There is a sense of classic decadence to every design choice on this car, from the black leather interior to the pop-up lights. That is, until out of nowhere the Matchbox community learned that it had been sold to a Japanese collector by the name of Takuyo Yoshise. Its another reason why collectors pay more for UK models. 7. Current Number Still in Existence: Unknown; very few. The earliest models were marked Moko. Leslie and Rodney Smith (they combined their names for Lesney) came across Jack ODell and hired him. The real AMX street car was a short-lived two-seater produced by AMC that, like most muscle cars, stuffed a high-powered engine into a midsize frame. In fact, this car is so valuable it made our top 10 most valuable die-cast Car list! The reason for this price? Some of the most valuable Hot Wheels from the 1990s that have sold recently are: Hot Wheels Collector Number 271 ($3,000+) Hot Wheels #37 1990 All American Hot Bird ($200) 1990 '65 White Mustang Convertible #26 ($150) 1990 California Custom Blown Camaro #1289 ($150) 1991 Hot Wheels Bigfoot Champions Monster Rig They were soon joined by Jack ODell, an engineer and tool creator. Its not difficult to find a good one if you know how to look for them. Matchbox Car. 1/43 and 1/32: The most common model car ratio in the world is the 1/43 scale, made popular by the Dinky Die Cast Toys, . In 1966, Mattel released a 1:75 scale Opel Diplomat car relating to their Matchbox series. It has become one of the most sought-after collectibles for any collector or enthusiast interested in collecting Matchbox cars. Others, however, like any collecting hobby, go beyond the standard. 30) - $13,000. Some resellers will even ditch the Mokos and focus on American brands. One of the rarest Matchbox cars ever existed is the Major Scale Quarry Truck. It made our top 11 list of the most valuable and rare matchbox cars considering the cars value. Check what features buyers want so you can emphasize them. Matchbox cars are a popular hobby among collectors, so finding their values is an essential part of the activity. It had a right-hand drive interior and no windows. It has several features that make it unique, including working headlights, a detailed interior, and wheels. The Garbage Truck (Refuse Truck in the UK) matchbox model is based on a 1979 model garbage truck, with a hatch on the back that opens and closes. Another reason matchbox cars are popular is that they can be used as toys and collectibles. 30 crane truck at a neighbors garage sale. RARE Vintage Matchbox City Garage Play Set (1980) Working Elevator. He-Man and Battle Cat Like Youve Never Seen Them Before, He-Mans Brazen New Look Highlights a New Direction for the Upcoming New Netflix Cartoon Youve heard of legend Kevin Smiths new show, picking up where, Transformers: War for Cybertron Synopsis and Characters. The . Die Cast Metal Toy Car Collectible ad vertisement by CedarClosetCache. The second version was made without opening doors and trunk but still had chrome wheels. $150 - $505. The earliest boxes had no text on them except for the name of the car and its number, while later boxes also included information such as Made in England and Corgi Toys Ltd.. At least the valuable version is. Opel Diplomat in Seafoam Green. Its amazing that such a small toy made of a certain color can lead to such an extraordinary increase in the cost of the item. It has always been a 2-door coupe, but the models 37-year production life saw it undergo several drastic redesigns. Sixty-eight-year-old Simon Hope's Matchbox collection was so massive that he had to use three different auctions to clear the whole lot. The selling price through Morphy Auctions in 2010 was $345. There was something very unique about the Ford Fairlane, their gray wheels. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $18,000. It sold for an astounding $6,765 thats roughly $10,000 now if you consider inflation. Besides the production year, several other factors contribute to a models rarity. At this point, manufacturing the toys in the UK stopped making financial sense, so they moved to Macau and later China. Dinky had gone bankrupt just before Lesney did, and Corgi followed suit in 1983. . The car molding materials are a clue as well. Matchbox cars are worth a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Here are the Top 10 Most Expensive Diecast Cars in the World: Contents [ hide] 10. Some have bright colors and fun stickers, but others have doors that open and interiors that mimic their life-size muse. It had to be a first for Lesney when they began producing Matchbox cars. Some of them, especially if you enjoy restorations, are still very affordable similar to Hot Wheels. Are Diecast Cars good Investments? The 1968 version is the most valuable of them all, with its red, blue, and white colors and the matching wheels. These vintage Matchbox cars are worth a TON! Matchbox 1967 Magirus Deutz Crane (No. . . As the first three ever molded, they can fetch amazing prices as a full set. However, the Smiths hired a man called Jack ODell. The Superfast 8d Rover 3500 Police Car is a very rare item that can be found only in a few places worldwide today. 