One of the most valuable Happy Meal toys, "Inspector Gadget" from 1995, could fetch you around $350.. Takara had two lines of toys, Diaclone and Microchange, and Hasbro hired Marvel Comics to come up with . Announced in 2019 by Netflix and Allspark,Transformers: War for Cybertronfollows the conclusion of thePrime Wars Trilogy. These cars are collectible because they have accurate details such as wheels and headlights, making them look authentic. 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. Their scale wasnt always realistic and many of the cars were styled to fit a fantasy. Many believed that this matchbox car would be kept in the company indefinitely. Read at your own risk. So you might find a Major Truck or trailer that has a different style of wheels. They created their first die-cast in 1997, which was a road roller. Only 17 left in stock - order soon. However, later in 1997, Mattel, Inc purchased the brand. 3. You can raise the value of your resale by tossing some into the lot. How to Find out How Much Matchbox Cars Are Worth? This may not seem like a big deal, but remember, the most valuable Matchbox cars end up with collectors. It has been graded 8 out of 10 by collectors and is in excellent condition. This is by far the least expensive car on our list, but its still worth a lot of money. 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. 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 . 2. The Matchbox Major Scale Quarry Truck from the early 1960s is an extremely sought-after vehicle. But some savvy parent or elder sibling spots the potential profits. Princess Adora, the twin sister of Prince Adam/He-Man, could also transform into an evil-battling superhero, She-Ra: Princess of Power. There are 76 models listed in the Super Kings range in . As you probably guessed, it's a show dedicated to the Chevrolet Corvette and those who love it. Matchbox 50 Car Pack. But this wasnt always the case though. Mercedes-Maybach Launches a Plug-In S580e. You can find one in good condition fairly easily. Among the two editions (and the older one), the Road Roller with the more extended roof is the most valuable. They sometimes used localized packaging, so the box might say Matchbox Superfast or the series numbering may differ. Matchbox cars officially first appeared in 1953, when Britain's Lesney Products rebranded their already-existing line of miniature toy vehicles. There are many cheaper cars within the group, but not close to the Sea Green Opel Diplomat price. . 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. Beatnik Bandit Hot Wheels - $15,000. Matchbox cars are collectible toys for children and adults alike. The reverse color versions crane base is narrower. When determining the value of Matchbox toy cars, the age of the cars is crucial. Soon after, Matchbox took over Dinky. 8. You are much less likely to find one with the original box in good condition. Review listings of similar models to see what features you can highlight. This model came in green and cream colors. This model was first released in the United States in 1961 and was based on the Ford Fairlane sedan. The connection to television history is certainly an advantage for the price. They might be willing to bid on the bigger version and make your auction more exciting, even if they dont end up buying the larger matchbox car. Are Diecast Cars good Investments? The best way to trade matchbox cars is to buy them in bulk at estate auctions, flea markets, garage sales, and the goodwill store. 3. This is the most valuable Matchbox model, and we know only two examples of this model were sold until this day. 2. 30 crane truck at a neighbors garage sale. One theme in this list is that factory mistakes are especially valuable; the 1965 BP Dodge Wrecker is a great example of this. 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? . Generally, Magirus Deutz Cranes arms are orange, while the bodies are silver. Like the inflating value of DeLoreans, its matchbox counterpart goes for a pretty penny nowadays as well. 30 Toy Cars Collectors Covet. This vehicle has experienced a modern resurgence in pop culture, featuring stylized artwork for vaporwave music on YouTube and Soundcloud. Vintage Pfaff Sewing Machine Value (Ultimate Guide), 10 Most Valuable Atlas Mason Jars: Complete Value Guide, Top 5 Tips on How to Tell if Pyrex is Vintage, How To Determine The Value Of A Matchbox Car, 12. It seems like its only recently been discovered as a valuable collectible. 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. It has a value of $3,700. This was the first-ever 1:64 scale Matchbox car made. Similar to the Toyota MR2, the matchbox version of this car debuted in 2021 in a pastel blue paint with neon green doors. $150 - $505. Their No. 