Leslie and Rodney Smith started Lensey Products just after World War II and the company took off quickly. Ad vertisement from shop CedarClosetCache. That makes it the most valuable Matchbox car ever made, even though its just a smaller version of the original. Tom Sellek starred as Magnum PI in a TV show that was a hit back in the 1980s. 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. 30) - $13,000. As sales (and manufacturing) went overseas, the company switched the branding to Lesney Product. The 1984 MR2 is one of the most iconic Matchbox cars. 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. So it helps to know any matchbox cars after 1986 were rebranded Matchbox International Limited. It had those low-friction wheels the locals loved. Most models will cost an average of $30, but thats not much of a price tag to get excited about. In 1966, Mattel released a 1:75 scale Opel Diplomat car relating to their Matchbox series. < GO TO comic & tv series and 36th scale corgi cars & sets from the 1980's: buses, vans and trucks < GO TO buses . Matchbox 1967 Magirus Deutz Crane (No. In the 1980s, the Monte Carlo was a legendary Chevy model that remained in production until 2007. These boxes had a hinged lid that opened at one end, and the cars were inserted through a slot in the back. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was first introduced as a Matchbox car in 1988 and has remained popular. However, later in 1997, Mattel, Inc purchased the brand. Matchbox is renowned for the detail and attention to the quality they put into each model. A lot of times these little cars are valued because they have a very special color or other option. In 2010, he sold it, so we dont know how much he spent on it. 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. Also, these variations can help you date your toy car, which could shift your price from the tens to the high hundreds. This is an extremely rare car only one specimen exists! The earliest cars were 2 full-metal without glass window panes. That same year, a used Super Soaker CPS, known for being. Certain colors have premium value, so it helps to have a list (and a swatch) of the most sought-after shades. Collectors often find the best deals at dealer shows because online auctions tend to be less competitive than dealer shows. They were also modeled after popular TV and . 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. It is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car directed at middle-class families while still ensuring fuel economy. On later tracks, decals would be better instead of paper stickers. Most Valuable Matchbox Cars Worth Money. Lesney cars started out small and got bigger by the decade, so thats one way to date them. The vehicle has been used to relate to several advertising campaigns. Most Matchbox cars are about 2 inches in length, but this big truck was about 11 inches long. Takara had two lines of toys, Diaclone and Microchange, and Hasbro hired Marvel Comics to come up with . Matchbox carshave been around since 1953 when Lesney Products entered the toy market with a line of miniature cars. That Moko branding can help you date the piece though. Leslie Smith handled the accounting. 3. So just like Barbie, Matchbox cars eventually got accessories (that were sold separately). 2023 80s Toy Store | All Rights Reserved. Matchbox Diecast Cars Best Selling 2022 Matchbox Moving Parts 1978 Subaru Brat Die Cast Car (6) $3.50 New Matchbox Diecast Collectible Car (MTL-30782) (50) $1.30 New Matchbox 79391473 1:64 Super Service Center Play Set $34.95 New Matchbox 2019 50th Anniversary Superfast 59 VOLKSWAGEN 23 Microbus (8) $6.89 New 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. You can raise the value of your resale by tossing some into the lot. Were focusing on matchbox cars today, but Lesney also produced bigger toys. Beatnik Bandit Hot Wheels - $15,000. John Odell (1920-2007), Leslie Smith (1918-2005), and Rodney . 9 Worth Every Dollar: 1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition. This is one of the few remaining works of Ken Wetton, and to top it all off, its a beautiful vehicle. Review listings of similar models to see what features you can highlight. 1971 Purple Olds 442 Ebay / 84check Value: $5,000 Why? 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. While the slight difference may seem small to non-collectors, it makes all the difference to the most devoted fans. Most of the real-life cars I've . Matchbox cars have been around for generations. Then came the Major series. Year: 1958. "There's really no special reason for the value of this car other than purple being a very rare variation. That is, except for the pre-production models. Matchbox cars were first made out of metal with die-cast bodies. But by this time, the big names produced similar ranges, with fantasy models and race tracks included. Matchbox cars are collectible toys for children and adults alike. 5 Best Rare Matchbox Cars To Buy Right Now . 1. With its distinctive green color scheme, this model can be found in good condition today, but its not cheap. Read at your own risk. This essentially meant the child-centered toys appealed to kids and race car enthusiasts. Check the date of the sale to gauge market interest. 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. Photo: McDonald's. These Teenie Beanies are so rare and sought after that even a set of 16 can sell for over $800. 5 was a popular one too, featuring a red double-decker bus. The cars have always been small enough to fit inside a matchbox, which makes them easy to store and transport. The school had a specific rule that the toys that could fit inside of a matchbox were allowed on their campus. 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. Lot of Assorted Mini Cars & Truck Toys - Matchbox, Hot Wheels, etc by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer. The model was introduced in 1963 and ran for two years. 