Monday, 21 July 2025

History of YESTERYEAR FORD

 🔧 History of Matchbox Models of Yesteryear:



1. Launched in 1956 by Lesney Products (UK):


The “Models of Yesteryear” range was introduced to complement the Matchbox 1-75 series, focusing on vintage and classic vehicles from the early 1900s to the 1930s.


2. Focus on pre-WWII vehicles:


These models celebrated historic marques like Ford, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, and others, often in the 1:43 scale.


3. Ford Models in the Yesteryear Series:


Several classic Ford cars and trucks were included, such as:


Model T Ford Van (one of the most reproduced)


1912 Ford Model T


1930 Ford Model A Delivery Van


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🏆 Why Are They Valuable?



1. Rarity & Age


Older editions (1950s–70s) in mint condition with original boxes are hard to find.


Limited edition releases and regional variants (e.g., with different logos or brands on vans) are even rarer.


2. Detailed Craftsmanship


Matchbox Lesney used metal diecast, detailed paintwork, and period-correct decals/logos, giving each model a museum-like quality.


Collectors admire the historical accuracy and intricate features.


3. Brand Licensing & Liveries


Many Ford vans were branded with historic logos like:


Coca-Cola, BP, Dunlop, Harrods, and more.


These themed liveries add value, especially when linked to real historical companies.


4. Collectibility & Nostalgia


Many collectors are drawn to Matchbox Yesteryear Fords for their connection to automotive history and the childhood joy of vintage toys.


They’re part of diecast collecting heritage and often displayed as collectible heirlooms.


5. Investment Potential



Some rare variants (e.g., early pre-production versions or errors) can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars at auction.


Example: a Model T Van with rare livery or wheel color variation can command a premium price.


#minitoysosem 

#matchboxlesney 

#yesteryear 

#matchboxyesteryear






📦 Featured Listings


1922 Ford Model T “Harrods Express” Van (boxed, Mint‑in‑Box)


Seller: lost_in_time_toys


Price: US $10 (Best Offer)  



1922 Ford Model T Y‑12 Harrods Express Box (1978) (new)


Seller: Foxa Findings


Price: US $18.99 (Buy It Now)  



**Vintage Matchbox Y‑12 Ford T Harrods (NOS)**


Price: US $13.00 (New, No box specified)  



**A35 1:43 Model T Van Harrods (Used, Boxed)**


Seller: DinkyCorgiToys


Price: US $8.48  



1922 Ford Model T Harrods Y‑12, boxed


Seller: Collectors paradise are here


Price: US $8.10 (Best Offer)  



Ford Model T 1922 Harrods Y‑12, boxed


Seller: mcslots2013


Price: US $29.86 (Buy It Now)  





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🔍 Additional Variants Available


Wide selection of 1911 & 1912 Ford Model Ts (various liveries) and delivery vans like Royal Mail, Hoover, Pepsi, etc., on eBay starting from US $4–35  .




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🧭 How to View the Listings



To explore these models:


1. Visit eBay and search one of the listing titles above, for example:


“Matchbox Models of Yesteryear 1922 Ford Model T HARRODS”


“Ford Model T 1922 Harrods Matchbox Y12”




2. Alternatively, check Etsy or Carousel for variants like the Royal Mail Model T.

Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Beli Kenangan Lama Dengan Hotwheels...



Minat mengumpul mainan Hot Wheels dan Matchbox pada usia 40-an bukanlah sesuatu yang pelik, malah semakin menjadi trend dalam kalangan golongan dewasa masa kini. Huraian ini boleh dilihat dari beberapa sudut:






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1. Nostalgia dan Kenangan Zaman Kanak-Kanak



Ramai yang membesar dengan mainan seperti Hot Wheels dan Matchbox. Apabila memasuki usia 40-an, keinginan untuk kembali merasai kenangan zaman kecil seringkali menjadi pencetus minat untuk mengumpul semula koleksi ini. Ia bukan sekadar mainan — ia adalah “mesin masa” yang membawa kembali detik-detik manis membesar dalam suasana lebih sederhana.


> “Dulu mak ayah tak mampu belikan semua. Sekarang bila dah ada rezeki lebih, kita 'pulangkan' semula impian yang tertangguh tu.”





