Auto Otaku Episode 7: John Lambert

On this episode of The Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike Garrett chats with diecast car collector, expert and influencer John Lambert from the Lamley Group about his background and how he got started in collecting and the current state of the diecast industry from Hot Wheels to Matchbox and beyond. They also talk about the ties between the diecast hobby and modern car culture, some of the most prized cars in John’s collection and more. 

Topics include -

1:35 - How basic diecast cars have managed to stay at the $1 price point for decades

9:52 - The Lamley Group origin story

16:57 - How brands like Hot Wheels have increasingly become tied to real world car culture, including obscure vehicles and genres

28:28 - An ultra rare Datsun 510 diecast from the ‘70s that become one of John’s most prized vehicles

35:10 - Tips for diecast hunting in stores