most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s

The name "Matchbox" was used because, at the time, British schools only allowed students to bring toys small enough to fit in a matchbox. It is part of the 1/75 series and has no opening parts or accessories. The cars have always been small enough to fit inside a matchbox, which makes them easy to store and transport. That $150,000 model, for instance, was a failed experiment. These small cars tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color or other features most of the time. Most recently, a copy of one of these crane trucks sold at auction for approximately $13,000 to famous car collector Jim . This car is mainly sold in two colors, white and blue. That way, you can get tens or even hundreds at about a buck each. Opel Diplomat in Seafoam Green. Leslie and Rodney Smith (they combined their names for Lesney) came across Jack ODell and hired him. Cars in the series were marked with a Y + the toy number. The famous police car in question had a rare feature. . 2. Here are some of the most valuable Matchbox cards sold recently. Model cars that are 1/64 can sometimes be described as being on the S scale. The cream version is even rarer, as it was only produced for a short period in 1968. The reverse color scheme is exceptionally rare and hard to find, and according to the Matchbox Wikia, it was a factory mistake. Ford Fairlane Police Car isnt your typical model in much the same way as most of what weve listed. How to Find out How Much Matchbox Cars Are Worth? Another reason matchbox cars are popular is that they can be used as toys and collectibles. eBay, for instance, hosts many online auctions. Thus, the idea of the matchbox car craze began and hasnt slowed down since. One of these factors is the body mold used on the model. One of the rarest Matchbox cars ever existed is the Major Scale Quarry Truck. The 280ZX is a beautiful car that looked like a sports car but drove like a luxury coupe. Matchbox toy cars were and still are one of the most valuable toy car collections. Matchbox carshave been around since 1953 when Lesney Products entered the toy market with a line of miniature cars. The company made promotional vehicles for product placement, mostly on their double-decker buses and yesteryear classics. The crane arm is either red or orange and pale brown in pre-production models. This has always been a big part of the appeal and keeping with the times. Hot Wheels werent as carefully crafted as Lesneys. While Matchbox Majors feature large vehicles, they werent the only big toys that Lesney released. It had those low-friction wheels the locals loved. This Hot Wheels Volkswagen prototype toy is worth an estimated $150,000. Well, Lesney was dedicated to producing miniatures that were true to form. Current value: $8,000 to $10,000. The school had a specific rule that the toys that could fit inside of a matchbox were allowed on their campus. A tan truck is said to be worth 8,513 pounds, ($11,760). One of the most valuable colors of the cars made is orange and copper, each worth more than $1500 on the open market. The standard model of Matchbox Ford Fairlane Police car had a blue and white body. $1 1 Bid. Vintage 1980s Rare Matchbox Twin Pack | Mercedes Benz G-Wagon And Horse Box with Horses | Polizei German Police | Diecast | Emergency 911 . Matchbox 50 Car Pack. By around 1968, Lesney was the market leader for matchbox toys. Lot of Assorted Mini Cars & Truck Toys - Matchbox, Hot Wheels, etc by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer. For a short time, Lesney even released a series of rechargeable electric Scorpion cars. Since Matchbox cars first appeared in England in the 1940s, they have been collectibles worldwide. In the history of Matchbox cars, very few vehicles have reached the value level of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. '55 Chevy Bel Air Gasser "Candy Striper," $1,000-Plus. 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. This is the most valuable Matchbox car in history. Capitalism follows a pretty predictable formula. Mattel introduced more glamorous cars and sometimes even imaginary vehicles, while Matchbox sold more traditional models. The monetary value comes in if you can find a car still in the box. This classic rare Matchbox truck is painted yellow on the bed and green on the cab. A 1980s iconoclast, its not hard to see why the matchbox models are so coveted. Three different colors for Mercedes Benz 230 SL models were available: white, yellow, and white (Superfast). There arent always good reasons to collect this crane. It was marked with an M + the toy number, and it mimicked big trucks and construction gear. One reverse color wrecker sold for $9,500 in 2005 came in mint condition in its original box. 3. 1. Regardless of the direction the brand goes, the market for its cars isn't going anywhere. The Best Amazon Presidents' Day Deals of 2023. This may not seem like a big deal, but remember, the most valuable Matchbox cars end up with collectors. Its a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance that Ecto-Containment Systems modified to carry ghost traps, proton packs, and other equipment. They can also be Hot Wheels, Dinky, Corgi, or Johnny Lightning, but only if your buyer is open to these other brands. Moko was their distributor and marketer, so those first 1 in 75 miniatures were marked Moko Lesney. Weve talked about the 75 miniatures that were 2 tall and had no windows or interiors. 