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I think a good place to start would be by looking at sold prices on Ebay, ideally for auctions rather than Buy-it-Nows. Remember that condition matters a lot, as does the presence/absence of a box. (N.B. In certain cases the box can be worth more than the model inside!) Also, collectors may be after a particular variation (casting difference, body colour, window colour, wheel colour), meaning that two otherwise identical models can end up selling for very different prices.
As with so many things, research upfront will pay dividends, so do your homework first rather than simply jumping in. In that respect, it's worth noting that the online auction sites are peppered with unscrupulous vendors who sell faked rarities so, as the saying goes, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Obviously bargains do pop up, especially amongst inexperienced and non-specialist sellers, and this is where good, solid background knowledge will pay off since it will enable you to tell a home-made rarity from the real thing.
Independent reviews by Forum Members of various reference works can be found here.

Thank you Idris for your reply.

Hi Welcome to the forum. Nicks other site is linked to Vectis auctions this will a good idea of prices, models & boxes. I think its best to have a open mind when collecting & start collecting one series at a time, also its down to price & condition is most important. There are many collectors on this forum who will give you advice , stay clear of the fakes, they are getting so good at it. Happy collecting Pete.

Thanks Pete.
All this information is valuable and could save me a lot of time and disappointments!

mickey5 wrote:have a desire to collect nice mint car toys
I used to have 70 years ago.

I have a starting budget of £7K.

Thanks

Used to have 70 years ago...this would suggest to me toy or model cars from 70 years ago and not real cars you had 70 years ago, yes!

Ghosthunter.

I have a PDF guide that you can download that may be of use. It has auction prices (in NZ$) that I've collated over the years, Vectis, eBay, TradeMe, etc.

The focus is Matchbox Regular Wheeel 1-75 Series, Accessory/Major Pack & King Size - Variations 1953-1970

Click here to go to the catalogue page and then follow the PDF download link.

if he has that much money then he would be better to find a "Mike Stannards book" for the correct variations. Of the 1.75 Regular wheel models , but as for prices the condition of the model and box is all important.

There are so many fraudsters and makers of fake boxes out there it is like a mine field to collect today.

George T.