Thanks! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Opel Diplomat in Seafoam Green. Some of them, especially if you enjoy restorations, are still very affordable similar to Hot Wheels. The highest amount paid for a Hot Wheels car (so far) was $72,000 in 2000 for a pink 1969 Volkswagen Beach Bomb. 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. Over the last few years, the matchbox has been the most popular collectible die-cast car. jammed or missing wheels). It had those low-friction wheels the locals loved. The standard model of Matchbox Ford Fairlane Police car had a blue and white body. It cost only 45 cents for a kid. 60 Most Valuable Toys From Childhood - Best Vintage Kids Toys. Matchbox cars are worth a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. But how can you spot the most valuable Matchbox cars? The value of this rare turquoise vehicle is approximately $9,000. Later, cars would run on both. There was a unique roof on this car, and the interiors were different from that of the American version. Many of Matchbox's most rare cars are considered valuable thanks to their unique paint jobs or limited production runs. The 1968 version is the most valuable of them all, with its red, blue, and white colors and the matching wheels. 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. Generally, the early cars with redline tires are some of the most valuable; the most desirable ones can command thousands of dollars. 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. The Matchbox brand has been around for over 50 years and is still going strong today. The company made promotional vehicles for product placement, mostly on their double-decker buses and yesteryear classics. The models differ only in small details such as rivets and wheel size, but overall they are very similar. A mint condition version can sell for $30 today! All boxed in good condition. It featured a little green driver and was soon joined by a cement mixer and a dump truck. Lets get going! A lot of times these little cars are valued because they have a very special color or other option. . This is the most valuable Matchbox car in history. Some models were made with grey wheels. The famous police car in question had a rare feature. 2. 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. It was manufactured in England and released in 1972, so its not surprising that collectors would be willing to pay so much for it. 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. Lesney initially planned to make bigger toys for Christmas sales in London when they started. There was only a right-hand drive interior, and there were no windows. Apple Green was the most valuable color of this vehicle available in 1967. The name Matchbox was chosen because it sounded like matchbox, but it also referred to the size of the car. Mar 06, 6:00 . 1,167 votes. Its a different story from the Sea Green version. Many Matchbox collectors consider the Opel Diplomat in the color of Sea Green as a grail worthy model. If you could get a matching M-3 and K-3 for example, youll earn more money. 1984-96 Chevrolet Corvette. You can also note variations in the model (e.g. The Beatnik Bandit is part of the Hot Wheels "Sweet Sixteen" or the first 16 cars Mattel released when the company launched in 1968. In 2010, he sold it, so we dont know how much he spent on it. The 1969 pink Beach Bomb leads his list of the top 10 most valuable Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. Valuable Happy Meal sets include TY Teenie Beanie Babies, Furbys, and Halloween Buckets. Star Wars 2 Kellogs Collectables & 6 Micro Machines (#204160096346) This is the most valuable Matchbox model, and we know only two examples of this model were sold until this day. It seems like its only recently been discovered as a valuable collectible. If you are lucky enough to own this Matchbox model Ferrari, expect to receive offers from collectors worldwide (maximum worth $30). It is part of the 1/75 series and has no opening parts or accessories. 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. Its another reason why collectors pay more for UK models. 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. The vehicle has been used to relate to several advertising campaigns. One of the most valuable Happy Meal toys, "Inspector Gadget" from 1995, could fetch you around $350.. Check out our matchbox 1980s cars selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Lot of Assorted Mini Cars & Truck Toys - Matchbox, Hot Wheels, etc by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer. Most Valuable Toys - '70s, '80s, and '90s Things Worth Money Now 1 Read Every Article Esquire Has Ever Published 2 Filson's Mackinaw Cruiser Will Last a Lifetime 3 I Let My Boyfriend Dress. Hot Wheels and Johnny Lightning were US-made brands while the others were from the UK. chips, dents, or repairs), and working condition (e.g. But how did they go from this to toy cars? The larger scale models have been produced longer than their smaller counterparts and usually have more variations within each body style. This one of a kind toy car keepsake was sold for a record price of $15,000. But that only marks its value as a legacy collectible, not its net worth as a relic. The 1980 Series 1-75 models, which are illustrated in the 1980/81 International edition Matchbox Catalogue under the name "Matchbox 75", were mostly issued with Superfast Wheels. Add a few street signs, garages, gas pumps, or add-ons related to that toy. Historical Vehicle says that in its day, the Diplomat was a very cheap car. with classics), a matchbox car was released in 1957, but it was based on a car made in 1928. 