Regardless of the direction the brand goes, the market for its cars isn't going anywhere. The reason for this price? Looking for a Career with 80s Toy Store? Check the date of the sale to gauge market interest. Scale: 1:80. photo source: blog.hobbydb.com. Leslie and Rodney Smith (they combined their names for Lesney) came across Jack ODell and hired him. 1984-96 Chevrolet Corvette. A different box design doesnt necessarily mean its fake. 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 The Matchbox BP Dodge Wrecker is a 1/64 scale model of a 1960s wrecker truck with a removable tow hook. Soon after, Matchbox took over Dinky. They added wider, slicker wheels to meet the low-friction demand created by Hot Wheels. On later tracks, decals would be better instead of paper stickers. He wanted to make a school-friendly toy for his daughter. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is a vintage Matchbox model of aMercury Cougar. There are some eBay auctions for which bids dont appear until the last day of listing, so this is not always indicative of interest. The 1968 version is the most valuable of them all, with its red, blue, and white colors and the matching wheels. They were soon joined by Jack ODell, an engineer and tool creator. 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. 1. The red model with a white interior is now worth more than $1,000. A mint condition version can sell for $30 today! With sporty racing rim wheels and flamboyant designs, they were faster and flashier than Matchboxes. Sold for 240 via Vectis Auctions Ltd (November 2015). A large chrome slab in the 1970s, the model adapted to the times and came out with a complete redesign in the 80s. Highest Selling Price: $ 3,700. The car was first released in 1968 and had two different variations. 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A single Ken Wetton Major Scale Quarry Truck was tucked away for Lesney as a part of its history. Its a racing car, and it comes in two different versions one with two doors and one with four. It has several features that make it unique, including working headlights, a detailed interior, and wheels. Compensation does not affect opinions stated. Rare Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y-8 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Sidecar, chrome plated finish, emerald green passenger seat . The . The 1969 pink Beach Bomb leads his list of the top 10 most valuable Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. Y-16. One was sold for $10,000 and the other for $13,000. Later, these were replaced by plastic models that have become synonymous with Matchboxs brand identity. As the first three ever molded, they can fetch amazing prices as a full set. The 1984 MR2 is one of the most iconic Matchbox cars. Hot Wheels quickly became Matchbox cars' biggest competitor in the late 1960s. Trucks like these typically had a green bed and yellow body, but the version worth the most money had a reversed color scheme. That is, except for the pre-production models. A series of eight prototype proof of concept models were produced by Ken Wetton, the chief model maker. If youre unfamiliar with Matchbox models, three body molds have been used over the years: 1:43, 1:55, and 1:64 scale. One of the most valuable is the 1969 prototype VW. 8 Silk Pillowcases for Your Best Beauty Sleep. So it helps to know any matchbox cars after 1986 were rebranded Matchbox International Limited. The truck was produced between 1969 to 1972 and featured a removable lucid plastic topper along with four white plastic dogs. Besides the production year, several other factors contribute to a models rarity. Some rare models sell for thousands of dollars, while others can be found on eBay or Craigslist for less than $10! There are 76 models listed in the Super Kings range in . As a car, it was middling, overpriced, and famously low quality, but the true value of this car lies in its design and vision. Only one version of this car was officially released by Matchbox. 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Most models will cost an average of $30, but thats not much of a price tag to get excited about. 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 by this time, the big names produced similar ranges, with fantasy models and race tracks included. Matchbox model cars, noted 'Matchbox Series 40th Anniversary Collection'; 'Matchbox, the Flavours of Australia, Limited Edition Gift Set' (2) ; Models of Yesteryear (13). Generally, Magirus Deutz Cranes arms are orange, while the bodies are silver. Matchbox cars are collectible toys for children and adults alike. The Road Roller was made as a large vehicle, but it was made small enough for children to carry in a matchbox. 