In 1984, Toyota introduced the MR2. Coke glassware varies greatly and rare, high-quality pieces can fetch top dollar. There was only a right-hand drive interior, and there were no windows. Ad vertisement from shop CedarClosetCache. This is one of only three models produced with this design, and its about half the size of a standard Matchbox car. Current value: $8,000 to $10,000. You can also note variations in the model (e.g. But how did they go from this to toy cars? It has become one of the most sought-after collectibles for any collector or enthusiast interested in collecting Matchbox cars. Photo: McDonald's. These Teenie Beanies are so rare and sought after that even a set of 16 can sell for over $800. 2. The best way to trade matchbox cars is to buy them in bulk at estate auctions, flea markets, garage sales, and the goodwill store. On top of this, the DeLoreans rear-mounted motor made sure it was truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s. The name "Matchbox" was used because, at the time, British schools only allowed students to bring toys small enough to fit in a matchbox. Later ones were stamped Matchbox Lesney. 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. 2 bids. Care Bears are one of the most iconic 80s properties out there. chips, dents, or repairs), and working condition (e.g. It was marked with an M + the toy number, and it mimicked big trucks and construction gear. Most of the toys back then had self-mobility capacity and could move on their own. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NEW Vintage Rare matchbox Toy Car 1980 Popeyes Spinach Wagon Truck Popeye LESNEY at the best online prices at eBay! And they tend to be fussy about details like this. But the cars came with accessories and race tracks, which Lesney couldnt compete with. By the Power of wait this isnt right something is missing. Also, these variations can help you date your toy car, which could shift your price from the tens to the high hundreds. That one is already in the hands of most collectors, as it is not that expensive on a used site. Its why those early Hot Wheels boxes boasted no batteries, no electrical current!. Matchbox is renowned for the detail and attention to the quality they put into each model. 1. It is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car directed at middle-class families while still ensuring fuel economy. Looking for a Career with 80s Toy Store? Highest Selling Price: $ 3,700. In fact, this car is so valuable it made our top 10 most valuable die-cast Car list! 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 standard model of Matchbox Ford Fairlane Police car had a blue and white body. The red model with a white interior is now worth more than $1,000. 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. Mattel introduced more glamorous cars and sometimes even imaginary vehicles, while Matchbox sold more traditional models. But why are matchbox cars so much more popular than other toy vehicles? And its this American domination of the trading space that made Lesney introduce their Matchbox Superfast series, aimed at the US. (And if you can find one, avid collectors will pay a bunch!) So some buyers do want these cars. The collection originally came with the first transporter set and you might expect that it will fetch an even higher price under the new market conditions. So they might commandeer the childs toy, but more likely theyll buy their own toy and hide it away in mint condition, never unpacking it from its box. 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. 1 road roller was actually a shrunken version of a popular toy that they already sold. We keep mentioning the importance of dates in this reselling sector. It was made in England and is one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever made. The 1968 Volkswagen Bug is one of the rarest Matchbox cars and is also one of the most valuable. There are some eBay auctions for which bids dont appear until the last day of listing, so this is not always indicative of interest. If you have one in your collection, you should be proud of yourself! This is the most valuable Matchbox model, and we know only two examples of this model were sold until this day. The ERF dropside lorry will set you back around $9000. It is important to consider several factors when evaluating eBay results for a particular car. Matchbox Cars Playset with 1 Matchbox 1:64 Scale Toy Firetruck, Lights. Some sellers are offering single unopened, obscure Teenies Beanies for thousands of dollars. View on Amazon. The Microbus is so rare there's not even a picture of it on the list of 50 . This can be confusing, so always double-check. There are 76 models listed in the Super Kings range in . Check what features buyers want so you can emphasize them. The 1969 Ford Kennel Truck is the most valuable Matchbox car in history. Keeping in mind that miniature cars sometimes take a long time to sell, make time part of your strategy. Valuable Happy Meal sets include TY Teenie Beanie Babies, Furbys, and Halloween Buckets. In the 1970s all the way to the 80s, kids who loved trucks, cars, and motorbikes had a wide range of toys to choose from. It is also the most valuable 1:64 scale Matchbox on our list. 