Monthly Acquisitions July 2023

32 cars added to my collection over 31 days, averaging a car a day…

Matchbox

1. Audi TT Coupe x 2, both of these came from other collectors, the red one was a gift, the orange the result of an exchange. Made in Thailand.
2. Renault 11 Turbo. Also from another collector in a part exchange. Made in England
3. MG 1100. 1:57 scale. Also from an exchange. Missing windows. Regular Wheels. Made in England
4. Renault 5TL. 1:52 scale. From Dry Bridge Market. Opening hatchback. Made in England
5. Porsche Turbo. 1:64 scale. Opening Doors. From Manana’s. Made in Macau
6. Porsche 910. 1:54 scale. From early 1970s. Found in Miskewiecz street basement shop. Made in England
7. Honda Ridgeline. 1:64 scale. Made in Thailand
8. Trailer. for Stake Truck. 1:86 scale.
9. Lamborghini Marzal. 1:58 scale. Made in England
10. Lamborghini Countach. 1:56 scale. Made in Macau
11. Porsche Turbo. Super Kings. Opening doors and rear engine cover. Made in England
12. Mercedes 190E. Super Kings. Opening Doors. Made in Macau
13. Baja Buggy. 1:49 scale. Made in England

Hot Wheels

Unlike the Matchbox which were loose, the Hot Wheels models are mostly on cards.

1. Toyota 2000GT. Sent from England by a friend. Made in Malaysia
2. Audi 90 Quattro. Made in Malaysia
3. Porsche 917 LH. Zamac. Made in Malaysia
4. ‘73 BMW 3.0 CSL Race Car. Made in Malaysia
5. Mazda MX 5 Miata. Made in Malaysia
6. Porsche Cayman S. Made in Malaysia

Corgi

1. ‘Bessie’ from Dr Who. Missing windshield
2. Batmobile with Batman figure. Corgi Juniors.
3. VW Double Trouble Hot Rod. This brings back memories. Corgi Juniors.
4. Citroen Dyane. Opening hatchback. Corgi

Majorette

1. Mercedes 190 E. Opening doors. 1:59 scale. Made in France
2. Range Rover “Fire Dept” 1:60 scale.

Tomica

1. Mazda MPV. Opening hatchback. 1:65 scale . Made in Vietnam.
2. Mitsubushi Fuso Aero Queen. 1:156 scale. Made in China

Other brands

1. Moskvitch 427 shell. My father had a Moskvitch 427 in the mid 1970s in a French Mustard color. Made in USSR
2. Toyota GT86. Realtoy. Made in China
3. Bedford CA Van. “The Beano” Days Gone
4. Leyland PD2 Bus “West Riding” Livery. Growing up we would spend a week in Yorkshire every summer to visit my father’s friends and relatives, he was from Halifax. These buses were a common sight.

Bilan

2 Bought new, 23 bought secondhand, 4 gifts, 3 exchanges

Outlets:  1 Carrefour, 1 Pepela, 1 Vazha-Pshavela Basement Shop, 15 Manana’s, 2 Miskewiecz St Basement, 4 Dry Bridge Market, 1 Pilton

Expenditure: 197.80 lari ($76.38)

1 lari = 39 US cents

VW Double Trouble Hot Rod

When I was 8 or 9, I would often take a small Matchbox sized car to school to race against my mates’ cars, the car that could roll the furthest without tumbling would be the winner. Models of Formula one cars were good at this because they were low and had the wheels wide apart, using a Formula One car felt a bit like cheating. My favorite for racing was a VW Double Trouble Hot Rod (Corgi Juniors) with the new-fangled whizzwheels, it was fast and rarely tumbled. Last week, 50 years on, I found a similar model in a local secondhand toyshop. Racing it across the floor today gives me a tremendous nostalgia buzz.

Husky and Corgi Juniors

The Husky Line was introduced in the year of my birth, 1964. I don’t remember them from the time, not until they were rebranded as Corgi Juniors and Corgi Rockets in 1970.

