1/18th Die Cast Model Values

[Guest]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

I don't think it's you Frank. I checked Retrobird die casts on Ebay today and found relatively few; a couple black, a DSB, Charlie's Merlot, a TR and a concept yellow. Doesn't seem like nearly as many as we had late last year when there were multiple WWs and Neiman-Marcus along with more common colors at the same time.

I think Charlie's auctions generated more listings from others and more bidders too.

Maybe things have just gone quiet as folks recover from their holiday buying hangovers.

[Skip]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

Two TBird models you can bet good money on that they will be listed on eBay just about always: the IY 1:18 retro diecast and the red '57 promo. Seldom does a day go by that at least one of these doesn't show up in my searches, and usually more. I had heard that '57 red promo was the most produced promo ever. I have several in my collection. And the IY retro has to be among the most produced 1:18 diecast models, and not just retro TBirds. I'm not certain what it all means, and I have not been tracking the sales success rate like Bill. I haven't sold one at shows or to TBNers for a long time. I think it is time to get one of the few I have left signed by the Beach Boys to generate interest. Well, maybe two, as I would keep one for myself. I am surprised that more have not been donor cars for other colors, but then again according to Frits and Dino they are much more difficult to workl with then the Beanstalk models. In a way, I am like Phil. He thinks, and we all hope that our 1:1 cars will be increasing in collectibility and value as time goes on. I would hope that the diecast manufacturers would see that as a reason to begin producing retro Birds again. Will they reach the popularity that constantly keeps the 55-57s on model companies radar to keep in production? Likely not. We can only hope. I have not been to Toy Fair for a few years, but if I make it this year I'll see what the Maisto folks and others have to say.

[2K2BIRD]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

Skip, you mean the concept yellow retrobird, not IY - they are two different color yellows. Yes, their seems to be at least a dozen available at any given time. Today there are over 20 listed.

Some of them have been used as donors for repaints, but I think the lack of a 3rd brake light and the 3 spoke steering wheel really take away the desirability of the model for this purpose.

Your idea of having a yellow one signed for sale is a good one and would surely generate a lot of interest. Hint: a red one would be even better, ha!

[FEsTbird]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

It is interesting that the Maisto WW seems like a hybrid of the concept cars with the three spoke steering wheel, but with a tail light. I wonder if Maisto was going to produce that model and Ford made the decision to not offer a white model after the 2003. So they put together a partial production run with the three spoke steering wheels they had left over from the concept cars. Then they switched colors to one of the four production colors and the four spoke wheels.

[wcoates]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

Wow an 007 that didn't get a $18.95 opening bid. Frank might be right, market seems to be off.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191489478535...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[FEsTbird]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

There are a lot of yellow show cars or similar, I don't think they are getting bids either. I think the 007 car had been on a couple of times at higher price. I am wondering if it will be relisted at a lower price.

[2K2BIRD]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

It was relisted at the same price. If they get much lower they will be a real bargain for repaints or wheel/parts donors.

[wcoates]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

The Neiman Marcus 1:18 sales since the Wizard of Ridgeland Mississippi sold in Late Nov and early December with an average of $113 has definitely been downward. Last three I've captured have been $80.65 down to $76.40 down to $65.90. Definitely downward.

Any way we can blame Charlie for the downward spiral. Guess not!

[Guest]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

The 1/18 die cast sales are kind of unpredictable of late, and not very consistent:

Charlie's new Merlot went to $ 420, while his used one didn't ever break $ 200. A used WW went for $ 142 last fall, but Charlie's new one went for only about $ 118 as I recall (I know Bill and Charlie and others recall the exact amount).

An 'unusual,' but not exactly rare Black concept with full red interior NIB just sold for $ 16.50, but more common NIB production EBs regularly sell for $ 25+. One seller has many and has sold 13-14 at around the $ 25-26 price.

Then you get a new 007 that doesn't even get a bid with an opening bid of $ 18+.

Neiman's are dropping as Bill noted, and it seems there are always at least a couple available.

I paid just $ 40 for a NIB Desert Sky Blue that had a BIN of $ 54, but recently sold a more 'common' Maisto MSG for $ 75.

The bottom line, as I see it, is that prices are all over the place, and certain colors seem to appear in 'clusters' with no real rhyme or reason. If anything, patience seems to pay off. Someone who's willing to wait can probably get almost any color now for less than what others have paid in the past. So the trend does appear to be down, and not just on NMs as Bill noted.

[FEsTbird]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

I think the prices you quote for SixPac's latest two auctions did not meet his reserve and he put them 'back in the closet.' I think prices definitely were higher before Christmas. Now there are many that have gone through several trials with no bids at all.

I bought the Black Show Car with the red interior for "parts." The chrome wheels and flat-tonneau top are slated to customize the Maisto MSG I purchased in the fall. I hope I can find a spray-can color that matches the seats and paint both the Maisto and Beanstalk tonneaus.

If anyone wants the red interior for shipping costs to modify a Torch Red Maisto, let me know.

[Guest]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

Frank I think Charlie did sell his new Merlot at the $ 420 figure even though the Ebay auction showed 'reserve not met.' The used one did not sell and I think Charlie said it was going back in the closet.

If you got the black 'show car' for the $ 16.50 that was a good deal, based on the chrome wheels if nothing else. I don't think you could produce a set of 1/18 chrome wheels for anywhere near that price and the full red interior is just a bonus.

I agree that prices were generally higher before Christmas. I guess a lot more people are looking then.

[wcoates]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

Charlie's merlot sold if memory recalls at $405 + $16 shipping. the $197 used went back to the closet. believe his last WW went back to the closet also.

[Guest]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

Yes, I think you're right Bill. I'm glad you and Paul are following the prices on these. It's a lot to keep up with.

[FEsTbird]

Re: 1/18th Die Cast Model Values

You are correct about the Merlot, it was for $405 negotiated with the high bidder.