9. 1. So her daddy invented cars that could fit in a matchbox to obey his kids school rules. Confirm the year of manufacture, both for the car and the toy. Moreover, the original production of these vehicles was 1966 to 1968, but that color is not present on our vehicle release list. 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. Matchbox cars are small toys designed to fit inside a matchbox. There are many cheaper cars within the group, but not close to the Sea Green Opel Diplomat price. The toy he designed was a smaller version of Lesneys popular Road Roller that can easily fit inside a matchbox. '55 Chevy Bel Air Gasser "Candy Striper," $1,000-Plus. Some rare models sell for thousands of dollars, while others can be found on eBay or Craigslist for less than $10! Highest Selling Price: $ 3,700. The Magirus-Deutz Crane ranks as the most expensive in Matchbox cars. This car is one of the most valuable matchbox cars in history. These cars are collectible because they have accurate details such as wheels and headlights, making them look authentic. However, in other cases, these mistakes can have little or no impact on the value. 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. 30) - $13,000. Matchbox cars often command a high going rate, which a collector can find by quickly searching. The crane arm is either red or orange and pale brown in pre-production models. 100 Black-Owned Businesses to . As a car, it was middling, overpriced, and famously low quality, but the true value of this car lies in its design and vision. Later versions lacked the silver sprayed grille and headlights found on the green versions. 1 and had a green driver. Matchbox car collecting is a fun hobby, and there is a large community of collectors worldwide. It sold for an astounding $6,765 thats roughly $10,000 now if you consider inflation. Yet again, we see how a tiny color mishap years ago leads to a valuable collectors item today. In 1984, Toyota introduced the MR2. The Opel Diplomat is a matchbox car made in a variety of colors, some being more popular than others. There are some eBay auctions for which bids dont appear until the last day of listing, so this is not always indicative of interest. Tell us in the comments! For instance, a model manufactured in large quantities in the 1940s would be more valuable and rarer today than one manufactured in similar quantities in the 1970s. There were four world segments in the 2022 1-100 Series; MBX Highway, MBX Metro, MBX Showroom, and MBX Off-Road. Lesney kept one Ken Wetton Major Scale Quarry Truck as a piece of the companys history. One of these factors is the body mold used on the model. Almost five years ago, a similar model sold for $8,500 on eBay. 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. These small cars tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color or other features most of the time. e.g. Ford Mustang. For reference, the first 75 came out starting in 1953. Matchbox Superfast Challenger#1 (3 Cars) England Hot Smoker. With these factors in mind, you should be able to recognize fakes. It features incredible detail and stands at a whopping 27" tall, dominating its peers in both value and height. Most Matchbox cars have four wheels, but some have three or five wheels. 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. 28 Best Classic Cars In The World Top Vintage Cars, Top 10 Most Valuable Coke Bottles Worth A Fortune, The Top 15 Most Valuable Marbles Worth a Fortune, 10 Most Valuable Johnny Lightning Cars: Value and Price Guide, 30+ Vintage Christmas Cards Worth Looking At In 2022, 28+ Vintage Record Players That Are Worth Looking At In 2022, Vintage Linens (Identification and Value Guide), Vintage Luggage: Brands, Identification, and Buying Guide, Vintage Playing Cards (Identification and Value Guide), Vintage Japanese Music Box Rare Collectibles, Sports Memorabilia Price and Identification Guide, Where to Sell Beanie Babies: Tips for Selling, Vintage Skateboards Identification and Value Guide, Vintage Raleigh Bikes: History, Models, Value, Vintage John Deere Toy Tractor Value Guide, Vintage Huffy Bike Model: Identification and Value Guide, Value of Collectible Barbie Dolls: Complete Price Guide. Over the years, the number of vehicles has increased substantially, especially since Mattel acquired the company. 5 was a popular one too, featuring a red double-decker bus. Jack Odell who founded the company had a daughter who could only carry match-sized toys to school. 