Matchbox Diecast Cars Collectibles

Collecting diecast cars. Whether it be 1 18 scale or smaller. The name Matchbox gets thrown around a lot even when talking about any brand diecast toy. No matter the brand of diecast model toys you collect finding information is not always easy.

With Christmas right around the corner you might be looking for Nascar diecast cars which are pretty hot item right now. These Nascar toys are collectible and easy to get at the moment. With fans and non-fans of the sport looking at these for future value.

The diecast Nascar models have lots of detail and are easy to collect. These would be appropriate for all ages. I would suggest getting a matchbox display case for them or at least acrylic storage cases so that they can be kept in good condition and shown off.

Another diecast model car that is hot right now is the Mega Rig Shuttle. A fun collectible for the space enthusiast. It will make a fine addition to anyones collection. These can be had for a decent price and are available all over during this season.

Diecast trucks and planes are very popular types also. Many people have collections consisting of only airplanes. With all different types available including at various scales these can make a very nice collection.

Some of the more expensive collections include diecast planes. People that like to collect rare matchbox cars are known to also collect diecast trucks and planes. Enthusiast are always after things like historic photos or what not.

No matter what diecast model you collect be sure to read up on the values of your collectibles. You never know what the valuation could be of some of your more obscure matchbox cars. Old models from Moko Lesney and the Mattel brand are worth a lot. The original packaging is also worth a good bit of money.

Yesteryear collectibles are a great collection of diecast cars that you will want to look into if you are a hardcore collector.

Matchbox Cars of Yesteryear Part 2

Yesteryear Matchbox Collectibles list.

1911 Ford Model T



This Yesteryear version of the Ford Model T is a 4 seat version. This is really an old matchbox car. Released in 1964 this version of the diecast only comes in the red and black colors.

Some of the variations for this model are the steering wheel, which can be plastic or metal. A black textured roof compared with the more common smooth roof. Also a twin handbrake level.

This ongoing coverage of some of the original matchbox models of yesteryear will continue. Look at Matchbox Cars of Yesteryear part 1.

Matchbox Cars of Yesteryear

List of Matchbox Collectibles from the Yesteryear collection.

1925 Allchin Traction Engine Matchbox collectible released in 1956.


A real antique matchbox car. A number of matchbox variations on this model were made.

Matchbox Cars of Yesteryear part 2.

Huge Matchbox Toy Collection Auction

"Phenomenal model car collection to go on sale"

American collector Dr Scott D Gillogly of Atlanta GA will be auctioning off his Matchbox cars. With over 3500 items in the collection it will be one of the largest of its kind. The auction is expected to fetch over 1 million USD.

The auction is taking place in Middlesbrough UK. And is being held by Vectis Auctioneers. Currently all the items are being collected from Atlanta and being shipped to the UK for the auction. The collectibles auction is being held on September 16 and 17 2008.

This Matchbox collection contains very rare items, in many instances the cases housing the collectibles are worth more than the collectibles themselves. Matchbox collectibles collections this comprehensive are a rarity and this will most likely be one of the few times you would ever see such an extensive collection up for bid.

Check out my posts on collecting Rare Matchbox Collectibles also I have a write up on display cases for your matchbox collectibles.

Rare Matchbox Cars

What could be classified as "Rare Matchbox Cars"?

When talking about this I immediately think of the Moko Lesney line of Matchbox cars. The original line of 1-75 models. These antique Matchbox cars date back to the 1950s. When the idea for the Matchbox toys began.

Vintage Matchbox cars are something to behold. These authentic Matchbox toys from days gone by are very interesting. They have become very hard to come by and are now worth a good bit to collectors. Finding Matchbox car toys from this era that are in good condition is always a good feeling.

Old Matchbox cars in general are all very collectible. Once these items have aged a bit they start to become valuable. Keeping them in sealed containers or custom display cases, such as acrylic cases will help retain their value. The rare Matchbox cars should be kept in these display cases at all times to maintain their value.

When collecting these rare Matchbox toys always remember to check their value before making any purchases. You don't want to end up paying more than you should from one collector when you can get the same item from another willing trader for a better price.

Toy Matchbox cars are fun to collect and finding the rare models is always a treat. Like some of the rare Matchbox cars accessories such as the Moko Lesney or just Lesney Matchbox containers which are neat.

The models of Yesteryear line was made up for collectors. Beginning in the late 1970s Matchbox began thinking up toys specifically for collectors. This led to lines such as Yesteryear and eventually Matchbox Collectibles. Branding of the vehicles also was beginning in this time period such as Coca-Cola or Suze.

These diecast Matchbox toys began to cater more and more to the collector more than as just toys. A personal belief of mine is that the Matchbox collectibles before this time are much more desirable just for the reason that they were made without the collector in mind. This simple thought makes them a little more "authentic" in my opinion.

