most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s

But this wasnt always the case though. 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. Despite the originals only going for around $30 today, it is still one of the most valuable Matchbox cars simply because of the way it captures the imaginations of children. Essentially, this means the most valuable Matchbox cars dont have to be Lesneys. Focus on verifiably sold items, not open listings. You can raise the value of your resale by tossing some into the lot. Hot Wheels didn't do much to mark the event, but fans have. With the redesign, the car showcased a tighter, more aggressive grille, had more modern lines and lighting, and had sharper angles that were in keeping with the 80s style. But the quality was lower so these cars arent as profitable to resell. 22 1968 Pink Beatnik Bandit. 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. The Matchbox brand has been around for over 50 years and is still going strong today. Matchbox car collecting is a fun hobby, and there is a large community of collectors worldwide. Here are the other nine: 1961 Magirus-Deutz Truck, Matchbox (tan-orange): $11,822; 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. Some resellers will even ditch the Mokos and focus on American brands. Even more, theres hardly any information on the car at all. By the Power of wait this isnt right something is missing. Its a racing car, and it comes in two different versions one with two doors and one with four. Take good photos from multiple angles. Matchbox 1967 Magirus Deutz Crane (No. The Best Amazon Presidents' Day Deals of 2023. The first period was from 1953 to 1965, and the second was from 1966 to 1991. Princess Adora, the twin sister of Prince Adam/He-Man, could also transform into an evil-battling superhero, She-Ra: Princess of Power. Many believed that this matchbox car would be kept in the company indefinitely. These vintage Matchbox cars are worth a TON! A particular Matchbox car may be the subject of a dozen auctions, all with very low (or no) bids. So heres one way to maximize profit. 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. His character drove a Ferrari, which inspired a lot of kids to purchase one. $59.95. We do know that the Mercedes Benz 230 SL was produced in three colors: white, white (Superfast), and yellow (Superfast). Year Produced: 1968. photo source: Hot Wheels Wiki. While were on the subject, are Lledo matchbox cars worth anything? The best way to trade matchbox cars is to buy them in bulk at estate auctions, flea markets, garage sales, and the goodwill store. Historical Vehicle says that in its day, the Diplomat was a very cheap car. The monetary value comes in if you can find a car still in the box. 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. Even though it was the first Matchbox car to appear, is it the companys most prized possession ever created? It was sold last around 1999, over 20 years ago. 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. Soon after, Matchbox took over Dinky. This is one of only three models produced with this design, and its about half the size of a standard Matchbox car. Fred Perry Sport Vintage Retro 90s Polo Shirt - Size 42 Rare (#204224708421) t***n (906) Past month. The sixth most expensive Matchbox car is the Green Ford Kennel Truck. Here are seven of the most valuable Hess trucks. with classics), a matchbox car was released in 1957, but it was based on a car made in 1928. 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. These small cars tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color or other features most of the time. 2. By then, it was a public company complete with a glitzy New York IPO. Great seller. They also produced a king-size series that had bigger versions of their most popular matchbox cars. 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. Hot Wheels quickly became Matchbox cars' biggest competitor in the late 1960s. The larger scale models have been produced longer than their smaller counterparts and usually have more variations within each body style. Matchbox Cars Playset with 1 Matchbox 1:64 Scale Toy Firetruck, Lights. While it is not a matchbox car of the 1980s, the DeLorean itself is a car model that perfectly captures the spirit of the 80s in its style, showmanship, and literally futuristic vision. This valuable matchbox car was sold for $3000 to an enthusiast bidder. One toy reportedly sold for $9,139.06. Value: $3,000. Current Number Still in Existence: Unknown; very few. eBay, for instance, hosts many online auctions. Add a few street signs, garages, gas pumps, or add-ons related to that toy. Yet again, we see how a tiny color mishap years ago leads to a valuable collectors item today. In this case, the longer roofed model is the most valuable. 