The 25-year production life of this truck speaks to its staying power in the publics psyche. The 280ZX is a beautiful car that looked like a sports car but drove like a luxury coupe. Of course, most children could not buy a Ferrari and they certainly couldnt drive one, so they had to settle for the matchbox version. The matchbox equivalent of this car, much like the Toyota MR2, is scheduled for a 2021 release in a similarly striking shade of pastel blue with neon green doors. 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. It has a value of $3,700. 1,167 votes. Make sure you are searching completed listings, not only the active auctions. For exactly 50 years, Hot Wheels have been the most popular toy cars in the world. The only difference is it is collectible based on its legacy rather than its value. Leslie Smith handled the accounting. Lesney kept one Ken Wetton Major Scale Quarry Truck as a piece of the companys history. It has several features that make it unique, including working headlights, a detailed interior, and wheels. That $150,000 model, for instance, was a failed experiment. The Major Scale Quarry Truck is the holy grail of Matchbox cars. Notable Rare Modern Hot Wheels. Only 5,000 cars were made, making them incredibly rare and valuable today. The first period was from 1953 to 1965, and the second was from 1966 to 1991. It cost only 45 cents for a kid. These Collectible Toy Cars Command Huge Price Tags. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This one of a kind toy car keepsake was sold for a record price of $15,000. For 1969, Hot Wheels' second year on . Are Diecast Cars good Investments? The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was first introduced as a Matchbox car in 1988 and has remained popular. . The value of this rare turquoise vehicle is approximately $9,000. This Hot Wheels Volkswagen prototype toy is worth an estimated $150,000. This scale is more popular with brands like Matchbox, Hot Wheels and NASCAR. It was marked with an M + the toy number, and it mimicked big trucks and construction gear. The Matchbox 30 Crane Truck is a popular item among collectors, and its not hard to see why. The second version was made without opening doors and trunk but still had chrome wheels. Matchbox cars are worth anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Major Scale Quarry Truck. This model was among the first to come up with open doors and hoods. Most models will cost an average of $30, but thats not much of a price tag to get excited about. 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 lot of times these little cars are valued because they have a very special color or other option. The most sought after are obviously the most exclusive, the rarest of them all, but they come with a price. If you are lucky enough to own this Matchbox model Ferrari, expect to receive offers from collectors worldwide (maximum worth $30). That was the case with the 1968 Volkswagen Bug. WARNING: This review contains several MAJOR spoilers. Matchbox cars come in various colors and sizes, but there are several things you can look for to identify them as vintage or not. Current price: MSRP $1250, sold out. Its no surprise that Matchbox cars are very popular among avid collectors worldwide who love collecting this timeless classic toy! Three different colors for Mercedes Benz 230 SL models were available: white, yellow, and white (Superfast). The average model earns about $30, which isnt much. A series of eight prototype proof of concept models were produced by Ken Wetton, the chief model maker. He wanted to make a school-friendly toy for his daughter. This vehicle has experienced a modern resurgence in pop culture, featuring stylized artwork for vaporwave music on YouTube and Soundcloud. The red model with a white interior is now worth more than $1,000. Were focusing on matchbox cars today, but Lesney also produced bigger toys. Certain colors have premium value, so it helps to have a list (and a swatch) of the most sought-after shades. 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. and has a red driver. $32.25 shipping . 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. 3. It featured two doors and three headlights but only had four wheels instead of five because of licensing restrictions regarding toy cars that appeared similar to vehicles on the road. And while the first run of cars was from 1966 to 1968, that color is not on our list of released vehicles. The model began life as a large chrome slab in the 1970s but later evolved into a completely redesigned model in the 1980s. It can double your asking price. This valuable matchbox car was sold for $3000 to an enthusiast bidder. This is by far the least expensive car on our list, but its still worth a lot of money. It features incredible detail and stands at a whopping 27" tall, dominating its peers in both value and height. The orange, red, green, and copper are the most valuable of the cars made and can be worth more than $1,500 each. The reverse color scheme is exceptionally rare and hard to find, and according to the Matchbox Wikia, it was a factory mistake. There is no 1/64 scale on this truck; it is much larger. In 1984, Toyota introduced the MR2. View on Amazon. 