Question about unmarked, unpainted base plate on early find

[Ozzy57]

I found an early number 34 blue VW matchbox international express van. It has the silver paint trim and side decals, gray metal wheels, crimped axles...but a completely unpainted, unmarked bottom. Is this uncommon or rare? Thank you! Ozzy



Hi Ozzy.

I have resized and slightly enhanced your picture.
Ghosthunter.

[DrJeep]

I found an early number 34 blue VW matchbox international express van. It has the silver paint trim and side decals, gray metal wheels, crimped axles...but a completely unpainted, unmarked bottom. Is this uncommon or rare? Thank you! Ozzy

I think all that's happened here is that the base is upside down. The lettering and paint is on the other side (you'll see it through the windows). It might have come out of the factory like this, which would make it rare but not very valuable. More likely, though, it's been apart and put back together the wrong way up. The spread rivet is probably not a very tight fit and you can probably get the base off, turn it over, and refit.

[Idris]

I think all that's happened here is that the base is upside down.

Agreed.

[Ozzy57]

Thank you everybody. This is the best site I have ever found for doing any type of researching! Yeah, I kind of thought that may be what happened too: that the plate is on upside down, whether from the factory or afterward. I didn't want to pry it out but I can say it is in there fairly tight, not loose. So, I may remove it and check it out, since there wouldn't be any great value to be concerned about. Thanks again!

[Tinman]

I would leave it alone. Error cars are a collectible item for some.

[kwakers]

I would agree totally if that base is still tight because I am an avid "Error" collector myself! Kwakers