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! Bone up on . Another feature is that each model has a detailed interior and exterior, which makes it look realistic. For example, if youre collecting Matchbox vehicles from the early 1960s and find one with factory paint mistakes, it could be worth more than a mint-condition version of the same model. This model was first released in the United States in 1961 and was based on the Ford Fairlane sedan. Most Matchbox cars are about 2 inches in length, but this big truck was about 11 inches long. Looking for a Career with 80s Toy Store? Since 1968, Mattel's Hot Wheels have started a revolution with their fantastic shapes, lively colors, interesting details and features, which made them instant favorites and modern classics. The real ones, however, come with a hefty price tag. This vintage matchbox is considered the Holy Grail of rare matchbox cars. Matchbox Diecast Cars Best Selling 2022 Matchbox Moving Parts 1978 Subaru Brat Die Cast Car (6) $3.50 New Matchbox Diecast Collectible Car (MTL-30782) (50) $1.30 New Matchbox 79391473 1:64 Super Service Center Play Set $34.95 New Matchbox 2019 50th Anniversary Superfast 59 VOLKSWAGEN 23 Microbus (8) $6.89 New Generally, the early cars with redline tires are some of the most valuable; the most desirable ones can command thousands of dollars. The earliest models were marked Moko. In some cases, these mistakes add value to the car. The orange, red, green, and copper are the most valuable of the cars made and can be worth more than $1,500 each. The car molding materials are a clue as well. Die-cast Matchbox toys first gained their name because they originally came packaged similarly to matches. 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. 30 cranes in 2004 for $13,000. In the history of Matchbox cars, very few vehicles have reached the value level of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 2023 80s Toy Store | All Rights Reserved. This is the most valuable Matchbox car in history. One of the most valuable colors of the cars made is orange and copper, each worth more than $1500 on the open market. You can then separate your haul by quality, condition, category, brand, and year. A 1980's iconoclast, it's not hard to see why the matchbox models are so coveted. The Matchbox BP Dodge Wrecker is a 1/64 scale model of a 1960s wrecker truck with a removable tow hook. 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. Honestly, you never know what a toy could be worth today. Secondly, looking at the BP logos, you can tell the models age. 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 highest amount paid for a Hot Wheels car (so far) was $72,000 in 2000 for a pink 1969 Volkswagen Beach Bomb. Leslie and Rodney Smith (they combined their names for Lesney) came across Jack ODell and hired him. It has always been a 2-door coupe, but the models 37-year production life saw it undergo several drastic redesigns. If youre unfamiliar with Matchbox models, three body molds have been used over the years: 1:43, 1:55, and 1:64 scale. 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. TY Teenie Beanie Babies: Over $800. There is no 1/64 scale on this truck; it is much larger. Founded in 1953 by Lesney Products, Matchbox is a well-known toy brand. This can be confusing, so always double-check. 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. Ken Wettons only work still exists in the form of this truck. . In 2010, he sold it, so we dont know how much he spent on it. The first Hess . Year: 1958. Now that matchbox is resurfacing again; collectors are delighted to see this trend continue. There arent always good reasons to collect this crane. This is very uncommon, and according to the Drive, only a few have been found in the color combination of tan with the crimson jib and metal double-hook. As you carefully craft the ads for each toy, try finding the same model in a different size. At this point, manufacturing the toys in the UK stopped making financial sense, so they moved to Macau and later China. Companies are only now utilizing the nostalgia of the 1980s, albeit very delayed and as a limited supply. Ever the engineer, Odell made his daughter a matchbox-compliant cast-brass road roller, which he painted red and green. The reverse color versions crane base is narrower. 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. In 1953, British toy company Lesney Products released a miniature model of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation coach, the company's first best seller. So it may be a good idea to take a thorough look at your car collection, you might be sitting on a golden goose! Vukasin Herbez November 12, 2018. 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. Soon after, Matchbox took over Dinky. The toy did not sell well at first, but after a few months, it became a huge hit with children who wanted to play with their police cars. One of the most valuable is the 1969 prototype VW. The Matchbox brand has been around for over 50 years and is still going strong today. 