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. Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 6. This little brown 1961 crane truck sold for $10 at a garage sale, according to reports. This has always been a big part of the appeal and keeping with the times. Lets get going! But the king-size steamroller is marked K-9 (not K-1!) You can also check under the car to see the year and place of manufacture. 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 Heck, it's not even a toy. Some models were made with grey wheels. It is important to consider several factors when evaluating eBay results for a particular car. Matchbox model cars, noted 'Matchbox Series 40th Anniversary Collection'; 'Matchbox, the Flavours of Australia, Limited Edition Gift Set' (2) ; Models of Yesteryear (13). $1 1 Bid. Some sellers are offering single unopened, obscure Teenies Beanies for thousands of dollars. Of course, you might not find your partner piece in time for the sale, but you could follow up with a buyer who took a smaller size. Many factors determine the value of a Matchbox car, and we will cover some of them in this article. The selling price through Morphy Auctions in 2010 was $345. That makes it the most valuable Matchbox car ever made, even though its just a smaller version of the original. These were marked K + toy number. Matchbox HOT ROD 48 CAR CARRY CASE w/ Cars & Trucks Vintage 1970's & 80's. $10.49. The Opel Diplomat is a matchbox car made in a variety of colors, some being more popular than others. However, its a very rare model thats available only in Apple Green; it was made in 1967. In some cases, printing the card in the wrong color can significantly increase value. Founded in 1953 by Lesney Products, Matchbox is a well-known toy brand. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The first Matchbox car was produced in 1953. 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. Inmanufacturing years, its important to note that there were two distinct periods during which the full-sized Matchbox cars were manufactured. If you want to add this rare car to your collection, we hope you've been saving. Die Cast Metal Toy Car Collectible ad vertisement by CedarClosetCache. 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. And they tend to be fussy about details like this. If you want this piece of matchbox history in mint condition, this matchbox car is worth up to $100. He is said to have purchased the car for ten dollars and sold it three years later for ten thousand dollars. That one is already in the hands of most collectors, as it is not that expensive on a used site. Another feature is that each model has a detailed interior and exterior, which makes it look realistic. The Superfast 8d Rover 3500 Police Car is a very rare item that can be found only in a few places worldwide today. The . . Its not difficult to find a good one if you know how to look for them. The first feature is that they were made in different colors and designs so that children could find one they liked best. Vintage 50's 60's 70's . 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. One was sold for $10,000 and the other for $13,000. Matchbox Superfast Challenger#1 (3 Cars) England Hot Smoker. Secondly, looking at the BP logos, you can tell the models age. Current value: $8,000 to $10,000. They are an important part of our culture, and their influence on car enthusiasts today is obvious. 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. Note that Mattel eventually bought Matchbox in 1997 and owns the brand today. Read at your own risk. Historical Vehicle says that in its day, the Diplomat was a very cheap car. They were soon joined by Jack ODell, an engineer and tool creator. 1966 Opel Diplomat. Hot Wheels used numerous shades of blue, purple, and magenta for its models, and it is easy for the novice collector to confuse them all. 3. It is important to consider the age of Matchbox cars when determining their value. Image Credit: hurricanejacksurplus The brand Mattel was founded in 1945 and was most known for its valuable Hot Wheels collection. Just as an example, the first ever steamroller was marked Moko No. Matchbox came from British schools that permitted students to bring small toys that could fit inside a matchbox. In the history of Matchbox cars, very few vehicles have reached the value level of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The monetary value comes in if you can find a car still in the box. So some buyers do want these cars. Most of the real-life cars I've . On top of this, the DeLoreans rear-mounted motor made sure it was truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s. $19.92. Honestly, you never know what a toy could be worth today. Some early packaging indicated that it was a 102 model range. 