My Collection Year In review 2021

Dedicated record-keeping ....... you're a better man than I !

I started collecting 1/18 scale in 2002, I started off collecting Formula One cars but have passed all of them on to grand children as I lost interest in them quickly, I changed over to collecting muscle cars instead with a handful of race cars thrown in, this past year and a half I collected more muscle cars along with race cars and Ramp Trucks. 

Currently my list is as follows: 

8 Exoto 

Cobra Daytona Coupe #5 (1964)

Cobra Roadster Competition #98 (1963)

Chevy Corvette Grand Sport #65 (1963)

Chevy Corvette Grand Sport Roadster #10 (1966)

Chevy Corvette 427 Sting Ray (1967)

Chevy Corvette L79 Sting Ray (1967)

Ford GT40 MKII #98 (1966)

Ford GT40 MkII X-1 Roadster #1 (1966)

15 GMP 

Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible (1970)

Pontiac GTO Judge (Orbit Orange) (1970)

Chevy Camaro Smokey Yunick (1967)

Chevy Camaro Smokey Yunick (1968)

Chevy Nova Grumpy's Toy (1968) (Damaged hood from factory)

Chevy Nova Grumpy's Toy (1968) 

Swamp Rat 1 Don Garlits Dragster

Swamp Rat 1B Don Garlits Dragster

Swamp Rat III Don Garlits Dragster

Swamp Rat VI Don Garlits Dragster

Swamp Rat VII Don Garlits Dragster

Swamp Rat VIII Don Garlits Dragster

Greer Black Prudhomme Don Prudhomme Dragster

Bounty Hunter Connie Kalitta Dragster

Chizler V Dragster

9 Lane Exact Detail

Pontiac Firebird 400 (1967)

Shelby GT 350 (1967)

Shelby GT 500 (1968)

Chevy Camaro SS Grumpy's Toy (1967)

Chevy Chevelle SS 454 Convertible (1970)

Chevy Chevelle SS 454 (1970)

Oldsmobile Hurst Indy Pace Car Convertible (1971)

Chevy Camaro RS Yenko (1967)

Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 W-30 (1970) Rally Red/White Stripes

10 Highway 61

Ford Boss 302 Mustang (1970) Coral Red

Plymouth Hemi Cuda (1970) Red

Plymouth AAR Cuda (1970) Plum Crazy/Flat Black

Dodge Dart GSS Mr. Norm (1968) Black/Red tail stripe

Plymouth GTX Sox & Martin (1967) 

Plymouth Cuda Sox & Martin (1972)

Plymouth Cuda Sox & Martin (1971)

Plymouth Cuda Sox & Martin (1970)

Ford Boss 429 Mustang (1969) Gray/Black Stripe John Wick

Plymouth Barracuda Miss Mighty Mopar (1968) 

1 Carousel 1

Watson Roadster Winged Indy Car (1962) Smokey Yunick

2 Shelby Collectibles

Ford GT40 MKII #1 (1966)

Ford Shelby GT350R #98B (1965)

1 Green Light

Shelby GT500 White/Blue Stripes (1967)

1 Auto Art

Dodge Viper GTS-R White/Blue Stripes (1997)

31 ACME

Shelby GT350R #98BP Wimbledon White/Blue Stripes (1965)

Dodge D300 Sox & Martin Ramp Truck (1970) (Pre Order)

Dodge D300 Sox & Martin Ramp Truck (1970) (Pre Order)

Chevy C30 Ramp Truck Smokey Yunick (1967)(Black/Gold)

Chevy C30 Ramp Truck Smokey Yunick (1967)(Black/Gold)

Chevy C30 Ramp Truck Smokey Yunick (1967)(Black/Gold)

Chevy C30 Ramp Truck Smokey Yunick (1967)(Black/Gold)

Ford F350 Ramp Truck Themed Smokey Yunick (1970) (Black)

Ford F350 Ramp Truck Shelby (1970) (White)

Ford F350 Ramp Truck Shelby (1970) (White)

Ford F350 Ramp Truck Shelby (1970) (White)

Ford F350 Ramp Truck Cobra (1970) (Blue)

Ford F350 Ramp Truck Cobra (1970) (Blue)

Ford F350 Ramp Truck Cobra (1970) (Blue)

Chevy C30 Ramp Truck Grumpy's Toy (1967) (Red)

