They are loved by children the world over and, thanks to their durability, have been passed down through the generations.

Ten years ago, I didn't have any Matchbox cars in my collection, and I hadn't even bought my first Tomicas. Hot Wheels were the only thing I cared about, but I also had some other lesser-known brands ...

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Matchbox was making tiny die-cast cars more than a decade before Hot Wheels rolled onto the scene. It might be even more surprising to learn ...