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2. Nilai Seni dan Kepuasan Estetik



Hot Wheels dan Matchbox kini bukan sekadar mainan, tetapi produk seni miniatur yang halus dan penuh perincian. Setiap model kereta mempunyai rekaan unik, warna menarik dan selalunya diinspirasikan oleh kereta sebenar — ini memberikan satu bentuk kepuasan visual dan estetika kepada pengumpul.



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3. Peluang Pelaburan & Nilai Koleksi


Sesetengah model edisi terhad atau “rare” boleh mencecah harga tinggi di pasaran kolektor. Maka, hobi ini bukan sekadar untuk kepuasan peribadi, tetapi juga berpotensi sebagai satu bentuk pelaburan jangka panjang, sama seperti mengumpul setem atau jam tangan vintage.



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4. Komuniti dan Perkongsian Minat



Minat mengumpul Hot Wheels juga membuka ruang sosial baru — melalui kelab kolektor, pameran, atau jual beli atas talian. Ia menjadi medium untuk berkongsi pengetahuan, bertukar barang, dan berkenalan dengan individu lain yang berkongsi minat yang sama.



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Kesimpulan


Mula minat pada usia 40-an bukanlah satu kelewatan, tetapi sebenarnya masa yang ideal — apabila seseorang lebih stabil dari segi kewangan, lebih matang dalam membuat pilihan, dan lebih menghargai nilai sentimental. 


Ia bukan sekadar mengumpul kereta mainan, tetapi menghidupkan kembali impian zaman kecil dengan cara yang lebih bermakna dan eksklusif.

Thursday, 19 September 2024

Matchbox Limited Edition Superfast

 



The original Matchbox toys possessed thin, solid, disc-like wheels on heavy axles. These wheels were durable and (fairly) realistically proportioned to the car, and were simple to make, but they generated a lot of friction and the toys were not very fast.


When Hot Wheels (then a separate company) were introduced in 1968, they featured wider wheels on a thinner axle. The wheels were a made from a low friction plastic, and the axles were polished to further reduce friction; a much faster wheel set that created a much faster car. Sensing the play value of these faster, albeit less realistic models, Lesney created the Superfast series, using the same types of wheels as Hot Wheels had.



Initially, Superfast wheels were about as wide as the older wheels (now called "regular wheels"), keeping the wheel fairly realistically proportioned to the rest of the vehicle, and allowing Lesney to reuse their current castings with only minor changes to the base. These early Superfast wheel sets were relatively fragile, however, so Lesney increased the wheel width within the limits of their then-in-use castings.




Lesney had essentially been caught with their pants down, though, and had to compromise between their castings, which had been designed to accept regular wheels, and the Hot Wheels-style wheel set, which needed a wider wheel to be durable. The castings simply didn't allow enough room for a full-width Hot Wheels type wheel, so middle period Superfast wheels were about half of the width of today's wheels.



Late Superfast

As Lesney developed new castings, however, they designed them around new, full-width Superfast wheels, and the old regular wheels (and even early and middle-period Superfast wheels) were all but abandoned. 




Through attrition, all of the old regular wheel castings were replaced, and all Matchbox toys bore Superfast wheels. Other manufacturers (Corgi, Majorette, etc.) now also released their models on Superfast-like wheels, and the term, which had once indicated the speed of the wheels in relation to their competitors, became meaningless. Superfast was eventually quietly retired.




Special Edition Superfast





From 2004 to 2009, Matchbox returned to using the Superfast name to designate special editions of mainline vehicles, typically given extra-detailed paint schemes for added realism (e.g. painting of headlights, riding lights, license plates). These Superfast vehicles are packaged on a blister card, like other Matchbox vehicles, but also include a box, reminiscent of the boxes Matchbox toys used to be sold in.




Additional series further divided the Superfast series, such as the Superfast America; Superfast Tin Collector box in 2005, which featured Spectra Flame colors; Best of British; Euro Edition, and others. In 2009, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original Superfast, a special edition of the Volkswagen T2 Bus was offered by mail-in. It would mark the last time the Superfast name would be used, as it was discontinued after 2009 and replaced by the Lesney Edition Series in 2010, though the hiatus would be short-lived.