1. As sales (and manufacturing) went overseas, the company switched the branding to Lesney Product. The 1969 Ford Kennel Truck is the most valuable Matchbox car in history. Well, Lesney was dedicated to producing miniatures that were true to form. When the company began, they had to roll out the first line of cars and this was one. The best way to trade matchbox cars is to buy them in bulk at estate auctions, flea markets, garage sales, and the goodwill store. 5 was a popular one too, featuring a red double-decker bus. 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. e.g. Masters of The Universe: Revelation Debut. 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. The first version was made with opening doors and a trunk and had chrome wheels. From 1981 to 1983, the DeLorean Motor Company released the famous DeLorean. Just as an example, the first ever steamroller was marked Moko No. The name Matchbox was chosen because it sounded like matchbox, but it also referred to the size of the car. Most Matchbox cars have four wheels, but some have three or five wheels. Just about every kid in America has played with some form of this matchbox car at some point in their lives. A lot of times these little cars are valued because they have a very special color or other option. Cars in the series were marked with a Y + the toy number. That one is already in the hands of most collectors, as it is not that expensive on a used site. The 280ZX is a beautiful car that looked like a sports car but drove like a luxury coupe. But the cars came with accessories and race tracks, which Lesney couldnt compete with. A huge one. It was created by Lesney Products, a British company that also produced the successful Corgi model cars. The Beatnik Bandit is part of the Hot Wheels "Sweet Sixteen" or the first 16 cars Mattel released when the company launched in 1968. They made more sales and were played with more, so if you find any to resell, theyre probably well-used and in bad condition. Coke glassware varies greatly and rare, high-quality pieces can fetch top dollar. Matchbox, Random 70's 80's 90's Car Lot of 5 Toy Cars - Vintage Toy Cars Lot 3 . It wasnt until the Matchbox community heard it had been sold to a Japanese collector named Takuyo Yoshise. While were on the subject, are Lledo matchbox cars worth anything? 8. Refreshed 2024 VW Atlas Bows with Upscale Updates. That way, you can get tens or even hundreds at about a buck each. Number Produced: Unknown for sure but believed to be very few. In 1966, Mattel released a 1:75 scale Opel Diplomat car relating to their Matchbox series. So to see a matchbox release for the Ecto-1 in 2010 is a huge win for fans of 1980s matchbox cars, as we get to welcome an absolute icon into the mix. Its a different story from the Sea Green version. 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. Following are the 11 most valuable matchbox cars that you should purchase. The first period was from 1953 to 1965, and the second was from 1966 to 1991. Value: $3,000. 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. Checking recently completed auctions lets you determine how much interest and demand there is. 1. Targeting consumer categories makes your sales faster and more profitable. On later tracks, decals would be better instead of paper stickers. Matchbox cars were initially made by the Lesney Company in 1953. 23 Corvette Stingray With Bloomington Gold 25th Anniversary $225. 1. Besides, because of the large number of matchbox cars available, it is hard to find the right one with a better worth. So just like Barbie, Matchbox cars eventually got accessories (that were sold separately). 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. watch . 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. Later, cars would run on both. The car was made to look like a police car with its blue and white bodywork and an orange roof light that glowed when it was turned on. Lesney initially planned to make bigger toys for Christmas sales in London when they started. Great seller. Worse, it is not entirely clear why this vehicle is so valuable. Matchbox cars often command a high going rate, which a collector can find by quickly searching. With sporty racing rim wheels and flamboyant designs, they were faster and flashier than Matchboxes. Regardless of the direction the brand goes, the market for its cars isn't going anywhere. Announced in 2019 by Netflix and Allspark,Transformers: War for Cybertronfollows the conclusion of thePrime Wars Trilogy. With a hot pink MR2 model anticipated in the same line, it seems like vaporwave glasses will be the thing to remember the 1980s version. The Matchbox Major Scale Quarry Truck from the early 1960s is an extremely sought-after vehicle. 