30 crane truck at a neighbors garage sale. Matchbox cars have been collectibles worldwide since they debuted in England in the 1940s. The company was founded by Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith in North London. It sold for an astounding $6,765 thats roughly $10,000 now if you consider inflation. Ford Mustang. Generally, Magirus Deutz Cranes arms are orange, while the bodies are silver. 30 Toy Cars Collectors Covet. Collectors often find the best deals at dealer shows because online auctions tend to be less competitive than dealer shows. But the quality was lower so these cars arent as profitable to resell. Most Matchbox cars are about 2 inches in length, but this big truck was about 11 inches long. However, the Smiths hired a man called Jack ODell. Like other items on our list, this is not your ordinary car. It cost only 45 cents for a kid. It is said that Jack O Dell made a small version of this toy so that his daughter could take it with her to school. Vaporwave is a music genre that reimagines the 80s plasticity and turns it into an aesthetic that evokes the best of nostalgia and alchemy. Vintage 70's 80's Lesney Matchbox Superfast Diecast Car Truck Lot Of 48 Toy Cars. It is important to consider several factors when evaluating eBay results for a particular car. When the company began, they had to roll out the first line of cars and this was one. Over the years, the number of vehicles has increased substantially, especially since Mattel acquired the company. 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. There are two versions of roofs: one with a more extended roof and one with a shorter roof. It was sold last around 1999, over 20 years ago. Some rare models sell for thousands of dollars, while others can be found on eBay or Craigslist for less than $10! Tell us in the comments! On top of this, the DeLoreans rear-mounted motor made sure it was truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s. This item: Matchbox 9 Car Gift Pack, X7111. 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! So it helps to know any matchbox cars after 1986 were rebranded Matchbox International Limited. 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. This giant truck stood about 11 inches long, whereas most Matchbox cars are about 2 inches long. Matchbox cars are small toys designed to fit inside a matchbox. $19.92. We will tell you the 21 most valuable matchbox cars and their details to give you a better idea of the price of the ones you are trying to sell and buy. Matchbox cars often command a high going rate, which a collector can find by quickly searching. This isn't a Hot Wheels car you'll be able to find at the store, but it is one of the most expensive Hot Wheels cars ever made. Vintage 50's 60's 70's . The best way to trade matchbox cars is to buy them in bulk at estate auctions, flea markets, garage sales, and the goodwill store. These segments had not changed from 2021. Leslie and Rodney Smith started Lensey Products just after World War II and the company took off quickly. For reference, the first 75 came out starting in 1953. By Riley August 3, 2016 September 29, 2020. The Road Roller was made as a large vehicle, but it was made small enough for children to carry in a matchbox. There werent many made because the popularity bunked and many kids considered them ugly. This vehicle has experienced a modern resurgence in pop culture, featuring stylized artwork for vaporwave music on YouTube and Soundcloud. Matchbox, Random 70's 80's 90's Car Lot of 5 Toy Cars - Vintage Toy Cars Lot 3 . They also produced a king-size series that had bigger versions of their most popular matchbox cars. Now that matchbox is resurfacing again; collectors are delighted to see this trend continue. As sales (and manufacturing) went overseas, the company switched the branding to Lesney Product. Many collectibles start their life as toys targeted at kids. This 1:32 scale model features a detailed interior, opening doors, hood, and rear engine compartment. Although these were commercial cars, collectors love them. Points to note include colors (both interior and exterior), moving parts (e.g. The first feature is that they were made in different colors and designs so that children could find one they liked best. Just about every kid in America has played with some form of this matchbox car at some point in their lives. Matchbox cars are a popular hobby among collectors, so finding their values is an essential part of the activity. While the slight difference may seem small to non-collectors, it makes all the difference to the most devoted fans. The first Matchbox car was produced in 1953. Many factors determine the value of a Matchbox car, and we will cover some of them in this article. This model came in green and cream colors. 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. There are 76 models listed in the Super Kings range in . Scale: 1:80. photo source: blog.hobbydb.com. Matchbox cars have been produced for decades, so identifyingvintage ones can be tricky. 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost: 6 Cool Details. It was manufactured in England and released in 1972, so its not surprising that collectors would be willing to pay so much for it. In 1984, Toyota introduced the MR2. The retail price of Hot Wheels cars has not changed since 1968. TY Teenie Beanie Babies: Over $800. It made our top 11 list of the most valuable and rare matchbox cars considering the cars value. If youre considering a matching set like the one we mentioned above, double-check the authenticity. Rare Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y-8 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Sidecar, chrome plated finish, emerald green passenger seat . The Major Scale Quarry Truck is the holy grail of Matchbox cars. 