Husky was launched by Mettoy (who manufactured Corgi) to compete with Matchbox, the models had chromed plastic bases, which makes them lighter than the Matchbox cars of the time, which had diecast bases. They were sold exclusively through Woolworth’s Stores.

There are some interesting models in the Husky Catalogue  (1966), I’d love to find the Citroen DS Safari.

Husky was rebranded as Corgi Juniors in 1970. Whilst I am primarily focused on collecting Lesney Matchbox, Corgi Juniors also have that nostalgia buzz from my childhood. They would come in blister packs with a collector’s card on the pack. I don’t have any in the original packing these models I have picked up loose in various markets and secondhand shops.

Corgi Catalogue from early 1970s, ringed are the ones I am particularly interested in.

Monthly Acquisitions: June 2023

Usually I make a blogpost for my monthly acquisitions. This month I decided to make a video instead. I added 48 cars to my collection. 28 Hot Wheels, 16 Matchbox and 4 Corgi.

Buying, selling, exchanging at 1:64 meeting

1:64 Meeting in April

Yesterday 10 June, I met with some fellow collectors of 1:64 cars in Tbilisi (Georgia) in Red Park. This was the third meeting of the year (the photo above is from the previous meeting).

Before the event I took some photos of what I was going to take.

A new Hot Wheels car in Tbilisi costs 9.90 lari in the shops. This was a selection of loose cars of different brands. From this selection the following cars went:

The Porsches proved popular.

JDM was popular at the two previous meetings but not so popular this time. Everyone seems to be interested in the same models they are looking for Skylines and the Supra Mk IV.

Most of what went were the carded models. The highlight was a Super Treasure Hunt Audi RS6 Avant. The price of 120 lari ($46) may seem high but it is half of what most are selling for online before shipping costs are added.

Finally there was the bargain box (1 car 2 lari, 3 cars for 5 lari…)

Many of the cars that went were exchanged rather than sold, I came away with 16 new cars for my collection through exchanges, gifts and purchases.

There is some interest in some of the cars that didn’t sell, so I might make a few more sales or exchanges in the next few days.

Monthly Acquistions May 2023

I added 18 models to my collection in May, a mix of Hot Wheels, Matchbox and other brands.

Matchbox

• Mazda MX 5 Miata. It is good to find a Japanese sports car in the Matchbox line up. Made in Thailand.
• MBX Cabover & Auto Transport Trailer with 2011 Mini Countryman. This is my first of the Matchbox convoy series. I like transporters for displaying cars, this transporter seems a little out of scale with the Mini, another set has a Ford Mustang, I would have preferred that but haven’t found it here. Made in Thailand.
• Racing Car Transporter. King-Size. This is an old model in extremely playworn condition. I made an earlier post about this, my earliest memory ever was being on a train holding a model like this, I would have been around 3 years old at the time, I have no earlier memories of anything so this vehicle is particularly treasured by me despite its poor condition. 1:54 scale. Made in England.
• Porsche 928. Missing a door. 1:59 scale. Made in England
• Mercedes CLK Convertible. 1:60 scale. Made in China
• Peterbilt Truck. Super Kings. The original model would have been towing a refrigerated trailer. Made in England.

Hot Wheels

• 1968 Mazda Cosmo Sport. A pioneering rotary engined sports car. Made in Malaysia.
• BMW 507. Classic BMW from 1950s. Made in Malaysia.
• DMC DeLorean. I picked this up for a friend in England, who has a real DeLorean. Made in Malaysia.
• ’82 Cadillac Seville. From an era when Cadillacs looked like Cadillacs. Made in Malaysia.
• Austin Healey. Made in China.
• Aston Martin Vulcan. Made in Malaysia.