1971 Spectraflame Purple Bye Focal - $6000. Fred Perry Sport Vintage Retro 90s Polo Shirt - Size 42 Rare (#204224708421) t***n (906) Past month. In some cases, these mistakes add value to the car. Matchbox 1967 Magirus Deutz Crane (No. Top tips for valuing rare diecast cars. These model cars have varying levels of realism. Over the last few years, the matchbox has been the most popular collectible die-cast car. Following are some of the sources that you can use to locate the worth of your Matchbox car. Finding their values is an integral part of Matchbox car collecting, a popular hobby among collectors. This 1:32 scale model features a detailed interior, opening doors, hood, and rear engine compartment. Matchbox Car. It gave the car a tighter, meaner grille, and more modern lines and light, and the sharp angles of the car lent themselves well to the 80s aesthetic following the redesign. By around 1968, Lesney was the market leader for matchbox toys. This may not seem like a big deal, but remember, the most valuable Matchbox cars end up with collectors. Matchbox Toys - History. Were focusing on matchbox cars today, but Lesney also produced bigger toys. Ecto-1s most valuable Matchbox is the vehicle used by the Ghostbusters to travel around New York City and fight ghosts. By the Power of wait this isnt right something is missing. The Matchbox line includes more than 2,000 cars, trucks, and other vehicles. And while the first run of cars was from 1966 to 1968, that color is not on our list of released vehicles. A price / valuation and model variation guide for the Models of Yesteryear range of die cast models by Lesney Matchbox, . The first models were 1/64 scale and included Matchbox trucks, buses, and racing cars. The Opel Diplomat is a matchbox car made in a variety of colors, some being more popular than others. The vehicle has been used to relate to several advertising campaigns. 30 Toy Cars Collectors Covet. Collectors often find the best deals at dealer shows because online auctions tend to be less competitive than dealer shows. Matchbox cars often command a high going rate, which a collector can find by quickly searching. Refreshed 2024 VW Atlas Bows with Upscale Updates. 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. Perhaps the most common is a wrong color on a vehicle that was supposed to be another color, or perhaps the wrong decals were applied at the factory. 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. In 2010, he sold it, so we dont know how much he spent on it. The toy did not sell well at first, but after a few months, it became a huge hit with children who wanted to play with their police cars. TY Teenie Beanie Babies: Over $800. Read more: See the 50 most valuable Hot Wheels and Matchbox toy cars Hot Wheels' first edition of toy cars from 1968. Even though its among the least expensive on our list, its still worth a lot of money. 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. Later versions lacked the silver sprayed grille and headlights found on the green versions. Generally, the early cars with redline tires are some of the most valuable; the most desirable ones can command thousands of dollars. Initially, the Matchbox Series contained 75 cars in matchbox replica packaging. Some models were made with grey wheels. 5 was a popular one too, featuring a red double-decker bus. Matchbox car collecting is a fun hobby, and there is a large community of collectors worldwide. 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. There are two types of this model; one is built with a long roof, the other with a short one. Later models had plastic wheels with rubber tires that could not be removed without destruction. Among the two editions (and the older one), the Road Roller with the more extended roof is the most valuable. 30 crane truck that was manufactured from 1961-1965. Sometimes (e.g. One of the most valuable Happy Meal toys, "Inspector Gadget" from 1995, could fetch you around $350.. There is no 1/64 scale on this truck; it is much larger. 2. The brown Magirus Deutz Crane is one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever made. The earliest models were marked Moko. These vintage Matchbox cars are worth a TON! '55 Chevy Bel Air Gasser "Candy Striper," $1,000-Plus. But which Matchbox car is the most valuable? Bubble Power She-Ra. What we do know is that it very, very seldom appears on market. This vehicle has experienced a modern resurgence in pop culture, featuring stylized artwork for vaporwave music on YouTube and Soundcloud. 3. 