🔎 Average Price & Trend


eBay shows an average price of around US $8.72 (~RM 40) based on sales data from the past 90 days (ebay.com).


Current listings include:


Standard version (new): US $4 – $8.


Special editions like "Lesney" (2009) or “60th Anniversary”: US $12 – $30+ (matchbox.fandom.com).


Example: 2023 "Collectors" (Gold Edition) listed at around US $19.99 on Amazon (amazon.com).





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📊 Price Summary by Edition


Variant Price (USD) Notes


Basic edition (new) $4 – $8 Includes recent releases from 2024/25 (walmart.com, ebay.com)

Special editions (Collectors, 60th, Lesney) $12 – $30+ Limited edition or anniversary items

Gold “Collectors 2023” edition $19.99 Available on Amazon



Saturday, 6 July 2024

New HOBBY Metal Kit -Manta Ray


Building a metal kit often involves following specific instructions provided by the manufacturer, as each kit can vary significantly in complexity and design. However, here's a general outline you might find helpful:


1. **Preparation**: Gather all the tools and materials required as per the kit's instructions. This typically includes metal parts, screws or rivets, tools like screwdrivers or pliers, and possibly adhesives.




2. **Assembly Steps**:

   - **Step 1**: Identify and sort all parts according to the assembly manual.

   - **Step 2**: Begin with the base or frame of the kit, if applicable, and attach the first components as instructed.

   - **Step 3**: Follow the numerical or alphabetical order provided in the manual to ensure correct assembly sequence.

   - **Step 4**: Use the appropriate tools to connect metal pieces together securely, following the recommended techniques for joining (e.g., screwing, riveting).

   - **Step 5**: Check periodically that all parts are aligned correctly and securely fastened.





3. **Finishing Touches**:

   - **Step 6**: Once the main structure is assembled, proceed with attaching smaller details or decorative elements, if included.

   - **Step 7**: Test functionality if it's a functional model (e.g., moving parts, lights).

   - **Step 8**: Clean up any excess adhesive or marks, and ensure all parts are polished and presentable if necessary.





4. **Quality Check**: 


Inspect the entire assembly to ensure it matches the provided images and functions correctly as intended.





Following these steps generally applies to most metal kits, whether they're models, furniture pieces, or other metal-based DIY projects. Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your kit for the most accurate guidance.

Full video:


Determining the most popular metal kit in the world can be subjective and may vary based on different factors such as region, interest, and industry trends. However, a few types of metal kits are generally popular:
1. **Metal Model Kits**: These can include model airplanes, cars, ships, and other intricate replicas that hobbyists assemble from metal parts.

2. **Metal DIY Furniture Kits**: These kits allow people to build furniture pieces like tables, chairs, or shelves from metal components.

3. **Metal Building Kits**: These are often used in construction for pre-engineered metal buildings that are assembled on-site.

4. **Metal Puzzle Kits**: These are small-scale puzzles or brain teasers made from metal parts that users assemble to form a shape or solve a challenge.


Among these, metal model kits, particularly those of iconic vehicles, historical structures, or complex machinery, tend to have a significant following globally due to their detail, educational value, and appeal to hobbyists. 


Specific brands like Metal Earth, Fascinations, and others have gained popularity for their high-quality metal model kits.


Sunday, 16 June 2024

Grumobile Facts

The Grumobile is a large, rocket-powered vehicle that is used as the primary means of transport for Felonius Gru.



2018 card

From the back of the 2018 card:

Born: 2010, Universal City, CA

Designer: Universal Pictures®


Big and bulbous, Felonious Gru’s car is powered by a large rocket engine and has a pointed rear end perfect for ramming cars out of the way to make parking spaces a little bigger. It’s ideal to take on any former super-villain errand, whether it’s a run to the coffee shop or a quick dash to the Bank of Evil!




The vehicle is extremely high, being as tall as a story of a building, and the cockpit is on the top of the car. Under the cockpit, it seems to be spacious (Not directly shown but implied when Gru can keep Agnes, Edith, and Margo all inside) and entrance is behind the vehicle. 


