My quest for these Grips got really good with this next one, or sad however you look at it.
As mentioned earlier in this thread, not all the models are shown in the catalogues. For example, there is no #38 but there is one, because I have it (Shell Gas Tanker).
Also stated previously, there are a couple models shown in the calendar that I have yet to see on ebay or even a Google image. According to the manufacturer they are out there, but not to be seen. Ghosts.
I use ebay email notifications for when new listings come up (has anyone used this and have hey noticed they dont work lately?). New Grip Zechin notification email showed a No. 22 Ferry with just a few days for the auction to run its coarse and only two bids. I have never until that point even seen a picture of one except for the picture in the catalogue. A ghost revealed itself !!!!!!!
Despite its rarity, if there are no collectors out there then there just simply isn't a demand. Awesomely lucky for me because I was the winner at less than my max bid. So I guess I set the value as its the only one in my 10 years of collecting that I was aware of on ebay.
The listing only pictured the boxes with view of the model through the box cello. The seller had no knowledge of these (or diecast for that matter). He indicated he took a peak and they (he had different Grip Zechin models for sale as well) seemed unplayed with and mint and didn't want to open the packages. He probably would have if I asked but the clock was ticking on the auction time and they looked great in the photos.
I won I won I won!!!!!! I could not believe I found a ghost! It actually existed, and it was on its way to me
When it arrived. I almost cried when I realized a piece was missing.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!
I would have bought it anyway because it was the only one I had ever seen but what a disappointment that it was incomplete.
Actually, the model itself turned out to be a disappointment. It really lacks the detail and moving parts of all the other models. I'd say this ghost is really not up to Grip Zechin standard, but I am still super stoked to have it. Besides, what more could they have done with a ship at such a small scale????
A couple funny things I noticed as well. The box indicates "High Speed Car Felly Sun Flower" which I am sure was meant to read "Ferry" not "Felly". The big bright sun decal on the ship obviously eludes to the name of the boat as per the box as Sun Flower. Yet on the base of the model it is printed "San" Flower. Pretty funny errors if you ask me.
So here it is, the Grip Zechin Number 22 Car Ferry or "Ghost" as I like to call it. Once I posted about this (another forum) it was only available images via Google
It is the exhaust stack on the top centre of the ship that is missing. You can see it in the picture on the box but not just behind the yellow platform where it should be on the actual model. There is a hole where I assume a post went from the bottom of the exhaust stack. The piece was not in the box