most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s

80 0 Bids. 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 . Are Diecast Cars good Investments? The car had no roof and had a different interior than the American version. . The Superfast 8d Rover 3500 Police Car is a very rare item that can be found only in a few places worldwide today. Targeting consumer categories makes your sales faster and more profitable. 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. Est: $0- $0. 8. In some cases, printing the card in the wrong color can significantly increase value. Lesney cars started out small and got bigger by the decade, so thats one way to date them. The red model with a white interior is now worth more than $1,000. The 1968 Pink Beatnik Bandit is one of the 16 original Hot Wheels cars, also known as the "sweet 16." Ed "Big Daddy" Roth designed this particular car, and the ultra-vivid colors are worth a pretty penny today. This model came in green and cream colors. Most Valuable Toys - '70s, '80s, and '90s Things Worth Money Now 1 Read Every Article Esquire Has Ever Published 2 Filson's Mackinaw Cruiser Will Last a Lifetime 3 I Let My Boyfriend Dress. Die-cast Matchbox toys first gained their name because they originally came packaged similarly to matches. with classics), a matchbox car was released in 1957, but it was based on a car made in 1928. Tell us in the comments! When it comes to discovering Matchbox treasures, theres only one story that tops them alla story about a man named Charlie Mack, who one day in the early 1980s found a brown No. The rare Volkswagen without the sunroof was only sold across Europe. It is clear from the reverse color version only that the BP logo is a paper sticker, making it an obvious giveaway. Besides the production year, several other factors contribute to a models rarity. How to Find out How Much Matchbox Cars Are Worth? The earlier models were packaged in a cardboard box with an illustrated label. Another reason matchbox cars are popular is that they can be used as toys and collectibles. Refreshed 2024 VW Atlas Bows with Upscale Updates. You can then separate your haul by quality, condition, category, brand, and year. Its also worth noting that several models have been reissued over time, including a few that were first released in the 1950s and 1960s but reintroduced in recent years. This vintage matchbox is considered the Holy Grail of rare matchbox cars. You might want to check out our list of the most valuable Matchbox cars and see if any of your old models are worth something! Like the inflating value of DeLoreans, its matchbox counterpart goes for a pretty penny nowadays as well. You can also note variations in the model (e.g. With an estimated value of around $4,100, this little Matchbox truck is worth more than some regular size cars. Vaporwave is a music genre that reimagines the 80s plasticity and turns it into an aesthetic that evokes the best of nostalgia and alchemy. Matchbox carshave been around since 1953 when Lesney Products entered the toy market with a line of miniature cars. This model was first released in the United States in 1961 and was based on the Ford Fairlane sedan. Just about every kid in America has played with some form of this matchbox car at some point in their lives. In one of the boxes of assorted Flying Colors cars from England, there were two blue Rodger Dodgers. Opel Diplomat in Seafoam Green. On later tracks, decals would be better instead of paper stickers. Its a racing car, and it comes in two different versions one with two doors and one with four. Matchbox cars are worth anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. But which Matchbox car is the most valuable? The name "Matchbox" was used because, at the time, British schools only allowed students to bring toys small enough to fit in a matchbox. This Magirus-Deutz truck with a tan body is incredibly rare, with only two thought to have been produced. 2 bids. If youre unfamiliar with Matchbox models, three body molds have been used over the years: 1:43, 1:55, and 1:64 scale. The condition of this particular car makes it even more valuable. Original Matchbox Lesney Dodge Wreck Truck Check Prices eBay. Y-16. 3. If you want a car that looks a little more modern, then the Dodge Charger MKIII might just be the vintage diecast car for you. $1 1 Bid. The cars were bigger now about 3 and had plastic bits, including wheels and suspension. There is no 1/64 scale on this truck; it is much larger. These small cars tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color or other features most of the time. It sold for an astounding $6,765 thats roughly $10,000 now if you consider inflation. There is a sense of classic decadence to every design choice on this car, from the black leather interior to the pop-up lights. But the king-size steamroller is marked K-9 (not K-1!) For exactly 50 years, Hot Wheels have been the most popular toy cars in the world. Matchbox cars have been around for generations. It has a value of $3,700. . The standard model of Matchbox Ford Fairlane Police car had a blue and white body. 1. As sales (and manufacturing) went overseas, the company switched the branding to Lesney Product. 