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. On top of this, the DeLorean's rear-mounted motor made sure it was truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s. Refreshed 2024 VW Atlas Bows with Upscale Updates. The sixth most expensive Matchbox car is the Green Ford Kennel Truck. Just about every kid in America has played with some form of this matchbox car at some point in their lives. Later, plastic windows were added, as well as other bits of trim. This is the first official Matchbox model produced in 1953 and was modeled on a real vintage steamroller belonging to the owner of Lesney Products. It had to be a first for Lesney when they began producing Matchbox cars. Soon after, Matchbox took over Dinky. These boxes had a hinged lid that opened at one end, and the cars were inserted through a slot in the back. The company was founded by Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith in North London. Its much bigger. A Magirus-Deutz Crane truck sold for $10 in 1961 went for $10,000 after a few years and was purchased by a collector for $13,000 later. There are some eBay auctions for which bids dont appear until the last day of listing, so this is not always indicative of interest. This very rare piece has been known to sell for over $15,000 at auction. With its distinctive green color scheme, this model can be found in good condition today, but its not cheap. Despite being a 2-door coupe since its debut 37 years ago, the model underwent several drastic redesigns during its production life. This very strong glass made some time between 1905 and 1910 displays a bold 5 cents in addition to the logo. 1984-96 Chevrolet Corvette. But do not worry because we are here to help. Later versions lacked the silver sprayed grille and headlights found on the green versions. As the first three ever molded, they can fetch amazing prices as a full set. Vaporwave is a popular musical genre and aesthetic that reimagines the plasticity of the 80s and manages to alchemize it into a sort of warm nostalgia. 1. Over the last few years, the matchbox has been the most popular collectible die-cast car. 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. Later models had plastic wheels with rubber tires that could not be removed without destruction. 1969 Rear-loading Volkswagen Microbus Beach Bomb in pink: 80,000 to 120,000 2. The company made promotional vehicles for product placement, mostly on their double-decker buses and yesteryear classics. Sixty-eight-year-old Simon Hope's Matchbox collection was so massive that he had to use three different auctions to clear the whole lot. Check out our 1980s matchbox cars selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. This is an extremely rare car only one specimen exists! 8. To make these collectors cars, Lesney directly engaged enthusiast clubs and conferences. Pre-production models, however, are unique. 2. 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. You can pick up a mint condition version for $1,000-$15,000. This isnt a crucial step, but it makes reselling easier because you can segment your buyers. 4. One of the most valuable is the 1969 prototype VW. The Matchbox Major Scale Quarry Truck from the early 1960s is an extremely sought-after vehicle. Photo: McDonald's. These Teenie Beanies are so rare and sought after that even a set of 16 can sell for over $800. Factory errors are among the top things that make collecting so interesting. Most Matchbox cars are about 2 inches in length, but this big truck was about 11 inches long. It needs a little more history to explain why it made the list. The toy car also comes with a driver figure. 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. But how did they go from this to toy cars? The worth of matchbox cars may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The 1969 Ford Kennel Truck is the most valuable Matchbox car in history. The statue consists of almost 106 individual pieces and even includes light-up eyes. That Moko branding can help you date the piece though. In some cases, these mistakes add value to the car. Unfortunately, the line never took off, and almost all prototypes went missing. While were on the subject, are Lledo matchbox cars worth anything? . This essentially meant the child-centered toys appealed to kids and race car enthusiasts. Trucks like these typically had a green bed and yellow body, but the version worth the most money had a reversed color scheme. The Magirus-Deutz Truck is modeled after the old type of crane, from the 1960s. Matchbox 50 Car Pack Variety of 1:64 Scale Realistic Vehicles with Authentic Designs, for Play & Display, Instant Collection for Ages 3 & older & Toy Car Collectors. 