Collectibles--Toys/book vs ebay

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Expert: - 9/14/2007


Question
Mike,
I bought your book "Field Guide" and the price in there for a #271 "Hot Wheels" Funny car w/ met. blue, white f/c 1, and "Goodyear" tampo on sides, metal Malaysia base,bw. was going for $5.99 on ebay and in the book it's for $3500.00, is that rough guess at to what it may payout? or the seller is not aware of how much it's worth? Regardless i bought the car anyway because i like it. I notice alot of cars are lower in price for what experts say they are worth, granted i'm a beginner at this but trying to learn as much as i can. If you can give me any other pointers other than what's in your "field guide" book, I would appreciate it very much.

Answer
Hi and thanx for writing.
You would be amazed at how may times I have been asked this question....
The car on the carded number 271 has a value of $3500.00 ONLY on the card! It's actually the card that you are paying the $3500.00 for. Is yours still on the number 271 card? There are like only 6 or 7 of those cards known to still exist.
The car itself, was released in many other packages and is readily available for 50 cents at many garage sales. It's the Number 271 package that makes it so rare.
Loose cars do not bring the value of original packaged cars.
The first 28 pages of the Field Guide has some great information for the beginner. If you are looking for more information, stop by your local bookstore and pick up one of my other books, such as "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide 3rd Edition" or "Hot Wheels a Warman's Companion Guide". Either of those books will have a lot more information than the Field Guide. As I stated earlier, the Field Guide is a good beginners book, and please remember, all the prices in my books are for mint in the package cars.
Hope this helps and write again if you have any more questions.
Mike Zarnock

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Michael Zarnock

Expertise

I am able to answer questions about Hot Wheels toy cars and accessories.

Experience

Michael Zarnock is an American author and columnist, who writes collector guides and articles about Hot Wheels toy cars and accessories. Michael's knowledge and his massive Hot Wheels collection has earned him notoriety around the world. Whether it be because of the 11 books and countless magazine articles that he has written about Hot Wheels toys or the sheer size and diversity of his collection, this extensive knowledge has earned him the label,
"One of the worlds leading Hot Wheels authorities."
For more information visit: www.MikeZarnock.com

Publications
Bibliography:
2011-Present - "Die Cast X Magazine" (Hot Wheels Highway Section)
2009-2010 - "The Car Room Magazine" (Hot Wheels Column)
2008-2009 - "Die Cast X Magazine" (Hot Wheels Column)
2002 to 2008 - "Toy Cars & Models Magazine" (Hot Wheels Column & Variation Price Guide)
2002 - "The Ultimate Guide to Hot Wheels Variations"
2002 - *"The Standard Catalog of Die-Cast Vehicles II"
2003 - "Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide"
2004 - "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide, 2nd Edition"
2004 - *"Toys & Prices - 11th Edition"
2005 - "Hot Wheels Accessories, The Ultimate Guide"
2005 - *"Toys & Prices - 12th Edition"
2005 - *"The Standard Catalog of Die-Cast Vehicles III"
2006 - "Hot Wheels: A Warman's Companion Guide"
2006 - *"Toys & Prices - 13th Edition"
2007 - "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide 3rd Edition"
2007 - *"Toys & Prices - 14th Edition"
2007 - "Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide 2nd Edition"
2008 - *"Toys & Prices - 15th Edition"
2009 - *"Toys & Prices - 16th Edition"
2009 - "Hot Wheels: A Warman's Companion Guide 2nd Edition"
2009 - "Once Upon A Street Race" (Based on the true story of the time Mike got kidnapped at a street race!)
2010 - "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide 4th Edition"
2010 - "Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide 3rd Edition"
2011 - "Hot Wheels Prototypes" (Bruce Pascal & Michael Zarnock)
* - Denotes Hot Wheels Collector Number chapters on that publication.

Education/Credentials
There are no Educational Credentials needed for this area, just the need to be obsessed!

Awards and Honors
Michael is a 2 Time Guinness World Record holder! First in 2003 and then again in 2007! He is in the record books for owning the "Largest collection of different model cars". He is featured in the 2008 "Ripley's Believe It Or Not!" book #5 “Prepare To Be Shocked!” And the 2011 "Ripley's Believe It Or Not!" book "Utterly Crazy!" February 2009 Michael was inducted into the "Diecast Hall Of Fame" and later that year Mattel Hot Wheels® honored Michael by reproducing his old Altered Roadster Race Car as part of their Nostalgic "Drag Strip Demons®" Series!

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