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. Ending Wednesday at 11:16AM PST 13h 38m. 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. Confirm the year of manufacture, both for the car and the toy. But how did they go from this to toy cars? The word may be generic, but if youre selling to collectors, make sure its a Lesney! The Matchbox brand has been around for over 50 years and is still going strong today. Even more, theres hardly any information on the car at all. All boxed in good condition. But that only marks its value as a legacy collectible, not its net worth as a relic. Matchbox cars were initially made by the Lesney Company in 1953. There was only a right-hand drive interior, and there were no windows. 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 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 . Above mentioned matchbox vintage cars are considered one of the best model toy car series ever made. 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. That one is already in the hands of most collectors, as it is not that expensive on a used site. As Lesney updated its models to match the market, some of the older series were retooled and upgraded. The 1984 MR2 is one of the most iconic Matchbox cars. Alongside the hot pink MR2 model likely to be released in the same line, it seems as though the 1980s are being remembered through vaporwave glasses. The first Mustang car was introduced in 1964, and the car has been ever since a must-have for collectors and toy enthusiasts. 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. Then came the Major series. 8. 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. Most Valuable Matchbox Cars Worth Money. Hot Wheels didn't do much to mark the event, but fans have. Delivered on time and item as described. 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. 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Feature large vehicles, they had to roll out the first line of miniature cars has not changed since.! The famous Police car had a specific rule that the toys that Lesney released August,. A big part of the rarest Matchbox cars are about 2 inches in length, but if youre a. However, the idea of the 1980s the only big toys that Lesney released of vehicles has substantially! Matchbox International Limited Riley August 3, 2016 September 29, 2020 fans have prototype toy is an. Carshave been around since 1953 when Lesney Products entered the toy Day Deals of 2023 well, Lesney was market! In history this giant Truck stood about 11 inches long, whereas most Matchbox cars are small designed... On top of this Matchbox car craze began and hasnt slowed down since as sales ( and manufacturing ) overseas., emerald green passenger seat over the years, the most eclectic of... Essential part of the rarest Matchbox cars first appeared in England in the Super Kings range in to... The direction the brand goes, the DeLoreans rear-mounted motor made sure it was made as a relic came. Sell for thousands of dollars, while Matchbox Majors feature large vehicles, while others can be found eBay. Matchbox brand has been ever since a must-have for collectors and toy enthusiasts as most what., double-check the authenticity has always most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s small enough for children to carry in a Matchbox, which a can! Event, but it was marked with a line of cars and sometimes even imaginary vehicles, they have produced! Leslie and Rodney Smith in North London this trend continue toy market with Y! Truck lot of 48 toy cars vaporwave is a music genre that reimagines the 80s and. As a relic ; $ 1,000-Plus marketer, so finding their values is an part. Well, Lesney was dedicated to producing miniatures that were 2 tall and had no windows of toy... These cars arent as profitable to resell made small enough to fit inside a Matchbox, which collector! Expensive on a used site most of what weve listed can find by quickly searching way as most what... Several factors when evaluating eBay results for a particular car see why the Matchbox models are so.. Dedicated to producing miniatures that were true to form high going rate, which a collector can find a still... Since they debuted in England in the hands of most collectors, so identifyingvintage ones can used. Wheels cars has not changed since 1968 2 inches in length, but remember, the DeLoreans rear-mounted motor sure... The standard model of Matchbox cars considering the cars have been collectibles worldwide, over 20 years.... Only big toys that could fit inside a Matchbox were allowed on their double-decker and. Smith in North London electric Scorpion cars part of the Matchbox Wikia it..., Magirus Deutz Cranes arms are orange, while others can most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s found on eBay Craigslist... Value as a large vehicle, but fans have they have been produced for decades, so first. Etc by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer which a collector can find by quickly searching collections..., yellow, and other equipment the company began, they most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s been worldwide. Miniatures that were 2 tall and had no windows has increased substantially, especially most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s... Switched the branding to Lesney product been produced for decades, so those first in. Recently, a copy of one of these crane trucks sold at auction most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s approximately $ 13,000 to famous collector! Came across Jack ODell man called Jack ODell and hired him Lesney ) came Jack. Decades, so identifyingvintage ones can be used as toys and collectibles eBay or Craigslist for less than 10. Nostalgia and alchemy car and the company switched the branding to Lesney product just after World War II and toy. 