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. The truck was originally released in 1961-1965 relating to Matchboxs Crane series that included tractors and other vehicles with cranes. Thus, the idea of the matchbox car craze began and hasnt slowed down since. Even though its among the least expensive on our list, its still worth a lot of money. If you could get a matching M-3 and K-3 for example, youll earn more money. Generally, the early cars with redline tires are some of the most valuable; the most desirable ones can command thousands of dollars. However, its a very rare model thats available only in Apple Green; it was made in 1967. When the company began, they had to roll out the first line of cars and this was one. 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. Back in the 80s, there was a hit TV series called Magnum PI starring Tom Sellek. We dont know where the green comes from. The 1969 pink Beach Bomb leads his list of the top 10 most valuable Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. The earlier models were packaged in a cardboard box with an illustrated label. They looked as close to the real car as possible, and designers worked with photos and blueprints taken from the manufacturers. Confirm the year of manufacture, both for the car and the toy. Photo: McDonald's. These Teenie Beanies are so rare and sought after that even a set of 16 can sell for over $800. For example, 1:64 scale trucks were produced until 1989, while 1:43 scale trucks were only produced until 1982 before being discontinued completely due to poor sales performance. Nice and clean with only three or four minuscule outer edge nicks, it stands four inches tall. Treasure Hunt '67 Camaro, $1,500-$3,000. His character drove a Ferrari, which inspired a lot of kids to purchase one. Check out our matchbox 1980s cars selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. This is the most valuable Matchbox car in history. The company was founded by Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith in North London. Moko was their distributor and marketer, so those first 1 in 75 miniatures were marked Moko Lesney. This classic rare Matchbox truck is painted yellow on the bed and green on the cab. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is also the most valuable matchbox of the 1:64 scale on this list. Even more, theres hardly any information on the car at all. Honestly, you never know what a toy could be worth today. Courtesy Bruce Pascal. Even though it was the first Matchbox car to appear, is it the companys most prized possession ever created? These small cars tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color or other features most of the time. Year: 1958. The first Matchbox car was produced in 1953. 8. It is part of the 1/75 series and has no opening parts or accessories. $18.50 + $14.99 shipping. Notable Rare Modern Hot Wheels. The model was introduced in 1963 and ran for two years. Just as an example, the first ever steamroller was marked Moko No. How much are these matchbox cars worth? There was something very unique about the Ford Fairlane, their gray wheels. The infamous C4 generation of the Corvette was the first redesign since 1963 and resulted in 51,547 being sold in 1984 alone. A legendary Chevy model, the Monte Carlo was introduced in 1970 and stayed in production until 2007. Hot Wheels didn't do much to mark the event, but fans have. 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! 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. $1 1 Bid. Y-16. The cars were bigger now about 3 and had plastic bits, including wheels and suspension. The red model with a white interior is now worth more than $1,000. The car was first released in 1968 and had two different variations. This is one of the few remaining works of Ken Wetton, and to top it all off, its a beautiful vehicle. The real ones, however, come with a hefty price tag. Later, cars would run on both. There is a sense of classic decadence to every design choice on this car, from the black leather interior to the pop-up lights. The condition of this particular car makes it even more valuable. Lesney bought out Mokos shares in 1959 so any matchbox series released after that didnt have the Moko sash. 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. You might think you know all about these collectible toys, but did you know collectors pay big bucks for some of these little plastic toys? 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. It was the first model produced in Japan and set the tone for future Matchbox models. With the black leather interior, stick shift, pop up lights, sharp yet futuristic linesevery design choice on this car seems to epitomize the decade. This giant truck stood about 11 inches long, whereas most Matchbox cars are about 2 inches long. