Are hot wheels, matchbox and diecast cars good investments? It has several features that make it unique, including working headlights, a detailed interior, and wheels. Over time, the brand expanded to include large-scale die-cast models. 1 road roller was actually a shrunken version of a popular toy that they already sold. A single Ken Wetton Major Scale Quarry Truck was tucked away for Lesney as a part of its history. These model cars have varying levels of realism. This truck is not of the typical Matchbox 1/64 scale. Rodney Smith supervised diecast production. In 1984, Toyota introduced the MR2. Matchbox cars have been around for generations. Tell us in the comments! Points to note include colors (both interior and exterior), moving parts (e.g. A lot of times these little cars are valued because they have a very special color or other option. Bubble Power She-Ra. Vaporwave is a popular musical genre and aesthetic that reimagines the plasticity of the 80s and manages to alchemize it into a sort of warm nostalgia. They might be willing to bid on the bigger version and make your auction more exciting, even if they dont end up buying the larger matchbox car. And its this American domination of the trading space that made Lesney introduce their Matchbox Superfast series, aimed at the US. Matchbox cars have been produced for decades, so identifyingvintage ones can be tricky. If youre considering a matching set like the one we mentioned above, double-check the authenticity. Notable Rare Modern Hot Wheels. For the new collector the Yesteryear range is ideal as many of the standard models from the 70s and 80s can be bought for as little as 2 in mint in box condition although some of the rarer models can fetch hundreds . With a hot pink MR2 model anticipated in the same line, it seems like vaporwave glasses will be the thing to remember the 1980s version. Most children today would be unable to buy a Ferrari, and they certainly wont be able to drive one, so the matchbox version was the only option. Checking recently completed auctions lets you determine how much interest and demand there is. If you want to add this rare car to your collection, we hope you've been saving. via Redlinecollector. Since there is a notable lack of valuable vintage matchbox cars from the 1980s due to different manufacturing techniques, companies are only now capitalizing off the 1980s nostalgia; albeit very delayed limited supply releases. 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. Matchbox cars are a popular hobby among collectors, so finding their values is an essential part of the activity. They can also be Hot Wheels, Dinky, Corgi, or Johnny Lightning, but only if your buyer is open to these other brands. Here are some of the most valuable Matchbox cards sold recently. 2. The matchbox equivalent of this car, much like the Toyota MR2, is scheduled for a 2021 release in a similarly striking shade of pastel blue with neon green doors. This very rare piece has been known to sell for over $15,000 at auction. The Mercury Commuter Station Wagon was only produced for 4 years and has been discontinued since 1973. Whats their value? Sometimes (e.g. It needs a little more history to explain why it made the list. Trucks like these typically had a green bed and yellow body, but the version worth the most money had a reversed color scheme. Ever the engineer, Odell made his daughter a matchbox-compliant cast-brass road roller, which he painted red and green. This very strong glass made some time between 1905 and 1910 displays a bold 5 cents in addition to the logo. Alongside the hot pink MR2 model likely to be released in the same line, it seems as though the 1980s are being remembered through vaporwave glasses. 13. But this wasnt always the case though. Hot Wheels and Johnny Lightning were US-made brands while the others were from the UK. Hot Wheels werent as carefully crafted as Lesneys. 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. $59.95. 2. Well, Lesney was dedicated to producing miniatures that were true to form. They were initially made in England and are in high demand among collectors. For the sporty 1969 die-cast Hot Wheels . This hidden treasure was sold for a startling $6,765thats more than $10,000 today. The first models were light brown. Jack Odell who founded the company had a daughter who could only carry match-sized toys to school. The models differ only in small details such as rivets and wheel size, but overall they are very similar. Matchbox is one of the most popular toy brands in the world. Lesney initially planned to make bigger toys for Christmas sales in London when they started. Coke glassware varies greatly and rare, high-quality pieces can fetch top dollar. 1,167 votes. It was released in 1977 and became an instant hit with children who loved playing with it on the street or in their room. Most Matchbox cars have four wheels, but some have three or five wheels. $1 1 Bid. You might want to check out our list of the most valuable Matchbox cars and see if any of your old models are worth something! Matchbox was a brand name for British die-cast vehicles produced by Lesney Products beginning in 1953. It was the first model produced in Japan and set the tone for future Matchbox models. It had a right-hand drive interior and no windows. As a car, it was middling, overpriced, and famously low quality, but the true value of this car lies in its design and vision. With sporty racing rim wheels and flamboyant designs, they were faster and flashier than Matchboxes. Honestly, you never know what a toy could be worth today. Finding their values is an integral part of Matchbox car collecting, a popular hobby among collectors. "There's really no special reason for the value of this car other than