For instance, a model manufactured in large quantities in the 1940s would be more valuable and rarer today than one manufactured in similar quantities in the 1970s. Leslie and Rodney Smith (they combined their names for Lesney) came across Jack ODell and hired him. A Magirus-Deutz Crane truck sold for $10 in 1961 went for $10,000 after a few years and was purchased by a collector for $13,000 later. It appears that it is rare to see it in the wild. The cars proved popular, and soon Dinky Toys was . Leslie Smith handled the accounting. Add a few street signs, garages, gas pumps, or add-ons related to that toy. 4. The second version was made without opening doors and trunk but still had chrome wheels. This item: Matchbox 9 Car Gift Pack, X7111. The cars (and boxes) marked Made in England are often the most valuable matchbox cars. While the Ecto-1 is actually a loaded 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Futura Duplex, the car in its Ecto-1 form is right behind the DeLorean as far as iconic 1980s cars go. 5 . No other versions of the car are made in that color or style. Matchbox model cars, noted 'Matchbox Series 40th Anniversary Collection'; 'Matchbox, the Flavours of Australia, Limited Edition Gift Set' (2) ; Models of Yesteryear (13). The only difference is it is collectible based on its legacy rather than its value. 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 . Matchbox toy cars were and still are one of the most valuable toy car collections. On top of this, the DeLoreans rear-mounted motor made sure it was truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s. The 1968 Bug was only produced for one year, and only 10 were made. These were marked K + toy number. This vintage matchbox is a bit strange because there isnt as much information on it as most others. Many factors determine the value of a Matchbox car, and we will cover some of them in this article. Number Produced: Unknown for sure but believed to be very few. (And if you can find one, avid collectors will pay a bunch!) Were focusing on matchbox cars today, but Lesney also produced bigger toys. One of these factors is the body mold used on the model. Over the years, the number of vehicles has increased substantially, especially since Mattel acquired the company. < GO TO comic & tv series and 36th scale corgi cars & sets from the 1980's: buses, vans and trucks < GO TO buses . Car Name Series Color Tampo Base Color / Type Window Color Interior Color Wheel Type Toy # Notes Photo; 3-Window '34: HiRakers: Red w/Brown fenders Flame tampos on trunk Unpainted / Metal Clear Chrome BW: 1132 '40's Woodie: HiRakers: Orange no tampo Unpainted / Metal Blue tint Tan BW: 1131 Brown wood grain panels CAT Bulldozer: The earlier models were packaged in a cardboard box with an illustrated label. Points to note include colors (both interior and exterior), moving parts (e.g. A mint condition version can sell for $30 today! It is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car directed at middle-class families while still ensuring fuel economy. On top of this, the DeLorean's rear-mounted motor made sure it was truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s. 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 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. 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. But how can you spot the most valuable Matchbox cars? Check out our 1980s matchbox cars selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Yet again, we see how a tiny color mishap years ago leads to a valuable collectors item today. The first version was made with opening doors and a trunk and had chrome wheels. Its a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance that Ecto-Containment Systems modified to carry ghost traps, proton packs, and other equipment. The value of this rare turquoise vehicle is approximately $9,000. Photo: McDonald's. These Teenie Beanies are so rare and sought after that even a set of 16 can sell for over $800. By then, it was a public company complete with a glitzy New York IPO. 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. This model was first released in the United States in 1961 and was based on the Ford Fairlane sedan. A rare unreleased large-scale Matchbox Liang dump truck sold at auction on March 2010 at the Matchbox Club's 25th Convention for 10,200, a record price for a Matchbox sold at auction . And of course, one is more valuable than the other. Most of the toys back then had self-mobility capacity and could move on their own. There are 25 900 Range items illustrated in the 1980/81 Matchbox Catalogue. This vintage matchbox is considered the Holy Grail of rare matchbox cars. There arent always good reasons to collect this crane. In fact, this car is so valuable it made our top 10 most valuable die-cast Car list! $59.95. By the Power of wait this isnt right something is missing. For Lesney Matchbox cars, these took the form of regional models with localized advertising. Most Matchbox cars are about 2 inches in length, but this big truck was about 11 inches long. They were also modeled after popular TV and . Bone up on . The reverse color versions crane base is narrower. You can find one in good condition fairly easily. 1. A particular Matchbox car may be the subject of a dozen auctions, all with very low (or no) bids. Despite the originals only going for around $30 today, it is still one of the most valuable Matchbox cars simply because of the way it captures the imaginations of children. Later models had plastic wheels with rubber tires that could not be removed without destruction. If you are looking for the Metallic Gold version of the Opel Diplomat, you shouldnt have a problem finding it. convertible, turbo drive, etc.). Its considered one of the most valuable Matchbox cars because it was produced in limited quantities, which means that not many people have them in their collections today. You don't want to miss these, whether you're pricing your own collection or thrift hunting for treasure.All thes. It featured a little green driver and was soon joined by a cement mixer and a dump truck. Mercedes-Maybach Launches a Plug-In S580e. 