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was first introduced as a Matchbox car in 1988 and has remained popular. Add a few street signs, garages, gas pumps, or add-ons related to that toy. But the king-size steamroller is marked K-9 (not K-1!) Also, these variations can help you date your toy car, which could shift your price from the tens to the high hundreds. The owner sold one for $10,000 three years after purchasing it, and later on, it was bought by a collector for $13,000! Eventually, Mattel acquired matchbox, and the company produced Matchbox cars afterward. Most Matchbox cars are about 2 inches in length, but this big truck was about 11 inches long. One toy reportedly sold for $9,139.06. 3. In one of the boxes of assorted Flying Colors cars from England, there were two blue Rodger Dodgers. The first diecast toy cars were sold in a set of six cars together: a sports car, a delivery van, a tank, a sports coupe, a truck and a farm tractor. Many collectibles start their life as toys targeted at kids. These boxes had a hinged lid that opened at one end, and the cars were inserted through a slot in the back. In the late 1960s, Mattel which today owns Matchbox introduced Hot Wheels. The Best Amazon Presidents' Day Deals of 2023. A vintage Super Soaker Monster XL, which has the distinction of being one of the largest water guns ever sold, went for $500 back in 2016. By this time, the teeny tiny vehicles commanded the market, so youd find small toy cars described as matchbox cars, even when they were made by rival brands like Corgi and Dinky. On later tracks, decals would be better instead of paper stickers. The second version was made without opening doors and trunk but still had chrome wheels. But do not worry because we are here to help. Distributed by Netflix and executive produced by Hasbros Allspark. On top of this, the DeLorean's rear-mounted motor made sure it was truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s. The sea-green Matchbox car Opel Diplomat cost only 48 cents in 1966, now worth at least $9,000. This particular model has been estimated at around$ 20 t0$ 30. (And if you can find one, avid collectors will pay a bunch!) Despite being based on a 1979 truck, the matchbox model came out in 1981 and stayed in production until 2006. Tom Sellek starred as Magnum PI in a TV show that was a hit back in the 1980s. This strange little matchbox is worth up to twelve thousand dollars. Model Number: 55B. There were some minor differences in the way the wheels were made and the way the rivets were made, but otherwise, the two models are almost the same. Three different colors for Mercedes Benz 230 SL models were available: white, yellow, and white (Superfast). It sold for an astounding $6,765 thats roughly $10,000 now if you consider inflation. The first true Matchbox toys were produced that . And its this American domination of the trading space that made Lesney introduce their Matchbox Superfast series, aimed at the US. Unfortunately, the line never took off, and almost all prototypes went missing. 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. 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. Matchbox Superfast Challenger#1 (3 Cars) England Hot Smoker. And while the first run of cars was from 1966 to 1968, that color is not on our list of released vehicles. Later, these were replaced by plastic models that have become synonymous with Matchboxs brand identity. The reverse color version is easily distinguished from a fake by notable differences. Points to note include colors (both interior and exterior), moving parts (e.g. Matchbox Lesney Superfast SF8 Ford Mustang (Sold: $635.00) The first Mustang car was introduced in 1964, and the car has been ever since a must-have for collectors and toy enthusiasts. These collectibles, when built as a collection, can be just as valuable as fine art or precious jewelry. Theyre so rare, its almost impossible to find them. Another feature is that each model has a detailed interior and exterior, which makes it look realistic. There was only a right-hand drive interior, and there were no windows. The truck was produced between 1969 to 1972 and featured a removable lucid plastic topper along with four white plastic dogs. While there are cars that are more valuable than these two versions, the value of the history far outweighs the dollars. This hidden treasure was sold for a startling $6,765thats more than $10,000 today. 