The Isle of Wight Matchbox Yesteryear Collection

11th July 2017

The Isle of Wight Collection was a remarkable single owner ensemble of Matchbox Yesteryears, the popular range which was launched in 1956. There were a number of surprising results such as the Y2 Mercer Raceabout which sold for ?648 against a ?20 - ?30 estimate, read on to hear more.

With over 570 lots of boxed examples in excellent to pristine condition this sale provided a fantastic opportunity to acquire Yesteryears particularly Code 2, many of which were released in extremely limited runs. In addition to the UK there are pieces from Australia, Canada and the US and well as MICA Convention issues. Here are a few of the highlighted lots. To view the full sale and results click here.

Lot 56

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y7 Mercer Raceabout Type 35J (1) lilac body and chassis, gold radiator shell, lilac grille, long spot lamp, black fine tyres, brass 12-spoke wheels, type 4 mudguard to chassis and 2 holes in baseplate; (2) similar model but without gold detailing to petrol tank; (3) yellow body and chassis, gold radiator shell, yellow grille, long spot lamps, black fine tyres, brass 12-spoke wheels, type 4 mudguard to chassis and 2 holes to baseplate; (4) similar but with yellow radiator shell - Excellent Plus to Mint in generally Good boxes. (4)

Estimate: £20 - £30
Sold for: £648

Lot 71

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y9 Simplex - glossy dark gold body, glossy dark red chassis, textured black hood, dark red seats and grille, brass 12-spoke wheels and fitted with experimental white tyres (one tyre has split) - Near Mint in Good type F box.

Estimate: £40 - £60
Sold for: £360

Lot 61

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y8 Sunbeam Motorcycle & Sidecar - late colour trial model - yellow finish with trial plastic components - white almost translucent passenger seat and motorcycle seat, base is factory spun but axle ends are glued in position - Near Mint in Fair type F box.

Estimate: £70 - £90
Sold for: £312

Lot 15

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y2 Prince Henry Vauxhall - dark blue body and chassis, silver bonnet, copper petrol tank, bright red seats, black grille, chrome 24-spoke wheels and no floor braces - rare issue - Near Mint (small marks to bonnet) in Good type H box.

Estimate: £150 - £200
Sold for: £264

Lot 16

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y2 Prince Henry Vauxhall - dark blue body and chassis, silver bonnet, copper petrol tank, bright red seats, black grille, chrome 24-spoke wheels and with floor brace - rare issue - Near Mint (very small mark to bonnet) in Good type H box.

Estimate: £150 - £200
Sold for: £264

Lot 62

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y8 Sunbeam Motorcycle & Sidecar - late colour trial model - finished in blue with trial plastic components - clear translucent sidecar seat and off-white motorcycle seat, base is factory spun, wheels are assembled on brass axles - Near Mint in Good type F box.

Estimate: £70 - £90
Sold for: £264

Lot 103

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y12 Ford Model T Van "Hoover" - Code 1 Factory Promotional Model - blue body, black chassis, white roof, tan seat, gold plated parts, gold 12-spoke wheels, light gold lettering and with certificate showing this to be No.051 of 500 models produced to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Hoover - Near Mint in Excellent straw box.

Estimate: £140 - £160
Sold for: £240

Lot 89

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y12 Ford Model T Van "Sunlight Seife" - Colour Trial Model - yellow body, gloss black chassis, grey roof, black seat, chrome plated parts - Near Mint in Excellent box.

Estimate: £60 - £80
Sold for: £228

Lot 31

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y4 Shand Mason Horse Drawn Fire Engine (1) red body, bronze horses, type B ashcan to footplate, type B hose locker sides, type 2 horse to body drawbar, 3 x plastic crew members and London Fire Brigade logo within double line black border - rare issue; (2) red body, black horses, type C ashcan to footplate, type B hose locker sides, type 2 horse to body drawbar, 3 x plastic crew members still on sprue and London Fire Brigade logo within gold border - Excellent Plus to Near Mint in Good type D3 boxes.

Estimate: £70 - £90
Sold for: £216

Lot 60

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y8 Sunbeam Motorcycle & Sidecar with trial plastic components - chrome plated finish with white almost translucent passenger seat and off-white motorcycle seat - Near Mint in Excellent type F box.

Estimate: £70 - £90
Sold for: £216

Vectis hold regular sales of Matchbox items, for more information on buying or selling similar pieces please contact Julian Royse on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +44 (0) 1642 750616.

* All prices include commission