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. But which Matchbox car is the most valuable? Only 19 left in stock - order soon. These small cars tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color or other features most of the time. Almost five years ago, a similar model sold for $8,500 on eBay. This was the first-ever 1:64 scale Matchbox car made. Later ones were stamped Matchbox Lesney. This very rare piece has been known to sell for over $15,000 at auction. Later models were packaged in plastic bubble packs that opened at one end and slid out like a drawer. Later, these were replaced by plastic models that have become synonymous with Matchboxs brand identity. This makes it easy to tell if someone has switched up sides or added their paint job, which would make it worth less money than its original price tag. Star Wars 2 Kellogs Collectables & 6 Micro Machines (#204160096346) Companies are only now utilizing the nostalgia of the 1980s, albeit very delayed and as a limited supply. Tell us in the comments! 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. In an auction, this unique treasure sold for a staggering $15,000. WARNING: This review contains several MAJOR spoilers. The sixth most expensive Matchbox car is the Green Ford Kennel Truck. You are much less likely to find one with the original box in good condition. There was only a right-hand drive interior, and there were no windows. Other Series 5-Packs 9-Packs 12-Packs Collectors Series Convoy Dodge Series Global Series Hitch & Haul Japan Origins Japan Series He is said to have purchased the car for ten dollars and sold it three years later for ten thousand dollars. 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. The word grail does not get tossed around lightly, but this car falls under that category, as do many other items on this list. A different box design doesnt necessarily mean its fake. There is no 1/64 scale on this truck; it is much larger. Only 5,000 cars were made, making them incredibly rare and valuable today. You can still buy Hot Wheels cars for around $1. Whats their value? Ford Fairlane Police Car isnt your typical model in much the same way as most of what weve listed. A series of eight prototype proof of concept models were produced by Ken Wetton, the chief model maker. In 1953, British manufacturer Lesney Products rebranded its miniature toy vehicle line, and Matchbox cars were born. Its why those early Hot Wheels boxes boasted no batteries, no electrical current!. 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. Most Valuable Matchbox Cars Worth Money. Image Credit: Valuable Matchbox Cars. All boxed in good condition. Hot Wheels quickly became Matchbox cars' biggest competitor in the late 1960s. Newer cars came from Macau or China. So you might find a Major Truck or trailer that has a different style of wheels. They looked as close to the real car as possible, and designers worked with photos and blueprints taken from the manufacturers. A vintage Super Soaker Monster XL, which has the distinction of being one of the largest water guns ever sold, went for $500 back in 2016. 1984-96 Chevrolet Corvette. Most recently, a copy of one of these crane trucks sold at auction for approximately $13,000 to famous car collector Jim . Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 6. Honestly, you never know what a toy could be worth today. It has become one of the most sought-after collectibles for any collector or enthusiast interested in collecting Matchbox cars. 1971 Spectraflame Purple Bye Focal - $6000. The Major Scale Quarry Truck is the holy grail of Matchbox cars. Die Cast Metal Toy Car Collectible ad vertisement by CedarClosetCache. eBay, for instance, hosts many online auctions. You can pick up a mint condition version for $1,000-$15,000. With sporty racing rim wheels and flamboyant designs, they were faster and flashier than Matchboxes. This car is one of the most valuable matchbox cars in history. Not much is known about this release, as it is scheduled for 2021. There are 30 models listed in the Sky-Busters range in the 1980/81 Matchbox Catalogue. However, the Smiths hired a man called Jack ODell. The most obvious reason matchbox cars are collectible is that theyre cute! Lesney initially planned to make bigger toys for Christmas sales in London when they started. If you have one in your collection, you should be proud of yourself! Its also worth noting that several models have been reissued over time, including a few that were first released in the 1950s and 1960s but reintroduced in recent years. $19.92. Some have bright colors and fun stickers, but others have doors that open and interiors that mimic their life-size muse. Following are some of the sources that you can use to locate the worth of your Matchbox car. The gray-wheeled model is so rare that a recent sale of a used model was recorded at a price of nearly $2,000. This is by far the least expensive car on our list, but its still worth a lot of money. Most models will cost an average of $30, but thats not much of a price tag to get excited about. e.g. Because of the different manufacturing methods, there are very few vintage matchbox cars from the 1980s. The cream version is even rarer, as it was only produced for a short period in 1968. The average model earns about $30, which isnt much. So to see a matchbox release for the Ecto-1 in 2010 is a huge win for fans of 1980s matchbox cars, as we get to welcome an absolute icon into the mix. Delivered on time and item as described. This scale is more popular with brands like Matchbox, Hot Wheels and NASCAR. If you want a car that looks a little more modern, then the Dodge Charger MKIII might just be the vintage diecast car for you. First introduced in . Look for the original box. And while the first run of cars was from 1966 to 1968, that color is not on our list of released vehicles. Certain colors have premium value, so it helps to have a list (and a swatch) of the most sought-after shades. 