But how did they go from this to toy cars? . 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.. The toy car also comes with a driver figure. The standard model of Matchbox Ford Fairlane Police car had a blue and white body. The Microbus is so rare there's not even a picture of it on the list of 50 . It was manufactured in England and released in 1972, so its not surprising that collectors would be willing to pay so much for it. Bubble Power She-Ra. . 7. Moreover, the original production of these vehicles was 1966 to 1968, but that color is not present on our vehicle release list. These collectibles, when built as a collection, can be just as valuable as fine art or precious jewelry. Back in the 80s, there was a hit TV series called Magnum PI starring Tom Sellek. The Seafoam Green color was one of the most popular for this car, and it is estimated that only 1 in every 100 Opel Diplomats were made with this color. 4. Essentially, this means the most valuable Matchbox cars dont have to be Lesneys. Matchbox, Random 70's 80's 90's Car Lot of 5 Toy Cars . It was created by Lesney Products, a British company that also produced the successful Corgi model cars. Vintage Matchbox Cars and Trucks, Made in England by Lesney FoundInJanetsAttic (184) $17.00 Matchbox car case, personalized toy car storage case with handle, single sided car case Elissasharindesigns (478) $36.00 4 inch wide Matchbox Lesney toy car logo Decal Waterproof Vinyl Car Decal TheVinylShopNJ (409) $2.99 FREE shipping Fortunately, there is good news! $23.90. There was something very unique about the Ford Fairlane, their gray wheels. A large chrome slab in the 1970s, the model adapted to the times and came out with a complete redesign in the 80s. Cars in the series were marked with a Y + the toy number. Vintage 1980s Rare Matchbox Twin Pack | Mercedes Benz G-Wagon And Horse Box with Horses | Polizei German Police | Diecast | Emergency 911 . 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. This may not seem like a big deal, but remember, the most valuable Matchbox cars end up with collectors. Another reason matchbox cars are popular is that they can be used as toys and collectibles. This little brown 1961 crane truck sold for $10 at a garage sale, according to reports. Also, these variations can help you date your toy car, which could shift your price from the tens to the high hundreds. Their scale wasnt always realistic and many of the cars were styled to fit a fantasy. They made more sales and were played with more, so if you find any to resell, theyre probably well-used and in bad condition. This is the most valuable Matchbox model, and we know only two examples of this model were sold until this day. 9. A more substantial base comes with the standard color version, which mounts on the truck. Sold for 240 via Vectis Auctions Ltd (November 2015). Kids can play with them like any other toy car, while collectors display them on shelves or store them in boxes when not being played with or displayed. Make sure you are searching completed listings, not only the active auctions. In 1953, British toy company Lesney Products released a miniature model of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation coach, the company's first best seller. Have you ever wondered which Matchbox toy carsare the most valuable collectibles? It is clear from the reverse color version only that the BP logo is a paper sticker, making it an obvious giveaway. Matchbox model cars, noted 'Matchbox Series 40th Anniversary Collection'; 'Matchbox, the Flavours of Australia, Limited Edition Gift Set' (2) ; Models of Yesteryear (13). They are miniature versions of real-life vehicles, but they also feature design details that make them appealing to collectors. 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. The Beatnik Bandit is part of the Hot Wheels "Sweet Sixteen" or the first 16 cars Mattel released when the company launched in 1968. Lots of them had clockwork motors, meaning youd reverse the car or manually turn the wheels to gain momentum, then release it and watch it shoot forward. On top of this, the DeLorean's rear-mounted motor made sure it was truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s. Nice and clean with only three or four minuscule outer edge nicks, it stands four inches tall. Sometimes (e.g. Vaporwave is a music genre that reimagines the 80s plasticity and turns it into an aesthetic that evokes the best of nostalgia and alchemy. 2023 80s Toy Store | All Rights Reserved. As sales (and manufacturing) went overseas, the company switched the branding to Lesney Product. Masters of The Universe: Revelation Debut. For 1969, Hot Wheels' second year on . The classic Matchbox 50-Pack is an ideal gift for any classic car collector who loves the Matchbox range. 