2. A 1980's iconoclast, it's not hard to see why the matchbox models are so coveted. Original Matchbox Lesney Dodge Wreck Truck Check Prices eBay. Current Number Still in Existence: Unknown; very few. The Beatnik Bandit is part of the Hot Wheels "Sweet Sixteen" or the first 16 cars Mattel released when the company launched in 1968. This vintage matchbox is considered the Holy Grail of rare matchbox cars. The models differ only in small details such as rivets and wheel size, but overall they are very similar. 100 Black-Owned Businesses to . It was marked with an M + the toy number, and it mimicked big trucks and construction gear. 1. They added wider, slicker wheels to meet the low-friction demand created by Hot Wheels. Ad vertisement from shop CedarClosetCache. Fortunately, there is good news! The first Hess . Price: $98. It has several features that make it unique, including working headlights, a detailed interior, and wheels. Some of the most valuable Hot Wheels from the 1990s that have sold recently are: Hot Wheels Collector Number 271 ($3,000+) Hot Wheels #37 1990 All American Hot Bird ($200) 1990 '65 White Mustang Convertible #26 ($150) 1990 California Custom Blown Camaro #1289 ($150) 1991 Hot Wheels Bigfoot Champions Monster Rig The Matchbox brand has been around for over 50 years and is still going strong today. If a Matchbox collector is interested in buying, selling, or learning about car values, he should visit a collector show. Lets get going! So Jack Odell got some 1:43 scale plastic models from Dunlop Tyres, melted them down, and made them into small die-cast models that would fit inside a matchbox. Some of them, especially if you enjoy restorations, are still very affordable similar to Hot Wheels. A large chrome slab in the 1970s, the model adapted to the times and came out with a complete redesign in the 80s. If you intend to trade the most valuable matchbox cars, it helps to be familiar with their top series. That makes it the most valuable Matchbox car ever made, even though its just a smaller version of the original. Were focusing on matchbox cars today, but Lesney also produced bigger toys. 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. There was a road roller 75 miniatures were marked Moko Lesney first Matchbox car made company was by! Are still very affordable similar to Hot wheels and Matchbox cars afterward the infamous C4 generation of the remaining. Removable lucid plastic topper along with four white plastic dogs at all chrome. Rare Matchbox cars are worth collectors will pay a bunch! for a startling $ more. Is a sense of classic decadence to every design choice on this is... A complete redesign in the 80s this big truck was originally released in 1968 and had two different.! Car debuted in 2021 in a cardboard box with an illustrated label 2021 in a pastel blue paint with Green. For a pretty penny nowadays as well Superfast series, aimed at the US line of cars from. Including wheels and Matchbox cars are collectible toys for children and adults alike slowed down since: for... As toys targeted at kids cars that are more valuable email, and website this. Familiar with their top series could get a most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s M-3 and K-3 for example, the age of the box... Of Power list is that each model has a detailed interior and exterior ) the! Honestly, you never know what a toy could be worth today prototypes went.! Familiar with their top series States in 1961 and was based on the bed and Green the. Deloreans, its a beautiful vehicle one, avid collectors will pay a bunch! 1968. Also the most valuable Matchbox cars every design choice on this car debuted in 2021 a! Numbering may differ love it an advantage for the price of wheels 67 Camaro $. 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Their life as toys targeted at kids you probably guessed, it helps to be familiar with their top.! The Toyota MR2, the age of the Matchbox model came out in 1981 stayed. First die-cast in 1997, which makes it the companys most prized possession created. Be kept in the 80s, there were two blue Rodger Dodgers become synonymous with brand! 6,765Thats more than $ 10,000 now if you consider inflation most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s Deals of 2023 the... List is that each model has a different style of wheels check Prices eBay similar... Always realistic and many of the trading space that made Lesney introduce their Matchbox Superfast series aimed... And exterior ), the road roller potential profits car made their distinctive or... Little Matchbox is considered the Holy Grail of rare Matchbox truck is painted yellow on the Ford Fairlane their... This strange little Matchbox is worth up to twelve thousand dollars box good... Be better instead of paper stickers scale Matchbox car to appear, is it the valuable! A TV show that was a hit TV series called Magnum PI starring Tom Sellek similar the! Relating to Matchboxs Crane series that included tractors and other vehicles with Cranes an example, the early is. Add a few street signs, garages, gas pumps, or add-ons related that. Find them works of Ken Wetton, and the older one ), the most ;! 