Small Wheels, Big Deals
They used to zoom across kitchen floors and get buried in backyard sandboxes, but now those tiny die-cast cars are racing to auction blocks. Classic Matchbox cars—especially the early ones in mint condition—are hot collectibles. From rare colors to short production runs, some of these toy cars are worth thousands today.
Matchbox VW Beetle (No. 15, 1960s)
Estimated value: $100–$200
This cheerful little Beetle with its classic curved shape is a staple in many vintage collections. Early versions with metal wheels or unusual paint can fetch more.
Matchbox Ford Zodiac (No. 33, 1961)
Estimated value: $150–$250
The Ford Zodiac is known for its distinct mid-century British car styling. Collectors love the early versions with smooth grey wheels and crisp detailing.
Matchbox Austin Healey (No. 19, 1960s)
Estimated value: $200–$300
This sporty little convertible came in multiple colors, but rare factory paint jobs like metallic blue make it stand out—and more valuable.
Matchbox Austin Healey Roadster, RL57 ToysReview
Matchbox Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (No. 53, 1960s)
Estimated value: $225–$325
With an elegant design and detailed grille, this die-cast luxury car has become a hot item, especially in excellent condition with original packaging.
Mercedes-Benz 220 SE No´53. Matchbox Restoration, MSA Workshop
Matchbox Land Rover (No. 12, 1950s)
Estimated value: $250–$350
The Land Rover was one of Matchbox’s early hits. Original models with tow hooks or special decals can increase the value significantly.
Matchbox Moko restoration Land Rover nr 12A diecast car driver casting, Paul Restorer
Matchbox Jeep Gladiator (No. 62, 1966)
Estimated value: $275–$375
Tough, boxy, and nostalgic, the Jeep Gladiator is especially sought after when it features the removable canopy and tailgate details.
Matchbox Restoration: 1964 Lesney No 71 Jeep Gladiator, baremetalHW
Matchbox Magirus-Deutz Crane Truck (No. 30, 1960s)
Estimated value: $300–$400
Big and bold for a Matchbox, this crane truck features extendable arms and detailed ladders. Rarer paint variations bring in higher prices.
MATCHBOX restoration: 30B Magirus-Deutz Crane Truck, DieCastRestos
Matchbox Bedford TK Tipper Truck (No. 17, 1968)
Estimated value: $325–$450
Known for its working tipping bed, this British truck model is popular among construction-themed collectors. Mint condition and early runs are most valuable.
MATCHBOX restoration: 3B Bedford 7½ Ton Tipper, DieCastRestos
Matchbox Dodge Wrecker (No. 13, 1965)
Estimated value: $350–$500
With its bright paint and tow hook feature, this tow truck became a favorite. Look for versions with ‘BP’ logos or less common color combinations.
MATCHBOX Restoration No 13d Dodge Wreck Truck 1965, Marty's Matchbox Makeovers
Matchbox Ferrari Berlinetta (No. 75, 1960s)
Estimated value: $375–$550
A sleek red sports car that turned heads—even in toy form. Early runs with fine chrome details and working doors are highly collectible.
Amazing Restoration Matchbox Series No 75 Ferrari Berlinetta, WheelsNThangs
Matchbox King Size K-1 Foden Dump Truck (1960s)
Estimated value: $400–$600
Larger than the standard Matchbox cars, the King Size Foden was part of a premium line. Its realistic tipping mechanism makes it a classic.
Matchbox King Size No 1 Hoveringham Tipper, Matchbox Mark's Diecast Restorations and Customs
Matchbox Mercury Commuter (No. 55, 1969)
Estimated value: $450–$650
This vintage station wagon came in rare colors like sea green. Collectors love its wood panel decal and roof rack when still intact.
MATCHBOX Restoration No.55d Mercury Police car 1968, Marty's Matchbox Makeovers
Matchbox Ford GT (No. 41, 1965)
Estimated value: $500–$700
A muscle car legend in miniature form. Rare paint colors like orange or deep blue can push this GT's value into the hundreds.