1971 Spectraflame Purple Bye Focal - $6000. Vintage Racing John Morton BRE Datsun 510, $700-$1,500. 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. Apple Green was the most valuable color of this vehicle available in 1967. Its no surprise that Matchbox cars are very popular among avid collectors worldwide who love collecting this timeless classic toy! They created their first die-cast in 1997, which was a road roller. If you intend to trade the most valuable matchbox cars, it helps to be familiar with their top series. So heres one way to maximize profit. 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. . Leslie and Rodney Smith started Lensey Products just after World War II and the company took off quickly. 9 Worth Every Dollar: 1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition. But how can you spot the most valuable Matchbox cars? There are 76 models listed in the Super Kings range in . Most Valuable Matchbox Cars Worth Money. A mint condition version can sell for $30 today! Also, speaking of Mattel, the Hot Wheels line of cars is often considered a valid matchbox car by collectors and enthusiasts heads up! Later ones were stamped Matchbox Lesney. 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? Later, plastic windows were added, as well as other bits of trim. 28 . For Lesney Matchbox cars, these took the form of regional models with localized advertising. The earlier models were packaged in a cardboard box with an illustrated label. It had a right-hand drive interior and no windows. $22.53 shipping. As you probably guessed, it's a show dedicated to the Chevrolet Corvette and those who love it. 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 Trucks like these typically had a green bed and yellow body, but the version worth the most money had a reversed color scheme. If you are looking for the Metallic Gold version of the Opel Diplomat, you shouldnt have a problem finding it. 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They can also be Hot Wheels, Dinky, Corgi, or Johnny Lightning, but only if your buyer is open to these other brands. Die Cast Metal Toy Car Collectible ad vertisement by CedarClosetCache. Facing a crisis, the firm introduced its "Superfast" line with racing wheels and slicker designs in 1969, ending what is known as "the regular wheels" era, Mack says. Matchbox Toys - History. The cars have always been small enough to fit inside a matchbox, which makes them easy to store and transport. If you have one in your collection, you should be proud of yourself! The only difference is it is collectible based on its legacy rather than its value. The first models were 1/64 scale and included Matchbox trucks, buses, and racing cars. Lesney cars started out small and got bigger by the decade, so thats one way to date them. Care Bears are one of the most iconic 80s properties out there. That way, you can get tens or even hundreds at about a buck each. Check out our matchbox 1980s cars selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. View on Amazon. This trend started with the Matchbox cars from Lesney, and they are returning to take over again. Here are seven of the most valuable Hess trucks. It can double your asking price. The 1969 pink Beach Bomb leads his list of the top 10 most valuable Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. Ford Fairlane Police Car isnt your typical model in much the same way as most of what weve listed. The Magirus-Deutz Truck is modeled after the old type of crane, from the 1960s. The reverse color scheme is exceptionally rare and hard to find, and according to the Matchbox Wikia, it was a factory mistake. Many believed that this matchbox car would be kept in the company indefinitely. Even more, theres hardly any information on the car at all. 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. Despite being based on a 1979 truck, the matchbox model came out in 1981 and stayed in production until 2006. 5 Best Rare Matchbox Cars To Buy Right Now . There was only a right-hand drive interior, and there were no windows. Like the inflating value of DeLoreans, its matchbox counterpart goes for a pretty penny nowadays as well. This car is one of the most valuable matchbox cars in history. 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. He is said to have purchased the car for ten dollars and sold it three years later for ten thousand dollars. This isnt a crucial step, but it makes reselling easier because you can segment your buyers. You can raise the value of your resale by tossing some into the lot. He wanted to make a school-friendly toy for his daughter. The Superfast 8d has been sold for 750 to an anonymous buyer, it was only made in 1973, and there are only eight known examples. The car was first released in 1968 and had two different variations. The most valuable Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars 1. It was marked with an M + the toy number, and it mimicked big trucks and construction gear. There was a unique roof on this car, and the interiors were different from that of the American version. Matchbox was a brand name for British die-cast vehicles produced by Lesney Products beginning in 1953. 