'Real-Life Matchbox Van' Joins World's Biggest Matchbox Vehicle Collection

The owner of the largest collection of Matchbox model vehicles in the world can now drive one vehicle from his collection on the road, after acquiring the ultimate 'matchbox van' at Barons' sale at Sandown Park on October 29th.

The 1932 Austin Seven van was transformed in 1937 into an advertising vehicle for England's Glory matches. This charming little van proved irresistible to the UK-based collector, who paid £10,700 for his latest model.

The highest selling lot was a beautiful bright yellow 1998 Ferrari F355 convertible, which sold for £30,250, despite being a very late entry in the sale and having no current MoT. But most hotly-contested was the 1977 Daimler Double Six Coupé. With an estimate of £2,000 to £3,000, the car romped up to £5,780, with lively telephone bidding driving it to almost twice its top estimate.

Three of the four restoration projects found new owners, who can now look forward to a very satisfactory winter as they tackle their latest vehicular challenge. The 1957 MGA Roadster achieved £4,268, while the 1969 Daimler (Jaguar) 250 V8 Saloon and 1954 Ford Prefect/105E sold for £692 and £800 respectively.

When the final hammer fell, 70% of the cars on offer had sold, along with 95% of the automobilia. These results were particularly pleasing as the sale took place the day after the St. Jude's storm, which cut through the south of England on the day most lots were due to be delivered to the sale room. Happily, forewarned is forearmed, and Barons got early access to Sandown Park on the Sunday, and the majority of the lots were safely tucked up in the Esher Hall a day earlier than planned.

Source: Barons