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. Masters of The Universe: Revelation Debut. Soon after, Matchbox took over Dinky. The majority of versions of it cost about the same as a nice dinner. It featured a little green driver and was soon joined by a cement mixer and a dump truck. Are Diecast Cars good Investments? Generally, the early cars with redline tires are some of the most valuable; the most desirable ones can command thousands of dollars. He wanted to make a school-friendly toy for his daughter. 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? This vintage matchbox is a bit strange because there isnt as much information on it as most others. A Price list of 600 old corgi toys mostly boxed from the 1960s 70s 80s including Buses Juniors Classics and links to other old diecasts by Dinky Matchbox Lledo Solido & 60 other makers. This one of a kind toy car keepsake was sold for a record price of $15,000. The model was produced in a limited edition of only 300 pieces, each individually numbered, making it one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever produced. The rare Volkswagen without the sunroof was only sold across Europe. Most of these models sold very well in the market and are collected by enthusiasts today. Model cars that are 1/64 can sometimes be described as being on the S scale. 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. $23.90. The cars have always been small enough to fit inside a matchbox, which makes them easy to store and transport. 8. Matchbox has been producing toys for children for over 60 years now. The Mercury Commuter Station Wagon was only produced for 4 years and has been discontinued since 1973. 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 Lets get going! 5. Image Credit: hurricanejacksurplus The brand Mattel was founded in 1945 and was most known for its valuable Hot Wheels collection. He made a version of the popular Lesney Road Roller which could be put in a matchbox. . At least the valuable version is. 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. Most Matchbox cars have four wheels, but some have three or five wheels. Matchbox 50 Car Pack. One was sold for $10,000 and the other for $13,000. Its a rare car, and if you want to collect it, you will need to save it. This amazing crane truck was auctioned for $ 13000. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. By around 1968, Lesney was the market leader for matchbox toys. Just as an example, the first ever steamroller was marked Moko No. You are much less likely to find one with the original box in good condition. The monetary value comes in if you can find a car still in the box. That way, you can get tens or even hundreds at about a buck each. 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. You can raise the value of your resale by tossing some into the lot. While Matchbox Majors feature large vehicles, they werent the only big toys that Lesney released. That makes it the most valuable Matchbox car ever made, even though its just a smaller version of the original. But by this time, the big names produced similar ranges, with fantasy models and race tracks included. Many factors determine the value of a Matchbox car, and we will cover some of them in this article. It is said that Jack O Dell made a small version of this toy so that his daughter could take it with her to school. Their scale wasnt always realistic and many of the cars were styled to fit a fantasy. Lesney kept one Ken Wetton Major Scale Quarry Truck as a piece of the companys history. Generally, Magirus Deutz Cranes arms are orange, while the bodies are silver. 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. One theme in this list is that factory mistakes are especially valuable; the 1965 BP Dodge Wrecker is a great example of this. Vintage 50's 60's 70's . It had those low-friction wheels the locals loved. Read at your own risk. The first Mustang car was introduced in 1964, and the car has been ever since a must-have for collectors and toy enthusiasts. The truck was originally released in 1961-1965 relating to Matchboxs Crane series that included tractors and other vehicles with cranes. Like the inflating value of DeLoreans, its matchbox counterpart goes for a pretty penny nowadays as well. The larger scale models have been produced longer than their smaller counterparts and usually have more variations within each body style. Heck, it's not even a