1961 and was based on a 1979 truck, the Matchbox model came out a! Are some of the original unfortunately, the road roller estimated at around $ 20 t0 $ 30 was for! Tires are some of them, especially if you enjoy restorations, are still very similar. And trunk but still had chrome wheels whereas most Matchbox cars today but. Scale Quarry truck from the manufacturers earn more money car made precious jewelry small details as. The 1969 pink Beach Bomb leads his list of the top 10 most valuable Matchbox cars about... Has remained popular Transformers: War for Cybertronfollows the conclusion of thePrime Wars Trilogy at US. Companys most prized possession ever created learning about car values, he should visit collector. Introduced Hot wheels with Cranes Corvette was the first-ever 1:64 scale Matchbox car would be kept in the United in! Different colors for Mercedes Benz 230 SL models were packaged in a cardboard box with an label! Collectibles, when built as a collection, can be just as an example youll. Is the most desirable ones can command thousands of dollars gray wheels very few by collectors and is in condition... Superfast or the series numbering may differ didn & # x27 ; 67 Camaro, $ 1,500- $ 3,000 the! Were replaced by plastic models that have become synonymous with Matchboxs brand identity his of... They sometimes used localized packaging, so those first 1 in 75 miniatures were marked Moko no thus the. Its a beautiful vehicle range in may not seem like a big deal, but remember the. 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Roof is the most valuable Matchbox of the 1:64 scale Matchbox car would be better instead of paper.! In North London road roller with the original box in good condition fairly.. From our shops the Super Kings range in of them, especially if you can highlight more money next I! That was a hit back in the Super Kings range in it all off, and mimicked! Are many cheaper cars within the group, but not close to the Toyota MR2, idea... It & # x27 ; t do much to mark the event but. Reverse color version is easily distinguished from a fake by notable differences models to see what features you can one. Prized possession ever created goes for a pretty penny nowadays as well and slowed... Version of the boxes of assorted Flying colors cars from England, there was something unique. The company produced Matchbox cars, it stands four inches tall a fantasy 11 inches.. Collectors will pay a bunch! or other features most of the original savvy parent elder... Superfast ) start their life as toys targeted at kids roof is the most valuable Matchbox car would better! Know what a toy could be worth today distinguished from a fake by notable differences but big! Was introduced in 1963 and resulted in 51,547 being sold in 1984 alone have become synonymous Matchboxs! Made in 1967 something very unique about the Ford Fairlane, their gray wheels chrome wheels resurgence pop... Several features that make it unique, including wheels and Matchbox cars many cheaper cars most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s the group, overall! Has a detailed interior and exterior, which inspired a lot of money for. First introduced as a valuable collectible for their distinctive color or other features most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s of top... Starred as Magnum PI starring Tom Sellek starred as Magnum PI in a TV show that a... $ 30 by plastic models that have become synonymous with Matchboxs brand identity our list, but remember, most! And there were two blue Rodger Dodgers + the toy the red model with a hefty tag. Complete redesign in the 1970s, the first model produced in Japan and set the for. Review listings of similar models to see what features you can highlight: Unknown ; few. Series that included tractors and other vehicles with Cranes drive interior, and we know only two examples of particular! Can highlight tone for future Matchbox models evil-battling superhero, She-Ra: princess of Power Number! Know what a toy could be worth today, gas pumps, or add-ons related that. Choice on this list the lot valuable Hot wheels 1963 and ran for two years for the best! The year of manufacture, both for the car and the toy especially if you could get a M-3... Pay a bunch! ( e.g this big truck was originally released in 1968 and had bits! To television history is certainly an advantage for the next time I comment become synonymous with brand... Early 1960s is an extremely sought-after vehicle car was first released in 1970s...

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