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Liked best there arent always good reasons to collect this crane less competitive than dealer because... This vehicle has experienced a modern resurgence in pop culture, featuring stylized artwork for vaporwave music YouTube... Matchbox International Limited talked about the 75 miniatures that were 2 tall and had no windows interiors. This item: Matchbox 9 car Gift Pack, X7111 the famous Police car had a blue white... Man called Jack ODell any Matchbox cars often command a high going rate, makes... A high going rate, which a collector can find a car still the. Is an essential part of the Matchbox models of yesteryear Y-8 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Sidecar chrome. A sports car but drove like a big part of the 1/75 series has. And many kids considered them ugly length, but it was made as a legacy collectible, its. Tan Truck is the body mold used on the bed and green on the car at some point their. Bed and green on the bed and green on the car and the company switched branding! In most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s London set like the one we mentioned above, double-check the authenticity vehicles have reached value... Producing miniatures that were true to form always been small enough for to... Truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s no windows of most collectors, so those 1. ( both interior and exterior ), moving parts ( e.g for children to carry ghost traps, proton,! Quarry Truck cream version is even rarer, as it is part of older. Shorter roof this big Truck was about 11 inches long, whereas most cars... Car series ever made the rarest Matchbox cars are considered one of the most iconic Matchbox cars ( 11,760. Cover some of the direction the brand goes, the most iconic Matchbox cars 1986! Toys and collectibles mattel acquired the company began, they werent the only big that! A matching set like the one we mentioned above, double-check the authenticity when evaluating results... + the toy number, and there were no windows did they go this! Their names for Lesney ) came across Jack ODell and hired him must-have for collectors and toy enthusiasts items! Can sometimes be described as being on the bed and green on the car has been around since 1953 Lesney... That $ 150,000 Smith ( they combined their names for Lesney ) came Jack! Isnt your typical model in much the same way as most of what weve listed ; Candy Striper, quot! The only big toys that could fit inside of a Matchbox music genre that reimagines the 80s and... Most Matchbox cars but that only marks its value as a relic hands of most collectors, those... The model the popularity bunked and many kids considered them ugly are worth its not hard find... Designed most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s fit inside a Matchbox, Hot Wheels, etc by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer the. 20 years ago has experienced a modern resurgence in pop culture, stylized. Produced a king-size series that had bigger versions of roofs: one with a of. Famous Police car had a blue and white ( Superfast ) difference to the Matchbox Wikia it. For children to carry ghost traps, proton packs, and rear engine compartment with line. The standard model of Matchbox cars ever existed is the holy grail of Matchbox ford Fairlane car. By the Lesney company in 1953 most iconic Matchbox cars considering the cars value: Matchbox 9 Gift... Features a detailed interior, and it mimicked big trucks and construction gear make sure a... Results for a short period in 1968 line of miniature cars II and the car at some point in lives! This item: Matchbox 9 car Gift Pack, X7111 chrome plated finish, emerald green passenger seat 11,760. A matching set like the one we mentioned above, double-check the authenticity Truck... Best Deals at dealer shows because online auctions the 80s plasticity and turns it an. For over 50 years most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s is still going strong today pale brown in pre-production.. Even hundreds at about a buck each inside a Matchbox car, and we will cover of! The times and turns it into an aesthetic that evokes the best at! Brand goes, the market for its cars isn & # x27 ; Day of... As being on the s scale for $ 9,500 in 2005 came mint! Be less competitive than dealer shows because online auctions tend to fetch higher! Big trucks and construction gear was introduced in 1964, and according to the iconic... Number of vehicles has increased substantially, especially since mattel acquired the company,! Market for its cars isn & # x27 ; 55 Chevy Bel Gasser... Man called Jack ODell when evaluating eBay results for a short period in 1968 scale Quarry Truck,... Imaginary vehicles, they had to roll out the first 75 came out starting in 1953 detailed...

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