About Us

March 19, 1983, Kiddie Kar Kollectibles opened its doors in the railroad town of Reading, Pennsylvania as a small retail, wholesale and mail order distribution center of Matchbox products.

Kiddie Kar was founded by Michael J. Appnel and his family. Prior to opening Kiddie Kar, Mike was a collector and toy show dealer for six years. He has served as President of the Pennsylvania Matchbox Club and has been a prominent member of Matchbox U.S.A. and Matchbox International Collectors Association (MICA) for many years.

Since opening, Kiddie Kar Kollectibles has grown dramatically in their retail, wholesale and mail order business making them one of the largest die-cast collector centers in North America. In addition to the full line of Matchbox products, they have expanded their line to include products by Auto Art, Code 3, Corgi, Ertl/Racing Champions, Fleer Collectibles, Jada, Monster Machines, Hot Wheels and Team Caliber. Currently they serve a clientele that consists of over 2000 collectors in all 50 states and 10 foreign countries spanning 5 continents.

In 1993 Kiddie Kar was named one of the first authorized Matchbox Collector Centers in North America by the executive management of Tyco Inc. At the time, Kiddie Kar was one of only three to gain this status. This plan allowed Kiddie Kar to carry Matchbox Collectibles, otherwise available only through direct mail, and offer them for the same price.

In 1999, Kiddie Kar achieved the status of "Master Distributor" from Team Caliber. They are one of a select few who have the ability to buy directly from Team Caliber to distribute product to retail business owners.

As a respected and established dealer of die-cast, Kiddie Kar is committed to the collector and continues to expand its product lines and services.