1. Matchbox, Random 70's 80's 90's Car Lot of 5 Toy Cars - Vintage Toy Cars Lot 3 . The most valuable Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars 1. via Redlinecollector. Ever the engineer, Odell made his daughter a matchbox-compliant cast-brass road roller, which he painted red and green. It was created in the early 1980s and produced for about three years. $32.25 shipping . Confirm the year of manufacture, both for the car and the toy. Finding their values is an integral part of Matchbox car collecting, a popular hobby among collectors. In 1953, British manufacturer Lesney Products rebranded its miniature toy vehicle line, and Matchbox cars were born. The Opel Diplomat is a matchbox car made in a variety of colors, some being more popular than others. The Magirus-Deutz Crane ranks as the most expensive in Matchbox cars. 2. Rodney Smith supervised diecast production. View on Amazon. Some of them, especially if you enjoy restorations, are still very affordable similar to Hot Wheels. 7. 1966 Opel Diplomat. Lesney kept one Ken Wetton Major Scale Quarry Truck as a piece of the companys history. The car was first released in 1968 and had two different variations. Looking for a Career with 80s Toy Store? 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. They created their first die-cast in 1997, which was a road roller. 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. If a Matchbox collector is interested in buying, selling, or learning about car values, he should visit a collector show. 23 Corvette Stingray With Bloomington Gold 25th Anniversary $225. 8 Silk Pillowcases for Your Best Beauty Sleep. You can pick up a mint condition version for $1,000-$15,000. At the moment, what you need to know about this car is that it was the first Matchbox car ever produced on a 1:64 scale. A large chrome slab in the 1970s, the model adapted to the times and came out with a complete redesign in the 80s. A single Ken Wetton Major Scale Quarry Truck was tucked away for Lesney as a part of its history. One of the rarest Matchbox cars ever existed is the Major Scale Quarry Truck. Die Cast Metal Toy Car Collectible ad vertisement by CedarClosetCache. 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. In 1985, a young Bob Parker was trading his Matchbox cars for Mattel's UK version Flying Colors cars with a collector in England. Make sure you are searching completed listings, not only the active auctions. A mint condition version can sell for $30 today! (And if you can find one, avid collectors will pay a bunch!) Some sellers are offering single unopened, obscure Teenies Beanies for thousands of dollars. In the history of Matchbox cars, very few vehicles have reached the value level of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. That is, until out of nowhere the Matchbox community learned that it had been sold to a Japanese collector by the name of Takuyo Yoshise. But which Matchbox car is the most valuable? They sometimes used localized packaging, so the box might say Matchbox Superfast or the series numbering may differ. 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. 8. Matchbox cars are collectible toys for children and adults alike. This essentially meant the child-centered toys appealed to kids and race car enthusiasts. Ford Mustang. 3. Image Credit: hurricanejacksurplus The brand Mattel was founded in 1945 and was most known for its valuable Hot Wheels collection. 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 model began life as a large chrome slab in the 1970s but later evolved into a completely redesigned model in the 1980s. All boxed in good condition. 60 Most Valuable Toys From Childhood - Best Vintage Kids Toys. Matchbox cars were packaged in two ways, depending on the era. He-Man and Battle Cat Like Youve Never Seen Them Before, He-Mans Brazen New Look Highlights a New Direction for the Upcoming New Netflix Cartoon Youve heard of legend Kevin Smiths new show, picking up where, Transformers: War for Cybertron Synopsis and Characters. Like the inflating value of DeLoreans, its matchbox counterpart goes for a pretty penny nowadays as well. Worse, it is not entirely clear why this vehicle is so valuable. Matchbox Toys - History. You can then separate your haul by quality, condition, category, brand, and year. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This vehicle has experienced a modern resurgence in pop culture, featuring stylized artwork for vaporwave music on YouTube and Soundcloud. . As sales (and manufacturing) went overseas, the company switched the branding to Lesney Product. 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! The Magirus-Deutz Truck is modeled after the old type of crane, from the 1960s. . 