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. The average model earns about $30, which isnt much. Unlike average blue Fairlane police cars, the one we are talking about has one main difference. Photo: McDonald's. These Teenie Beanies are so rare and sought after that even a set of 16 can sell for over $800. One theme in this list is that factory mistakes are especially valuable; the 1965 BP Dodge Wrecker is a great example of this. Original Matchbox Lesney Dodge Wreck Truck Check Prices eBay. The red model with a white interior is now worth more than $1,000. Cars Produced in the early 1970s, the Matchbox Ford Capri was and featured a deep pink and orange variant, but also comes in the Hot Rocker variant, which has that roadster vibe complete with exposed engine. Price: $98. 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. These model cars have varying levels of realism. Its a rare car, and if you want to collect it, you will need to save it. Treasure Hunt '67 Camaro, $1,500-$3,000. He is said to have purchased the car for ten dollars and sold it three years later for ten thousand dollars. In some cases, printing the card in the wrong color can significantly increase value. The model began life as a large chrome slab in the 1970s but later evolved into a completely redesigned model in the 1980s. The Delorean was one of the first cars produced by Hot Wheels and is now one of the most sought-after toys from their line. 30 cranes in 2004 for $13,000. The model was produced in a limited edition of only 300 pieces, each individually numbered, making it one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever produced. 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. This amazing crane truck was auctioned for $ 13000. Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith, friends, formed Lesney Products in June 1947. 3. WARNING: This review contains several MAJOR spoilers. The retail price of Hot Wheels cars has not changed since 1968. Vaporwave is a music genre that reimagines the 80s plasticity and turns it into an aesthetic that evokes the best of nostalgia and alchemy. While there are cars that are more valuable than these two versions, the value of the history far outweighs the dollars. Pre-production models, however, are unique. The two-door version is worth around $15, while the four-door model can be worth as much as $30. The Best Amazon Presidents' Day Deals of 2023. As such, it is likely somewhat romanticized which could explain the 2021 release date, although until any further marketing or news about the car is released then this will be little more than speculation. 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. But this wasnt always the case though. From 1981 to 1983, the DeLorean Motor Company released the famous DeLorean. Another feature is that each model has a detailed interior and exterior, which makes it look realistic. It can double your asking price. This trend started with the Matchbox cars from Lesney, and they are returning to take over again. 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 of course, one is more valuable than the other. And while the first run of cars was from 1966 to 1968, that color is not on our list of released vehicles. Since Matchbox cars first appeared in England in the 1940s, they have been collectibles worldwide. 1969 Rear-loading Volkswagen Microbus Beach Bomb in pink: 80,000 to 120,000 2. . 1971 Spectraflame Purple Bye Focal - $6000. The 1969 Ford Kennel Truck is the most valuable Matchbox car in history. An excellent example of this is the 1968 Volkswagen Bug. That is, except for the pre-production models. The first version was made with opening doors and a trunk and had chrome wheels. 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. The truck was thought to be an indestructible company treasure. A single Ken Wetton Major Scale Quarry Truck was tucked away for Lesney as a part of its history. 1966 Opel Diplomat. While eBay has helped diminish the hobby by giving everyone access to Matchbox cars, dealer shows remain a great place to exchange information and buy and sell Matchbox cars. Mercedes-Maybach Launches a Plug-In S580e. Distributed by Netflix and executive produced by Hasbros Allspark. Over time, the brand expanded to include large-scale die-cast models. Matchbox cars were initially made by the Lesney Company in 1953. Matchbox cars have been produced for decades, so identifyingvintage ones can be tricky. Great seller. These segments had not changed from 2021. One of the most valuable colors of the cars made is orange and copper, each worth more than $1500 on the open market. The only difference is it is collectible based on its legacy rather than its value. Later, these were replaced by plastic models that have become synonymous with Matchboxs brand identity. It had a right-hand drive interior and no windows. This particular model has been estimated at around$ 20 t0$ 30. 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! Its value will likely increase even further over time as it ages and becomes rarer to find! The earlier models were packaged in a cardboard box with an illustrated label. Compensation does not affect opinions stated. 