most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s

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 Over the years, the number of vehicles has increased substantially, especially since Mattel acquired the company. The cream version is even rarer, as it was only produced for a short period in 1968. Vintage Racing John Morton BRE Datsun 510, $700-$1,500. via Redlinecollector. Rodney Smith supervised diecast production. This little brown 1961 crane truck sold for $10 at a garage sale, according to reports. This Hot Wheels car was created in 2008 for the toyline's 40th anniversary and its four billionth car made. Later, plastic windows were added, as well as other bits of trim. Masters of The Universe: Revelation Debut. 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. Matchbox cars have been around for generations. 22 1968 Pink Beatnik Bandit. The first true Matchbox toys were produced that . The Best Amazon Presidents' Day Deals of 2023. $19.92. Of course, once the manufacturer discovers this, they begin to produce high-end units targeted at collectors. It has a value of $3,700. This has always been a big part of the appeal and keeping with the times. Matchbox Toys - History. One reverse color wrecker sold for $9,500 in 2005 came in mint condition in its original box. Matchbox cars were designed with several unique features that made them appealing to children and collectors alike. For exactly 50 years, Hot Wheels have been the most popular toy cars in the world. This trend started with the Matchbox cars from Lesney, and they are returning to take over again. jammed or missing wheels). Read more: See the 50 most valuable Hot Wheels and Matchbox toy cars Hot Wheels' first edition of toy cars from 1968. Another reason matchbox cars are popular is that they can be used as toys and collectibles. Hot Wheels quickly became Matchbox cars' biggest competitor in the late 1960s. Collectors often find the best deals at dealer shows because online auctions tend to be less competitive than dealer shows. Here are seven of the most valuable Hess trucks. While its bad form to Ctrl C + Ctrl V, you can study listings that are well crafted and use the same style in your own matchbox car listing. The name "Matchbox" was used because, at the time, British schools only allowed students to bring toys small enough to fit in a matchbox. If you want to add this rare car to your collection, we hope you've been saving. Tell us in the comments! A huge one. You are much less likely to find one with the original box in good condition. 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: 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. Even though it was the first Matchbox car to appear, is it the companys most prized possession ever created? This model features a yellow body with white plastic wheels and an open sunroof. This article will reveal the 11 most valuable Matchbox cars worth a fortune. One toy reportedly sold for $9,139.06. 30 cranes in 2004 for $13,000. There were four world segments in the 2022 1-100 Series; MBX Highway, MBX Metro, MBX Showroom, and MBX Off-Road. Ad vertisement from shop CedarClosetCache. convertible, turbo drive, etc.). That was the case with the 1968 Volkswagen Bug. The earliest cars were 2 full-metal without glass window panes. This 1:32 scale model features a detailed interior, opening doors, hood, and rear engine compartment. Its not uncommon to find a Matchbox car with factory paint mistakes. Take good photos from multiple angles. With an estimated value of around $4,100, this little Matchbox truck is worth more than some regular size cars. An excellent example of this is the 1968 Volkswagen Bug. Cars in the series were marked with a Y + the toy number. 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. 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost: 6 Cool Details. This is an extremely rare car only one specimen exists! But which Matchbox car is the most valuable? But why are matchbox cars so much more popular than other toy vehicles? Care Bears are one of the most iconic 80s properties out there. Moko was their distributor and marketer, so those first 1 in 75 miniatures were marked Moko Lesney. 1961 Magirus-Deutz Truck, Matchbox in tan/orange: 8,513. And the Most Expensive Matchbox Cars on Ebay Right NOW. The first version was made with opening doors and a trunk and had chrome wheels. Matchbox 1967 Magirus Deutz Crane (No. The selling price through Morphy Auctions in 2010 was $345. The first Matchbox car was produced in 1953. For 1969, Hot Wheels' second year on . It is also the most valuable matchbox of the 1:64 scale on this list. Even 42 years after the last matchbox model was released, these collectors are still on-the-hunt for these rare, vintage collectibles. "Most of the 442s are magenta, and often get confused for the purple ones in photos," says Zarnock. Ecto-1s most valuable Matchbox is the vehicle used by the Ghostbusters to travel around New York City and fight ghosts. Another famous Matchbox collector, Jim Gallegos, who is estimated to have more than 150,000 die-cast miniatures worth more than $1.4 million, reportedly bought a brown No. So some buyers do want these cars. Leslie and Rodney Smith started Lensey Products just after World War II and the company took off quickly. As you carefully craft the ads for each toy, try finding the same model in a different size. Major Scale Quarry Truck. Are Diecast Cars good Investments? with classics), a matchbox car was released in 1957, but it was based on a car made in 1928. The reverse color versions crane base is narrower. 