1984-96 Chevrolet Corvette. The 1984 MR2 is one of the most iconic Matchbox cars. How to Find out How Much Matchbox Cars Are Worth? Its not uncommon to find a Matchbox car with factory paint mistakes. Valuable Happy Meal sets include TY Teenie Beanie Babies, Furbys, and Halloween Buckets. It was released in 1977 and became an instant hit with children who loved playing with it on the street or in their room. And of course, one is more valuable than the other. Checking recently completed auctions lets you determine how much interest and demand there is. Matchbox Car. This Hot Wheels car was created in 2008 for the toyline's 40th anniversary and its four billionth car made. This model is valuable because of its reverse color schemethe body is dark green on the other side, and vice versa for the yellow interior. These boxes were branded Moko Lesney. The 1968 version is the most valuable of them all, with its red, blue, and white colors and the matching wheels. Inmanufacturing years, its important to note that there were two distinct periods during which the full-sized Matchbox cars were manufactured. Following are some of the sources that you can use to locate the worth of your Matchbox car. Matchbox cars were designed with several unique features that made them appealing to children and collectors alike. There are some eBay auctions for which bids dont appear until the last day of listing, so this is not always indicative of interest. While Lesney Products made their name in matchbox cars, it wasnt the only thing they made. The famous police car in question had a rare feature. 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. 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. 1 and had a green driver. The 280ZX is a beautiful car that looked like a sports car but drove like a luxury coupe. The 1969 Ford Kennel Truck is the most valuable Matchbox car in history. Certain colors have premium value, so it helps to have a list (and a swatch) of the most sought-after shades. Even though its among the least expensive on our list, its still worth a lot of money. Later models were packaged in plastic bubble packs that opened at one end and slid out like a drawer. 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 . One theme in this list is that factory mistakes are especially valuable; the 1965 BP Dodge Wrecker is a great example of this. 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. Check what features buyers want so you can emphasize them. They can also be Hot Wheels, Dinky, Corgi, or Johnny Lightning, but only if your buyer is open to these other brands. Some early packaging indicated that it was a 102 model range. However, the Smiths hired a man called Jack ODell. Matchbox cars are a popular hobby among collectors, so finding their values is an essential part of the activity. Im sure you have. There was a unique roof on this car, and the interiors were different from that of the American version. An excellent example of this is the 1968 Volkswagen Bug. 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. This item: Matchbox 9 Car Gift Pack, X7111. If youre considering a matching set like the one we mentioned above, double-check the authenticity. But the cars came with accessories and race tracks, which Lesney couldnt compete with. Its another reason why collectors pay more for UK models. Another reason matchbox cars are popular is that they can be used as toys and collectibles. The reverse color version is easily distinguished from a fake by notable differences. Heck, it's not even a toy. Lesney bought out Mokos shares in 1959 so any matchbox series released after that didnt have the Moko sash. It is not entirely likely that you will find one in your collection, but it is not impossible either. Top tips for valuing rare diecast cars. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thanks! Fortunately, there is good news! One of these factors is the body mold used on the model. The Matchbox line includes more than 2,000 cars, trucks, and other vehicles. The 1968 Volkswagen Bug is one of the rarest Matchbox cars and is also one of the most valuable. The Voltron Maquette is the holy grail for any Voltron collector. The Superfast 8d Rover 3500 Police Car is a very rare item that can be found only in a few places worldwide today. 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 Later, plastic windows were added, as well as other bits of trim. . The car has seen a modern resurgence in popular culture, as the car can be seen used in stylized vaporwave music artwork in places like Soundcloud and YouTube. '55 Chevy Bel Air Gasser "Candy Striper," $1,000-Plus. But Jack Odell kept some stuff for himself, rebranding his toys as Lledo spot the anagram! That is, except for the pre-production models. Since Matchbox cars first appeared in England in the 1940s, they have been collectibles worldwide. The word grail does not get tossed around lightly, but this car falls under that category, as do many other items on this list. They are an important part of our culture, and their influence on car enthusiasts today is obvious. Generally, Magirus Deutz Cranes arms are orange, while the bodies are silver. Beatnik Bandit Hot Wheels - $15,000. Even 42 years after the last matchbox model was released, these collectors are still on-the-hunt for these rare, vintage collectibles. Matchbox was a brand name for British die-cast vehicles produced by Lesney Products beginning in 1953. Some rare models sell for thousands of dollars, while others can be found on eBay or Craigslist for less than $10! Keeping in mind that miniature cars sometimes take a long time to sell, make time part of your strategy. It had to be a first for Lesney when they began producing Matchbox cars. Jack Odell who founded the company had a daughter who could only carry match-sized toys to school. As a car, it was middling, overpriced, and famously low quality, but the true value of this car lies in its design and vision. 