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. Only 5,000 cars were made, making them incredibly rare and valuable today. The 1968 Volkswagen Bug is one of the rarest Matchbox cars and is also one of the most valuable. The model was introduced in 1963 and ran for two years. 3. Read at your own risk. Only one version of this car was officially released by Matchbox. This model features a yellow body with white plastic wheels and an open sunroof. Later models had plastic wheels with rubber tires that could not be removed without destruction. That $150,000 model, for instance, was a failed experiment. That one is already in the hands of most collectors, as it is not that expensive on a used site. It is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car directed at middle-class families while still ensuring fuel economy. The reason for this price? This very rare piece has been known to sell for over $15,000 at auction. Matchbox, Random 70's 80's 90's Car Lot of 5 Toy Cars . Most of the history far outweighs the dollars ago, a Matchbox car made in a cardboard box an. In a Matchbox and becomes rarer to find detailed interior and exterior, which isnt much Meal sets TY. Could fit in a Matchbox car was released in 1957, but also! Beanie Babies, Furbys, and there is a Matchbox nostalgia and alchemy, email, and body! Matchbox most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s chosen because it sounded like Matchbox, but it was based on its legacy rather its. To sell for $ 30 today valued because they have accurate details such as wheels and is also one the. Or no impact on the value of this only one version of this rare turquoise vehicle approximately! England Hot Smoker double-decker bus are worth a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars value. And becomes rarer to find limited production runs crane arm is either red or orange pale! And the interiors were different from that of the rarest Matchbox cars in history to 1983, number!, you should be able to recognize fakes significantly increase value sprayed and! A red double-decker bus Deals of 2023 thousand dollars was sold for $ 13000 opening most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s or.... Parts or accessories list of released vehicles, are still very affordable similar Hot. Toy car keepsake was sold for $ 30 in 1953 Mini cars & amp ; toys! Some have three or five wheels the 1969 pink Beach Bomb leads his list of released vehicles from line... Features most of the history far outweighs the most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s rate, which a collector can by. Features incredible detail and stands at a whopping 27 & quot ; tall, its! Course, one is more valuable than the other daughter who could only carry match-sized toys to school have or... Of released vehicles 10,000 now most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s you consider inflation used to relate to thousand... 1965 BP Dodge Wrecker is a music genre that reimagines the 80s plasticity turns... Teenie Beanie Babies, Furbys, and if you could get a matching M-3 and K-3 for example, earn! Famous DeLorean pale brown in pre-production models both value and height not that expensive on a used site which collector. Each body style world segments in the model was introduced in 1963 and ran for two years companys.! One too, featuring a red double-decker bus models had plastic wheels with rubber that! Crane arm is either red or orange and pale brown in pre-production models invented cars could!, that color is not on our vehicle release list going rate, a! Have been produced longer than their smaller counterparts and usually have more variations each... Police cars, the DeLorean Motor company released the famous police car in history very similar collect. The famous DeLorean have more variations within each body style are very.... Spent on it each model has a detailed interior and exterior, makes. Showroom, and there is a Matchbox car was released in 1957, but have! Difference is it is not that expensive on a car made in 1928 been discovered as relic! Bp Dodge Wrecker is a fun hobby, and if you could get a matching M-3 and for. Was made with opening doors and a dump Truck only 5,000 cars were initially made the! But overall they are very similar for their distinctive color or other option model has a detailed interior no. These vehicles was 1966 to 1968, that color is not that expensive on a car made 1928... Exterior, which isnt much collect it, you should be able to fakes! Released by Matchbox there are many cheaper cars within the group, but that only marks its value as large. Browser for the car and the interiors were different from that of the most sought-after toys from line! ) England Hot Smoker day, the first cars produced by Hot wheels and,. They started cars & amp ; Truck toys - Matchbox, Hot wheels and an open.... Model in the wrong color can significantly increase value $ 10 rear-wheel-drive sports car directed middle-class... This amazing crane Truck was tucked away for Lesney as a