30) - $13,000. 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 very strong glass made some time between 1905 and 1910 displays a bold 5 cents in addition to the logo. 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. The Matchbox 30 Crane Truck is a popular item among collectors, and its not hard to see why. 8 Silk Pillowcases for Your Best Beauty Sleep. The most sought after are obviously the most exclusive, the rarest of them all, but they come with a price. He is said to have purchased the car for ten dollars and sold it three years later for ten thousand dollars. Its value will likely increase even further over time as it ages and becomes rarer to find! If you could get a matching M-3 and K-3 for example, youll earn more money. 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. Over time, the brand expanded to include large-scale die-cast models. Matchbox model cars, noted 'Matchbox Series 40th Anniversary Collection'; 'Matchbox, the Flavours of Australia, Limited Edition Gift Set' (2) ; Models of Yesteryear (13). 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. Besides, because of the large number of matchbox cars available, it is hard to find the right one with a better worth. But Jack Odell kept some stuff for himself, rebranding his toys as Lledo spot the anagram! The larger scale models have been produced longer than their smaller counterparts and usually have more variations within each body style. Are hot wheels, matchbox and diecast cars good investments? Some of these were produced for promotional purposes or as promotional items for companies that sold their goods at a discount to stores that purchased large quantities of merchandise from them. The 1968 Volkswagen Bug is one of the rarest Matchbox cars and is also one of the most valuable. However, the Smiths hired a man called Jack ODell. 8. Year Produced: 1968. photo source: Hot Wheels Wiki. 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. Their scale wasnt always realistic and many of the cars were styled to fit a fantasy. 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. When the company began, they had to roll out the first line of cars and this was one. Even more, theres hardly any information on the car at all. Essentially, this means the most valuable Matchbox cars dont have to be Lesneys. It has been graded 8 out of 10 by collectors and is in excellent condition. If you want this piece of matchbox history in mint condition, this matchbox car is worth up to $100. 30 crane truck at a neighbors garage sale. 1971 Spectraflame Purple Bye Focal - $6000. It is clear from the reverse color version only that the BP logo is a paper sticker, making it an obvious giveaway. Sold by Alisho's and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. The Beatnik Bandit is part of the Hot Wheels "Sweet Sixteen" or the first 16 cars Mattel released when the company launched in 1968. 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. A different box design doesnt necessarily mean its fake. Theyre so rare, its almost impossible to find them. Matchbox cars are worth anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Matchbox, Random 70's 80's 90's Car Lot of 5 Toy Cars . Yet again, we see how a tiny color mishap years ago leads to a valuable collectors item today. They looked as close to the real car as possible, and designers worked with photos and blueprints taken from the manufacturers. In some cases, these mistakes add value to the car. It is also the most valuable 1:64 scale Matchbox on our list. Companies are only now utilizing the nostalgia of the 1980s, albeit very delayed and as a limited supply. The first models were 1/64 scale and included Matchbox trucks, buses, and racing cars. There is no 1/64 scale on this truck; it is much larger. Founded in 1953 by Lesney Products, Matchbox is a well-known toy brand. What we do know is that it very, very seldom appears on market. Originally introduced in 1984, the Toyota MR2 is a mid-engine, two-seat, rear-wheel-drive sports car that attempted to balance fuel economy and driving pleasure for the middle class. And while the first run of cars was from 1966 to 1968, that color is not on our list of released vehicles. Matchbox cars are collectible toys for children and adults alike. Make sure you are searching completed listings, not only the active auctions. Here are the other nine: 1961 Magirus-Deutz Truck, Matchbox (tan-orange): $11,822; View on Amazon. 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.. 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. 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. It was marked with an M + the toy number, and it mimicked big trucks and construction gear. In this case, the longer roofed model is the most valuable. Generally, the early cars with redline tires are some of the most valuable; the most desirable ones can command thousands of dollars. This truck is not of the typical Matchbox 1/64 scale. 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. The matchbox equivalent of this car, much like the Toyota MR2, is scheduled for a 2021 release in a similarly striking shade of pastel blue with neon green doors. 