Collectibles--Toys/car collection

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Expert: - 9/6/2007


Question
I don't know if you can help but I'm really out of my element so I'll try anything at this point for information. My nephew has a very large collection of Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Johnny lightning, ect. Alot are still in packages, some are played with. Some are sets of cars in packages. He also has several tracks and such still in boxs. I don't know the years, except they are spread out, starting about 17 years ago and some older from his step dad. He is looking to sell them and would like to sell as a lot if possible. Could you give me some idea of where to even look for buyers of things like this. He is starting college and could really use some extra money. Thanks so much for any information. Sincerely Karin

Answer
Hi Karin,
Thanx for writing!
Any collection of any size needs to be listed by name, year, and condition. Production numbers are also important if possible. They are on the boxes where the writing and the copyright dates are. In one of my books, "Hot Wheels Accessories, The Ultimate Guide", I have all the product numbers listed with each piece so it's easy to tell what the piece actually is and what year it was made. There are also prices in the book too.
There is a chance that there may be a collector or dealer out there that might buy the whole collection as a lot, but I can tell you that you will get more in return if you list each piece at auction (ebay) by itself.
A dealer will offer you about 40 to 50% of the value since they will have to hang onto it for a while before getting a return on their investment.
Depending on the age, and condition, and the piece itself, I may be interested in some of it for my museum.
Once you get a list together, please forward it to me at MikeZarnock@aol.com
Best wishes

Collectibles--Toys

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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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