It can speed up instantly thanks to it's massive rocket that provides significant boost in a matter of seconds. The sound of the honk is slightly lower in amplitude compared to typical cars, more like a truck's horn.


📦 Collectible Info:


Sought after by both Hot Wheels collectors and Minions fans.


Sometimes part of limited-edition series or movie-themed packs.


Can be found online via platforms like eBay, Amazon, or collector stores.




Link Tik Tok:

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Come join me at Lemon8:
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Tuesday, 23 April 2024

Hot Wheels RC 1:64 Scale the Batman Batmobile, Remote-Controlled Car For Kids 5 & Up

Product Details 


The Hot Wheels® RC 1:64 Scale The Batman Batmobile™ zooms straight off the screen and into the hands of anyone who loves the film, the comic, or realistic muscle-cars in 1:64 scale! Recreate scenes from the movie or invent entirely new ones where Batman™ uses the Batmobile™ to engage his nemesis and save the day. 





The remote controller recharges using the included the USB cable and has a 20-minute charge time for 20 minutes of action-packed play. There's also a 'turbo' button to help the remote-controlled vehicle reach the epic speeds every crime-fighting hero requires! 


Colors and decorations may vary. The Hot Wheels® RC 1:64 Scale The Batman Batmobile™ is a replica of the Super Hero vehicle of The Batman franchise, with a realistic muscle-car look that's sleek and stealth just like the Caped Crusader himself. 



Kids can drive their Batmobile™ on or off the iconic Hot Wheels® orange track where it can perform epic stunts and then race off to explore new roads and adventures -- the R/C car comes with a ramp connector to ease the transition onto the track from other surfaces. The remote controller recharges using the included USB cable and has a 20-minute charge time for 20 minutes of continuous play. 




The Hot Wheels® RC 1:64 Scale Batmobile™ can reach speeds up to 500 scale mph with the turbo boost feature. The vehicle has twin electric motors in a tank-drive set-up that ensures maximum performance and handling on and off track. 



Kids 5 years old and up, as well as collectors and Batman™ fans, will appreciate the combination of the classic Hot Wheels® 1:64 scale car with radio-controlled technology for exciting adventures and intense racing...






Saturday, 12 August 2023

Why motorcycle fans will love the new LEGO® Technic™ Yamaha MT-10 SP

It probably comes as no surprise that our LEGO® designers love nothing more than a challenge. Whether it’s striving to make sets bigger or more realistic, they love to push the idea of what a LEGO set can be.

So, when we decided to create a new LEGO Technic™ set based on the Yamaha MT-10 SP motorcycle, our designers wanted to push into new ground.

After all, the Yamaha MT-10 SP is a ground-breaking motorcycle. A flagship bike in the MT series that’s known for its attitude, its agility and its Hyper Naked styling.



To honor this exceptional motorcycle, we wanted to create a set with a more detailed engine and one of the most technically complicated gearboxes we’ve ever built.

This was a challenge that designer Lars Thygesen, a motorcycle enthusiast who has worked for the LEGO Group for over 30 years, was eager to meet.

YAMAHA MT-10 SP 

The LEGO Technic Yamaha MT-10 SP set is in 1:5 scale, making it the joint highest-scale LEGO Technic motorcycle we’ve built, along with the LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR set.

If you’re interested, check out how we made the LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR just like the real thing…




The scale and the level of complexity make this set ideal for builders who love to test themselves.

“It’s really challenging,” adds Lars. “All the moving mechanical parts are hidden. When it’s finished, the engine is covered by the outer design, so you can’t see what’s going on inside.”




Wednesday, 29 March 2023

The Legendary Bone Shaker

Bone Shaker is a hot rod design created by Larry Wood. Featuring a distinctive skull on its front, the Bone Shaker is one of Larry Wood's favorite Hot Wheels models to design as well as one of Hot Wheels' most famous and iconic models. 



Featuring both closed and open roof versions and even a version with the Joker's face instead of the skull, the Bone Shaker has spawned numerous additional derivatives, with alternative takes on the iconic


design.