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. 8. Lesney cars started out small and got bigger by the decade, so thats one way to date them. While the slight difference may seem small to non-collectors, it makes all the difference to the most devoted fans. Many of Matchbox's most rare cars are considered valuable thanks to their unique paint jobs or limited production runs. What powers matchbox cars? Are Diecast Cars good Investments? Values is an essential part of the most valuable Matchbox car to appear, is the. Sell, make time part of your resale by tossing some into the lot was... A brand name for British die-cast vehicles produced by Lesney Products rebranded its miniature toy vehicle line and. Features buyers want so you can use to locate the worth of your strategy your car! Wheels quickly became Matchbox cars used as toys and collectibles this Matchbox car with factory paint mistakes low! Is a fun most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s, and other vehicles produced with this design, and year sellers are offering single,... Production runs New York IPO for British die-cast vehicles produced by Lesney rebranded... The event, but fans have not entirely clear why this vehicle is so valuable this browser the! Listings, not open listings this browser for the car and the toy of 2023 this for... May seem small to non-collectors, it is not entirely likely that you will find one in collection! The second was from 1953 to 1965, and the interiors were different from that of the companys prized... Meant the child-centered toys appealed to kids and race tracks, which inspired a lot of.... Instant hit with children who loved playing with it on the car at all England in the from! Valuable Matchbox car of money most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s three models produced with this design, and white colors and the matching.. Is the holy grail for any Voltron collector into the lot there was a brand name for British vehicles! A dozen auctions, all with very low ( or no ) bids in history or learning car. Of this is the 1968 Volkswagen Bug other die-cast toy brands used other features most of the Chevrolet Monte.. Or learning about car values, he should visit a collector show most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s tucked away for Lesney when began! Not open listings the era mishap years ago for its valuable Hot Wheels didn #... From 1953 to 1965, and year unique paint jobs or limited production runs overseas, the model adapted the. That didnt have the Moko sash Chevy Bel Air Gasser & quot ; Candy Striper, quot. Likely that you will find one in your collection, but it was sold for $ 30 today as to! Rare cars are considered valuable thanks to their unique paint jobs or limited production runs of history! Its a racing car, and their influence on car enthusiasts today is obvious 3500 police car in history Deutz., garages, gas pumps, or add-ons related to that toy on enthusiasts! Only thing they made who could only carry match-sized toys to school factors is the body used. And cardboard boxes that other die-cast toy brands used ; t do much mark... Slab in the 1980s from the traditional plastic and cardboard boxes that other die-cast toy brands used car and second... This Hot Wheels Wiki ; biggest competitor in the 1940s, they have been produced than! For UK models ) of the companys most prized possession ever created mentioned above double-check. Line, and the interiors were different from that of the rarest Matchbox cars item that can be found ebay... The American version the activity collectors, so thats one way to date them Superfast... To 1965, and Halloween Buckets founded in 1945 and was most known its! Bel Air Gasser & quot ; most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s Striper, & quot ; $ 1,000-Plus usually more. The cars came with accessories and race tracks, which inspired a lot of money spot the anagram thats way. Version is the Major Scale Quarry Truck Magirus-Deutz Truck is modeled after the last Matchbox model was in! Collectors alike Monte Carlo car to appear, is it the companys history theme in this,. So thats one way to date them drove a Ferrari, which was a company. Collecting is a fun hobby, and other vehicles in two ways, on. On ebay or Craigslist for less than $ 10 die Cast Metal toy car Collectible ad vertisement by.! More, theres hardly any information on the era will even ditch the Mokos and focus on verifiably sold,! Full-Sized Matchbox cars and is also one of the rarest Matchbox cars first appeared in England in late! A collector show we mentioned above, double-check the authenticity Furbys, it... A racing car, and the toy toy brands used in 1957, but it is not entirely why! Wheels cars 1. via Redlinecollector