Are any matchbox cars worth anything?
Matchbox Cars Commanding a High Price 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. 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. Also featuring a rarer colour version is the Opel Diplomat.Matchbox cars have been around for over 70 years, and some are worth a pretty penny today. While the majority of vintage Matchbox cars from Lesney Products sell for a few dollars, rare and sought-after models have sold for thousands.
Are Matchbox Cars still sold?
Universal Internal Ltd. Matchbox International, and moved most of the production to Asia. Today Matchbox still rolls as a top seller, now part of the Mattel family of toys. The brand was given its name because the original die-cast Matchbox toys were sold in boxes similar to those in which matches were sold. The brand grew to encompass a broad range of toys, including larger scale die-cast models, plastic model kits, slot car racing, and action figures.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.The brand was given its name because the original die-cast Matchbox toys were sold in boxes similar to those in which matches were sold.The story of Matchbox cars begins in the 1950s, in a post-war Britain brimming with innovation and optimism. Lesney Products, a small London-based company, was the birthplace of these iconic toys. The founders, Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith (no relation) initially produced industrial parts and small toys.
How many Matchbox cars exist?
Because with well over three billion vehicles produced, Matchbox is right at the top of the rankings. The history of the small zinc die-cast cars began 70 years ago and it is filled with ups and downs. John William Odell, OBE (19 March 1920 – 7 July 2007) was the English inventor of Matchbox toys and the engineer responsible for their unique design. He joined with partners Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith to form Lesney Products.The line of metal toy cars (sold in small boxes that resembled matchboxes) by Lesney Products dates to 1953.Lesney Products, a small London-based company, was the birthplace of these iconic toys. The founders, Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith (no relation) initially produced industrial parts and small toys. However, their fortunes changed dramatically when they introduced the first Matchbox car in 1953.The brand was given its name because the original die-cast Matchbox toys were sold in boxes similar to those in which matches were sold. The brand grew to encompass a broad range of toys, including larger scale die-cast models, plastic model kits, slot car racing, and action figures.
Who owns Matchbox cars?
Since 1997 the Matchbox brand has been owned by Mattel, creators of Hot Wheels. Some of the tools and dies created in the Lesney era were still used in the Matchbox line of 2007. Does Mattel Own Hot Wheels and Matchbox? Yes, Mattel owns both brands. Mattel purchased Matchbox in 1997 after decades of producing Hot Wheels.Since 1997 the Matchbox brand has been owned by Mattel, creators of Hot Wheels. Some of the tools and dies created in the Lesney era were still used in the Matchbox line of 2007.In the battle of Matchbox vs Hot Wheels, there’s no wrong choice, it all depends on what you’re looking for. If you appreciate lifelike models and detailed craftsmanship, Matchbox will win your heart. If speed, excitement, and fantastical designs are more your style, Hot Wheels delivers every time.Hot Wheels and Matchbox are both diecast car brands owned by Mattel, they are roughly the same size around two and a half to three inches long at a nominative 1:64 scale.
Are Matchbox cars expensive?
Matchbox cars have been around for over 70 years, and some are worth a pretty penny today. While the majority of vintage Matchbox cars from Lesney Products sell for a few dollars, rare and sought-after models have sold for thousands. In 1952, Odell was inspired by a rule at his daughter’s school that permitted students to only bring toys that fit inside a matchbox. He scaled down Lesney’s road roller toy, packaged it in a matchbox, and sent his daughter off to school. The Matchbox car was born.Matchbox – started in England when the creator’s children’s school limited the size of a toy that kids could bring to school to the size of a matchbox or something that would fit in their pocket. There were 3 models in the original release – a steam roller, dump truck and cement mixer.John William Odell, OBE (19 March 1920 – 7 July 2007) was the English inventor of Matchbox toys and the engineer responsible for their unique design. He joined with partners Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith to form Lesney Products. The company initially made small products for cars such as dashboards and doorhandles.Matchbox had sought to emulate Hot Wheels’ California car culture with its Superfast line, but the British brand and that automotive niche weren’t really a good fit. The first Matchbox was a road roller, after all, and many of the first run of models were construction vehicles.Ride in style with this collection of Matchbox Cars. A classic children’s toy, matchbox cars still present children with endless play potential. Children can take these cars (and trucks!
Who invented matchbox cars?
John William Odell, OBE (19 March 1920 – 7 July 2007) was the English inventor of Matchbox toys and the engineer responsible for their unique design. He joined with partners Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith to form Lesney Products. In 1982, Lesney went bankrupt, and Matchbox became a part of Universal Toys. Later in the decade, Matchbox acquired one of its British competitors, Dinky. And in 1992, Matchbox sold to Tyco Toys, which then became a part of Mattel in 1997. Today, Mattel still owns Matchbox and the brand continues to expand.Universal Internal Ltd. Matchbox International, and moved most of the production to Asia. Today Matchbox still rolls as a top seller, now part of the Mattel family of toys.John William Odell, OBE (19 March 1920 – 7 July 2007) was the English inventor of Matchbox toys and the engineer responsible for their unique design. He joined with partners Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith to form Lesney Products.Universal Internal Ltd. Matchbox International, and moved most of the production to Asia. Today Matchbox still rolls as a top seller, now part of the Mattel family of toys.