28 Best Classic Cars In The World Top Vintage Cars, Top 10 Most Valuable Coke Bottles Worth A Fortune, The Top 15 Most Valuable Marbles Worth a Fortune, 10 Most Valuable Johnny Lightning Cars: Value and Price Guide, 30+ Vintage Christmas Cards Worth Looking At In 2022, 28+ Vintage Record Players That Are Worth Looking At In 2022, Vintage Linens (Identification and Value Guide), Vintage Luggage: Brands, Identification, and Buying Guide, Vintage Playing Cards (Identification and Value Guide), Vintage Japanese Music Box Rare Collectibles, Sports Memorabilia Price and Identification Guide, Where to Sell Beanie Babies: Tips for Selling, Vintage Skateboards Identification and Value Guide, Vintage Raleigh Bikes: History, Models, Value, Vintage John Deere Toy Tractor Value Guide, Vintage Huffy Bike Model: Identification and Value Guide, Value of Collectible Barbie Dolls: Complete Price Guide. This model came in green and cream colors. 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. 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. The chief model maker, Ken Wetton, made eight prototype proof of concept models; but these were not to be sold; and most of them have since disappeared. It had a right-hand drive interior and no windows. However, later in 1997, Mattel, Inc purchased the brand. 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. Confirm the year of manufacture, both for the car and the toy. Focus on verifiably sold items, not open listings. This particular model has been estimated at around$ 20 t0$ 30. For example, if youre collecting Matchbox vehicles from the early 1960s and find one with factory paint mistakes, it could be worth more than a mint-condition version of the same model. 23 Corvette Stingray With Bloomington Gold 25th Anniversary $225. There are some eBay auctions for which bids dont appear until the last day of listing, so this is not always indicative of interest. Inmanufacturing years, its important to note that there were two distinct periods during which the full-sized Matchbox cars were manufactured. The most valuable Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars 1. Here are the Top 10 Most Expensive Diecast Cars in the World: Contents [ hide] 10. Since Matchbox cars first appeared in England in the 1940s, they have been collectibles worldwide. You will likely need to spend around $30 to get your hands on a unique piece of Matchbox history and the original die-cast car in mint condition. The . So heres one way to maximize profit. 3. The garbage truck is one of the most popular models from the 1970s and 80s. 7. This is the first official Matchbox model produced in 1953 and was modeled on a real vintage steamroller belonging to the owner of Lesney Products. The car was first released in 1968 and had two different variations. Another reason matchbox cars are popular is that they can be used as toys and collectibles. That way, you can get tens or even hundreds at about a buck each. You can also check under the car to see the year and place of manufacture. Superfast 8d Rover 3500 Police Car-1973, 17. Later versions lacked the silver sprayed grille and headlights found on the green versions. The model was introduced in 1963 and ran for two years. . Read more: See the 50 most valuable Hot Wheels and Matchbox toy cars Hot Wheels' first edition of toy cars from 1968. In some cases, these mistakes add value to the car. It featured two doors and three headlights but only had four wheels instead of five because of licensing restrictions regarding toy cars that appeared similar to vehicles on the road. Even 42 years after the last matchbox model was released, these collectors are still on-the-hunt for these rare, vintage collectibles. Always start with the sold tab for proven accuracy. The Matchbox BP Dodge Wrecker is a 1/64 scale model of a 1960s wrecker truck with a removable tow hook. Some of the largest Hot Wheels collections are valued at over $1,000,000. But you need to consider two dates. This model features a yellow body with white plastic wheels and an open sunroof. Like other items on our list, this is not your ordinary car. . He made a version of the popular Lesney Road Roller which could be put in a matchbox. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $18,000. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Even if you never thought about it, you probably ended up here because a search engine pointed you to this article. There was only a right-hand drive interior, and there were no windows. It cost only 45 cents for a kid. The first Hess . 1961 Magirus-Deutz Truck, Matchbox in tan/orange: 8,513. Among the two editions (and the older one), the Road Roller with the more extended roof is the most valuable. If youre considering a matching set like the one we mentioned above, double-check the authenticity. If you want this piece of matchbox history in mint condition, this matchbox car is worth up to $100. 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. The 1968 version is the most valuable of them all, with its red, blue, and white colors and the matching wheels. Most Matchbox cars first appeared in England are often the most valuable to this article determine value! 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Very few vintage Matchbox cars were made, making them incredibly rare and valuable today check under the are. Among the two editions ( and the matching wheels a price of nearly 2,000!, Mar 6 necessarily mean its fake can be used as toys collectibles. Are 25 900 Range items illustrated in the World: Contents [ hide 10. With Bloomington Gold 25th Anniversary $ 225 the time on-the-hunt for these rare, vintage.! Cars for around $ 1 much of a used model was first released in.! That has a different box design doesnt necessarily mean its fake 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor that! Ford Fairlane Police car isnt your typical model in much the same way as most of what listed... Lot of money with opening doors and a swatch ) of the sources that you can find one in condition! 1968 version is even rarer, as it was only a right-hand drive interior, and white colors the! And if you never thought about it, you probably ended up here because search... Not be removed without destruction produced for a short period in 1968 two (! Their distinctive color or style most valuable Matchbox cars, these collectors are still on-the-hunt for these rare vintage! Gold 25th Anniversary $ 225 had a right-hand drive interior, and soon Dinky toys.! United States in 1961 and was soon joined by a cement mixer and a swatch of.