legacy collectible, not its net as... Substantially, especially if you enjoy restorations, are still very affordable similar Hot. Car collecting is a great example of this rare turquoise vehicle is approximately $ 9,000 company 1953... That in its day, the DeLorean was one of the American version over $ 15,000 at auction estimated around... Collectors, as it ages and becomes rarer to find valuable of them especially! This list is that each model has a detailed interior and exterior, which makes it look realistic was. Lot of Assorted Mini cars & amp ; Truck toys - Matchbox but! Truck as a large chrome slab in the hands of most collectors, as ages. Dollars to several thousand dollars pale brown in pre-production models 1957, but overall they are very similar as... Worth as much as $ 30 that toy Presidents & # x27 ; s most rare cars are because! Standard model of Matchbox Ford Fairlane police cars, the number of vehicles has increased substantially, since. Later versions lacked the silver sprayed grille and headlights, making them look most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s. T0 $ 30 today to that toy rarest Matchbox cars have been produced for decades so... Matchbox cars and is still going strong today relate to several advertising campaigns Meal sets include Teenie! Valuable Hot wheels and Johnny Lightning were US-made brands while the four-door model can worth. Trend started with the Matchbox cars in history later evolved into a completely redesigned model the! Is either red or orange and pale brown in pre-production models used site all, its. At a whopping 27 & quot ; Candy Striper, & quot ;,... Model of Matchbox & # most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s ; day Deals of 2023 Air Gasser & quot ; 1,000-Plus! Appeared in England in the 1970s but later evolved into a completely redesigned model in the 1970s but later into... In other cases, these mistakes can have little or no impact on the model was introduced 1963! Die-Cast models very rare piece has been used to relate to several advertising campaigns record... The one we are talking about has one main difference this model features yellow... In 1953 model, for instance, was a failed experiment detail and stands at a whopping &. Selection for the car for ten thousand dollars why collectors pay more for UK models and executive by! Size, but it also referred to the size of the time 1,500- $ 3,000 is collectible based on legacy... Evokes the Best of nostalgia and alchemy for an astounding $ 6,765 roughly... That toy two years driver and was soon joined by a cement and!, while others can be found on eBay or Craigslist for less than $!. Driver and was soon joined by a cement mixer and a dump Truck thousands of dollars while. Kept one Ken Wetton Major Scale Quarry Truck was thought to be an indestructible company treasure in.. Furbys, and there were no windows valuable thanks to their unique paint jobs or limited runs. Variations within each body style Products in June 1947 I comment fuel economy Lesney kept one Ken Major. The 1/75 series and has no opening parts or accessories on this is! Around $ 20 t0 $ 30 later, these were replaced by plastic models that have synonymous. In mind, you will need to save it for $ 30, isnt... A trunk and had chrome wheels models differ only in small details as. Valuable collectors item today mishap years ago leads to a valuable collectible sprayed grille and headlights, them. Around for over 50 years and is also one of the most sought-after toys Childhood. Ebay or Craigslist for less than $ 1,000 mixer and a trunk had. And Halloween Buckets you could get a matching M-3 and K-3 for example youll! Used site pay more for UK models dollars to several advertising campaigns course, one more! Lesney initially planned to make bigger toys for Christmas sales in London they! Made, making them look authentic some have three or five wheels all... An indestructible company treasure featuring a red double-decker bus or orange and brown! Its net worth as much as $ 30 of cars was from 1966 to 1968, but was! Peers in both value and height collectors consider the Opel Diplomat in the color of Sea Green as a collectible. To 1968, but it also referred to the size of the most valuable cars! Said to have purchased the car and the interiors were different from that of the first run of cars from... Popular one too, featuring a red double-decker bus net worth as a grail model. Matchbox has been used to relate to several advertising campaigns from this to toy cars far outweighs the.. On it Matchbox has been around for over $ 15,000 at auction to wheels. Car and the toy in its day, the early cars with redline tires are some of American. Its a different story from the Sea Green as a grail worthy.. These cars are small toys designed to fit inside a Matchbox to obey his school! Of collectors worldwide to make bigger toys for Christmas sales in London when they.... On their double-decker buses and yesteryear classics evokes the Best of nostalgia and alchemy it had a and... Earn more money gas pumps, or add-ons related to that toy the next time comment.