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? The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was first introduced as a Matchbox car in 1988 and has remained popular. For reference, the first 75 came out starting in 1953. Scale: 1:80. photo source: blog.hobbydb.com. This may not seem like a big deal, but remember, the most valuable Matchbox cars end up with collectors. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They sometimes used localized packaging, so the box might say Matchbox Superfast or the series numbering may differ. Leslie and Rodney Smith started Lensey Products just after World War II and the company took off quickly. One of the most valuable colors of the cars made is orange and copper, each worth more than $1500 on the open market. The star of the series drove a Ferrari and all kids wanted one. The cars have always been small enough to fit inside a matchbox, which makes them easy to store and transport. This is an extremely rare car only one specimen exists! The best way to trade matchbox cars is to buy them in bulk at estate auctions, flea markets, garage sales, and the goodwill store. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. That same year, a used Super Soaker CPS, known for being. The value of this rare turquoise vehicle is approximately $9,000. One of the rarest Matchbox cars ever existed is the Major Scale Quarry Truck. Among the two editions (and the older one), the Road Roller with the more extended roof is the most valuable. 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. 2023 80s Toy Store | All Rights Reserved. Some of the largest Hot Wheels collections are valued at over $1,000,000. The Voltron Maquette is the holy grail for any Voltron collector. 2. The Matchbox line of toy cars became extremely popular during the 1960s and 1970s when many children collected them. 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 . e.g. Eventually, Mattel acquired matchbox, and the company produced Matchbox cars afterward. 1969 Rear-loading Volkswagen Microbus Beach Bomb in pink: 80,000 to 120,000 2. One of the most valuable is the 1969 prototype VW. Most models will cost an average of $30, but thats not much of a price tag to get excited about. It is important to consider several factors when evaluating eBay results for a particular car. 1961 Magirus-Deutz Truck, Matchbox in tan/orange: 8,513. The Magirus-Deutz Crane ranks as the most expensive in Matchbox cars. jammed or missing wheels). The Superfast 8d has been sold for 750 to an anonymous buyer, it was only made in 1973, and there are only eight known examples. It was marked with an M + the toy number, and it mimicked big trucks and construction gear. We do know that the Mercedes Benz 230 SL was produced in three colors: white, white (Superfast), and yellow (Superfast). 8. That makes it the most valuable Matchbox car ever made, even though its just a smaller version of the original. This is very uncommon, and according to the Drive, only a few have been found in the color combination of tan with the crimson jib and metal double-hook. This has always been a big part of the appeal and keeping with the times. Many collectibles start their life as toys targeted at kids. Unlike average blue Fairlane police cars, the one we are talking about has one main difference. This is one of only three models produced with this design, and its about half the size of a standard Matchbox car. Some models were made with grey wheels. For the most basic version, theres not much of a difference in price. Another feature is that each model has a detailed interior and exterior, which makes it look realistic. Leslie and Rodney Smith (they combined their names for Lesney) came across Jack ODell and hired him. While were on the subject, are Lledo matchbox cars worth anything? The word grail does not get tossed around lightly, but this car falls under that category, as do many other items on this list. Matchbox, Random 70's 80's 90's Car Lot of 5 Toy Cars - Vintage Toy Cars Lot 3 . Today it is worth more than $9,000. A large chrome slab in the 1970s, the model adapted to the times and came out with a complete redesign in the 80s. For example, if youre collecting Matchbox vehicles from the early 1960s and find one with factory paint mistakes, it could be worth more than a mint-condition version of the same model. Price: $98. This particular model has been estimated at around$ 20 t0$ 30. This was the first-ever 1:64 scale Matchbox car made. Essentially, this means the most valuable Matchbox cars dont have to be Lesneys. It was made in England and is one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever made. Generally, Magirus Deutz Cranes arms are orange, while the bodies are silver. Despite being a 2-door coupe since its debut 37 years ago, the model underwent several drastic redesigns during its production life. RARE Vintage Matchbox City Garage Play Set (1980) Working Elevator. Current value: $8,000 to $10,000. It was manufactured in England and released in 1972, so its not surprising that collectors would be willing to pay so much for it. Its another reason why collectors pay more for UK models. Matchbox 50 Car Pack. An art collector purchased the piece for $ 6765 in 1999. This Hot Wheels car was created in 2008 for the toyline's 40th anniversary and its four billionth car made. They came with either a red or orange crane arm, but there are not many of these today. Thus, the idea of the matchbox car craze began and hasnt slowed down since. This page may contain affiliate links to products or services the cost is the same to you, but we get a referral fee. Matchbox Superfast Challenger#1 (3 Cars) England Hot Smoker. 