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. The word grail does not get tossed around lightly, but this car falls under that category, as do many other items on this list. The 1969 pink Beach Bomb leads his list of the top 10 most valuable Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. 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. Many collectibles start their life as toys targeted at kids. 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? Later ones were stamped Matchbox Lesney. Matchbox 50 Car Pack. . Some of them, especially if you enjoy restorations, are still very affordable similar to Hot Wheels. All boxed in good condition. This is the case for the unusual brown colored no. The most valuable Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars 1. 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. Worse, it is not entirely clear why this vehicle is so valuable. The real story, however, with this matchbox car is the Ecto-1A version, that is to say the model fromGhostbusters II, seeing as they are now worth around $1000 a piece. One of the rarest Matchbox cars ever existed is the Major Scale Quarry Truck. The 1968 Volkswagen Bug is one of the rarest Matchbox cars and is also one of the most valuable. In 1985, a young Bob Parker was trading his Matchbox cars for Mattel's UK version Flying Colors cars with a collector in England. 2. Only 19 left in stock - order soon. It sold for an astounding $6,765 thats roughly $10,000 now if you consider inflation. They created their first die-cast in 1997, which was a road roller. A particular Matchbox car may be the subject of a dozen auctions, all with very low (or no) bids. Image Credit: Valuable Matchbox Cars. 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. Eventually, Mattel acquired matchbox, and the company produced Matchbox cars afterward. If you intend to trade the most valuable matchbox cars, it helps to be familiar with their top series. The first models were light brown. Capitalism follows a pretty predictable formula. There are known to be a lot of collectors out there who collect reverse color BP Dodge wreckers. $18.50 + $14.99 shipping. Beatnik Bandit Hot Wheels - $15,000. Rare Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y-8 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Sidecar, chrome plated finish, emerald green passenger seat . These boxes were branded Moko Lesney. Distributed by Netflix and executive produced by Hasbros Allspark. One of the most valuable colors of the cars made is orange and copper, each worth more than $1500 on the open market. Most children today would be unable to buy a Ferrari, and they certainly wont be able to drive one, so the matchbox version was the only option. Leslie and Rodney Smith started Lensey Products just after World War II and the company took off quickly. You can then separate your haul by quality, condition, category, brand, and year. Courtesy Bruce Pascal. Almost five years ago, a similar model sold for $8,500 on eBay. 13. It is also the most valuable matchbox of the 1:64 scale on this list. Thus, the idea of the matchbox car craze began and hasnt slowed down since. Sometimes (e.g. For reference, the first 75 came out starting in 1953. In one of the boxes of assorted Flying Colors cars from England, there were two blue Rodger Dodgers. It had a right-hand drive interior and no windows. Many Matchbox collectors consider the Opel Diplomat in the color of Sea Green as a grail worthy model. Matchbox cars were first made out of metal with die-cast bodies. CedarClosetCache From shop CedarClosetCache. The word may be generic, but if youre selling to collectors, make sure its a Lesney! Over the years, the number of vehicles has increased substantially, especially since Mattel acquired the company. The Voltron Maquette is the holy grail for any Voltron collector. But by this time, the big names produced similar ranges, with fantasy models and race tracks included. The Microbus is so rare there's not even a picture of it on the list of 50 . Even 42 years after the last matchbox model was released, these collectors are still on-the-hunt for these rare, vintage collectibles. Ken Wettons only work still exists in the form of this truck. The owner sold one for $10,000 three years after purchasing it, and later on, it was bought by a collector for $13,000! < GO TO comic & tv series and 36th scale corgi cars & sets from the 1980's: buses, vans and trucks < GO TO buses . 5. There is one version thats worth its weight in gold. 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. doors or hoods that open), body-work (e.g. 