Model cars came into being during World War II. A kit was designed for building model cars. Berkeley and Ace wooden model cars soon gained momentum. What followed was a revolution among kids and adults alike. Every other person wanted one such model car. As time progressed, so did the face of model cars. The Maxwell kit of toys was used to derive the plastic model car by Revell.

The First Model Car Made Of Plastic
A 1932 Ford Roadster was the first plastic kit model car that was built by Revell in England. Soon, even in the U.S., these kit model cars gained in popularity. In the early ’50s, the assembling of 1/25 “Promo” models were done by AMT. Promotional models that were specially made for automobile dealers saw growth as well. On the one hand, where scale models became popular with kids, dealers, salespeople, and parents all haggled alike. Thus, a new hobby of collecting and trading model cars came into being.

Model Cars Made For Promotions
Model cars made for promotional purposes earned a huge profit and became a new business altogether. Companies started manufacturing these promo models in huge numbers, and they earned a prestigious place in toyshops and other promotional stores. The interest in this hobby reached its peak in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. During this time, companies like AMT, Monogram, Revell, and Jo-Han started producing model car kits. Termed as the model car kit’s “golden age,” this time saw growth and popularity of model cars all around the world. People went crazy collecting model cars and still consider those cars among their prized possessions.

Annual Kits
Usually the model car kits that came into the market were termed as “annual kits.” In the very beginning of each year, the promo models were launched in the market. These promo versions worked a 3-in-1 purpose: for custom, racing, and stock. The full-sized Dodge Monaco in golden metallic color is a prized piece of model car today. It was made by Model Products Corp. in 1965 when this company joined the kit model car manufacturing groups.

Made with intricate detailing, model cars are exact details of the actual automobile. The script, emblem and trims are all the same; even the dashboard of model cars are exactly detailed like the original automobile. They are made in 1/25 scale and are generally licensed to a particular model. Today, the model car companies are still very much in business and are doing well. Kids love to play with these cars, and every new model car is added in the prized possession of model car collectors.