Expert: Michael Zarnock - 11/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a Red 65 Mustang Convertible in the package.

It came in the set (CUSTOM CAR CENTER), the box says it contains one car (and it did, the mustang).

The Tomarts book I have says that the set contains no cars (updated 5th edition).

I got the set at a sale, the box was never opened but in poor shape so I decided to open it anyways.
I took the car out of the toy set, it is wrapped in a plastic bag kind of thing with a peice of tape on it.

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Here's the weird part though, the car has 3 white wall rims (type J white wall tires) and a black one (Type F basic blackwall tire)?

Is this a rare find I should keep in the package and hold on to or is this something that happens all the time?

Thanks in advance...

Brad Snider
Vancouver, BC
Canada


ANSWER: All the boxes that I have ever seen of the Custom Car Center Item # 7554 do not have a car included and it says so on the box. Look on page 84 in "Hot Wheels Accessories, The Ultimate Guide". If you have a photo of the set, I would like to see it.
The Custom Car Center was released in 1990, the red Mustang with white interior, clear windshield and white walls was released in 1984 and had changed color a few times by 1990. There is a real good chance someone had opened the set since it was in poor condition and put that car in it and re-glued it.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Michael,

thanks for your answer on my first question, but, it hasn't solved the problem yet...

Here is what I have found since your last post.

The box clearly says "1 Hot Wheels Vehicle Included" on the top left corner.
It also says it on the contents list on the back of the box.

It says Mattel Inc. 1989 Mattel Canada Inc. Toronto, Canada (Made in Malaysia)

The toy did not appear to be opened before I got it as the tape I opened appeared to be very old, same as the tape on the car itself.
The factory stickers, instructions and every little part were in the box as it lists.

I am certain that this was not opened prior to myself but am curious on the status of the mustang car.
I have several of these mustangs in my collection but none have a factory glitch like this.

Is this kind of thing rare or has it come up lots before.

I personally am only a collector and do not see myself as an expert at all. I really only collect the cars from when I was young and thought this set would be nice to have.

Thanks,

Brad Snider
Vancouver, BC
Canada

ANSWER: Brad,
I am understanding this a little better now. Your set is a Canadian release and not US. I'm not familiar with the Canadian sets am still learning. As I stated earlier, the US sets do not have cars. Can you send me a photo of the box face? It is possible that the Canadian (International) sets did have cars and that Mustang was a left over from somewhere else. They would sometimes add cars to add interest in a set so it would sell better. It was done with the Sto & Go Round-Up Ranch.
Thanx!
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Here is a picture of the box.

I have more pics but this program will only let me send one at a time.

Thanks,

Brad

Answer
Brad,
Very different box! Even the cars in the box photo are different. I'm going to have to start finding all of these Canadian sets!
Well, since your set does come with a car and the car that you have is still in its baggie, that is cool! As far as any added value for having only 3 white walls, I don't really thing so. There are collectors out there that do collect such errors, but I don't know if they would pay a lot.
I would keep the car in its bagging though. Whenever you find anything of that age, I would keep it sealed and complete. If you wanted to display or play with it, I'm sure there are many open sets available.
Thanx so much for bringing it to my attention and I will be searching for that set and any other Canadian sets.
Mike