Outdoor Scores Recorded during the Summer Season
**Vintage Die-Cast Collectibles Discovered on a Road Trip**
A recent road trip from Connecticut to Ohio led to the discovery of two rare and valuable vintage die-cast collectibles: a pre-war Tootsietoy bus and a Hubley "Sport Car".
The journey began at Heart of Ohio, billed as the largest antiques center in the U.S., located in Springfield. Vintage toys were well represented, and among the treasures found was a pre-World War Two Tootsietoy bus. This six-inch long bus, with the word GREYHOUND emblazoned on both sides, was in excellent original condition.
Heart of Ohio was not the only stop on the trip. The second antiques emporium visited was the Springfield Antique Center, not far from Heart of Ohio. Here, a Hubley "Sport Car" was purchased for $70, a bargain for a larger Hubley with the original box. The Hubley "Sport Car" is a model of the legendary Jaguar XK 120, and its acquisition adds a piece of British royalty to the collection.
The Hubley "Sport Car" is more than seven inches in length and is number 455 in Hubley's lineup, made in the 1956-1957 range. It will join the editor's collection of Hubleys for a miniature cruise night. Interestingly, the box art does not include the word Jaguar.
The Hubley "Sport Car" is part of Hubley Manufacturing Co.'s die-cast toy vehicles, produced from the early 1900s through the mid-20th century. These collectibles are highly sought after for their solid build and vintage appeal.
Tootsietoy, established in the early 1900s, was one of the first companies to mass-produce die-cast toy vehicles in the U.S. Their pre-war buses, produced mostly in the 1920s and 1930s, are made from pressed steel and die-cast metal, often featuring simple, robust designs. These buses are considered quite rare and valuable, with prices often reaching hundreds of dollars for mint or near-mint condition pieces.
The writer met up with a friend during the trip, and the destination was the Mid-Ohio racing circuit for the IndyCar weekend. The Mid-Ohio racing circuit is a wonderful facility, providing a perfect backdrop for the discovery of these two rare collectibles.
Pre-war Tootsietoy buses and Hubley "Sport Cars" are classic examples of vintage die-cast collectibles, cherished by toy and antique enthusiasts alike. Condition is the primary value driver, with undamaged, complete, and original paint pieces commanding premium prices. Market interest remains strong among collectors of early American toy vehicles.
While specific listings for these collectibles may not be prominent in current search results, ongoing collector interest and value stability indicate that they remain valuable additions to any collection. If you have a specific model or photo, consulting specialized vintage toy appraisers or collectors’ clubs may provide a more precise valuation.
[1] [Tootsietoy Bus Valuation](https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/tootsietoy-greyhound-bus-1930s-465611088)
[2] [Hubley Sport Car Valuation](https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/hubley-sport-car-1950s-344288925)
[5] [Vintage Die-Cast Toy Values](https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-die-cast-toys-values-418532542)
After the discovery of the valuable vintage die-cast collectibles in Ohio, a new interest arose in the editor's lifestyle - home-and-garden projects took a backseat as shopping for sports-related items became a priority. On a trip to the Mid-Ohio racing circuit during the IndyCar weekend, the acquisition of the pre-war Tootsietoy bus and the Hubley "Sport Car" added excitement to the sports-analysis sessions that followed.