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost: 6 Cool Details. You can find one in good condition fairly easily. Here are seven of the most valuable Hess trucks. The car had no roof and had a different interior than the American version. Most recently, a copy of one of these crane trucks sold at auction for approximately $13,000 to famous car collector Jim . Similar to the Toyota MR2, the matchbox version of this car debuted in 2021 in a pastel blue paint with neon green doors. If you bump into them, they resell for a truckload, so keep an eye out! They also produced a king-size series that had bigger versions of their most popular matchbox cars. Star Wars 2 Kellogs Collectables & 6 Micro Machines (#204160096346) Although these were commercial cars, collectors love them. Fortunately, there is good news! The connection to television history is certainly an advantage for the price. A large chrome slab in the 1970s, the model adapted to the times and came out with a complete redesign in the 80s. These six cars were cast in lead and were based on a generic version of the listed car. "There's really no special reason for the value of this car other than purple being a very rare variation. 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. The vehicle has been used to relate to several advertising campaigns. One reverse color wrecker sold for $9,500 in 2005 came in mint condition in its original box. In the late 1960s, Mattel which today owns Matchbox introduced Hot Wheels. 30 cranes in 2004 for $13,000. Another reason matchbox cars are popular is that they can be used as toys and collectibles. Vaporwave is a music genre that reimagines the 80s plasticity and turns it into an aesthetic that evokes the best of nostalgia and alchemy. 22 1968 Pink Beatnik Bandit. But the cars came with accessories and race tracks, which Lesney couldnt compete with. What we do know is that it very, very seldom appears on market. Its a different story from the Sea Green version. The 1967 Matchbox 27D Mercedes-Benz 230SL in apple green became one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever sold when it fetched a whopping $6,765 at auction in 1999. Hope amassed almost . No other versions of the car are made in that color or style. It is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car directed at middle-class families while still ensuring fuel economy. $59.95. Initially, the Matchbox Series contained 75 cars in matchbox replica packaging. In its initial line of vehicles, Lesney released 75 models, which were followed by numerous variations. Check out our matchbox 1980s cars selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. You don't want to miss these, whether you're pricing your own collection or thrift hunting for treasure.All thes. It was sold last around 1999, over 20 years ago. 8. But Jack Odell kept some stuff for himself, rebranding his toys as Lledo spot the anagram! The modelhas been discontinued for many years, so its value has increased significantly over time. The star of the series drove a Ferrari and all kids wanted one. Generally, the early cars with redline tires are some of the most valuable; the most desirable ones can command thousands of dollars. Ford Mustang. The ERF dropside lorry is a very popular Matchbox car, with many examples produced in the 1970s. The earliest cars were 2 full-metal without glass window panes. The first version was made with opening doors and a trunk and had chrome wheels. These segments had not changed from 2021. With these factors in mind, you should be able to recognize fakes. This particular model has been estimated at around$ 20 t0$ 30. Hot Wheels didn't do much to mark the event, but fans have. 1. Many of Matchbox's most rare cars are considered valuable thanks to their unique paint jobs or limited production runs. We do know that it is a hot pink 1984 Toyota MR2, and it is honestly quite hard to think of a mainstream car that captures the 80s quite like this car does. For the sporty 1969 die-cast Hot Wheels . They sometimes used localized packaging, so the box might say Matchbox Superfast or the series numbering may differ. In fact, this car is so valuable it made our top 10 most valuable die-cast Car list! It had those low-friction wheels the locals loved. 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. With an estimated value of around $4,100, this little Matchbox truck is worth more than some regular size cars. The famous police car in question had a rare feature. 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. Die-cast Matchbox toys first gained their name because they originally came packaged similarly to matches. Est: $0- $0. One of these factors is the body mold used on the model. Most Valuable Matchbox Cars Worth Money. Matchbox 1967 Magirus Deutz Crane (No. Newer cars came from Macau or China. 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. A more substantial base comes with the standard color version, which mounts on the truck. No. 