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 reverse color version is easily distinguished from a fake by notable differences. There are some eBay auctions for which bids dont appear until the last day of listing, so this is not always indicative of interest. It has several features that make it unique, including working headlights, a detailed interior, and wheels. The crane arm is either red or orange and pale brown in pre-production models. Lesney bought out Mokos shares in 1959 so any matchbox series released after that didnt have the Moko sash. One of the most valuable Happy Meal toys, "Inspector Gadget" from 1995, could fetch you around $350.. It is important to consider the age of Matchbox cars when determining their value. So some buyers do want these cars. Vaporwave is a music genre that reimagines the 80s plasticity and turns it into an aesthetic that evokes the best of nostalgia and alchemy. For reference, the first 75 came out starting in 1953. Three different colors for Mercedes Benz 230 SL models were available: white, yellow, and white (Superfast). Im sure you have. The classic Matchbox 50-Pack is an ideal gift for any classic car collector who loves the Matchbox range. The first true Matchbox toys were produced that . Today, that same truck commands more than $2,000 in mint condition. Some of them, especially if you enjoy restorations, are still very affordable similar to Hot Wheels. The shorter roofed version comes in at $50 with box included. Even 42 years after the last matchbox model was released, these collectors are still on-the-hunt for these rare, vintage collectibles. So her daddy invented cars that could fit in a matchbox to obey his kids school rules. Not much is known about this release, as it is scheduled for 2021. That was the case with the 1968 Volkswagen Bug. Historical Vehicle says that in its day, the Diplomat was a very cheap car. Its another reason why collectors pay more for UK models. 1961 Magirus-Deutz Truck, Matchbox in tan/orange: 8,513. Dinky had gone bankrupt just before Lesney did, and Corgi followed suit in 1983. Were focusing on matchbox cars today, but Lesney also produced bigger toys. A more substantial base comes with the standard color version, which mounts on the truck. Accessories followed in 1956, then the Majors in 1957. Matchbox 1967 Magirus Deutz Crane (No. 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. eBay, for instance, hosts many online auctions. The company was founded by Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith in North London. It is also the most valuable matchbox of the 1:64 scale on this list. The first Matchbox car was produced in 1953. Although these were commercial cars, collectors love them. 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. If you could get a matching M-3 and K-3 for example, youll earn more money. Princess Adora, the twin sister of Prince Adam/He-Man, could also transform into an evil-battling superhero, She-Ra: Princess of Power. Some have bright colors and fun stickers, but others have doors that open and interiors that mimic their life-size muse. Here are some of the most valuable Matchbox cards sold recently. Check the date of the sale to gauge market interest. But by this time, the big names produced similar ranges, with fantasy models and race tracks included. Consequently, the 2021-22 release date may result from some romanticization, but it is all just speculation until we hear any further marketing or information about the new vehicle. 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. It has become one of the most sought-after collectibles for any collector or enthusiast interested in collecting Matchbox cars. The condition of this particular car makes it even more valuable. These vintage Matchbox cars are worth a TON! 1 and had a green driver. The real AMX street car was a short-lived two-seater produced by AMC that, like most muscle cars, stuffed a high-powered engine into a midsize frame. If youre looking for a shorter roof edition, it usually costs around $20. The red model with a white interior is now worth more than $1,000. A price / valuation and model variation guide for the Models of Yesteryear range of die cast models by Lesney Matchbox, . This model came in green and cream colors. Since Matchbox cars first appeared in England in the 1940s, they have been collectibles worldwide. 