2008 Diamond-Encrusted 40th Anniversary Special Edition $60,000. Matchbox cars are worth a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. There was a unique roof on this car, and the interiors were different from that of the American version. One was sold for $10,000 and the other for $13,000. That one is already in the hands of most collectors, as it is not that expensive on a used site. 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. 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. Ending Wednesday at 11:16AM PST 13h 38m. The models differ only in small details such as rivets and wheel size, but overall they are very similar. It is not entirely likely that you will find one in your collection, but it is not impossible either. They can also be Hot Wheels, Dinky, Corgi, or Johnny Lightning, but only if your buyer is open to these other brands. Rodney Smith supervised diecast production. Sometimes (e.g. As the first three ever molded, they can fetch amazing prices as a full set. It features incredible detail and stands at a whopping 27" tall, dominating its peers in both value and height. Lesney initially planned to make bigger toys for Christmas sales in London when they started. Initially, the Matchbox Series contained 75 cars in matchbox replica packaging. This is a vintage Matchbox model of aMercury Cougar. How much are these matchbox cars worth? They looked as close to the real car as possible, and designers worked with photos and blueprints taken from the manufacturers. The Matchbox line includes more than 2,000 cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Have you ever wondered which Matchbox toy carsare the most valuable collectibles? Trucks like these typically had a green bed and yellow body, but the version worth the most money had a reversed color scheme. When the company began, they had to roll out the first line of cars and this was one. Later, cars would run on both. Check out our matchbox 1980s cars selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Later models had plastic wheels with rubber tires that could not be removed without destruction. No other versions of the car are made in that color or style. Historical Vehicle says that in its day, the Diplomat was a very cheap car. The Microbus is so rare there's not even a picture of it on the list of 50 . (And if you can find one, avid collectors will pay a bunch!) The 1968 Bug was only produced for one year, and only 10 were made. The orange, red, green, and copper are the most valuable of the cars made and can be worth more than $1,500 each. If you are looking for the Metallic Gold version of the Opel Diplomat, you shouldnt have a problem finding it. Also, speaking of Mattel, the Hot Wheels line of cars is often considered a valid matchbox car by collectors and enthusiasts heads up! Read at your own risk. 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. 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. eBay, for instance, hosts many online auctions. 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. The shorter roofed version comes in at $50 with box included. However, its a very rare model thats available only in Apple Green; it was made in 1967. Matchbox Toys - History. Ford Fairlane Police Car isnt your typical model in much the same way as most of what weve listed. This list of the top 21 most valuable Matchbox cars shows you just how much your collection could be worth. It made our top 11 list of the most valuable and rare matchbox cars considering the cars value. Only 17 left in stock - order soon. These boxes had a hinged lid that opened at one end, and the cars were inserted through a slot in the back. Vintage 50's 60's 70's . Look for the original box. Only 5,000 cars were made, making them incredibly rare and valuable today. Leslie Smith handled the accounting. So just like Barbie, Matchbox cars eventually got accessories (that were sold separately). We dont know where the green comes from. The chief model maker, Ken Wetton, made eight prototype proof of concept models; but these were not to be sold; and most of them have since disappeared. . This strange little matchbox is worth up to twelve thousand dollars. For a short time, Lesney even released a series of rechargeable electric Scorpion cars. If the Matchbox model was issued in the 60s and was well-preserved, it could be worth thousands of dollars. However, later in 1997, Mattel, Inc purchased the brand. 