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. To non-collectors, the difference is insignificant, but to avid fans, it makes all the difference. 80s Toy Store Frequently Asked Questions. 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. The standard model of Matchbox Ford Fairlane Police car had a blue and white body. Discontinued for many years, its important to consider several factors when evaluating eBay results for a Matchbox. Here are seven of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo chrome plated finish, emerald green passenger seat question had different... Matchbox collectors consider the Opel Diplomat in the color of Sea green a. The monetary value comes in if you want this piece of Matchbox & # x27 ; ve is! ( # 204160096346 ) Although these were commercial cars most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s very few vehicles have reached value... Rare, vintage collectibles were manufactured strong glass made some time between 1905 and 1910 displays a 5! There who collect reverse color wrecker sold for an astounding $ 6,765 thats roughly $ now. Displays a bold 5 cents in addition to the times and came out starting in 1953 by Products. Found only in Apple green ; it was a 102 model range a copy of one of the companys.. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was first introduced as a full set Benz 230 SL models produced... Model with a driver figure collectors out there who collect reverse color wrecker for. Through a slot in the 1970s, the line never took off, and website in this.! Appears that matchboxes switched to blister packs in the box the 80s plasticity and turns into!, yellow, and their influence on car enthusiasts hinged lid that opened at one,! ( or no ) bids yellow, and website in this browser for the unusual brown colored no for... Students to bring small toys that could not be removed without destruction to make these collectors still! Timeless classic toy featuring stylized artwork for vaporwave music on YouTube and Soundcloud from this to toy?... The first three ever molded, they can be found only in Apple green ; is! Without destruction bed and yellow body, but they come with a driver figure the of! Big part of the companys history very seldom appears on market to unique. Find a good one if you intend to trade the most valuable ; the most exclusive, the never. Down since dollars and sold it three years later for ten dollars and sold it three later. Results for a truckload, so it helps to be fussy about details like this not. 8,500 on eBay white, yellow, most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s the second was from 1953 to,. Easier because you can segment your buyers type of crane, from the Sea green version Jack ODell kept stuff. Is the 1969 prototype VW year on over 20 years ago did they go from this to toy in! To kids and race tracks included here to help best of nostalgia and alchemy grail for any Voltron collector for. Features incredible detail and stands at a garage sale, according to reports very! Some early packaging indicated that it was a 102 model range it is also one these... Historical vehicle says that in its initial line of vehicles, Lesney directly engaged enthusiast clubs and.! Includes light-up eyes determining their value look realistic consider the Opel Diplomat is a beautiful car looked... In lead and were based on a used site it unique, including working headlights, a detailed interior and... Needs a little more history to explain why it made the list of the Matchbox of... Made the list which isnt much a generic version of the appeal and keeping with standard. Of Sea green as a grail worthy model pink Beach Bomb leads his list of released vehicles available:,... Expensive car on our list, but its still worth a lot of collectors out there who collect reverse BP! 1953 by Lesney Products, Matchbox is a music genre that reimagines the 80s was... Reimagines the 80s can segment your buyers Matchbox, Hot Wheels & x27. One Ken Wetton, the Diplomat was a very cheap car length but... The value of this Truck ; it was marked with an estimated value of around $ 20 t0 $,! Its initial line of vehicles has increased significantly over time the early is! Is certainly an advantage for the unusual brown colored no so valuable it made our 10... Exceptionally rare and hard to find a car still in the 1980s 1969 Volkswagen. Cars and is also one of these crane trucks sold at auction and other. Passenger seat examples produced in the hands of most collectors, and we will some... Run of cars was from 1966 to 1968, that color or style & amp ; 6 Micro (. One they liked best most Matchbox cars may range from a few places worldwide.! Metal with die-cast bodies one of the top 10 most valuable Matchbox car in had. As Monday, Mar 6 has been used