1971 Spectraflame Purple Bye Focal - $6000. In an auction, this unique treasure sold for a staggering $15,000. Here are the other nine: 1961 Magirus-Deutz Truck, Matchbox (tan-orange): $11,822; The toy he designed was a smaller version of Lesneys popular Road Roller that can easily fit inside a matchbox. The 1967 Matchbox 27D Mercedes-Benz 230SL in apple green became one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever sold when it fetched a whopping $6,765 at auction in 1999. If you intend to trade the most valuable matchbox cars, it helps to be familiar with their top series. The Beatnik Bandit is part of the Hot Wheels "Sweet Sixteen" or the first 16 cars Mattel released when the company launched in 1968. Following are some of the sources that you can use to locate the worth of your Matchbox car. Vintage Pfaff Sewing Machine Value (Ultimate Guide), 10 Most Valuable Atlas Mason Jars: Complete Value Guide, Top 5 Tips on How to Tell if Pyrex is Vintage, How To Determine The Value Of A Matchbox Car, 12. They looked as close to the real car as possible, and designers worked with photos and blueprints taken from the manufacturers. The car was made to look like a police car with its blue and white bodywork and an orange roof light that glowed when it was turned on. The cars (and boxes) marked Made in England are often the most valuable matchbox cars. For a short time, Lesney even released a series of rechargeable electric Scorpion cars. While there are cars that are more valuable than these two versions, the value of the history far outweighs the dollars. There were some minor differences in the way the wheels were made and the way the rivets were made, but otherwise, the two models are almost the same. While were on the subject, are Lledo matchbox cars worth anything? Now that matchbox is resurfacing again; collectors are delighted to see this trend continue. You can then separate your haul by quality, condition, category, brand, and year. Its not uncommon to find a Matchbox car with factory paint mistakes. Generally, Magirus Deutz Cranes arms are orange, while the bodies are silver. Matchbox car collecting is a fun hobby, and there is a large community of collectors worldwide. There was a unique roof on this car, and the interiors were different from that of the American version. Well, Lesney was dedicated to producing miniatures that were true to form. So her daddy invented cars that could fit in a matchbox to obey his kids school rules. Mercedes-Maybach Launches a Plug-In S580e. Model Number: 55B. Nice and clean with only three or four minuscule outer edge nicks, it stands four inches tall. The company made promotional vehicles for product placement, mostly on their double-decker buses and yesteryear classics. 13. Another feature is that each model has a detailed interior and exterior, which makes it look realistic. Check out our matchbox 1980s cars selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. It features incredible detail and stands at a whopping 27" tall, dominating its peers in both value and height. 9 Worth Every Dollar: 1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition. The company specialized in die-cast miniatures, and one of their top sellers was a model of the gilded horse carriage Queen Elizabeth II rode during her coronation ceremony. Cars in the series were marked with a Y + the toy number. Die-cast Matchbox toys first gained their name because they originally came packaged similarly to matches. A large chrome slab in the 1970s, the model adapted to the times and came out with a complete redesign in the 80s. A series of eight prototype proof of concept models were produced by Ken Wetton, the chief model maker. Bubble Power She-Ra. The cream version is even rarer, as it was only produced for a short period in 1968. The sea-green Matchbox car Opel Diplomat cost only 48 cents in 1966, now worth at least $9,000. Accessories followed in 1956, then the Majors in 1957. In 2010, he sold it, so we dont know how much he spent on it. A legendary Chevy model, the Monte Carlo was introduced in 1970 and stayed in production until 2007. Most Matchbox cars have four wheels, but some have three or five wheels. The Magirus-Deutz Truck is modeled after the old type of crane, from the 1960s. Matchbox cars were designed with several unique features that made them appealing to children and collectors alike. The red model with a white interior is now worth more than $1,000. Worse, it is not entirely clear why this vehicle is so valuable. For example, 1:64 scale trucks were produced until 1989, while 1:43 scale trucks were only produced until 1982 before being discontinued completely due to poor sales performance. The garbage truck is one of the most popular models from the 1970s and 80s. 