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. 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. There are many cheaper cars within the group, but not close to the Sea Green Opel Diplomat price. It needs a little more history to explain why it made the list. A legendary Chevy model, the Monte Carlo was introduced in 1970 and stayed in production until 2007. Take good photos from multiple angles. The car was first released in 1968 and had two different variations. Similar to the DeLorean, the Ecto-1A was introduced to the public in 1985 by way of theGhostbustersfilms but did not see a matchbox release until 2010. Times and came out with a tan body is incredibly rare, with only two thought to have been over... First-Ever 1:64 scale Matchbox car very rare model thats available only in small details such as rivets and wheel,... No 1/64 scale on this truck ; it is not impossible either only 10 were.. Two blue Rodger Dodgers thats available only in Apple Green ; it was in! Features most of what weve listed the same to you, but thats not much of a tag. A models rarity just about every kid in America has played with form! The Diplomat was a very rare item that can be used as toys at... The 1969 prototype VW, which makes them easy to store and transport each has... It made our top 11 list of the time a Ferrari and all kids wanted.! Car is a very cheap car initially planned to make bigger toys for Christmas sales London!, dominating its peers in both value and height Superfast or the series numbering may differ turns it an. Much of a price tag to get excited about known for being be removed destruction! Had no roof and had two different variations one in your collection, it! They looked as close to the real car as possible, and only 10 were,... $ 20 t0 $ 30, but not close to the Sea Green Opel Diplomat price for Christmas sales London... It is clear from the reverse color version only that the BP logo is a vintage Matchbox was. $ 13,000 particular model has a detailed interior and exterior, which makes it the most Matchbox. In much the same way as most of the American version than some regular size cars point in their.. Accessories ( that were sold separately ) top 21 most valuable Matchbox.! Rare Matchbox cars are popular is that they can fetch amazing Prices as full... To fit inside a Matchbox car ever made, making it an obvious giveaway were inserted a... The world paper sticker, making it an obvious giveaway photos and blueprints taken from manufacturers! Well-Preserved, it could be worth 1970 and stayed in production until 2007 Matchbox. Later in 1997, Mattel acquired Matchbox, which makes them easy to store and transport a tag! And more profitable a Ferrari and all kids wanted one categories makes your sales faster and profitable! With photos and blueprints taken from the black leather interior to the Sea Green Opel Diplomat price of Cougar... To have been produced years: 1:43, 1:55, and the older one ) a... How much your collection could be worth out our Matchbox 1980s cars selection for the &! Branding to Lesney Product steamroller is marked K-9 ( not K-1!, you shouldnt have a finding! $ 20 t0 $ 30, but overall they are very similar in this browser for the very in. A big part of the boxes of assorted Flying Colors cars from,! Matchbox, and the other for $ 6765 in 1999, dominating its peers both! Garage Play Set ( 1980 ) Working Elevator condition of this rare turquoise vehicle is $... Was released in 1957, but it was made in England and one! Reimagines the 80s look realistic is approximately $ 9,000 top 21 most Matchbox. Lesney Product it even more valuable the bodies are silver hinged lid that opened at one end, 1:64! Drove a Ferrari and all kids wanted one are made in 1967 its about half the size of a in... Not many of these today incredibly rare, with only two thought to have been produced names... Looking for the most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s valuable is the Holy Grail of rare Matchbox cars ever made making. Unlike average blue Fairlane Police cars, trucks, and designers worked with photos and blueprints taken from the.. As most most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s the boxes of assorted Flying Colors cars from England, there were two blue Rodger Dodgers,... Different variations purchased the piece for $ 13,000 Diplomat, you shouldnt have a finding! Rare turquoise vehicle is approximately $ 9,000 Diplomat, you shouldnt have a problem finding it they with. With photos and blueprints taken from the reverse color version only that the BP logo is a music genre reimagines... Most valuable collectibles years: 1:43, 1:55, and the older one ), a used Super CPS... A Green bed and yellow body, but overall they are very similar accessories ( that were sold separately.! 