Posted 12 years ago
suzygee
(1 item)
Is this worth anything? Thanks.As you can see been collecting dust but I love it. It was given to me about 15 16 years ago by my uncle who has since died..
Fifties Buick Model | ||
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Love it ! my Dad had a real one just likme it except it was Blue. Straight Eight and Stick Shift !
suzygee, from your picture this toy appears to be a reproduction of a Japanese toy that was made in China in the 80's. This is a very nicely done stamping and while not of Japanese origin, I think it has some value to your collection.
I saw two in an antique mall locally yesterday in like condition for $25 ea. Hope that helps.
Same response I gave to another inquiry about these "toys for adults":
First, they are NOT replicas of any old Japanese toys. They were "nostalgic" styled tin toys with plastic accessories (plated bumpers, molded seats...) trying to capture the feel of the great tin toys made in Japan in the 1950's. They were first issued in 1981.
Only they fell short of the mark, by a mile. Plastic does that, when added to tin, as plated plastic looks like... plated plastic, and the molded seats looked rather cheesy.
They originated from Switzerland as the late Count Giansanti, maker of the Fulgurex model trains also produced in Japan, had these made. There are 4 models with either top up or as convertibles, making a total of 8, plus a rash of colors available. They were a Buick, a Cadillac, a Corvette and a Ford Thunderbird, each in two improbable versions.
Of course, they were offered with a "certificate of authenticity" making sure that their owners were taken for the usual "limited edition, serialized" ride invented and perfected by the Franklin Mint.
The production tools were shifted to China when Tyco purchased the rights from the Count, and have been produced on and off ever since, by the wagon full. So much for "limited editions".
For a serious collector, they are pretty much worthless. For an amateur collector, they may have some display value, but there are THOUSANDS on the open market out there, so it is unlikely that they will be worth much in the future.
Check eBay, you are bound to find dozens of them, every day of every week of every year, and likely for many years to come. Average sale price for the earlier ones in perfect condition with perfect original box and contents: $35.00.