Going Places: Matthew Bullock Auctioneers’ Dealership Promo Car and Toy Sale

The first model vehicles produced as toys for children started to appear in the early 20th century as real cars gained popularity worldwide. German toy companies, including Bing and Marklin, took the lead in this new line of business. Shortly after, American companies started to produce these playthings to keep up with demand. These century-spanning miniatures remain collectors’ favorites today. Matthew Bullock Auctioneers of Ottawa, IL presented its Dealership Promo Car and Toy sale on May 10, 2025. Over 900 lots of vintage and modern die-cast treasures were on offer. Here are some results that took the pole positions in this exciting event.

The top lot in this sale was #0337c, a collection of NASCAR (National Stock Car Racing Association) die-cast cars and other vehicles. Estimated at USD 30 to $300, it traded hands at $1,260. The group of over 160 miniatures was in nearly as-new condition. Almost every car was in its own original presentation box, which was branded with its NASCAR racer’s name, number, and other sporting information.

Model trains and related materials were well represented in this sale. Lot #0398, a Lionel LionMaster O gauge Western Maryland Challenger steam locomotive and tender, was estimated at $30 to $300 and delivered $599. Both were primarily black: the locomotive had a red cab and 1201 as its reporting mark. The coal-carrying tender was decorated with the words “Western Maryland” in gold, with a Western Maryland Fast Freight Line winged logo in gold and red. The locomotive measured 17 inches long and retained its original Lionel Legacy LionMaster box.

The Lionel Train Company was one of the best-known and beloved legacy toy train makers. It was started in 1900 by Joshua Lionel Cowen as an electrical novelty company. Its LionMaster line was introduced in 2001. It was produced specifically to enable larger steam locomotives to run in smaller-scaled settings with O-31 curves. An O-31 curve is the tightest curve this scaled model can maneuver.

Single lot, late-20th-century collector’s cars also caught the eye of enthusiasts in this exciting spring sale. Lot #0433, a Mattel Hot Wheels Redline Classic Cord die-cast car, was estimated at $30 to $300 and realized $536. This example from 1970 had a shiny, light metallic green body, silver bumpers, a black roof, and black tires with red rims. It was in excellent, all original condition, and retained its original, removable plastic roof.

This Classic Cord car was produced by Mattel from 1970 to 1971 in about a dozen rainbow-inspired hues. All had black interiors and clear windows. This model is a very desirable item among collectors, which helps to explain its highlight status in this sale. Mattel’s Classic Cord is based upon a real car, a Cord 812, which was made in 1937. Only 1,146 were produced in Indiana by the Auburn Automobile Company.

This sale also featured several fine midcentury Matchbook series cars in their original packaging. Lot #0019, a Matchbox No. 43 Hillman Minx in its branded yellow, red, and blue box, was estimated at $30 to $300 and traded hands at $378. This die-cast toy was made in 1958 in England. It had a rare all-green body, silver headlights and bumpers, red tail lights, a black bottom, and grey metal wheels. The underside was marked, “Hillman Minx / Made in England / By Lesney.”

Hillman Minx was the name of a popular 20th-century automobile manufactured by the UK car maker Hillman. It appeared from 1931 through 1970 and had the reputation of being a safe, predictable, and affordable midsized car designed for families. Matchbox brand miniatures were invented in 1952 and launched in 1953 by the English toymaker Lesney Products. The line earned its name thanks to the merchandising of the earliest items, which resembled boxes used to package kitchen matches at the time.

This auction came full circle with displays, model airplanes and boats, boxes, dealership promo materials, and vehicles inspired by events, trends, and popular culture. Lot #0104, a Corgi Toys Chitty Chitty Bang Bang die-cast vehicle, was estimated at $30 to $300 and made $378. This distinctly old-fashioned car was made in the 1960s and was based on the flying, swimming, and hovering racecar featured in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It featured a metallic front, a wooden rear with seating for four passengers, brass fittings, and a license plate reading GEN 11– referencing the word “genii” and its magical connotations.

For more information on Matthew Bullock Auctioneers’ May 10, 2025 Dealership Promo Car and Toy sale, visit LiveAuctioneers.