Rare car sold at auction for a record price – all because of its color (3 photos)

A rare Matchbox toy car sold for a record $30,000 due to its unusual color. The Mercury Cougar was one of the first production runs, produced in pale yellow. All subsequent editions of the model were produced in the standard metallic green.





The 7.6 cm long car, in "excellent condition" and unpainted, was expected to sell for $4,000-$5,000 at Vectis Auctions in Stockton-on-Tees, England. However, the lot generated a stir and fierce competition from potential buyers, ultimately raising bids to $24,300. Including the auctioneer's commission, the unnamed buyer paid $30,000, six times the upper estimate.



A representative of Vectis auction house stated: "We believe this is a world record for this model. The yellow color was only used in the first edition; its production run was short-lived, after which the colors changed. The standard color for subsequent editions is metallic green. The lot also has clear windows without windshield wipers and without a rearview mirror, confirming that this is an early model that has not been repainted."

Matchbox toys were first produced by the British company Lesney Products in 1953 and soon became very popular. In 1997, the brand was acquired by the international toy giant Mattel.