The Popularity of Matchbox Cars
An example of 1970s era Superfast Matchbox cars
A mainstay of diecast toys for decades, Matchbox cars remain a household name to this day. Their robust construction and compact size meant they were always a popular choice for kids – and nowadays, they also garner attention from avid collectors.
Whether driven by childhood nostalgia or simply by their inherently collectable nature alone, the desirability of Matchbox cars has an undoubted influence on their value.
The former Lesney factory, pictured in 2009. (Credit: www.wikipedia.org)
However, as with any range of collectables, some are more valuable than others. So, what governs their desirability?
Determining the Value of Matchbox Cars
The value of Matchbox cars is set by several different things, with condition being one obvious consideration: examples free from paint chips and damage are naturally going to be worth more.
The model itself is only half the story, however, as the presence of the original box in good or undamaged condition will also increase its value.
Masterminds of the Matchbox range: Jack Odell (left) and Leslie Smith (right), pictured in the 1950s. (Credit: www.robertnewson.co.uk)
Then, there’s the question of age: is it a 1980s model in a plastic-film-windowed box, with low-friction slick wheels? Or, is it a 1960s model with narrow wheels, in a yellow-coloured all-cardboard box that sports the Lesney company name? The former may hold moderate interest, but the latter would certainly have more value, as older diecast models tend to be rarer and are less likely to be in good condition or still have the box.
Some Matchbox cars were also produced in short-lived colours, or sometimes even wore erroneous liveries. Examples of these are naturally rarer and some diecast car collectors specifically seek them out, enhancing their value.
Matchbox Cars Commanding a High Price
The rare cream colour variant of the Mercury Cougar, introduced in 1968. (Credit: www.mbx-u.com)
High value diecast Matchbox cars to look out for include a rare variant of the Mercury Cougar, produced in a cream colour as opposed to the more typical avocado green. The value of the rarer cream colourway can be as much as £4,000.
The turquoise colour version of the Opel Diplomat is consider a ‘holy grail’ among Matchbox car collectors. (Credit: www.blog.hobbydb.com)
Also featuring a rarer colour version is the Opel Diplomat. Introduced in 1967 and painted in turquoise instead of the much more common gold, it can be worth around $9,000.
Another diecast model that’s rare due to its colouring is the BP Dodge Wrecker. Meant to feature a green body and yellow bed, some were mistakenly produced in reversed colours, resulting in a diecast model worth $9,500.
An example of the incorrect livery BP Dodge Wrecker, introduced in 1965. (Credit: www.txantiquemall.com)
The Magirus Deutz Crane in preproduction light brown colour. (Credit: www.txantiquemall.com)
Even rarer is the preproduction version of the Magirus Deutz Crane. Introduced in 1961, it’s usually seen with a silver body and orange arm. Preproduction examples, however, featured a pale brown body, either a red or orange crane arm and can command a value of $11,000 or more!
Past Matchbox Cars at Auction
Matchbox cars have appeared in a number of our auctions, and certain lots have deservedly achieved spectacular hammer prices.
Featured in our July 2023 Fine Art auction was this collection of 1-75 series vehicles, which sold for a hammer price of £400.
This collection of 1-75 series vehicles also featured in our July 2023 Fine Art auction and blew past its estimate to reach a hammer price of £780.
Among the highest-performing were lots from a large collection which featured in our July 2023 Fine Art auction. These comprised a multitude of diecast Matchbox cars from the longstanding 1-75 series.
Our July 2021 Fine Art auction featured this G-2 gift set. It was contested well past its estimate and sold for a hammer price of £550.
Another G-series set featured in our July 2021 Fine Art auction was this G-9 gift set. It was similarly avidly contested and settled above-estimate at £650.
Also occupying high best-selling positions were iterations of boxed G-series gift sets from the 1960s. These sets incorporated diecast models from existing – sometimes multiple – ranges and grouped them together. Complete and good quality examples are rare.
From our September 2023 Antique & Collector’s auction, this collection of 1-75 Superfast vehicles achieved a hammer price of £360.
Other high value lots from our past sales include collections of good condition boxed early 1970s models from the Matchbox cars Superfast range, produced to compete with Mattel’s line of Hotwheels cars featuring low-friction wheels.
Do you have Matchbox cars you’d like to sell?
Our team of expert valuers are available every Tuesday from 9am-3:30pm at our Silverdale saleroom, where they can value your items and advise you on consigning to auction. To book a free appointment, use our online form here. You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com, or call us on 01782 638100. We can even provide valuations via WhatsApp: simply send clear images of your items via the app to 07864 667940.