Chevy C30 Ramp Truck Grumpy's Toy (1967) (White)

Chevy C30 Ramp Truck Chevy Super Service (1967) (white)

Chevy C30 Ramp Truck Chevrolet Racing (1967) (White)

Chevy C30 Ramp Truck Chevrolet Racing (1967) (White)

Chevy C30 Ramp Truck Sunoco (1967) (Blue/Yellow Stripe)

Chevy C30 Ramp Truck Heart Beat of America (1967) (Black) (Pre Order)

Chevy C30 Ramp Truck OK Used Cars (1967) (White/Blue Roof)

Dodge D300 Ramp Truck Mopar (1970) (Red/White/Blue)

Ford F350 Ramp Truck FoMoCo (1970) (Black)

Ford F350 Ramp Truck FoMoCo (1970) (Black)

Chevy C10 Smokey Yunick Shop Truck (1967) (Black/Gold)

Ford Boss 302 Mustang Smokey Yunick (1969) (Black/Gold)

Ford Boss 302 Mustang Smokey Yunick #11 (1969) (Black/Gold)

Chevy Camaro Quick Silver (1967) (Silver)

Willy's Dirty Thirty (1933) (Black/White Stripe)

Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt (1964) (Maroon) (Ertl Mold)

2 Precision Miniatures

Willy's Gasser "Ohio George" (1933) (Blue)

Chevy Corvette Gasser "John Mazmanian" (Red)

8 Auto World

AMC AMX (1968) Laurel Green/Black Stripes)

Chevy Corvette 427 (1967) (Elkhart Blue) 

Plymouth Road Runner 440 six pack (1971) (Violet Purple)

Buick GSX 455 (1971) (Gold/Black Stripes)

Chevy Corvette Hard Top (1961) (Fawn Beige)

Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty 455 (1971) (White/Blue Stripe) (Pre Order)

Chevy Chevelle 427 Yenko (1969) (Gold/Black Roof)

Dodge Li'l Red Express Truck (1978) (Red)

3 Road Signature

Dodge Coronet R/T Convertible (1970) (Red/White Tail Stripe)

Cobra 427 S/C Roadster (1964) (Blue/White Stripes)

Chevy Corvette Convertible (1957) (Black/White)

2 Maisto

Ford Shelby GT500 (2020) (Blue/White Stripes)

Chevy Camaro SS (2016) (Grey)

12 Ertl

Buick GS455 Convertible (1970) (Black)

Pontiac GTO (1967) (Red)

Chevy Corvette Split Window (1963) (Black)

Chevy Camaro Z/28 (1971) (Black/White Stripes)

Chevy Camaro Grupmpy's Toy (1970) (White)

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Don Nicholson (1968) (White)

Plymouth Cuda Sox & Martin (1970)

Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty 455 (1973) (Red)

Plymouth Duster Miss Mighty Mopar (1974) 

Chevy Nova Pro Stock (1966) (Black Chrome)

Chevy Nova Pro Stock (1966) (Candy Apple Red/Flames)

Chevy Nova Pro Stock (1966) (Yellow)

1 Snap On 

Ford Model A Snap On Tool Truck (1923) (Black)

Total 106 1/18 scale replicas. 

Very desireable collection.

Frank, as you know I've said this before.  Your collection is like reading a history book of sports car racing.  Your cataloging and display is very impressive.  

I have my entire collection of 308 models on an Excel spreadsheet.  I've done this so that when it's time for my collection to be liquidated (after my final transition) my wife will have an easier time understanding how much each car is valued.  The value has been determined by eBay sold items.  This is an excerpt of my Excel spreadsheet.  

@marty-johnson I've got mine on an excel spreadsheet as well and have it laid out in similar fashion. As almost all of my collection is 1:18 I have them listed alphabetically by make and then each model of that make in chronolectal order. Each line is color-coded to the year I purchased it. I also have a separate sub list that charts the model manufacturers and how many from each manufacturer I've purchased both each year and in total. Currently I just list value as what I paid for it. I do this because so many of my models have been 'altered' so it is hard to know what anyone would pay for them.

 For example - what is worth more, a stock 'mint in box' Chaparral or the as far as I know 'one of a kind' custom 1965 Sebring winner that I made with it?