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. A single Ken Wetton Major Scale Quarry Truck was tucked away for Lesney as a part of its history. Then came the Major series. watch . 2. These small cars tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color or other features most of the time. While eBay has helped diminish the hobby by giving everyone access to Matchbox cars, dealer shows remain a great place to exchange information and buy and sell Matchbox cars. 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. Generally, Magirus Deutz Cranes arms are orange, while the bodies are silver. 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. That is, except for the pre-production models. Matchbox 50 Car Pack. Matchbox cars have been produced for decades, so identifyingvintage ones can be tricky. Weve talked about the 75 miniatures that were 2 tall and had no windows or interiors. In 2010, he sold it, so we dont know how much he spent on it. Its a different story from the Sea Green version. Initially, the Matchbox Series contained 75 cars in matchbox replica packaging. Focus on verifiably sold items, not open listings. 1971 Purple Olds 442 Ebay / 84check Value: $5,000 Why? The garbage truck is one of the most popular models from the 1970s and 80s. One of the most valuable colors of the cars made is orange and copper, each worth more than $1500 on the open market. This vehicle has experienced a modern resurgence in pop culture, featuring stylized artwork for vaporwave music on YouTube and Soundcloud. If the Matchbox model was issued in the 60s and was well-preserved, it could be worth thousands of dollars. It is part of the 1/75 series and has no opening parts or accessories. Matchbox is renowned for the detail and attention to the quality they put into each model. If youre unfamiliar with Matchbox models, three body molds have been used over the years: 1:43, 1:55, and 1:64 scale. All boxed in good condition. 5 was a popular one too, featuring a red double-decker bus. The word may be generic, but if youre selling to collectors, make sure its a Lesney! The first ever matchbox car was a steamroller cast in red and green (though they called it a road roller in the UK). By Riley August 3, 2016 September 29, 2020. Thanks! Vintage 1980s Rare Matchbox Twin Pack | Mercedes Benz G-Wagon And Horse Box with Horses | Polizei German Police | Diecast | Emergency 911 . The 1967 Matchbox 27D Mercedes-Benz 230SL in apple green became one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever sold when it fetched a whopping $6,765 at auction in 1999. Delivered on time and item as described. This Magirus-Deutz truck with a tan body is incredibly rare, with only two thought to have been produced. $32.25 shipping . At least the valuable version is. The connection to television history is certainly an advantage for the price. There are many cheaper cars within the group, but not close to the Sea Green Opel Diplomat price. Vaporwave is a music genre that reimagines the 80s plasticity and turns it into an aesthetic that evokes the best of nostalgia and alchemy. Later versions lacked the silver sprayed grille and headlights found on the green versions. . 28 . And its this American domination of the trading space that made Lesney introduce their Matchbox Superfast series, aimed at the US. 5 Best Rare Matchbox Cars To Buy Right Now . Some have bright colors and fun stickers, but others have doors that open and interiors that mimic their life-size muse. There are 76 models listed in the Super Kings range in . So it helps to know any matchbox cars after 1986 were rebranded Matchbox International Limited. 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. Early models had metal wheels with treaded tires that could be removed for cleaning or repair (though sometimes they are missing this feature entirely). One of the most valuable Happy Meal toys, "Inspector Gadget" from 1995, could fetch you around $350.. The Matchbox Major Scale Quarry Truck from the early 1960s is an extremely sought-after vehicle. Its why those early Hot Wheels boxes boasted no batteries, no electrical current!. In one of the boxes of assorted Flying Colors cars from England, there were two blue Rodger Dodgers. Confirm the year of manufacture, both for the car and the toy. 3. These were marked K + toy number. A large chrome slab in the 1970s, the model adapted to the times and came out with a complete redesign in the 80s. 2. The cars have always been small enough to fit inside a matchbox, which makes them easy to store and transport. It wasnt until the Matchbox community heard it had been sold to a Japanese collector named Takuyo Yoshise. Matchbox HOT ROD 48 CAR CARRY CASE w/ Cars & Trucks Vintage 1970's & 80's. $10.49. Ford Fairlane Police Car isnt your typical model in much the same way as most of what weve listed. The 1980 Series 1-75 models, which are illustrated in the 1980/81 International edition Matchbox Catalogue under the name "Matchbox 75", were mostly issued with Superfast Wheels. The car was first released in 1968 and had two different variations. There is no better way to observe rises and falls in the prices and demand of matchbox cars than through the internet using online auctions. It was created by Lesney Products, a British company that also produced the successful Corgi model cars. They added wider, slicker wheels to meet the low-friction demand created by Hot Wheels. 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