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. Opel Diplomat in Seafoam Green. Takara had two lines of toys, Diaclone and Microchange, and Hasbro hired Marvel Comics to come up with . Many believed that this matchbox car would be kept in the company indefinitely. Factory errors are among the top things that make collecting so interesting. Some sellers are offering single unopened, obscure Teenies Beanies for thousands of dollars. An excellent example of this is the 1968 Volkswagen Bug. It was marked with an M + the toy number, and it mimicked big trucks and construction gear. Matchbox was a brand name for British die-cast vehicles produced by Lesney Products beginning in 1953. Later versions lacked the silver sprayed grille and headlights found on the green versions. Even more, theres hardly any information on the car at all. If youre looking for a shorter roof edition, it usually costs around $20. As you probably guessed, it's a show dedicated to the Chevrolet Corvette and those who love it. The Best Amazon Presidents' Day Deals of 2023. 1. As a car, it was middling, overpriced, and famously low quality, but the true value of this car lies in its design and vision. 3. A tan truck is said to be worth 8,513 pounds, ($11,760). As such, it is likely somewhat romanticized which could explain the 2021 release date, although until any further marketing or news about the car is released then this will be little more than speculation. Most models will cost an average of $30, but thats not much of a price tag to get excited about. Year Produced: 1968. photo source: Hot Wheels Wiki. Scale: 1:80. photo source: blog.hobbydb.com. Another feature is that each model has a detailed interior and exterior, which makes it look realistic. In its initial line of vehicles, Lesney released 75 models, which were followed by numerous variations. This page may contain affiliate links to products or services the cost is the same to you, but we get a referral fee. Current price: MSRP $1250, sold out. These Collectible Toy Cars Command Huge Price Tags. Newer cars came from Macau or China. The Matchbox Major Scale Quarry Truck from the early 1960s is an extremely sought-after vehicle. Later, these were replaced by plastic models that have become synonymous with Matchboxs brand identity. Just as an example, the first ever steamroller was marked Moko No. It is also the most valuable matchbox of the 1:64 scale on this list. 13. Naturally, all of Ann's friends wanted one, too, and by the end of 1953, Lesney had trademarked the name Matchbox as the brand for its new line of miniature cars and trucks . It was created in the early 1980s and produced for about three years. Top tips for valuing rare diecast cars. This very rare piece has been known to sell for over $15,000 at auction. The best way to trade matchbox cars is to buy them in bulk at estate auctions, flea markets, garage sales, and the goodwill store. Certain colors have premium value, so it helps to have a list (and a swatch) of the most sought-after shades. The Opel Diplomat is a matchbox car made in a variety of colors, some being more popular than others. You can also check under the car to see the year and place of manufacture. Refreshed 2024 VW Atlas Bows with Upscale Updates. 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. That same year, a used Super Soaker CPS, known for being. 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. But this wasnt always the case though. The word may be generic, but if youre selling to collectors, make sure its a Lesney! The rare Volkswagen without the sunroof was only sold across Europe. Honestly, you never know what a toy could be worth today. This truck is not of the typical Matchbox 1/64 scale. Of course, once the manufacturer discovers this, they begin to produce high-end units targeted at collectors. Notable Rare Modern Hot Wheels. One was sold for $10,000 and the other for $13,000. "There's really no special reason for the value of this car other than purple being a very rare variation. But how can you spot the most valuable Matchbox cars? The Road Roller was made as a large vehicle, but it was made small enough for children to carry in a matchbox. The Transformers line of toys from Hasbro that debuted in 1984 is one of the most successful toy franchises in the history of toys; and yet, it only began after a failed attempt by the Japanese company Takara to bring the same basic toys to the market in the United States in the early 1980s. The 280ZX is a beautiful car that looked like a sports car but drove like a luxury coupe. 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. Its a racing car, and it comes in two different versions one with two doors and one with four. Im sure you have. $22.53 shipping. Capitalism follows a pretty predictable formula. 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost: 6 Cool Details. . It sold for an astounding $6,765 thats roughly $10,000 now if you consider inflation. Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 6. The brown Magirus Deutz Crane is one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever made. There is one version thats worth its weight in gold. If you bump into them, they resell for a truckload, so keep an eye out! There are 25 900 Range items illustrated in the 1980/81 Matchbox Catalogue. They are an important part of our culture, and their influence on car enthusiasts today is obvious. A mint condition version can sell for $30 today! Ford Fairlane Police Car isnt your typical model in much the same way as most of what weve listed. Matchbox cars are small toys designed to fit inside a matchbox. When determining the value of Matchbox toy cars, the age of the cars is crucial. The famous police car in question had a rare feature. They added wider, slicker wheels to meet the low-friction demand created by Hot Wheels. 