I just used a word processor for my list, as for prices, I used the MSRP from the manufacture of the diecast, if the models sell for more than that then I use the price I paid for it. The only ones that really have a large difference in their selling price and their MSRP are the Exoto cars however some Exoto are on the more expensive side because they are hard to find these days like the Ford GT40 X-1 Roadster I paid $743 dollars when you add in tax and shipping from Ireland. Most diecast are cheaper and sell for their MSRP unless you find a sale so they might be as much as $20 dollars cheaper. 

@john3976 - Actually, I'm finding that Exoto isn't the only model maker that has significantly appreciated in value.  I've seen enormous appreciation in models across the spectrum.  For example, the CMC Fiat Bartoletti trucks are routinely selling for over $2,500 on eBay.  It appears that the high-end models in our collections are worth a lot more than what we paid.  

@marty-johnson Any thoughts on ones like mine that are modified? Or does 'Mint in Box' always trump greater accuracy or exclusivity?

Mint in box is always going to return the highest value, a modified car is not going to pull the same value. You are looking for someone who has the exact same interest and is willing to pay for the modifications you have done and even then they will likely not be willing to pay mint in box prices 99% of the time. 

@franklemire - That's an interesting question. I've often wondered what the true value of my modified models is.  The values I have listed on my Excel spreadsheet are based on the empirical data from sales on eBay.  Several eBay sales have provided sufficient financial data that enables me to formulate a pretty accurate value for most models in my collection.  However, with modified cars, I cannot offer any clue due to them being in a One-of-One category. 

I can speculate that I believe specific models in my collection will garner a high price.  Others, not so much.  I have two models that I modified that Supercar Collectibles later created.  I would expect those models are probably of similar value as the factory-made model units.  Unfortunately, most of my modified models are the result of the drag racing genre from the mid-sixties.  The people who are most interested in that era are old and dying out. 

The result is I've noticed that the younger collectors show little if no interest in my customized models.  The exception would be my Gas Ronda 'Fantasy' Transporter Hauler.  That model is by far the most popular in my modified collection, and I believe its sale will likely be in the thousands.  However, that's just my speculation, as I have no empirical evidence supporting my supposition.  Indeed, the price of everything is based on what the buyer is willing to pay.  My Sox & Martin 1966 Barracuda has an enormous interest with collectors.  I've been approached by a dozen or so people asking me to build one for them.  I would expect the uniqueness of the model, the high demand for it, and a One-of-One rarity that completes Sox & Martin collections would garner a significantly high price. 

Will my wife be able to create the proper eBay listing description to generate the proper interest on eBay so she can get the maximum dollars?  It isn't very likely.  As I'm writing this, I'm now thinking it probably would be a good idea if I wrote the advertising text while I'm still breathing.  All she'd have to do is use it and place the model on eBay. LOL!  😆  

I've designated my 1966 Chevy Chevelle Chevoom funny car in my Will to go to a personal friend and diecast collector.  The values of the rest of my modified customs will be determined by who is interested in the models when they hit eBay.  I'm hoping that's about 15 years or so from now.  😉   

Concerning your models, I think in an eBay auction, they're likely to receive more than the original model.  I'm betting that your faithful execution of historical accuracy will increase the value.  The question is, by how much?  As is the case with my models, I think yours will need to be adequately explained with the proper text. Hence, potential buyers can better understand what is the model, its uniqueness, and its importance to automotive racing history.  I'm betting most of your modifications will constitute a One-of-One rarity that will chase the value upward. 

@john3976 - Are modified models as valuable as "Mint in Box?"  I think the answer to that is, "It depends." 

My Gas Ronda 'Fantasy' Transporter Hauler was based on a $40 Sunstar model.  It's by far the most popular modification I have in my collection.  Would a collector pay more than $40 for it?  

As I mentioned in the previous text, the Sox & Martin 1966 Barracuda fills an important missing gap in all S&M (no pun intended) collections.  I've declined all offers to build a model for about a dozen collectors.  I have to believe that the value of the model far exceeds the $90 that the original Hemi Under Glass model that served as the base is usually getting on eBay.  

I also built a Butch Leal AWB Plymouth (my first major diecast modification project) and the Bill Flynn Yankee Peddler Dodge.  However, both of those models have been reproduced by Supercar Collectibles AFTER I did the modifications.  Consequently, the "Mint in Box" value could easily be more than my custom modifications. 