2. . Soon after, Matchbox took over Dinky. If you want this piece of matchbox history in mint condition, this matchbox car is worth up to $100. These model cars have varying levels of realism. The Matchbox BP Dodge Wrecker is a 1/64 scale model of a 1960s wrecker truck with a removable tow hook. Initially, the Matchbox Series contained 75 cars in matchbox replica packaging. Whether youre a serious collector, enjoy looking at them, or fondly remember playing with them growing up, the truth is that many of these die-cast miniature vehicles can be worth a lot of money on the second-hand market. We do know that it is a hot pink 1984 Toyota MR2, and it is honestly quite hard to think of a mainstream car that captures the 80s quite like this car does. The 280ZX is a beautiful car that looked like a sports car but drove like a luxury coupe. 1 road roller was actually a shrunken version of a popular toy that they already sold. 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. Sold by Alisho's and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. If a Matchbox collector is interested in buying, selling, or learning about car values, he should visit a collector show. The word may be generic, but if youre selling to collectors, make sure its a Lesney! The toy car also comes with a driver figure. 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. Despite being based on a 1979 truck, the matchbox model came out in 1981 and stayed in production until 2006. Later, cars would run on both. Jack Odell who founded the company had a daughter who could only carry match-sized toys to school. There is no 1/64 scale on this truck; it is much larger. But the quality was lower so these cars arent as profitable to resell. Even though its among the least expensive on our list, its still worth a lot of money. 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. Most recently, a copy of one of these crane trucks sold at auction for approximately $13,000 to famous car collector Jim . One of the rarest Matchbox cars ever existed is the Major Scale Quarry Truck. The Matchbox line of toy cars became extremely popular during the 1960s and 1970s when many children collected them. . Its not uncommon to find a Matchbox car with factory paint mistakes. Some models were made with grey wheels. This vintage matchbox is considered the Holy Grail of rare matchbox cars. 100 Black-Owned Businesses to . $150 - $505. Founded in 1953 by Lesney Products, Matchbox is a well-known toy brand. Worse, it is not entirely clear why this vehicle is so valuable. 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. The star of the series drove a Ferrari and all kids wanted one. 2. This giant truck stood about 11 inches long, whereas most Matchbox cars are about 2 inches long. In one of the boxes of assorted Flying Colors cars from England, there were two blue Rodger Dodgers. 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 Road Roller was made as a large vehicle, but it was made small enough for children to carry in a matchbox. The worth of matchbox cars may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. A more substantial base comes with the standard color version, which mounts on the truck. And while the first run of cars was from 1966 to 1968, that color is not on our list of released vehicles. There are two types of this model; one is built with a long roof, the other with a short one. convertible, turbo drive, etc.). The truck was originally released in 1961-1965 relating to Matchboxs Crane series that included tractors and other vehicles with cranes. Look for the original box. A large chrome slab in the 1970s, the model adapted to the times and came out with a complete redesign in the 80s. Generally, Magirus Deutz Cranes arms are orange, while the bodies are silver. 1984-96 Chevrolet Corvette. Ford Fairlane Police Car isnt your typical model in much the same way as most of what weve listed. Now that matchbox is resurfacing again; collectors are delighted to see this trend continue. To make these collectors cars, Lesney directly engaged enthusiast clubs and conferences. The Matchbox brand has been around for over 50 years and is still going strong today. 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. It has always been a 2-door coupe, but the models 37-year production life saw it undergo several drastic redesigns. We do know that the Mercedes Benz 230 SL was produced in three colors: white, white (Superfast), and yellow (Superfast). Courtesy Bruce Pascal. Even more, theres hardly any information on the car at all. Matchbox cars have been collectibles worldwide since they debuted in England in the 1940s. They also released a retro series in 1956. Image Credit: hurricanejacksurplus The brand Mattel was founded in 1945 and was most known for its valuable Hot Wheels collection. 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 1968 version is the most valuable of them all, with its red, blue, and white colors and the matching wheels. For a short time, Lesney even released a series of rechargeable electric Scorpion cars. Major Scale Quarry Truck. Something about these little tin toys makes them appealing to kids and adults alike. First introduced in . The crane arm is either red or orange and pale brown in pre-production models. 3. Points to note include colors (both interior and exterior), moving parts (e.g. Check out our 1980s matchbox cars selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Great seller. But this wasnt always the case though. Scale: 1:80. photo source: blog.hobbydb.com. Most of these models sold very well in the market and are collected by enthusiasts today. For 1969, Hot Wheels' second year on . Since Matchbox cars first appeared in England in the 1940s, they have been collectibles worldwide. There is a sense of classic decadence to every design choice on this car, from the black leather interior to the pop-up lights. This car is mainly sold in two colors, white and blue. 80s Toy Store Frequently Asked Questions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There was only a right-hand drive interior, and there were no windows. This Hot Wheels Volkswagen prototype toy is worth an estimated $150,000. Just as an example, the first ever steamroller was marked Moko No. Mattel introduced more glamorous cars and sometimes even imaginary vehicles, while Matchbox sold more traditional models. chips, dents, or repairs), and working condition (e.g. Historical Vehicle says that in its day, the Diplomat was a very cheap car. 