How to Collect Matchbox Vehicles

Immerse yourself in the history of Matchbox. Matchbox Cars were first made in England in 1953 by Lesney Products.

Understand that the No. 1 Diesel Roadroller, the No. 2 Dumper and the No. 3 Cement Mixer were introduced in 1953 and that new cars were added each year (some to replace older models) until the number reached 75.

Be aware that, in 1982, Lesney went into receivership. Matchbox Toys was sold to Universal Toys, which, in turn, sold it to Tyco in 1991.

Familiarize yourself with some of the things that determine value to collectors. For example, the cars were originally distributed by the Moko company, so early Matchbox boxes carried a banner that reads, "A Moko Lesney," across the box. Around 1959, the banner was changed to read, "A Lesney Product."

Acquaint yourself with some of the details that differentiate the cars: Matchbox cars No. 1 through No. 75 can be divided into three types of cars, each with different wheels. The first cars had metal wheels; in the early 1960s the "regular" (grey or black plastic) wheels appeared; and the "superfast" wheels (still used today) appeared around 1969.

Decide what you're really interested in. The European Transit Collection? The American Muscle Cars?

Know that, in addition to its die-cast cars, Matchbox has made or now makes play sets, dolls, plastic kits, robots and accessories such as gas stations. There's even a road racing set that uses the Matchbox cars.

Note that serious collectors collect catalogs, display units, carrying cases, collector buttons and boxes as well.

Investigate the financial side of collecting. Many Matchbox pieces are now worth hundreds of times their original issue price - and prices vary significantly according to rarity and condition.

Look before you leap if you've got an eye on future values. This is a popular and very well established collectible category, and buyers and sellers tend to know their stuff.

Decide what you want to collect and why.