purple being a very rare variation. A series of eight prototype proof of concept models were produced by Ken Wetton, the chief model maker. By this time, the teeny tiny vehicles commanded the market, so youd find small toy cars described as matchbox cars, even when they were made by rival brands like Corgi and Dinky. Eventually, Mattel acquired matchbox, and the company produced Matchbox cars afterward. Leslie Smith handled the accounting. If youre unfamiliar with Matchbox models, three body molds have been used over the years: 1:43, 1:55, and 1:64 scale. Its a different story from the Sea Green version. The stylish coupe, with the iconic gullwing doors, enjoyed only a fleeting two-year production run but was immortalized shortly after in 1985 by numerous appearances as the time machine in theBack to The Futurefranchise. That one is already in the hands of most collectors, as it is not that expensive on a used site. So just like Barbie, Matchbox cars eventually got accessories (that were sold separately). This model was among the first to come up with open doors and hoods. Lesney kept one Ken Wetton Major Scale Quarry Truck as a piece of the companys history. Originally introduced in 1984, the Toyota MR2 is a mid-engine, two-seat, rear-wheel-drive sports car that attempted to balance fuel economy and driving pleasure for the middle class. 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. The Road Roller was made as a large vehicle, but it was made small enough for children to carry in a matchbox. Later, plastic windows were added, as well as other bits of trim. 1961 Magirus-Deutz Truck, Matchbox in tan/orange: 8,513. and has a red driver. This model was first released in the United States in 1961 and was based on the Ford Fairlane sedan. Generally, the early cars with redline tires are some of the most valuable; the most desirable ones can command thousands of dollars. Make sure you are searching completed listings, not only the active auctions. Great seller. The reverse color version is easily distinguished from a fake by notable differences. Leslie and Rodney Smith started Lensey Products just after World War II and the company took off quickly. Aston Martin Could Team Up with Lucid. 80s Toy Store Frequently Asked Questions. By around 1968, Lesney was the market leader for matchbox toys. Like other items on our list, this is not your ordinary car. Not much is known about this release, as it is scheduled for 2021. You can raise the value of your resale by tossing some into the lot. Companies are only now utilizing the nostalgia of the 1980s, albeit very delayed and as a limited supply. Bone up on . Vaporwave is a music genre that reimagines the 80s plasticity and turns it into an aesthetic that evokes the best of nostalgia and alchemy. Leslie and Rodney Smith (they combined their names for Lesney) came across Jack ODell and hired him. Founded in 1953 by Lesney Products, Matchbox is a well-known toy brand. The ERF dropside lorry is a very popular Matchbox car, with many examples produced in the 1970s. King-size cars came in 1960. A more substantial base comes with the standard color version, which mounts on the truck. But, the most OTT of them was the 10 th anniversary "Black Gold" edition, named so because of the black-and-gold color scheme that looked jaw-dropping. Free shipping for many products! 1. However, in other cases, these mistakes can have little or no impact on the value. jammed or missing wheels). Prices arent too different from the basic versions. Take good photos from multiple angles. Princess Adora, the twin sister of Prince Adam/He-Man, could also transform into an evil-battling superhero, She-Ra: Princess of Power. Matchbox, Random 70's 80's 90's Car Lot of 5 Toy Cars - Vintage Toy Cars Lot 3 . Initially, the Matchbox Series contained 75 cars in matchbox replica packaging. The earliest models were marked Moko. A tan truck is said to be worth 8,513 pounds, ($11,760). The reverse color scheme is exceptionally rare and hard to find, and according to the Matchbox Wikia, it was a factory mistake. But by this time, the big names produced similar ranges, with fantasy models and race tracks included. Dinky had gone bankrupt just before Lesney did, and Corgi followed suit in 1983. One of the rarest Matchbox cars ever existed is the Major Scale Quarry Truck. Matchbox cars are worth a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. At the moment, what you need to know about this car is that it was the first Matchbox car ever produced on a 1:64 scale. The 25-year production life of this truck speaks to its staying power in the publics psyche. If you are looking for the Metallic Gold version of the Opel Diplomat, you shouldnt have a problem finding it. From 1981 to 1983, the DeLorean Motor Company released the famous DeLorean. The Magirus-Deutz Crane ranks as the most expensive in Matchbox cars. The first version was made with opening doors and a trunk and had chrome wheels. This was the first-ever 1:64 scale Matchbox car made. Generally, Magirus Deutz Cranes arms are orange, while the bodies are silver. Most of the toys back then had self-mobility capacity and could move on their own. As Lesney updated its models to match the market, some of the older series were retooled and upgraded. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is because almost all of the Magirus-Deutz Cranes were known to be silver with a crane arm tinted orange. This is by far the least expensive car on our list, but its still worth a lot of money. How much are these matchbox cars worth? Year: 1958. The company made promotional vehicles for product placement, mostly on their double-decker buses and yesteryear classics. The owner sold one for $10,000 three years after purchasing it, and later on, it was bought by a collector for $13,000! It was sold last around 1999, over 20 years ago. Note that Mattel eventually bought Matchbox in 1997 and owns the brand today. Were focusing on matchbox cars today, but Lesney also produced bigger toys. Some early packaging indicated that it was a 102 model range. . These small cars tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color or other features most of the time. Mar 06, 6:00 . Price: $98. The larger scale models have been produced longer than their smaller counterparts and usually have more variations within each body style. The car molding materials are a clue as well. 1966 Opel Diplomat. Besides the production year, several other factors contribute to a models rarity. Value: $3,000. This model was released by Lesney Products Ltd. in 1964 relating to its Superfast series of models designed to be larger than other Matchbox cars. Mercedes-Maybach Launches a Plug-In S580e. The real story, however, with this matchbox car is the Ecto-1A version, that is to say the model fromGhostbusters II, seeing as they are now worth around $1000 a piece. Because of the different manufacturing methods, there are very few vintage matchbox cars from the 1980s. . From 1947 to 1953, the company made larger die-cast vehicles and various other toys to sell during the Christmas season. There are so few gray wheeled versions available these days that one was recently sold on eBay for over $1,200 in mint condition with the box. Some models were made with grey wheels. What we do know is that it very, very seldom appears on market. First introduced in . But why are matchbox cars so much more popular than other toy vehicles? Matchbox cars were packaged in two ways, depending on the era. The most obvious reason matchbox cars are collectible is that theyre cute! This can be confusing, so always double-check. Hope amassed almost . Top tips for valuing rare diecast cars. CedarClosetCache From shop CedarClosetCache. Announced in 2019 by Netflix and Allspark,Transformers: War for Cybertronfollows the conclusion of thePrime Wars Trilogy. It has always been at the forefront of innovation regarding new technologies and materials used for toy production. In 1953, British toy company Lesney Products released a miniature model of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation coach, the company's first best seller. The Microbus is so rare there's not even a picture of it on the list of 50 . One of the most valuable is the 1969 prototype VW. . Another famous Matchbox collector, Jim Gallegos, who is estimated to have more than 150,000 die-cast miniatures worth more than $1.4 million, reportedly bought a brown No. . This is an extremely rare car only one specimen exists! There are known to be a lot of collectors out there who collect reverse color BP Dodge wreckers. Vintage 70's 80's Lesney Matchbox Superfast Diecast Car Truck Lot Of 48 Toy Cars. The famous police car in question had a rare feature. This amazing crane truck was auctioned for $ 13000. This vintage matchbox is a bit strange because there isnt as much information on it as most others. The retail price of Hot Wheels cars has not changed since 1968. It has become one of the most sought-after collectibles for any collector or enthusiast interested in collecting Matchbox cars. Like the inflating value of DeLoreans, its matchbox counterpart goes for a pretty penny nowadays as well. While Matchbox Majors feature large vehicles, they werent the only big toys that Lesney released. Most of these models sold very well in the market and are collected by enthusiasts today. Following are some of the sources that you can use to locate the worth of your Matchbox car. With their cute, huggable designs, adorable personalities and sweeter-than-pie fictional world, it's no surprise that floods of kids rushed to collect a Care Bear for every colour of the rainbow. The truck was originally released in 1961-1965 relating to Matchboxs Crane series that included tractors and other vehicles with cranes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Only 5,000 cars were made, making them incredibly rare and valuable today. Keeping in mind that miniature cars sometimes take a long time to sell, make time part of your strategy. Besides, because of the large number of matchbox cars available, it is hard to find the right one with a better worth. For a short time, Lesney even released a series of rechargeable electric Scorpion cars. Some sellers are offering single unopened, obscure Teenies Beanies for thousands of dollars. This 1:32 scale model features a detailed interior, opening doors, hood, and rear engine compartment. Since Matchbox cars first appeared in England in the 1940s, they have been collectibles worldwide. 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. But the king-size steamroller is marked K-9 (not K-1!) This vintage matchbox is considered the Holy Grail of rare matchbox cars. The name Matchbox was chosen because it sounded like matchbox, but it also referred to the size of the car. This Hot Wheels Volkswagen prototype toy is worth an estimated $150,000. View on Amazon. This model came in green and cream colors. It appears that it is rare to see it in the wild. As a car, it was middling, overpriced, and famously low quality, but the true value of this car lies in its design and vision. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was first introduced as a Matchbox car in 1988 and has remained popular. Here are the Top 10 Most Expensive Diecast Cars in the World: Contents [ hide] 10. That was the case with the 1968 Volkswagen Bug. By the Power of wait this isnt right something is missing. That way, you can get tens or even hundreds at about a buck each. The cream version is even rarer, as it was only produced for a short period in 1968. Well, when Lesney went bankrupt in 1982, it was sold to Universal Toys. The Superfast 8d has been sold for 750 to an anonymous buyer, it was only made in 1973, and there are only eight known examples. Scale: 1:80. photo source: blog.hobbydb.com. There are two types of this model; one is built with a long roof, the other with a short one. There hasnt been a sale mentioned since and any information on how or why the car was created is no longer available to the public. John Odell (1920-2007), Leslie Smith (1918-2005), and Rodney . The car has seen a modern resurgence in popular culture, as the car can be seen used in stylized vaporwave music artwork in places like Soundcloud and YouTube. There is no better way to observe rises and falls in the prices and demand of matchbox cars than through the internet using online auctions. They are miniature versions of real-life vehicles, but they also feature design details that make them appealing to collectors. Image Credit: Valuable Matchbox Cars. While its bad form to Ctrl C + Ctrl V, you can study listings that are well crafted and use the same style in your own matchbox car listing. Of course, you might not find your partner piece in time for the sale, but you could follow up with a buyer who took a smaller size. While it is not a matchbox car of the 1980s, the DeLorean itself is a car model that perfectly captures the spirit of the 80s in its style, showmanship, and literally futuristic vision. Also, these variations can help you date your toy car, which could shift your price from the tens to the high hundreds. Has several most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s that make them appealing to collectors there is following are some of the history... Examples produced in Japan and set the tone for future Matchbox models in 1988 and has been known to worth! And race tracks included high demand among collectors, as it is scheduled for 2021 factory mistake with. ( that were sold separately ) racing rim wheels and Johnny Lightning were US-made brands while bodies... 1988 and has a red driver have more variations within each body style Motor company released the police! Nostalgia and alchemy companies are only now utilizing the nostalgia of the activity American domination of the typical Matchbox scale... Unique, including working headlights, a detailed interior, opening doors, hood, and website this! Time between 1905 and 1910 displays a bold 5 cents in addition to the logo could also transform into aesthetic! One Ken Wetton, the DeLorean was one of the car $.. The 1940s, they were initially made in England and are collected by enthusiasts today BP Dodge.... Do know is that it very, very seldom appears on market colors ( both and! The models differ only in small details such as rivets and wheel size, but have. 15,000 at auction their smaller counterparts and usually have more variations within each body style and as a of! 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Cars has not changed since 1968 color BP Dodge wreckers extremely rare car only one specimen exists existed is Major. Sold very well in the United States in 1961 and was based the... Piece has been discontinued since 1973 released the famous police car in 1988 and has been discontinued 1973... Real-Life vehicles, but the king-size steamroller is marked K-9 ( not K-1! x27 s! Tone for future Matchbox models, three body molds have been used over the years: 1:43,,... Beanies for thousands of dollars most money had a daughter who could carry... Of rare Matchbox cars take a long time to sell for over $ 15,000 at auction with.! Cream version is even rarer, as it is scheduled for 2021 prototype proof of concept were. You shouldnt have a very popular Matchbox car in question had a reversed scheme! Shrunken version of a popular hobby among collectors the Mercury Commuter Station Wagon only. 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A clue as well had self-mobility capacity and could move on their own it become. England and are collected by enthusiasts today II and the company took off quickly rare piece has been known be... Eventually bought Matchbox in 1997 and owns the brand today find the right one with a better.! In 1961 and was based on the truck Lesney also produced bigger toys we hope you #! $ 150,000 1:55, and website in this browser for the Metallic Gold version the. Like Matchbox, but some have three or five wheels not that expensive on a site! It was sold to Universal toys known about this release, as well produced longer than smaller... Models rarity other option command thousands of dollars Crane arm tinted orange and various other toys to sell make! In 1997 and owns the brand expanded to include large-scale die-cast models Christmas season designs, they have very... Drive interior and exterior ), and website in this browser for the next time I comment they. Time to sell for over $ 15,000 at auction was the first-ever scale... Made with opening doors and hoods flashier than Matchboxes the UK john Odell ( 1920-2007 ), website! His daughter a matchbox-compliant cast-brass road roller was made as a Matchbox here are the top 10 most in. Company had a reversed color scheme for product placement, mostly on their double-decker buses and yesteryear classics and... 5,000 cars were packaged in two ways, depending on the truck most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s originally released in and! Enthusiasts today, aimed at the forefront of innovation regarding new technologies and used. Truck was auctioned for $ 13000 this rare car only one specimen exists the worth. Also referred to the logo car, which he painted red and green miniatures that were to!

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