Matchbox collectible books, why collect them?
Matchbox: The Official 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition
If you’re like me, you enjoy everything and anything that has to do with diecast model cars, including books! Whether you enjoy collecting Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Corgi, Dinky or large 1:18 scale Maisto or Franklin Mint pieces, you might want to try out collecting books that relate to diecast model cars. I believe that one of the reasons we collect model cars has to do with its relation to its time of production and what that company was going through or trying to do with its products. A company producing a certain product line with cars that resemble the culture or style of its time, is easily seen in many current model cars. How often do you see model diecast cars with their exaggerated large rims and “custom” styles. I know many collectors don’t like these models, but it reflects what many other people like and purchase for their collection, especially young people, and they are the ones who will become the next generation of collectors.
This is one reason I like to collect magazine and books that relate to diecast model cars. But not just any type of publication, I try to find something of quality and distinguishes itself from the rest.
One book I purchased a few years ago and keep on my shelf is the hard cover book by Matchbox celebrating its 50th Anniversary, called Matchbox: The Official 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition. Published in 2002 I obtained my copy direct from Mattel a few years back. Its about 271 pages of beautiful photos and gives a wonderful overview of Matchbox and the cars they produced from 1952-2002. Its not a complete list of all their cars, but I would say that at least 50% of the book is dedicated to large full color photos. Why did I purchase this book? For two reasons, the quality is high, the photos are great and this book was published just as Matchbox had ended their popular Matchbox 1:43 scale series Models of Yesteryear and Matchbox Exclusives. They had been liquidating hundreds of dollars in inventory because they no longer were going to sell them to their distributors and/website. So to me it marked a turning point for the Matchbox brand. Seemed Mattel wanted to focus on something else. I think this book has the potential to be valuable in the future, a great collection piece now, and at worst a very nice coffee table book!
And to my surprise there are still a few copies out there. I’ll probably get an additional one for myself. I thought I would share this find for those of you who do collect these. You can find a few copies at the following link. Matchbox: The Official 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition.