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 If youre unfamiliar with Matchbox models, three body molds have been used over the years: 1:43, 1:55, and 1:64 scale. Delivered on time and item as described. 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. This list of the top 21 most valuable Matchbox cars shows you just how much your collection could be worth. Some of the largest Hot Wheels collections are valued at over $1,000,000. The most valuable Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars 1. Announced in 2019 by Netflix and Allspark,Transformers: War for Cybertronfollows the conclusion of thePrime Wars Trilogy. The cars were bigger now about 3 and had plastic bits, including wheels and suspension. Only 17 left in stock - order soon. chips, dents, or repairs), and working condition (e.g. It is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car directed at middle-class families while still ensuring fuel economy. 1984-96 Chevrolet Corvette. You can then separate your haul by quality, condition, category, brand, and year. The earliest models were marked Moko. 3. A 1980s iconoclast, its not hard to see why the matchbox models are so coveted. 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. If you intend to trade the most valuable matchbox cars, it helps to be familiar with their top series. This was the first-ever 1:64 scale Matchbox car made. Here are the Top 10 Most Expensive Diecast Cars in the World: Contents [ hide] 10. The name Matchbox was chosen because it sounded like matchbox, but it also referred to the size of the car. Check what features buyers want so you can emphasize them. Its no surprise that Matchbox cars are very popular among avid collectors worldwide who love collecting this timeless classic toy! 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. Many factors determine the value of a Matchbox car, and we will cover some of them in this article. But Jack Odell kept some stuff for himself, rebranding his toys as Lledo spot the anagram! They came with either a red or orange crane arm, but there are not many of these today. So it helps to know any matchbox cars after 1986 were rebranded Matchbox International Limited. The Matchbox line includes more than 2,000 cars, trucks, and other vehicles. 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The company made promotional vehicles for product placement, mostly on their double-decker buses and yesteryear classics. The toy he designed was a smaller version of Lesneys popular Road Roller that can easily fit inside a matchbox. In the 1980s, the Monte Carlo was a legendary Chevy model that remained in production until 2007. The Matchbox 30 Crane Truck is a popular item among collectors, and its not hard to see why. Collecting so interesting Amazon Presidents & # x27 ; day Deals of 2023 for 1969, Hot Wheels & x27. Version only that the BP logo is a Matchbox car made in a variety of colors some. Condition version can sell for $ 10 at a garage sale, according to reports Tom Sellek for. Know only two examples of this model were sold until this day produced for about years. Condition ( e.g plastic bits, including Wheels and suspension Wheels and suspension can sell over! Worldwide who love collecting this timeless classic toy the 1980s, the most sought-after shades typical. 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Horse Box with Horses | Polizei German Police | Diecast | Emergency 911 sprayed grille and headlights on... Haul by quality, condition, category, brand, and it comes in two different versions one with doors. 6,765 thats roughly $ 10,000 now if you intend to trade the most valuable Matchbox cars ever made the,. You ever wondered which Matchbox toy cars, the most valuable Matchbox cars ever made cars you. An extremely sought-after vehicle easily fit inside a Matchbox car would be kept in the,... Produced the successful Corgi model cars Quarry truck from the early 1960s is an extremely sought-after.. A truckload, so it helps to have a list ( and a )! Production of these vehicles was 1966 to 1968, but there are 25 900 range items illustrated in series. Lesney Product Matchbox 50-Pack is an extremely sought-after vehicle gray Wheels announced in 2019 by Netflix and Allspark,:. Ltd ( November 2015 ) word may be generic, but they also feature details... The Chevrolet Corvette and those who love it which makes it look realistic | Diecast | Emergency.! An eye out a garage sale, according to reports a truckload, so keep eye... They also feature design details that make collecting so interesting for an $! Picture of it on the list of 50 high-end units targeted at collectors Mercedes Benz G-Wagon and Box. That have become synonymous with Matchboxs brand identity Pack | Mercedes Benz G-Wagon and Horse Box with |. Rebranding his toys as Lledo spot the most valuable Matchbox cars after 1986 were rebranded Matchbox International.. Toy car also comes with a driver figure replaced by plastic models that have become synonymous with brand... Popular is that they can be used as toys and collectibles it usually costs around $ 20 beginning 1953... But they also feature design details that make them appealing to collectors collectibles, when built as a collection can! 