13d Reverse Wrecker for sale

[Idris]

The 13d reverse wrecker shown in the accompanying photographs is for sale, not by me, but by someone I have recently had dealings with.
As far as I can tell from the photographs, it is genuine. The seller is aware of its value (so don’t expect a bargain), but is probably looking for an off-Ebay deal in order to save fees, so it might be possible t negotiate a win-win price.
If you are interested and have more than ten posts to your name, please PM me and I will let you have his contact details. Please note that I have no commercial interest in either the model or any resultant transaction.

[Idris]

This model ended up on Ebay as a BiN. Looking at the listing, it seems to have sold for the full asking price of US$2,900 (roughly £2,250), which is significantly more than the figure I had in mind.
What do other Members think of the price?

[petethesweet]

Hi All, too many chips for me, its only worth what somebody is willing to pay for it. Pete.

[DrJeep]

I think that’s a reasonable price for something so iconic, and they don’t come up very often. The condition wouldn’t bother me as long as it’s genuine. And that’s the problem with buying something so rare from the internet - I’d really want to see it in hand and know where it came from. The same South African seller has sold some other even rarer Matchbox too, and I’d really want to understand the provenance of all of them before parting with so much money. Having said that I think they look good and I’m sure the new owners are pleased!

[Idris]

I thought the sale price was out of step with Vectis, and had pencilled it in at between £1,200 and £1,500.
On the other hand, this was the first genuine example on Ebay for at least twelve months, so perhaps that helped. Certainly it sold very, very quickly, so someone obviously felt it was a fair price.

[DrJeep]

I think there’s some interesting psychology about expensive purchases. If, say, you’d decided you have £1500 to spend on a reverse wrecker then it’s a much smaller step to finding another £500, even though that’s plenty to buy several more rare variations. It’s a bit like the metallic paint option on a new car - £800 doesn’t seem much compared to the total cost but would buy you a decent (though old) runabout.

As others have observed, prices do seem very high at the moment - is there a renewed interest in collecting now that holidays, eating out and most social activities are heavily curtailed? I’ve certainly noticed the financial benefit of stopping commuting - I’ve only filled my car with petrol once in the last 6 months!

[Idris]

An interesting theory, Glenn, and one which could be correct: those people lucky enough to still be in fulltime work and working from home should have more disposable income. certainly, I can't remember the last time I filled up with petrol (but then I do have a diesel car! ).

[Idris]

The same South African seller has sold some other even rarer Matchbox too, and I’d really want to understand the provenance of all of them before parting with so much money. Having said that I think they look good and I’m sure the new owners are pleased!

Glenn, in the beginning, I too shared your concerns - we've seen too many Ebay sellers who offer only rarities. However, the two other models are now with senior Members of this Forum, both of whom, on the basis of certain casting details on both body and baseplate, are certain that they are genuine. In addition, no one has pointed out any issues with the Wrecker, which I am firmly convinced is genuine too. My understanding is that all three models came from an extensive, older collection which was originally put together in the UK.
I no longer have any doubts about the honesty of this seller who, incidentally, is also a Member of the Forum but, so far, has chosen not to connect himself with this thread.

[Idris]

As others have observed, prices do seem very high at the moment - is there a renewed interest in collecting now that holidays, eating out and most social activities are heavily curtailed? I’ve certainly noticed the financial benefit of stopping commuting

Here's some more evidence you might be correct: a large scale flywheel roller in green, yellow and red just went for £175. Prior to that auction, I would have priced it in at about £100.

[ColinMB]

Hi there

I am the seller of the above item as well as the 2 other RARE models, I am new to this forum and unknown, hence the wait, I wanted the items to be delivered to the new owners and wait for ebay feedback to show the items as genuine, I am aware it takes time to build up trust in this field, as there are many fakers on ebay. It also makes no sense for me to sell the normal singles on ebay as the cheapest trustworthy courier is about 40 GBP, so buyers would rather buy local. The wrecker is on it's way to it's new owner and should be verified by the 30th, so far I have enjoyed this forum very much and I have learnt a lot in a short period of time, hopefully soon I will be offering more rare items here.