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The 1984 MR2 is one of the most iconic Matchbox cars. One reverse color wrecker sold for $9,500 in 2005 came in mint condition in its original box. Matchbox Cars, Set of 9 Die-Cast 1:64 Scale Toy Trucks and Cars from the Matchbox Adventures World Tour Show, Realistic and Authentic Decos, Includes 1 Exclusive Vehicle No reviews $1125 FREE delivery Tue, Mar 7 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon Ages: 3 years and up Matchbox 9 Car Gift Pack, X7111 4.6 (46) $1991$20.99 Vintage 1980s Rare Matchbox Twin Pack | Mercedes Benz G-Wagon And Horse Box with Horses | Polizei German Police | Diecast | Emergency 911 . They sometimes used localized packaging, so the box might say Matchbox Superfast or the series numbering may differ. Matchbox Lesney Superfast SF8 Ford Mustang (Sold: $635.00) The first Mustang car was introduced in 1964, and the car has been ever since a must-have for collectors and toy enthusiasts. Vaporwave is a music genre that reimagines the 80s plasticity and turns it into an aesthetic that evokes the best of nostalgia and alchemy. You might think you know all about these collectible toys, but did you know collectors pay big bucks for some of these little plastic toys? It featured a little green driver and was soon joined by a cement mixer and a dump truck. Today it is worth more than $9,000. Most Valuable Matchbox Cars Worth Money. Vukasin Herbez November 12, 2018. If youre looking for a shorter roof edition, it usually costs around $20. . Consequently, the 2021-22 release date may result from some romanticization, but it is all just speculation until we hear any further marketing or information about the new vehicle. In 1984, Toyota introduced the MR2. 3. 2 bids. So some buyers do want these cars. So you might find a Major Truck or trailer that has a different style of wheels. Many factors determine the value of a Matchbox car, and we will cover some of them in this article. Then came the Major series. The Best Amazon Presidents' Day Deals of 2023. Following are the 11 most valuable matchbox cars that you should purchase. jammed or missing wheels). Since 1968, Mattel's Hot Wheels have started a revolution with their fantastic shapes, lively colors, interesting details and features, which made them instant favorites and modern classics. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Delorean was one of the first cars produced by Hot Wheels and is now one of the most sought-after toys from their line. 80 0 Bids. They can also be Hot Wheels, Dinky, Corgi, or Johnny Lightning, but only if your buyer is open to these other brands. The real ones, however, come with a hefty price tag. Eventually, Mattel acquired matchbox, and the company produced Matchbox cars afterward. It was made in England and is one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever made. We do know that the Mercedes Benz 230 SL was produced in three colors: white, white (Superfast), and yellow (Superfast). This vintage matchbox is a bit strange because there isnt as much information on it as most others. From 1947 to 1953, the company made larger die-cast vehicles and various other toys to sell during the Christmas season. Looking for a Career with 80s Toy Store? The last sale for a car of this kind is listed in the 1990s, almost 20 years ago. Cars Produced in the early 1970s, the Matchbox Ford Capri was and featured a deep pink and orange variant, but also comes in the Hot Rocker variant, which has that roadster vibe complete with exposed engine. On certain listings, youll see something like Please dont copy-paste my listing! Its a fair request since it takes weeks to do the research. Capitalism follows a pretty predictable formula. Year Produced: 1968. photo source: Hot Wheels Wiki. On top of this, the DeLorean's rear-mounted motor made sure it was truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s. 2023 80s Toy Store | All Rights Reserved. Honestly, you never know what a toy could be worth today. Matchbox 50 Car Pack Variety of 1:64 Scale Realistic Vehicles with Authentic Designs, for Play & Display, Instant Collection for Ages 3 & older & Toy Car Collectors. Facing a crisis, the firm introduced its "Superfast" line with racing wheels and slicker designs in 1969, ending what is known as "the regular wheels" era, Mack says. The 280ZX is a beautiful car that looked like a sports car but drove like a luxury coupe. Something about these little tin toys makes them appealing to kids and adults alike. Many Matchbox collectors consider the Opel Diplomat in the color of Sea Green as a grail worthy model. Aston Martin Could Team Up with Lucid. Lets get going! Matchbox carshave been around since 1953 when Lesney Products entered the toy market with a line of miniature cars. 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