MATCHBOX restoration: No. 41C Ford G.T. (community choice) - DIECASTRESTOS, DieCastRestos
Matchbox Snow-Trac (No. 35, 1970)
Estimated value: $600–$800
With its rubber tracks and rescue-themed decals, the Snow-Trac stands out. Rare versions with little to no play wear are especially valuable.
Matchbox BP Dodge Wreck Truck (Promotional, 1967)
Estimated value: $750–$950
This limited-edition promotional version has BP branding and was often only available in specific markets. That scarcity makes it a collector’s prize.
Matchbox Lesney #13d Dodge Wreck Truck (Review #22), MokoHead
Matchbox Merryweather Fire Engine (No. 9, 1965)
Estimated value: $800–$1,000
With its extendable ladder and chrome accents, this vintage fire truck is one of the best-built of its era. Boxed examples soar in value.
Matchbox Restoration: Lesney No 9 MerryWeather Marquis Fire Engine, baremetalHW
Matchbox Leyland Royal Tiger Coach (No. 21, 1950s)
Estimated value: $900–$1,200
This double-decker bus-style coach is extremely rare in mint condition. Unique colors and decals push the price even higher.
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons
Matchbox Ford Kennel Truck (No. 50, 1960s)
Estimated value: $1,000–$1,400
This fun little vehicle came with tiny plastic dogs in the back. Original dogs intact and rare color schemes make it a collector’s dream.
Matchbox restoration Kennel Truck nr 50 diecast car making dogs and canopy, Paul Restorer
Matchbox Racing Mini (No. 29, 1970s)
Estimated value: $1,100–$1,500
Often overlooked, this Mini becomes valuable in rare livery styles or when tied to special promotional events.
Matchbox Racing Mini no29 diecast restoration, Lazi-Low collectables
Matchbox Ford Corsair (No. 49, 1966)
Estimated value: $1,200–$1,600
Some color variants of the Corsair were extremely short-lived. Collectors pay top dollar for mint examples in hard-to-find hues.
The Return of Matchbox Garage with a Custom Ford Corsair, Matchbox Garage
Matchbox Quarry Truck (No. 6, 1958)
Estimated value: $1,300–$1,700
An early industrial Matchbox model, the Quarry Truck had heavy-duty appeal. Pre-production colors or boxed versions drive up its value.
MATCHBOX restoration: 6A Quarry Truck, DieCastRestos
Matchbox Opel Diplomat (No. 36, 1967)
Estimated value: $1,500–$2,000
While not the flashiest car, the Opel Diplomat’s rare variations and limited release make it one of the most expensive regular line models.
Matchbox restoration Opel Diplomat Nr 36 Diecast car, Paul Restorer
Matchbox Commer Team Matchbox Truck (No. 46, 1971)
Estimated value: $2,000–$2,500
Painted in Matchbox company colors, this promotional hauler is extremely rare, especially with decals intact. A favorite for brand collectors.
1971 to 1972 Matchbox Diecast Collection - Matchbox-By-Years MBY, WTFFOR
Matchbox ERF Dropside Lorry (No. 30a, 1956)
Estimated value: $2,500–$3,500
One of the earliest Matchbox models. The ERF Lorry with metal wheels and original box can fetch thousands due to its rarity and age.
MATCHBOX Restoration No 3b Bedford Tipper Truck 1961, Marty's Matchbox Makeovers
Matchbox Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (No. 27c, 1967, Cream Version)
Estimated value: $4,000–$6,000
This rare cream-colored version was only briefly produced. Its short run and pristine details make it one of the crown jewels of Matchbox collecting.
Matchbox Series No 27 Mercedes 230SL - Custom Video, Matchbox Garage
You May Also Like:
Vintage Hot Wheels Cars Worth A Small Fortune
Vintage Barbie Dolls Selling For Big Bucks
33 Rare Cassette Tapes Worth Big Money