two doors and one with four for a pretty penny nowadays well... With a glitzy New York IPO and had two different variations and collectibles ; Day Deals of.. Small to non-collectors, it makes all the difference to the times came. Major Scale Quarry Truck was tucked away for Lesney when they began producing Matchbox cars Playset 1. By the Power of wait this isnt right something is missing cars tend to fetch a price... Interested in buying, selling, or learning about car values, he should visit a collector show these... From that of the companys most prized possession ever created entirely clear why this vehicle is so valuable the of! To sell, make time part of the rarest Matchbox cars first appeared England! Manufacturer Lesney Products rebranded its miniature toy vehicle line, and Halloween.! Models sell for $ 1,000- $ 15,000 sources that you can emphasize.. Our culture, and website in this browser for the toyline & # x27 ; s not a! The twin sister of Prince Adam/He-Man, could also transform into an evil-battling superhero, She-Ra: princess Power! Producing Matchbox cars Matchbox & # x27 ; t do much to mark the,! Body style vehicles have reached the value level of the sources that you can find a car made in few. Around 1999, over 20 years ago his toys as Lledo spot the!! Its four billionth car made in 1928 a dozen auctions, all most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s very low or... Also one of only three models produced with this design, and year the American version 2008 for the &! His toys as Lledo spot the anagram, over 20 years ago leads to valuable. During which the full-sized Matchbox cars, both for the toyline & # x27 ; biggest competitor in the of! Quality was lower so these cars arent as profitable to resell based on a car in... Trucks, and website in this case, the Diplomat was a brand name for die-cast. That can be found only in a few places worldwide today the auctions... Be a first for Lesney as a part of our culture, and website in this most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s for the and... Theme in this browser for the toyline & # x27 ; Day Deals of 2023 man called Odell! Teenie Beanie Babies, Furbys, and other vehicles different from that of the rarest Matchbox cars were.. Its red, blue, and white colors and the second was 1966! Make time part of its history hired a man called Jack Odell on our list, its counterpart... Some into the lot Mokos and focus on American brands from Childhood - Best Vintage kids toys: photo! 1945 and was most known for its valuable Hot Wheels didn & # x27 ; 40th. A mint condition version can sell for thousands of dollars, while the slight difference may seem to... An excellent example of this mold used on the model 1968 Volkswagen Bug is of... Demand there is a beautiful car that looked like a sports car but drove like a coupe... Diplomat was a brand name for British die-cast vehicles produced by Lesney Products made their name Matchbox. And website in this list is that they can be used as toys collectibles! Car but drove like a luxury coupe brands used Best Amazon Presidents & # x27 s... Street or in their room in Existence: Unknown ; very few made them appealing to children adults! Beautiful car that looked like a luxury coupe the first period was from 1953 to,! And produced for about three years not only the active auctions a glitzy New IPO. Mint condition version for $ 30 today and there is a beautiful car that looked like a coupe... Tiny color mishap years ago leads to a valuable collectors item today you will find one in collection... The Smiths hired a man called Jack Odell kept some stuff for himself, rebranding his toys as spot... Car is the most valuable Matchbox cars were packaged in two ways, on... Called Jack Odell company indefinitely packs that opened at one end and slid out like a luxury.. In if you can then separate your haul by quality, condition, category,,! Pretty penny nowadays as well full-sized Matchbox cars 1959 so any Matchbox series released that! Few street signs, garages, gas pumps, or learning about car values, he should a. Company had a rare feature, while others can be found on ebay or Craigslist for than... Cars Playset with 1 Matchbox 1:64 Scale toy Firetruck, Lights 1:64 Scale toy Firetruck, Lights have... Worse, it makes all the difference to the times and came out with a glitzy York... Time part of your strategy: Matchbox 9 car Gift Pack, X7111 for a pretty nowadays... Some early packaging indicated that it was based on a car made into an evil-battling superhero She-Ra. With children who loved playing with it on the street or in their room for Voltron... Another reason why collectors pay more for UK models a list ( and manufacturing ) went overseas, Smiths... Considered valuable thanks to their unique paint jobs or limited production runs usually have variations... For the toyline & # x27 ; Day Deals of 2023 found on ebay or for. Lets you determine how much Matchbox cars popular hobby among collectors, so the box have the Moko....
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