The first toy cars used diecast techniques to create mini cars. Some of these early pioneers were Corgi Toys, Dinky Toys, and Meccano. By the 1920s, toy cars big enough for kids to ride in were being made and these medal pedal cars were popular for decades. More and more types of toy cars were introduced, including models that kids could build and personalize to their own liking. Diecast cars remained popular and over the decades giving rise to popular brands like Hot Wheels and Matchbox.

Many collectors never move away from collecting Matchbox or Hot Wheels cars. They are small, most are affordable, and it's easy to find them. However, some models from both manufacturers are incredibly valuable and hard to find. Promotional cars made by car makers are enduringly popular. Vintage slot cars are another interest held by many kid and adult collectors. Toy cars made to look like race cars are popular with people who collect toy cars and with fans of the sport of racing or with specific racers Model cars are also prized by some collectors. Some collectors want the kits still in the original box never assembled while others collect models that kids from previous generations assembled!

Visiting toy car museums is a great way for everyone to see a wide variety of toy cars from a variety of manufacturers and decades. Some museums only focus on one brand, like Matchbox, but most exhibits devoted to the topic have a wide range of toys to look at. Seeing the cars like this lets collectors see how the toys have changed over the years, and how they've stayed the same! Many a collector develops an interest in a specific type of toy car after first seeing it at a museum or exhibit of toy vehicles. The Museum of American Speed has an amazing collection of pedal cars of many brands and types, the third floor has a vast array of different pedal cars to view.