Way Back Then - Anyone Remember ?

  Welcome to the Collectors Automotive Replica Society, or CARS !   Is there anyone out there in the world who remembers this publication - newsletter ? It was "published" quarterly from 1966 to 1971, and did not feature any pictures, but news, articles describing the history of the various diecast manufacturers of the time, new releases, and a Want Ads section with sometimes humorous one liners !

  Remember before Ebay ?  When you had to hunt and find that missing car for your collection from actual stores, hobby shops, toy shops, mail order, or trading with friends, conversing with a fellow collector around the world via paper mail, and a French translation book handy ?   Well I don't sadly !   

   I was born in the 80's,   so why / how do I have this connection ?   Well,  my Dad,  was Editor,  Treasurer,  "Publisher",  and Chief Cook & Bottle Washer  from  1968 onto the demise of the newsletter in '71.    This "society" was a group of friendly,  funny, colorful (and well known) collectors of all things diecast.  Some former members include the great Italian historian and collector Paolo Rampini, our own "Uncle Ed"   Dr. Edward Force (Anyone have his books published by "Schiffer"?)  Founding member Lynn Becker, collector Mel Merrifield, Georges Pennequin, and many others I could go on.

  Although it lacked photos,  don't write off this newsletter,  the articles were very informative,  and historical.  The history of Mercury models by Rampini is a perfect example,  or the history of the French Dinky company in multiple parts is a wealth of information for the collector,  complete with full listings,  reference numbers and prices from back in the day ~ (gets me very depressed !)

  I thought it would be a nice way to remember part of this history of diecast model collecting, and to continue the tradition on,  so this blog will follow our personal collection of vintage diecast models.  I collect mostly all vintage,  Dinky, Rio, Dugu, Politoys, Mercury Models,  Brooklin, Gama,  Corgi, Solido, CIJ,  Norev,  and a few others.  Please feel free to post comments,  ideas, or even "Want Ads" or "For Trades",  to carry the tradition on.  
~ We would love to hear from former members !   ~

  I will also make available copies of the CARS Bulletin Newsletters for just a small price to cover paper,  ink,  and postage if anyone out there is interested in obtaining a set.  There is a lot of information,  and maybe even more important,  entertainment and a bit of time travel feel to these articles.

So with the introduction over,  here is a first video of hopefully many,  showing the arrival of my very first Dinky model,  the classic Alfa Romeo Grand Prix Racer # 23F / 232,  first issued in 1952,  what a beauty !       Welcome  to  C.A.R.S.  Everyone !