Lesney Matchbox Fiat 1500

[Lil Blue]

Mail call yesterday. Got this off of e-bay, and it turns out I beat out another local collector for it. Didn't realize this was a "rare" color until after I got it...and I got it for far less others have paid for just the car without the box. The guy said I must have had my max bid set higher than his at the last second...and yeah...set it pretty high (glad I didn't pay that though....wife would have killed me) because it was a Fiat and I really wanted it. Considered "played with" condition. Have another one coming in green with box.

[Amacento]

Very cool. This model was adopted by many countries across Europe.

[streetsurfer]

I know you give a lot away, and think that an awesome thing to get the kids going in a good direction. How large is your keeper collection getting to be?

Reminds me very much of a Simca I had at 16. It also, was a well oxidized and road worn red but buffed out very nicely. I can picture the day I cleaned it up still, in my cousin’s garage under his guidance. A hoot to drive!

[Rsamson67]

Great find!

[Lil Blue]

I know you give a lot away, and think that an awesome thing to get the kids going in a good direction. How large is your keeper collection getting to be?

Without counting...maybe 200-300? I went "nuts" when I first started collecting Hot Wheels back in march or april...buying up anything and everything. Now I only get new Hot Wheels to give away...would have to really grab my interest. I probably have about 500 loose to give away. Have about 100 new in package to give away at Roller Derby in a couple of weeks. I also keep about 20 new in package in the trunk of the Abarth for when kids come up with their parents because of the car...or the minion in the back seat.

New wise I've switched to Matchboxes...better detail and more realistic. But really go "hunting" for old Lesney's because they have a story to tell...have some history. Wife goes after Tootsie Toys, Micro Machines...etc. Only Hot Wheels I really buy for myself now are pre 80's...and even then..I get picky. Have rescued some red lines though.

I enjoy giving them to kids...puts a smile on their face. Kids need to be kids..and there's to much negative stuff anymore. Giving them away loose I'm hoping it helps keep the collectors from trying to dig through.

[Lil Blue]

Since I'm relatively new....still learning, and sometimes a little surprised by some of these. Got my order of 9 off of e-bay yesterday (still waiting on my other Fiat). Wanted these mostly for the VW's and the Jag. I didn't realize there was a Ferrari in the mix. The Ferrari is right hand drive....not left like most others...and has nicely detailed wheels/hub caps, not just black like others. I paid almost $6/each if you factor in shipping. I like to go back if I haven't already checked, the e-bay sold prices to see if I got a deal....paid to high....etc. Basically I'm about average....but what surprised me was the VW's in about the same condition have sold for more (about 10-15 each), then the Ferrari (under 10). Would of thought the Ferrari would have been worth more. They sure don't make them like they use to.

[Lil Blue]

Did a little "hunting" on the way home yesterday (turned a 4 hour drive into an 8 hour drive) where I got some decent Lesney's. But....the other Fiat I got off e-bay was waiting for me when we got home also. The Fiat collection is growing nicely.