I had a size-able Matchbox collection (hard rubber tires, early narrow "superfast, and later and current fat tire) starting from before I can remember, acquired from a hobby shop walking distance from our house.
I distinctly remember my first Hot Wheels, acquired from a down town department store in 1972 (I was four). I clearly remember as if it were last week, opening the package and playing with it in the back seat of a gm "fishbowl" city bus.
I also had Corgi, Majorette, a few lesser known but quality brands.
What I never owned until adulthood was Johnny Lightning,
I never even saw them for sale anywhere.
I knew other kids that had them, and was intrigued by their models.
I'm still really more of a Matchbox guy and my collection is about 3 to 1 Matchbox vs anything else.
I've been really into the AutoWorld stuff lately though and that collection is growing rapidly. They just released flat hood Challengers and 63 Polaras!