A real-life version of the Bone Shaker was created by Action Vehicle Engineering in 2011. It is based on a Chevrolet Corvette C5 and features the 5.7L V8 from said Corvette.



Special "The Joker" Edition


This version of the casting replaces the iconic skull on the front with a face mold of the Joker; it is commonly known as the Joker Shaker.
 


All versions thus far have been with a closed roof. The Bone Shaker has come out in the following versions:




Friday, 24 March 2023

Hotwheels White Enamel Camaro (1968)

 

This car is reported to be a test car for the new Spoilers Series car, the Heavy Chevy. The interior of a true White Enamel Camaro is missing the tabs on the rear underside of the interior that were in the rear wheel wells. This was to be able to fit the new larger sized rear wheels that were coming out on the Spoiler Series cars. 




These cars were pre-production/prototypes and were never released in a blister pack. There are as many as 25 White Enamel Camaro cars. 



FUN FACTS ABOUT HOTWHEELS..

Hot Wheels is an American brand of scale model cars introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. It was the primary competitor of Matchbox until 1997, when Mattel bought Tyco Toys, then owner of Matchbox.




Where is the Hot Wheels factory located?

Enjoy a VIP tour of Hot Wheels Headquarters in El Segundo, CA.



For most of Hot Wheels' history, the vehicles have been 
produced in Asian countries 
(Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, China, etc.) 
and exported around the world for their sale. But a few countries produced 
Hot Wheels themselves and sold them for their local market.



Are Hot Wheels cars made in Malaysia?
Made in Malaysia. Soon, fans of Hot Wheels will start to notice more of their toy cars carrying the 'Made in Malaysia' ta The reason for this? Malaysia will be Mattel's largest manufacturer in 2023.7 Dec 2022


Are Hot Wheels still made in Malaysia?

Bhd. (MMSB) commemorated its 40th anniversary in Malaysia today with the announcement of a plaexpansion, expected to be completed in January 2023. The world's largest Hot Wheels manufacturing plant, MMSB is also the world's only manufacturer of Hot Wheels singles, the top-



What years were Hot Wheels made in Malaysia? In 1983 McDonald's first released Hot Wheels in their Happy Meals and the same year the Hot Wheels production plant was moved to Malaysia. In 1983, A new style of wheel called Real Riders were introduced, which had real rubber tires


In 1990, Hot Wheels first introduced helicopters. Later in the decade, in 1995, a major change was brought to the Hot Wheels line, where the cars were split up into series.

One was the 1995 Model Series, which included all of that year's new castings, 12 Models in the Model Series. 4-car series were introduced also. In 1996, the Model Series was renamed to First Editions.







Top 10 Most Valuable Hot Wheels Cars


Check out Hot Wheels Rear-Loader Volkswagen Beach Bomb (Reproduction Restoration, Spectraflame Hot Pink)  


  • Cheetah Base Python, 1968.



  • Mad Maverick” base Mighty Maverick, 1970. 



  • Red Baron with white interior, 1970

Check out Hot Wheels Red Baron from Toy Story Playset 2009 HotWheels Loose Rare for RM28.00. 

Get it on Shopee now! 



  • Custom Volkswagen without Sunroof, 1968



  • Ed Shave Custom AMX, 1970


  • Blue Rodger Dodger, 1974


  • Purple Olds 442 (1971)




  • Collector Number 271 Funny Car (1995)









     

                                                                                       Hotwheels JH3 Nissan Skyline R30
                                                           

Thursday, 23 March 2023

The Volkswagen Drag Bus 1996

 Description

The Volkswagen Drag Bus is one of the hottest surprise castings to ever come out of Mattel's factory. Whether you love it or hate it, it turned into a collectors #1 favorite. The Volkswagen Drag Bus designed by Phil Riehlman has his initials, PR, cast into the bottom of the rear differential. This casting, when released, was the heaviest casting Mattel made, and the most popular.

Volkswagen Drag Bus




2021_RLC_Drag_Bus_card_variation_front
                                                              



 





History of YESTERYEAR FORD

 🔧 History of Matchbox Models of Yesteryear: 1. Launched in 1956 by Lesney Products (UK): The “Models of Yesteryear” range was introduced t...