Other brands

• Dennis Delivery Truck “Hamleys” (Lledo). 1:60 scale. Hamleys is a magnificent toyshop in Regent Street, London. I have fond memories of the store. Made in England.
• Beach Buggy (Corgi). This model is missing its windshield, steering wheel and tow hook. The original would have come in a set with a trailer carrying a yacht. Made in Great Britain
• Jaguar E Type (Marx). Made in Hong Kong
• Range Rover Police. (Corgi Juniors) In “Crash Tender” Livery. Made in Great Britain.
• Jaguar XJR12 (Corgi). Made in China

Bilan

Totals: 18 Models:  6Hot Wheels, 7 Matchbox, 3 Corgi, 1 Lledo and 1 Marx

7 Bought new, 11 bought secondhand,

Outlets:  1 Carrefour, 2 Pepela, 3 Vazha-Pshavela Basement Shop, 1 XS Toys, 1 Biblusi, 5 Manana’s, 3 Miskewiecz St Basement, 2 Toyz.Ge

Expenditure: 142.45 GEL ($55.12)

1 lari = 39 US cents

I asked Chat GPT why adults collect Matchbox cars.

This was the response: Adults collect Matchbox cars for various reasons, and it can be a hobby that brings joy, nostalgia, and a sense of fulfillment. Here are a few reasons why adults might choose to collect Matchbox cars:

1. Nostalgia: Matchbox cars have been popular since their introduction in the 1950s, and many adults grew up playing with them. Collecting Matchbox cars allows them to relive those childhood memories and recapture the joy and excitement associated with these miniature vehicles.
2. Appreciation of Design: Matchbox cars are known for their attention to detail and craftsmanship. Collectors appreciate the intricate designs, accurate scaling, and quality construction of these miniature replicas. The cars often showcase different models, variations, and historical representations, making them appealing to those with an interest in automotive design and history.
3. Investment Potential: Some collectors see Matchbox cars as an investment opportunity. Certain rare or limited-edition models can increase in value over time, especially if they are well-preserved and sought after by other collectors. For these individuals, collecting Matchbox cars can be a way to combine their passion for cars with the potential for financial gain.
   
4. Connecting with Others: Collecting Matchbox cars can also be a social activity. Many enthusiasts join collector clubs, attend conventions or swap meets, and engage in online communities to share their collections, trade or sell cars, and connect with like-minded individuals. It provides a platform for building friendships, exchanging knowledge, and fostering a sense of community.
5. Personal Enjoyment: Ultimately, collecting Matchbox cars is often driven by personal enjoyment and the satisfaction of building a unique collection. For some, it’s a way to pursue a specific interest or challenge themselves to complete a particular set or series. The act of hunting for rare models, organizing and displaying the collection, and simply appreciating the beauty of the cars can bring a sense of fulfillment and pride.

It’s important to note that collecting Matchbox cars, like any hobby, can vary greatly from person to person. Each collector may have their own motivations and reasons that resonate with them individually.

1:64 Meeting in Tbilisi, April 2023

Most of what ChatGPT came up with resonates with me. The nostalgia certainly, I noticed I started collecting in a big way after my father died in 2011. I appreciate the changing design of cars and particularly like the design of cars between 1964 and 1974. My collecting, I don’t see as an investment, I doubt I will get more from selling the collection than it cost to put together, although I do look out for Super Treasure Hunts. The social aspect is important, the meeting above was from the local 1:64 collectors group that connects usually via Facebook. I also love hunting around markets and secondhand shops to add particular cars to my collection.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Captain Scarlet Security Vehicle (Dinky) and Racing Car Transporter (Matchbox)

My Earliest Memory

My earliest memory was that I was on a train examining a Matchbox Racing Car Transporter (King Size K-5). I would have been around 3 years old at the time. I can’t remember anything earlier. So, I was delighted to find the model, when I visited Manana’s secondhand store on Thursday. The model in the store was in poor condition. The tyres are missing the windows are cracked and broken. The paint has lasted well for such an old and playworn model and it has the interior levels to take two racing cars, but is missing the ramp for them to load on and off the vehicle. It was a blast from the past.

This is how it should look.

My First day at School

What do you remember from your first day at school? The teacher? The other kids? All I can remember is playing with a Dinky model of the Captain Scarlet Maximum Security Vehicle, my diecast obsession goes back to a very early age! I found a similar model a few months ago in Tbilisi, in a secondhand toy shop in the basement of an apartment block near Vazha-Pshavela Metro. It is in better condition that the Racing Car Transporter.

