The story of 1:64 scale model cars began when Lesney, a UK die-casting company, first produced a toy in 1948 that fit neatly inside a matchbox. The brand got its name because these original die-cast "Matchbox" toys were sold in boxes similar to those used for matches.

In the late 1960s, Mattel introduced Hot Wheels, a line of model cars that changed everything. Affordable, durable, and wildly designed, Hot Wheels captured the imagination of young car enthusiasts everywhere. I was one of them back then—and still am today.

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The industry calls today the "golden age" of diecast models. With a recent surge in 1:64 scale diecast car collecting, the market is expected to grow by around $1.52 billion between 2023 and 2028. Fueling this growth are brands like Hot Wheels, Matchbox, MiniGT, and Auto World, which have driven interest with high-quality, highly detailed, and niche-focused releases.

A passion project of mine is cataloging and photographing my collection, displaying it both in my office and in an online gallery. As a graphic designer, I knew it needed its own name and mark—Dalton Diecast.

The italicized speeding double "D"s and racing stripes break the border of a round wheel, creating the excitement of fast action on a racetrack and a logo that’s quick to read. Paired with bold typography, the design brings energy and clarity, echoing the playful, dynamic spirit of 1960s advertising. It perfectly captures the essence of Dalton Diecast—a celebration of vintage charm and modern enthusiasm for the world of diecast cars.