Collecting rare Matchbox cars includes just knowing about how to spot the rare models. Knowing the rare models can be rewarding in itself when you go to conventions to observe other peoples collections you will be able to appreciate what is on display more if you know more about what to look out for. This can be reward enough for a Matchbox collectible enthusiast.

If you are interested in starting a collection of these rare Matchbox cars yourself I would suggest getting to know more about Matchbox cars in general.

Matchbox Cars For Sale

Where To Find Matchbox Cars For Sale

Finding Matchbox cars for sale on the internet can be troublesome. One of the places I would recommend looking is eBay. You can find some really good deals on even rare matchbox collectibles there.

If you are looking for the value of matchbox cars I would suggest checking Amazon Books for a valuation book. They have just about any book on matchbox cars you could think of.

Be sure to narrow your searches using different keyword combinations. This will result in finding that rare collectible you have been looking for. Lesney Matchbox Collectibles are hard to come by.

Determining Value Of Matchbox Cars

Be sure to pick up a good book from Amazon Books. This will help you determine the value of your matchbox collectibles.

The value of matchbox cars can be determined by certain factors:

• Condition
• Popularity
• Rarity
• Variation (rarity)
• Packaging
  

The presence or lack of packaging affects the value of a model. A "mint boxed" model can in some cases be worth 50-100% more than the mint model without the box, depending on the age of the model, the condition of the box, and even the variations of the box.

Packaging is particularly important for rare Matchbox cars. Mint boxed models can fetch up to 100% more than one not boxed. The Moko Lesney boxes are especially hard to find and are worth quite a bit. Current models kept with their packaging is still a smart way to go for a seasoned collector.

Remeber to find Matchbox cars for sale try checking eBay.

Collecting Matchbox Vehicles

What is the meaning of Matchbox collectibles?
Matchbox collectibles has two meanings. One of those is the new line of cars Matchbox releases each year under the Matchbox Collectibles signature. The other meaning is the rare older items that are hard to find.

Here is a list of things to consider when collecting the rare models:

1. Learn the history of Matchbox. Lesney Products was the first company to make Matchbox Cars in 1953
2. Understand Lesney in 1982 sold Matchbox Toys to Universal Toys, which, in turn sold to Tyco in 1991.
3. Understand the value of these cars to collectors, such as the fact that early Matchbox cars carried the banner that read "A Moko Lesney," due to the fact that they were distributed by the Moko company. By 1959 that was changed to "A Lesney Product."
4. Learn some of the details that make the cars different. Such as the fact that Matchbox cars 1 through 75 have three different types of wheels. The first cars had metal wheels, the early 1960s introduced plastic wheels, and around 1969 the "superfast" wheels appeared and are still used to this day.
5. Make sure you are interested, there are many different collections so figure out what you want to focus on early.
6. Serious collectors will end up collecting display cases, carrying cases, catalogs, buttons, among other things.
7. Find a good price guide or reference to help you determine the approximate value of the cars you are about to collect.

2008 Matchbox Cars Collectibles

These are suitable for collectors or as toys for younger people. Though they don't have the value of the older models they still make a nice addition to anyones collection. You can usually find these at any current toy store or big box retailer.

To get a full set might be more of a challenge though and browsing the internet for the right items is not that easy. I will try to have lists of places where you can get these in the future.

2008 Matchbox Real Cars Lineup

The 2008 Matchbox Real Cars line is up to 100 vehicles. These are all diecast Matchbox cars collectible.

• '68 Citroen DS
• '69 Cadillac Sedan Deville
• '68 Mercury Cougar
• '71 Chevelle SS Convertible
• '61 Jaguar E-type Coupe
• '65 Austin Mini Van
• '70 El Camino
• Future Corvette
• '08 Lotus
• Shelby GT500 Convertible
• Morgan Aeromax
• '65 Ford Mustang GT
• Dodge Charger
• Lotus Exige
• Ford SVT F-150 Lightning
• Porsche 911 GT3
• Audi R8
• Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
• Audi TT Roadster
• Ford Mustang GT Concept
• TVR Tuscan S
• Nissan 350Z
• Dodge Viper GTS-R
• '00 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
• Honda Civic Type R
• Mazda 2
• Golf V GTI
• Smart Cabrio
• Mitsubishi Eclipse
• Scion xB
• Volkswagen Concept 1 Convertible
• Jaguar XK
• Mercedes-Benz CLS500
• Mercedes-Benz SL55
• Audi RS6 Avant
• Lexus GS430
• Volvo C30
• Bentley Continental GT
• Range Rover Sport
• Lincoln Navigator
• Porsche Cayenne Turbo
• Volvo XC90
• Cadillac Escalade

You can find information on obtaining these matchbox cars for sale by clicking the list items link.

Matchbox Collectibles Collectors

Collecting Matchbox and other diecast vehicles. Price guides and lists are available for collectors showing all different models and their valuations. People have been collecting Matchbox Cars Collectibles for a long time.

Matchbox collecting is an international phenomenon unmatched in other collectibles.