys are no exception. Specialty retailers interviewed by TDmonthly Magazine in August 2014 reported that Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars, along with classic die-cast school buses, were still driving big sales. You can learn more about their best-selling die-cast toys below.
^{*No manufacturer paid to be included in the Top-10 list below. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.}

Die-cast Sonic Police/Rescue Car by SCHYLLING

This 1:34 scale car lights up and makes sounds.
— Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks Toys and Children's Books in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that she sells 6 of this item each month.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, four out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Schylling was their best selling brand of die-cast toy.
— In an August 2013 survey, two out of nine retailers told TDmonthly that police cars were their best-selling type of die-cast toy. 8/22/2011 (MSRP: $7.49)

Show Flight Bi-planes Die-cast Model Airplanes by TOY WONDERS INC.

500D Show Flight Bi-planes. This airplane is 5.25" long with a 6.25" wingspan die-cast metal pullback action classic bi planes. Front propeller spins as it travels forward. 12 pcs per display box in assorted colors. 72 pcs per inner box.
— In an August 2013 survey Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly that planes are their best-selling die-cast toy.
— In a August 2014 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that die-cast planes were one of their best-selling die-cast toys. 3/30/2011 (MSRP: $6.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Kinsmart - School Bus 5" by TOY WONDERS INC.

5107D Kinsmart - School Bus. 5"L x 1.5"W x 1.75"H die-cast metal yellow school bus with openable door & pull back motor action. This yellow school bus is manufactured by Kinsmart. 12 pcs per display box.
— When asked about best-selling die-cast items in a Summer 2011 TDmonthly survey, Dean Smith, Co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J. said of the Kinsmart School Bus "We sell a lot of them: about 30 to 40 per month. It will pick up in the next 2 months. It's our biggest single die cast item."
— In a Summer 2012 survey about die-cast toys, Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that they sell 15 school buses from Toy Wonders each month.
— In an August 2013 survey, two out of nine retailers told TDmonthly that yellow school buses were their best-selling type of die-cast toy. 8/22/2011 (MSRP: $6.99)

Pullback Fighter Jets by DARON WORLDWIDE TRADING

Pullback Fighter Jets by DARON WORLDWIDE TRADING A variety of designs are available in this pullback fighter jet collection from Daron.
— Katie Harris, manager of Key West Toy Factory in Key West, Fla., listed these planes as best sellers in May 2010. “Boys love to collect them,” she told TDmonthly. “They are affordable and fun toys that fit in any suitcase.”
— In a August 2014 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that die-cast planes were one of their best-selling die-cast toys. 5/27/2010 (MSRP: $6.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Kinsmart - Ice Cream Die-castTruck (5", Asstd.) by TOY WONDERS INC.

5"L x 1.875"W x 2.75"H diecast metal vehicle with pull back action, openable doors and detailed interior. This Ice-Cream truck is manufactured by Kinsmart/Kinsfun Toys. 12 pcs per display in assorted colors. 72 pcs per inner box.
— Tim Holliday, owner of Children's World and Uniform in Sarasota, Fla., told TDmonthly in an August 2013 survey that police cars and ice cream trucks are their best-selling die-cast items.
— In a August 2014 survey, three out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Toysmith made their stores' best-selling die-cast toys. 10/30/2009 (MSRP: $6.99; Age: 8 and Up)

RC2 ERTL John Deere - 4630 Farm Tractor Dealer Edition 1:16 scale die-cast collectible model by TOY WONDERS INC.

15073 RC2 ERTL John Deere - 4630 Farm Tractor Dealer Edition. 1:16 scale diecast collectible model. This 4630 Farm Tractor is a 10.5"L x 10"W x 7.25"H die-cast tractor. Individually packed in a window box. Box size: 12.75"L x 8"W x 9.25"H. This 4630 Farm Tractor is manufactured by RC2 Brands. Item 15073 is in GREEN color.
— Mary Whitbrod, owner of Imagination Station in Toledo, OH, told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that "Anything John Deere" is their store's best-selling die-cast. 12/15/2010 (MSRP: $50; Age: 8 and Up)

SUN STAR Mini - 1961 Austin Se7en Cooper Hard Top 1:12 scale die-cast collectible model car by TOY WONDERS INC.

5303 SUN STAR Mini - 1961 Austin Se7en Cooper Hard Top. 1:12 scale diecast collectible model car. This Austin Se7en Cooper is a die-cast metal car with openable doors, hood & trunk. Limited edition 1 of 999 pcs with numbered certificate. Manufactured by SunStar. Item 5303 is in SMOKE GREY-GREEN color with Old English White roof. Individually packed in a box. Box size: 12.5"L x 7.25"W x 6.25"H. Launch date: February 7, 2012.
— In a August 2014 survey, Charles, manager of Miller's Toys in Mamaroneck , N.Y., told TDmonthly that Mini-Coopers are one of their store's best-selling die-cast toys. 3/12/2012 (MSRP: $169.95; Age: 8 and Up)

Hot Wheels 2014 Off-Road Daredevils Red Monster Dairy Delivery by MATTEL INC.

This Hot Wheels car is red and features blue, white and black designs.
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans Toy Shop in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Hot Wheels is one of his store's best-selling die-cast toys. 8/28/2014

Blackhawk Die Cast Helicopter by TOYSMITH

Helicopter toy. US Army Blackhawk markings. Pull back action. Die cast. Assorted designs.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va. told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Toysmith Helicopters are one of her store's best-selling die-cast toys. 8/28/2014 (Age: 4 and Up)

MATCHBOX® 3 Pack by MATTEL INC.

MATCHBOX® 3 Pack by MATTEL INC. Three colorful die-cast Matchbox® vehicles packaged in an open, peggable box. Ages 3 and older.
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans Toy Shop in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Matchbox Cars are one of his store's best-selling die-cast toys. 8/28/2014