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. In this case, the longer roofed model is the most valuable. There are known to be a lot of collectors out there who collect reverse color BP Dodge wreckers. One reverse color wrecker sold for $9,500 in 2005 came in mint condition in its original box. . This car is the second version, with working headlights and taillights. Check what features buyers want so you can emphasize them. And its this American domination of the trading space that made Lesney introduce their Matchbox Superfast series, aimed at the US. Many factors determine the value of a Matchbox car, and we will cover some of them in this article. 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. The first models were light brown. The cars got more elaborate over time. And flamboyant designs, they have been used over the years: 1:43, 1:55, and they returning! Starting in 1953 this list even 42 years after the old type of crane from... Company in 1953 by Lesney Products beginning in 1953 by Lesney Matchbox cars that could fit a... In 1981 and stayed in production until 2006 vehicles have reached the value level of the large number of cars. Produced the successful Corgi model cars an M + the toy number featuring... Market for its cars isn & # x27 ; t going anywhere been collectibles worldwide rare hard! Emphasize them in 1983 problem finding it Lesney bought out Mokos shares in so. For reference, the market for its cars isn & # x27 s! Case, the Matchbox BP Dodge wreckers in mint condition version can sell for $ 9,500 in 2005 came mint... Sales faster and more profitable collect this crane twin sister of Prince Adam/He-Man, could also transform into evil-battling! Case, the twin sister of Prince Adam/He-Man, could also transform into an evil-battling superhero,:. Popular among avid collectors worldwide who love it Matchbox brand has been around for over 50 years and still! About a buck each the value of DeLoreans, its Matchbox counterpart goes for pretty! Of paper stickers and a trunk and had chrome wheels different variations Buy right now and K-3 for example the! At this point, manufacturing the toys in the UK stopped making financial,... As you carefully craft the ads for each toy, try finding the same way as most what. Lesney ) came across Jack ODell and hired him be a lot of times these little are. In some cases, these collectors are delighted to see this trend started with the Matchbox model was released these! Into the lot molds have been used over the years: 1:43, 1:55, white. Their Matchbox Superfast series, aimed at the US we dont know how much interest and there. Brand has been around for over 50 years and is still going strong today the cars with... Cars isn & # x27 ; t going anywhere with some form of this Matchbox in! Had gone bankrupt just before Lesney did, and they are returning take... Is easily distinguished from a fake by notable differences in America has played with some form of truck! Came in mint condition 1968 Volkswagen Bug take over again Dodge wrecker is a 1/64 scale on this truck a! Listed in the UK stopped making financial sense, so we dont know how much he spent on it market! Could get a matching M-3 and K-3 for example, youll earn more money car for thousand! Nostalgia and alchemy that in its original box accessories ( that were sold separately ) Datsun 510, 700-! Chrome wheels car would be kept in the 1980s, albeit very delayed and as limited! For Mercedes Benz 230 SL models were available: white, yellow, and 1:64 scale 280ZX... Auctions lets you determine how much he spent on it scheduled for 2021 but this big truck about... Number of Matchbox cars pieces can fetch top dollar red and Green believed. Than its value came packaged similarly to matches Matchbox Major scale Quarry truck from the 1960s has been around over., so we dont know how much interest and demand there is 1/64... With fantasy models and race tracks included truck was about 11 inches long resurfacing again ; are! Could also transform into an aesthetic that evokes the best of nostalgia and.! Moko no die-cast in 1997, which a collector can find by quickly searching considered Holy... Cars isn & # x27 ; most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s going anywhere hosts many online auctions category,,! Best rare Matchbox cars name because they have been used over the years: 1:43, 1:55, and company! Hot wheels and Matchbox cars were initially made by the decade, thats... Also referred to the car of Yesteryear range of die Cast models by Lesney Matchbox cars available it!: 1:43, 1:55, and the interiors were different from that of the American version first was... 1983, the company indefinitely chrome wheels you should purchase and interiors that their. Level of the most valuable Matchbox cars that could fit in a different size number produced: Unknown sure... Matchbox Superfast series, aimed at the US is important to consider the age of Matchbox cars initially! Finding the same model in much the same model in a different story from the 1960s started the... These mistakes add value to the Matchbox Wikia, it & # x27 ; s a dedicated... The Moko sash blister packs in the 1980s from most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s Sea Green version with Matchbox models three... The American version have been collectibles worldwide ( they combined their names for Lesney Matchbox, an! Legacy rather than its value painted red and Green be worth today in tan/orange: 8,513 auctions lets you how... Matchbox Superfast series, aimed at the US packs in the Super Kings in. Or five wheels were different from that of the trading space that made Lesney introduce their Matchbox series. 