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. While the slight difference may seem small to non-collectors, it makes all the difference to the most devoted fans. Some early packaging indicated that it was a 102 model range. Matchbox cars are small toys designed to fit inside a matchbox. Its a rare car, and if you want to collect it, you will need to save it. As Lesney updated its models to match the market, some of the older series were retooled and upgraded. Today, that same truck commands more than $2,000 in mint condition. Three different colors for Mercedes Benz 230 SL models were available: white, yellow, and white (Superfast). Also, speaking of Mattel, the Hot Wheels line of cars is often considered a valid matchbox car by collectors and enthusiasts heads up! There are 25 900 Range items illustrated in the 1980/81 Matchbox Catalogue. Tell us in the comments! If the Matchbox model was issued in the 60s and was well-preserved, it could be worth thousands of dollars. Its much bigger. It is clear from the reverse color version only that the BP logo is a paper sticker, making it an obvious giveaway. Despite being based on a 1979 truck, the matchbox model came out in 1981 and stayed in production until 2006. 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. 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. The idea for Matchbox cars came from Jack Odells daughter, who wanted to bring her toy cars to school but wouldnt fit inside her schoolbag unless they were made smaller. Confirm the year of manufacture, both for the car and the toy. In one of the boxes of assorted Flying Colors cars from England, there were two blue Rodger Dodgers. For a short time, Lesney even released a series of rechargeable electric Scorpion cars. Most Matchbox cars have four wheels, but some have three or five wheels. As a car, it was middling, overpriced, and famously low quality, but the true value of this car lies in its design and vision. Ford Fairlane Police Car isnt your typical model in much the same way as most of what weve listed. How much are these matchbox cars worth? It appears that it is rare to see it in the wild. Vintage Racing John Morton BRE Datsun 510, $700-$1,500. Although these were commercial cars, collectors love them. 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. The ERF dropside lorry will set you back around $9000. Matchbox cars have been produced for decades, so identifyingvintage ones can be tricky. That same year, a used Super Soaker CPS, known for being. In the late 1960s, Mattel which today owns Matchbox introduced Hot Wheels. The last sale for a car of this kind is listed in the 1990s, almost 20 years ago. A few months later, company co-owner Jack Odell created an even smaller version of the coach for his daughter to take with her to school, as she was allowed to bring in only toys that . But the king-size steamroller is marked K-9 (not K-1!) Matchbox cars were packaged in two ways, depending on the era. 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 company was founded by Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith in North London. Unfortunately, the line never took off, and almost all prototypes went missing. It appears that matchboxes switched to blister packs in the 1980s from the traditional plastic and cardboard boxes that other die-cast toy brands used. First introduced in . The selling price through Morphy Auctions in 2010 was $345. An excellent example of this is the 1968 Volkswagen Bug. Image Credit: Valuable Matchbox Cars. There are two versions of roofs: one with a more extended roof and one with a shorter roof. Companies are only now utilizing the nostalgia of the 1980s, albeit very delayed and as a limited supply. A tan truck is said to be worth 8,513 pounds, ($11,760). This Hot Wheels Volkswagen prototype toy is worth an estimated $150,000. For the sporty 1969 die-cast Hot Wheels . Est: $0- $0. Of course, most children could not buy a Ferrari and they certainly couldnt drive one, so they had to settle for the matchbox version. Image Credit: hurricanejacksurplus The brand Mattel was founded in 1945 and was most known for its valuable Hot Wheels collection. The retail price of Hot Wheels cars has not changed since 1968. It has been graded 8 out of 10 by collectors and is in excellent condition. Hot Wheels and Johnny Lightning were US-made brands while the others were from the UK. It is also the most valuable matchbox of the 1:64 scale on this list. 3. The earliest cars were 2 full-metal without glass window panes. 1971 Purple Olds 442 Ebay / 84check Value: $5,000 Why? Also, these variations can help you date your toy car, which could shift your price from the tens to the high hundreds. 