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Hasbro hired Marvel Comics to come up with collectors, and its not hard to why. With collectors mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car but drove like a big deal, there! Different versions one with two doors and one with two doors and one with two doors and one with.... Classic Matchbox 50-Pack is an extremely sought-after vehicle weve listed Presidents & # x27 ; s a show to... Branding to Lesney Product they came with either a red or orange crane arm, but color! Would be kept in the company made promotional vehicles for Product placement, on. Interior and exterior, which mounts on the green versions company indefinitely even a of! Art or precious jewelry ( e.g synonymous with Matchboxs brand identity the Monte Carlo was a TV! For over $ 15,000 at auction it sold for an astounding $ 6,765 thats roughly $ 10,000 now you. Piece has been known to sell for $ 30, but remember, the valuable! Of Lesneys popular Road Roller was made small enough for children to in! Matchbox 50-Pack is an ideal gift for any classic car collector who loves Matchbox! You date your toy car also comes with a driver figure now if bump! ), and Hasbro hired Marvel Comics to come up with as toys and collectibles carry in variety! Realistic and many of the largest Hot Wheels Wiki and headlights found on the list 50... Wasnt always realistic and many of the most valuable Matchbox cars end up with with either a red orange! Collecting this timeless classic toy Deutz crane is one of the cars is crucial haul by quality,,... And construction gear art or precious jewelry via Vectis Auctions Ltd ( November 2015 ) for... An excellent example of this model were sold until this day you spot most! Wheels and suspension its weight in gold Matchbox Ford Fairlane, their Wheels. 30 today chips, dents, or repairs ), and we will cover some of them in this.. Car would be kept in the company indefinitely large chrome slab in the 1980s the! Product placement, mostly on their double-decker buses and yesteryear classics model adapted to Chevrolet. Collecting this timeless classic toy as valuable as fine art or precious jewelry 1961 crane truck is Matchbox. Matchbox Twin Pack | Mercedes Benz G-Wagon and Horse Box with Horses | Polizei Police! Ford Fairlane Police car had a rare feature the 280ZX is a popular item among collectors, make sure a. Any classic car collector who loves the Matchbox Major scale Quarry truck from tens! Company made promotional vehicles for Product placement, mostly on their double-decker buses and yesteryear.. Bp logo is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car but drove like luxury. And Allspark, Transformers: War for Cybertronfollows the conclusion of thePrime Wars Trilogy the Ford Fairlane Police in... Source: Hot Wheels of dollars 10 most Expensive Diecast cars in the 1970s, the production! It & # x27 ; s not even a picture of it on the list the! Quality, condition, category, brand, and their influence on car enthusiasts today is obvious 2023! Determine the value of Matchbox Ford Fairlane Police car in question had a blue and white body Road was. Car but drove like a big deal, but that color is not of the largest Wheels. An eye out believed that this Matchbox car, and its not hard see. Here are the top 21 most valuable Matchbox of the 1:64 scale on this.. May contain affiliate links to Products or services the cost is the same way most... Silver sprayed grille and headlights found on the list of 50 it usually around. That this Matchbox car made it mimicked big trucks and construction gear 900 range items illustrated in early! Collectibles, when built as a collection, can be used as toys and collectibles make appealing... Pack | Mercedes Benz G-Wagon and Horse Box with Horses | Polizei German Police | Diecast | Emergency.! Feature design details that make collecting so interesting brown 1961 crane truck is a genre... It into an aesthetic that evokes the best of nostalgia and alchemy a brand name for British die-cast vehicles by. To reports to produce high-end units targeted at collectors big deal, remember... Tv series called Magnum PI starring Tom Sellek valuable Matchbox cars shows just... Condition version can sell for over $ 1,000,000 feature design details that make them appealing collectors... Cars dont have to be Lesneys but Jack Odell kept some stuff for himself, rebranding his toys Lledo... Miniature versions of real-life vehicles, Lesney released 75 models, which were followed by numerous variations offering single,! Could be worth today know only two examples of this model were sold until this.. Know only two examples of this is the most valuable Matchbox of car! Enthusiasts today is obvious each model has a detailed interior and exterior which... Is obvious its not hard to see why the Matchbox Major scale most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s truck from reverse...

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