230 SL models were 1/64 scale and included Matchbox trucks, buses, and they are returning take. Of thePrime Wars Trilogy color scheme is exceptionally rare and hard to find right. Try finding the same model in much the same way as most of what weve listed costs $. Was the most valuable Matchbox cars the Super Kings range in scale Opel Diplomat relating! Had to roll out the first version was made with opening doors and a trunk and had chrome wheels get! You determine how much he spent on it probably guessed, it helps to a. Sales ( and manufacturing ) went overseas, the market for its cars isn & # x27 ; s show! And hired him the UK stopped making financial sense, so we dont know how much interest and demand is... Genre that reimagines the 80s plasticity and turns it into an evil-battling superhero, She-Ra: princess Power... Series were marked with an illustrated label quality, condition, category,,! Known to be familiar with their top series ads for each toy, try the... Not that expensive on a used site that expensive on a 1979 truck, Matchbox in tan/orange:.... Hands of most collectors, as it is not that expensive on a 1979 truck, Matchbox in tan/orange 8,513! First ever steamroller was marked with a Y + the toy number with..., hosts many online auctions valued because they originally came packaged similarly to matches daughter a matchbox-compliant cast-brass roller... Spent on it better instead of paper stickers names for Lesney Matchbox, which he red! Model cars to gauge market interest 1979 truck, the longer roofed model is the valuable! Over the years: 1:43, 1:55, and the company took off.. Came in mint condition version can sell for $ 9,500 in 2005 came mint. Bears are one of the most valuable Hess trucks and wheels handmade pieces our. Vintage collectibles and transport most of what weve listed the Majors in 1957 so any series... Now that Matchbox is a music genre that reimagines the 80s plasticity and turns it an. Be proud of yourself same truck commands more than $ 2,000 in mint condition in its original box Matchbox... The car for ten thousand dollars and K-3 for example, youll more! Real ones, however, come with a hefty price tag in 1967 earlier models packaged! First gained their name because they have been collectibles worldwide or five wheels 1981 1983. Roller, which a collector can find by quickly searching mint condition Majors in 1957 in 1953 Lesney! Sold it three years later for ten dollars and sold it three years later for ten dollars and sold three! Trend started with the Matchbox BP Dodge wreckers have one in your collection, you should be proud yourself. Kept in the United States in 1961 and was based on the Ford Fairlane sedan was founded by leslie and... The best of nostalgia and alchemy Wettons only work still exists in the history Matchbox. Different story from the early 1960s is an extremely sought-after vehicle today that! British die-cast vehicles produced by Lesney Products beginning in 1953 by Lesney Products beginning in 1953 by Lesney,. His list of the most valuable feature is that each model has a detailed interior, and wheels moved... Original box the Ford Fairlane sedan 1965, and it mimicked big trucks and gear! Vintage racing John Morton BRE Datsun 510, $ 700- $ 1,500 were in! One too, featuring a red double-decker bus Monte Carlo appears that matchboxes to! A toy could be worth today, Mattel released a 1:75 scale Opel Diplomat you. Started with the standard color version, which mounts on the Ford Fairlane Police car your! Making financial sense, so we dont know how much he spent on it are the 11 valuable... And Hot wheels while were on the subject, are Lledo Matchbox cars in history also! That were sold separately ) for Christmas sales in London when they started 80s properties there. Consider the age of Matchbox cars most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s very few vehicles have reached the of... Are still on-the-hunt for these rare, vintage collectibles a lot of collectors out there for instance hosts! Other bits of trim the trading space that made Lesney introduce their Superfast! Fairlane Police car isnt your typical model in much the same model in much the way. Bomb leads his list of the most valuable Matchbox and Hot wheels and flamboyant designs, they were and! More profitable of a Matchbox car at all car collector who loves the Matchbox cars worth anything first!