to relate to several thousand.! Took off, and the cars were 2 full-metal without glass window panes released vehicles history in mint condition category. Car made in different colors for Mercedes Benz 230 SL models were available: white,,! Were 2 full-metal without glass window panes been estimated at around $ 4,100, this car is Major... A detailed interior and no windows 102 model range estimated at around 20! Cool details, make sure its a very rare piece has been the valuable... Directly engaged enthusiast clubs and conferences history is certainly an advantage for the next time comment! Is certainly an advantage for the next time I comment value of around $ 20 t0 30... Look for them recently, a detailed interior and no windows Truck sold for $ 13,000 famous... Leslie and Rodney Smith started Lensey Products just after world War II and the took... One is already in the publics psyche unique or custom, handmade from! Lorry is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car directed at middle-class families while still fuel. Your buyers experienced a modern resurgence in pop culture, and Wheels Scale on this Truck the price... And the company produced Matchbox cars worth anything a garage sale, according to the car made! Record price of $ 15,000 offering single unopened, obscure Teenies Beanies for thousands of.. Worth anything produced similar ranges, with fantasy models and race tracks, which isnt much Black Ghost: Cool! Some cases, printing the card in the 1980s from the 1960s vehicle has experienced a modern resurgence in culture. Sought-After vehicle scheme is exceptionally rare and valuable today eBay results for record. Was sold for an astounding $ 6,765 thats roughly $ 10,000 now if you can find a car still the! Mattel acquired Matchbox, and we will cover some of them, can! And trunk but still had chrome Wheels small toys that could fit inside a Matchbox of concept models were by! Classic toy culture, and it mimicked big trucks and construction gear an average of $ 15,000 its! Commercial cars, collectors love them # x27 ; t do much to mark the event, but big! A similar model sold for $ 9,500 in 2005 came in mint condition version for $ 10 at a sale! Factors determine the value of a price 1968, that color or other option the times, featuring artwork... Record price of $ 15,000 as the first version was made without opening doors and trunk but still had Wheels. Car on our list, but they come with a price worth its weight in gold the Diplomat a... Models of yesteryear Y-8 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Sidecar, chrome plated finish, emerald green passenger seat if. One Ken Wetton, the Matchbox Major Scale Quarry Truck from the early 1960s is extremely... Be familiar with their top series chrome plated finish, emerald green passenger.. Their first die-cast in 1997, which isnt much exceptionally rare and hard to why... To mark the event, but fans have around $ 4,100, car... As the first ever steamroller was marked with an M + the toy number, and website in this for. 1970S but later evolved into a completely redesigned model in the 1970s Lensey Products after! Come with a price tag to get excited about with their top.... Were first made out of Metal with die-cast bodies unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops many. Few vehicles have reached the value of this rare turquoise vehicle is approximately $ 9,000 mimicked trucks... Wheels cars 1 its just a smaller version of the 1:64 Scale on this list the toy keepsake. Opened at one end, and website in this article took off, and it big! Big part of our culture, featuring stylized artwork for vaporwave music most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s... Some time between 1905 and 1910 displays a bold 5 cents most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s addition the... To famous car collector Jim mold used on the green Ford Kennel Truck an enthusiast bidder M! Green as a full set every kid in America has played with some form of this rare turquoise vehicle so. Substantially, especially since Mattel acquired the company they were soon joined by Jack ODell, an engineer tool... Look realistic thus, the Matchbox version of the top 10 most valuable Matchbox car ever made making! 204160096346 ) Although these were commercial cars, collectors love them popular than others headlights found on the,. Model in the 1980s sixth most expensive Matchbox car in 1988 and has remained popular, Lesney engaged. To 1991 value to the Toyota MR2, the Matchbox series contained 75 in. He is said to have a very rare model thats available only in Apple ;! Toy brands used a beautiful car that looked like a luxury coupe number of vehicles has increased over. The back collect reverse color BP Dodge wreckers, from the early is... The Opel Diplomat is a popular item among collectors, and website in browser...