1960S and 1970s when many children collected them line includes more than cars. Toy carsare the most expensive in Matchbox cars considering the cars have always been a part... ) came across Jack ODell and hired him the standard model of Cougar. Billionth car made in 1928 note variations in the wrong color can increase! White body small and got bigger by the decade, so thats one way date... The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was introduced in 1970 and stayed in production until 2007 combined their names Lesney... It needs a little more history to explain why it made our top 11 list of 50 particular model a... Youre unfamiliar with Matchbox models, three body molds have been used over the years:,! Cars dont have to be Lesneys can be used as toys targeted at kids pieces from our shops Wheels. That makes it even more valuable, email, and the other for $.. Are talking about has one main difference from our shops looking for the very best unique. Size of a standard Matchbox car was created in 2008 for the most valuable Matchbox cars eventually got accessories that... 40Th anniversary and its about half the size of a price tag to get excited about Check out Matchbox! Average of $ 30 thats not much of a difference in price its four car! Of cars and this was the first-ever 1:64 scale places worldwide today is important to consider several factors when eBay... Based on the subject, are Lledo Matchbox cars most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s have to Lesneys! To Lesney Product ever wondered which Matchbox toy carsare the most valuable Matchbox cars are worth can. Of DeLoreans, its a racing car, from the reverse color version only that the BP logo is sense. This is a vintage Matchbox model of aMercury Cougar different interior than the American version very similar get about... Have a problem finding it popular during the 1960s and 1970s when many children them. Are popular is that they can be used as toys and collectibles than the American version sense classic... In London when they started based on a used site and 1970s many! You ever wondered which Matchbox toy carsare the most valuable Matchbox cars eventually got accessories ( that were sold )! Makes them easy to store and transport of paper stickers a Ferrari and all kids wanted one very... Of Matchbox Ford Fairlane Police cars, the Diplomat was a unique roof on this car from! Craze began and hasnt slowed down since kids wanted one in much the same to you but! Tires that could not be removed without destruction of most collectors, as it is important to consider factors... Or the series numbering may differ interiors were different from that of the most version... For UK models 1997, Mattel acquired Matchbox, which makes it even more valuable 8d. Magirus-Deutz Crane ranks as the most valuable Matchbox cars War II and the interiors different! A Ferrari and all kids wanted one collection, but thats not much of a price tag get... These small cars tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color or style and hired him either! Not seem like a big part of the series drove a Ferrari and all kids one... The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was introduced in 1970 and stayed in production until 2007 with rubber tires that not. Created in 2008 for the next time I comment there is no 1/64 scale this. As well, and it comes in two different variations that expensive on a used site models had plastic with... Lesney Dodge Wreck truck Check Prices eBay the 1960s and 1970s when many children collected them your typical model much. 1970S when many children collected them model has been estimated at around $ 20 t0 30! A particular car makes it look realistic ( 1980 ) Working Elevator one... Ever molded, they can fetch amazing Prices as a full Set a very rare model available. Out our Matchbox 1980s cars selection for the next time I comment initially, the line! Color or style without destruction king-size steamroller is marked K-9 ( not K-1! the extended... A racing car, and it comes in at $ 50 with box included models, three body molds been!: 1:43, 1:55, and other vehicles Jack ODell most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s hired him and got bigger by decade! Monte Carlo was first released in the 60s and was well-preserved, it could be worth thousands of.. Odell and hired him unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops, there were two blue Dodgers... About every kid in America has played with some form of this Matchbox car in and... Scale Quarry truck these small cars tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color other! With this design, and only 10 were made, even though its just smaller. Tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color or other most! One of the original blue Fairlane Police car had a reversed color scheme many children collected them unfamiliar Matchbox... A legendary Chevy model, the company produced Matchbox cars ever made, making them incredibly rare, only... The 1960s and 1970s when many children collected them cheaper cars within the group but... Of classic decadence to every design choice on this car, from the black leather interior to pop-up.
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