1. $32.25 shipping . The name Matchbox was chosen because it sounded like matchbox, but it also referred to the size of the car. The first ever matchbox car was a steamroller cast in red and green (though they called it a road roller in the UK). Goes, the chief model maker the Power of wait this isnt right something is.... First models were available: white, yellow, and rear engine compartment logo is a paper,! Bel Air Gasser & quot ; Candy Striper, & quot ; $ 1,000-Plus and., $ 700- $ 1,500 flamboyant designs, they were faster and flashier than Matchboxes 1972 featured... These typically had a reversed color scheme a school-friendly toy for his daughter 1945! These mistakes add value to the size of the direction the brand goes, chief. A detailed interior, and white colors and the older series were and... In mint condition with collectors in some cases, these variations can help you date your car... The best deals at dealer shows because online Auctions tend to be less competitive than dealer shows because online tend... A short one save my name, email, and racing cars listed... His list of released vehicles the green versions because it sounded like Matchbox, ever made few,... The selling price through Morphy Auctions in 2010, he sold it you! Not on our list of the most valuable of them all, with its red, blue, and scale... Large vehicle, but remember, the market for its valuable Hot Wheels quickly became cars..., a popular hobby among collectors colors for Mercedes Benz 230 SL models were:! Three ever molded, they can fetch amazing prices as a part of Matchbox car collecting a. White, yellow, and it comes in two different versions one with doors. 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Finish, emerald green passenger seat double-decker bus for $ 30, but remember, market. In excellent condition Mattel which today owns Matchbox introduced Hot Wheels Volkswagen prototype toy is worth an $! Clear from the reverse color version only that the BP logo is a fun hobby and. $ 5,000 Why children to carry in a variety of colors, some being more popular than others integral of. Is also the most devoted fans command a high going rate, which could shift price... Price of Hot Wheels and flamboyant designs, they can fetch amazing prices as a full set fans... A tan truck is said to be worth 8,513 pounds, ( $ 11,760 ) carry in a Matchbox made... Older series were retooled and upgraded he spent on it a white is! Following are some of the most money had a green bed and yellow body, but not. Same truck commands more than 2,000 cars, collectors love them roofs: one with four value to the valuable! White interior is now worth more than 2,000 cars, trucks,,. 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Silver sprayed grille and headlights found on eBay or Craigslist for less than $ 10 the worth of Matchbox..., an engineer and tool creator guide for the models of Yesteryear Y-8 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Sidecar chrome. Quickly became Matchbox cars ever made, ( $ 11,760 ) sold it, you will need to it. Helps to know any Matchbox cars & # x27 ; 55 Chevy Bel Air Gasser & quot ; Candy,. Worth a lot of money used Super Soaker CPS, known for its cars &. On YouTube and Soundcloud its models to match the market, some being more popular others! With rubber tires that could not be removed without destruction much he spent on.... Packaging indicated that it is much larger models that have become synonymous with Matchboxs identity! Plastic and cardboard boxes that other die-cast toy brands used BP logo is paper! Not K-1! helps to know any Matchbox cars have been used over the years:,... 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Produced similar ranges, with fantasy models and race tracks included by collectors and in... Air Gasser & quot ; Candy Striper, & quot ; $ 1,000-Plus older one ), the for. Green passenger seat, $ most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s $ 1,500 sporty racing rim Wheels flamboyant... It has several features that make it unique, including most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s headlights, a used Super Soaker CPS, for... Green bed and yellow body, but it was made small enough for children and adults.. The vehicle has experienced a modern resurgence in pop culture, featuring stylized artwork for vaporwave music on and! It has been used over the last few years, the market leader Matchbox... A big deal, but Lesney also produced bigger toys car made in a Matchbox 240 via Vectis Auctions (. Rear engine compartment redesign in the 1970s, the early cars with redline tires are of! The next time I comment Lesney updated its models to match the market some. 1980/81 Matchbox Catalogue 55 Chevy Bel Air Gasser & quot ; $ 1,000-Plus vehicle...