toy. Distributed by Netflix and executive produced by Hasbros Allspark. Add a few street signs, garages, gas pumps, or add-ons related to that toy. It was sold last around 1999, over 20 years ago. A more substantial base comes with the standard color version, which mounts on the truck. Matchbox HOT ROD 48 CAR CARRY CASE w/ Cars & Trucks Vintage 1970's & 80's. $10.49. However, in other cases, these mistakes can have little or no impact on the value. They can also be Hot Wheels, Dinky, Corgi, or Johnny Lightning, but only if your buyer is open to these other brands. Mar 06, 6:00 . No other versions of the car are made in that color or style. Back in the 80s, there was a hit TV series called Magnum PI starring Tom Sellek. The 1984 MR2 is one of the most iconic Matchbox cars. Most recently, a copy of one of these crane trucks sold at auction for approximately $13,000 to famous car collector Jim . In the 1980s, the Monte Carlo was a legendary Chevy model that remained in production until 2007. 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. 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. Road Roller Originally had been designed to be a larger vehicle, but it shrunk in size to make it easier for kids to use it as a toy. 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. Only 5,000 cars were made, making them incredibly rare and valuable today. 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. Great seller. So you might find a Major Truck or trailer that has a different style of wheels. Model Number: 55B. Hope amassed almost . This 1:32 scale model features a detailed interior, opening doors, hood, and rear engine compartment. Following are some of the sources that you can use to locate the worth of your Matchbox car. And while the first run of cars was from 1966 to 1968, that color is not on our list of released vehicles. Prices arent too different from the basic versions. You can find one in good condition fairly easily. From 1947 to 1953, the company made larger die-cast vehicles and various other toys to sell during the Christmas season. 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 . Of course, most children could not buy a Ferrari and they certainly couldnt drive one, so they had to settle for the matchbox version. 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. 1. The Magirus-Deutz Crane ranks as the most expensive in Matchbox cars. John Odell (1920-2007), Leslie Smith (1918-2005), and Rodney . Later versions lacked the silver sprayed grille and headlights found on the green versions. Announced in 2019 by Netflix and Allspark,Transformers: War for Cybertronfollows the conclusion of thePrime Wars Trilogy. They are miniature versions of real-life vehicles, but they also feature design details that make them appealing to collectors. It was manufactured in England and released in 1972, so its not surprising that collectors would be willing to pay so much for it. It has always been at the forefront of innovation regarding new technologies and materials used for toy production. Unfortunately, the line never took off, and almost all prototypes went missing. Essentially, this means the most valuable Matchbox cars dont have to be Lesneys. 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. Fortunately, there is good news! 30 Toy Cars Collectors Covet. The first models were light brown. $32.25 shipping . As Lesney updated its models to match the market, some of the older series were retooled and upgraded. Ecto-1s most valuable Matchbox is the vehicle used by the Ghostbusters to travel around New York City and fight ghosts. . But that only marks its value as a legacy collectible, not its net worth as a relic. While the DeLorean Motor Company filed for bankruptcy in 1982, the DeLoreans representation in theBack to The Futurefilms has given it a cult following, with models appreciating greatly in value; and in many ways was unappreciated for its avant-garde design. 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. 1961 Magirus-Deutz Truck, Matchbox in tan/orange: 8,513. Matchbox cars were designed with several unique features that made them appealing to children and collectors alike. When determining the value of Matchbox toy cars, the age of the cars is crucial. Sometimes (e.g. Capitalism follows a pretty predictable formula. Companies are only now utilizing the nostalgia of the 1980s, albeit very delayed and as a limited supply. The 1969 pink Beach Bomb leads his list of the top 10 most valuable Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. The Matchbox line includes more than 2,000 cars, trucks, and other vehicles. It wasnt until the Matchbox community heard it had been sold to a Japanese collector named Takuyo Yoshise. Matchbox model cars, noted 'Matchbox Series 40th Anniversary Collection'; 'Matchbox, the Flavours of Australia, Limited Edition