Getting back to the original question, "Are modified models as valuable as "Mint in Box?"  It depends.  😉  

@marty-johnson It's funny, I've had at least a dozen of my 'custom' models end up getting done by the manufacturers - starting with the 'Flying Mule' Shelby GT-350 that I first did in 2004

 I'm curious to see if any of the Ford GT's I've done in the last few years end up being added to the list like the 1965 Sebring car 

It is interesting what you say about your drag race models and I fear you are correct - those of us who have a connection to that era are fading out and fewer and fewer people I meet under 40 have any real attachment to cars at all - let alone 'antique' race cars

It is doubtful that I could even get MSRP price for this Shelby Collectible modified version of the Ken Miles Shelby GT 350 Mustang because people can buy the car and remove the vent windows and left door mirror themselves. Add in the fact ACME has come out with a far more accurate version and while the ACME costs more that does not raise the price of the inaccurate Shelby Collectible version even with the two modifications I have done. 

Franks modified Ken Miles Shelby GT 350 has even more inaccuracies than does the Shelby Collectibles version as his has square holes in the front bumper and has side scoops on the body that are not on the Ken Miles Shelby GT 350. 

Here is another example, I modified the plain white ACME Chevrolet C30 Ramp Truck by using water slide decals, it is doubtful I could get more than the MSRP if I sold this truck, it would take someone who really wanted it for the theme and had a car that would go with it and even then I doubt it would bring more than $20 or $30 dollars over the MSRP. 

Here is another modified ramp truck, again doubtful you could get more than the MSRP for it unless you found that one buyer who really wanted it and it would like the other one only bring about $20 to $30 dollars over MSRP with the right buyer. 

Truck on the left is the ACME version done in red of the Grumpy's Toy ramp truck, the truck on the right is the modified version I did of a plain white ramp truck making it a Grumpy's Toy ramp truck, Mine would not bring anymore money than the ACME version unless you found the right buyer and again $20 to $30 dollars is likely all you might get over MSRP. 

For any modified diecast you have to find that one person who is looking for that exact item. It is kind of like people who buy a truck or car and have a custom mural air brushed on the side of the vehicle, great for the person who had it done but a nightmare for a dealer to try and sell it after taking it on trade because you have to find a buyer who would want that mural on the vehicle so those types of vehicles usually sell at much lower prices than the exact same vehicle without the mural air brushed on the side. The trade in value was also likely rock bottom as well due to the air brushed mural. 

Having said that if you can find the right buyer, that one person who is looking for that exact item you might be able to make a nice little profit on a modified diecast, but it will take finding that one person looking for that exact diecast. 

@john3976 - This is a fascinating conversation.  You've made some very valid points that have merit. 

As I said, "It depends."  I agree with you that the value of some modifications will be based on the specific interest of a particular buyer.  However, I think several other factors will determine value.  Criteria that I think determine the final price include subject matter, type of modification, quality of work done, uniqueness, and overall general interest. 

As Wayne Carini used to point out on "Chasing Classic Cars," to receive maximum value, the car needs to be auctioned at the correct venue in front of the right audience.  Carini also was big on presentation.  I remember an episode where a barn find was covered with dust.  He insisted that the car be auctioned "as is" with the dust intact.  He felt the dust added to the patina, allure, and interest of an original barn find.  As a marketing professional, I agree with Carini that presentation is a critical factor. As is the case with 1:1 classic cars, our modified model cars need to be presented to the right audience.  The overall presentation is vital to enhancing the value. 

Are there people who'd like a white color Grumpy Jenkins ramp truck?  Are there people who'd like a Gas Ronda medium-duty crew cab transporter that is a one-of-one?  The truth is adding decals to a white ramp truck is a relatively minor modification that can be easily duplicated.  Creating an extensively modified medium-duty crew cab transporter can be duplicated too, but not easily.  I think the price either modified truck can command will be based on the complexity of the modification and the general interest.  My Gas Ronda truck cost $40 to buy.  When it's time to sell it, based on the complexity of the build, uniqueness, and enormous interest in the model I'm confident the final sale price will be in the thousands.  Without a question, it will be for more than the $40 MSRP.  LOL!  😜 

BTW, John Fox's company, Your Car in Diecast (YCID) https://www.118scalemusclecars.com/ takes existing model cars and does major modifications like converting to convertibles, repaint, wheel swaps, engine swaps, and then sells them on the open market.  Needless to say, he sells them for more than the original MSRP.  He's not the only one doing that.  Others are doing the same.