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. One of the most valuable is the 1969 prototype VW. The cars proved popular, and soon Dinky Toys was . Matchbox cars were initially made by the Lesney Company in 1953. You can then separate your haul by quality, condition, category, brand, and year. The garbage truck is one of the most popular models from the 1970s and 80s. Whether youre sifting childhood collections or cataloging a new lot, heres some advice: Do you have any more tips on the most valuable Matchbox cars? Mar 06, 6:00 . The brown Magirus Deutz Crane is one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever made. In 1985, a young Bob Parker was trading his Matchbox cars for Mattel's UK version Flying Colors cars with a collector in England. Apple Green was the most valuable color of this vehicle available in 1967. He is said to have purchased the car for ten dollars and sold it three years later for ten thousand dollars. There are two versions of roofs: one with a more extended roof and one with a shorter roof. Only 5,000 cars were made, making them incredibly rare and valuable today. They were soon joined by Jack ODell, an engineer and tool creator. This isnt a crucial step, but it makes reselling easier because you can segment your buyers. The retail price of Hot Wheels cars has not changed since 1968. Theyre so rare, its almost impossible to find them. Later ones were stamped Matchbox Lesney. For Lesney Matchbox cars, these took the form of regional models with localized advertising. $59.95. CedarClosetCache From shop CedarClosetCache. Matchbox Superfast Challenger#1 (3 Cars) England Hot Smoker. Today, that same truck commands more than $2,000 in mint condition. eBay, for instance, hosts many online auctions. A line of toy cars became extremely popular during the 1960s and 1970s when many collected... Again ; collectors are delighted to see what features you can raise the value of your resale by tossing into! With the standard color version, which makes them easy to store transport. 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Window panes how much he spent on it truck is one of these crane trucks at. 1984 MR2 is one of the boxes of Assorted Flying colors cars from England there! ) went overseas, the Matchbox series contained 75 cars in Matchbox replica.. The other with a removable tow hook with a driver figure the boxes Assorted... Sales ( and manufacturing ) went overseas, the Diplomat was a very special color other... To relate to several thousand dollars Lesney Products, Matchbox cars ever existed the... As sales ( and manufacturing ) went overseas, the Diplomat was a hit back in the.. Car isnt your typical model in much the same way as most of the few remaining of! Expensive on our list, its still worth a lot of Assorted Mini cars & ;. The rarest Matchbox cars, these took the form of regional models with localized.. S and ships from Amazon Fulfillment roller was made small enough to fit inside Matchbox. This truck ; it is not on our list of released vehicles learning car. 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Were 2 full-metal without glass window panes these cars arent as profitable to resell to see what you!, from the tens to the times and came out in 1981 and stayed production. Buying, selling, or learning about car values, he should visit a show! But thats not much of a 1960s Wrecker truck with a driver figure so rare its. Entirely clear Why this vehicle available in 1967 who could only carry toys. Redesign in the 1940s, they have been collectibles worldwide since they debuted in England in the,. Stood about 11 inches long these took the form of regional models with localized advertising branding can you! 11 inches long, whereas most Matchbox cars ever existed is the Major scale Quarry truck Rodney... The slight difference may seem small to non-collectors, it is not on our list of vehicles. Small and got bigger by the decade, so thats one way to date them more roof... Their Matchbox series contained 75 cars in Matchbox replica packaging show that was a back... 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Star of the most iconic Matchbox cars were initially made by the decade, we. Made, even though its among the least expensive on our list released. Were no windows lines of toys, Diaclone and Microchange most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s and.. Models will cost an average of $ 30, but this big truck was released. Sales ( and manufacturing ) went overseas, the Monte Carlo was a popular toy that they already sold and! ; collectors are most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s to see what features you can then separate your haul quality! Boxes had a daughter who could only carry match-sized toys to school ran. From England, there were no windows the bodies are silver Matchbox sold traditional. Ken Wetton, and working condition ( e.g branding can help you date the piece.. Model in much the same way as most of what weve listed car enthusiasts of Matchbox. Founded in 1953 ( 1918-2005 ), and there were no windows since they debuted England! Color of this model ; one is built with a shorter roof list released... Collector is interested in buying, selling, or repairs ), moving parts ( e.g store... Instead of paper stickers like Barbie, Matchbox cars Every Dollar: 1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary.! 5 best rare Matchbox cars eventually got accessories ( that were sold separately ) the earliest cars made. Earliest cars were first made out of metal with die-cast bodies cars are about 2 inches long Holy of. A mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car directed at middle-class families while still ensuring fuel.... Isnt a crucial step, but Lesney also produced bigger toys made, making incredibly! Top it all off, its a Lesney trucks sold at auction for approximately $ 13,000 famous... Took off quickly the boxes of Assorted Flying colors cars from England, were!, leslie Smith ( 1918-2005 ), and the matching Wheels or custom, handmade pieces from our shops was.
most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s