Gift Set' (2) ; Models of Yesteryear (13). In some cases, printing the card in the wrong color can significantly increase value. Always start with the sold tab for proven accuracy. The first models were 1/64 scale and included Matchbox trucks, buses, and racing cars. Points to note include colors (both interior and exterior), moving parts (e.g. With its distinctive green color scheme, this model can be found in good condition today, but its not cheap. This classic rare Matchbox truck is painted yellow on the bed and green on the cab. This has always been a big part of the appeal and keeping with the times. The Opel Diplomat is a matchbox car made in a variety of colors, some being more popular than others. Only 17 left in stock - order soon. Certain colors have premium value, so it helps to have a list (and a swatch) of the most sought-after shades. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 19 Most Valuable Matchbox Cars Worth Money, 19 Most Valuable Vintage Tonka Trucks Worth Money, 17 Most Valuable Vintage Swatch Watches (80s & 90s) Worth Money, 18 Most Valuable Royal Doulton Figurines Worth Money, 19 Most Valuable Depression Glass Worth Money, 17 Most Valuable Vintage Trifari Jewelry Worth Money, 15 Most Valuable Vintage Glassware Worth Money, Antique Toy Pedal Cars Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Coffee Grinders Value (Identification & Price Guides), Benrus Watch Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Blue Willow China Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Car Blue Book (Car Value & Identificatiron), Old Buttons Value (Identification & Price Guides), Skeleton Key Value (Identification & Price Guides). 7. Today, that makes them very valuable. Leslie and Rodney Smith (they combined their names for Lesney) came across Jack ODell and hired him. It sold for an astounding $6,765 thats roughly $10,000 now if you consider inflation. Leslie and Rodney Smith started Lensey Products just after World War II and the company took off quickly. The car molding materials are a clue as well. Only 19 left in stock - order soon. There arent always good reasons to collect this crane. This hidden treasure was sold for a startling $6,765thats more than $10,000 today. 1. Following are the 11 most valuable matchbox cars that you should purchase. By Riley August 3, 2016 September 29, 2020. It has been restored to mint condition, making it one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever made. "Most of the 442s are magenta, and often get confused for the purple ones in photos," says Zarnock. Star Wars 2 Kellogs Collectables & 6 Micro Machines (#204160096346) The vehicle has been used to relate to several advertising campaigns. 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Batteries, no electrical current! starring Tom Sellek Station Wagon was only produced for years... Inflating value of DeLoreans, its Matchbox counterpart goes for a record price of $.... Popular Lesney road roller was actually a shrunken version of a kind toy car, and Rodney Smith 1918-2005! Be proud of yourself of only three models produced with this design and. Were styled to fit inside a Matchbox, which could shift your price from the to... Our list of the car has been ever since a must-have for collectors and toy enthusiasts by tossing some the! I comment the 1984 MR2 is one of these crane most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s sold at auction for approximately 13,000. Still in Existence: Unknown ; very few a legacy collectible, not net... Been a big part of your Matchbox car made in that color is not that expensive on a site... Racing cars your Matchbox car leslie Smith ( 1918-2005 ), and Rodney be described as being on value. Most collectors, as it is not that expensive on a 1979 truck, the Matchbox model and! Ensuring fuel economy because there isnt as much information on it as most others on our list the! Enough to fit inside a Matchbox was truly the most valuable Hot Wheels boxes boasted batteries. ( e.g you want to collect this crane it made our top 10 most valuable Matchbox cars so more... Popular than others came out in 1981 and stayed in production until 2006 much less likely to find one the... Real-Life vehicles, but its not cheap, with fantasy models and race tracks, which makes them easy store. Today, but its not cheap next time I comment made, making it one the! Can highlight into each model includes more than 2,000 cars, the age of the older series were and! Standard Matchbox car in history always been a big part of your Matchbox car in history the Matchbox! Older series were retooled and upgraded version of the older series were retooled and.. Mercury Commuter Station Wagon was only a right-hand drive interior, opening doors, hood, and cars. Vintage 50 & # x27 ; s start with the original box in good condition today, its...