Both models have a terrific nostalgia buzz that fuels my collecting urges.

That Nostalgia Buzz

Monthly Acquisitions: April 2023

15 models added to my collection this month and a few left it, too.

Matchbox

I added six Matchbox cars, five of which were made in England.

1. Ford Cortina. One of the first Superfast models.(1970 or 1971). I exchanged a Hot Wheels Nissan Skyline GT-R34 for this and the Opel Diplomat. Opening doors. Scale 1:62. Made in England.
2. Opel Diplomat. This has been painted by a previous owner and the wheels have been changed. I don’t mind, I like the color scheme chosen and the detailing. I also have the model with original paint in my collection. Opening bonnet. Scale 1:71. Made in England.
3. Siva Spyder. From mid 1970s. Scale 1:54. Made in England.
4. Jaguar XJ12. Super Kings. From the K-66 Police Set, missing Honda Motorcycles and accessories. Opening boot/trunk. Made in England.
5. Lightning. K-35. Speed Kings. A generic Formula one racing car. 1976/1977. Scale 1:40. Made in England.
6. 1965 Ford C900. Recent Model. Shell tampos. Made in Thailand.

Opel Diplomats and Ford Cortinas

Hot Wheels

1. ’90 Honda Civic EF. Red. Made in Malaysia. Exchanged a Toyota Supra for this.
2. BMW 507. New model for 2023. Made in Malaysia.
3. Pagani Zonda R. Made in Malaysia.
4. LB Silhouette Nissan Silvia (S15). I exchanged a white version of the same model for this. Made in Malaysia.
5. Mercedes-Benz 300SL. x2. Classic 50s sports car. Made in Malaysia.
6. Honda CR-X. Made in Malaysia.
7.  Jaguar XE SV Project 8. This came from the Motor-Show 5 Pack (2022). Made in Indonesia.

also

Corgi Mercedes 300SL Opening bonnet/hood and gull wing doors. From early 1980s. Made in Great Britain.

Bilan

Totals: 15 Models:  8 Hot Wheels, 6 Matchbox, 1 Corgi

5 Bought new, 6 bought secondhand, 4 exchanges

Outlets:  1 Carrefour, 3 Pepela, 3 Piltoni, 1 Vazha-Pshavela Basement Shop, 1 XS Toys, 1 Carrefour, 2 Unicorn Shop, 4 other collectors

Expenditure: 90.60 lari ($36.39)

1 lari = 40 US cents

Monthly Acquisitions: March 2023

In March, I only purchased two model cars for my collection. I did acquire another 6 through exchanges at the 1:64 diecast collectors’ meeting in Tbilisi.

1. Subaru SVX (Matchbox). A new casting (2019) by Matchbox and the first time I have a model of this particular car. Designed by Ryu Asada. Made in Thailand
2. Land Rover 90 (Matchbox). “Polizei”. 2015 design. Tow hook. Made in Thailand.
3. Mazda 787B (Hot Wheels). A new model in the Mainline (2023). Goodyear logo on wing. Made in Malaysia.
4. Dodge Challenger Drift Car (Hot Wheels). I exchanged a loose Majorette Audi Quattro for this. Made in Malaysia.
5. Shelby Cobra 427. (Hot Wheels). I exchanged a Hot Wheels Sol-Aire CX4 for this. Made in Malaysia.
6. VW Golf. (Hot Wheels). I exchanged a Solaire CX 4 for this. Made in Malaysia.
7. Custom ’13 Ford Mustang GT. (Hot Wheels). I exchanged something for this. Made in Malaysia.
8. Simca 1308. (Majorette). 1:60 scale. I exchanged a Lamborghini Evoque (Hot Wheels) for this. Made in France.

Bilan

Totals: 8 Models:  5 Hot Wheels, 2 Matchbox, 1 Majorette

2 Bought new, 6 exchanges

Outlets:  1 Carrefour, 1 Pepela, 6 other collectors

Expenditure: 19.80 lari ($7.77)

1 lari = 39 US cents