Some more antique autos.

http://ourworld.cs.com/matchboxtom/yest1.jpg

Nice display of Matchbox Yesteryear cars Tom!

I still have a few Matchbox Yesteryear cars that I couldn't part with. They are the diecast cars from the 30's like the 1930 Packard, Auburn, 1936 Cord, Mercedes, etc.

I sold most of my Yesteryear cars about 18 years ago.

http://ourworld.cs.com/matchboxtom/yest1.jpg

I've always considered these to be the high point of mass-produced diecast classics.

I still have mine from childhood, but they were hard to find in this area, so I never quite got them all. Your set is beautiful; the retail display case is a great additional piece.

I sure do miss the pre-Superfast Lesney diecast philosophy. The color combos on this release of MOY are timeless. I don't even care if they are accurate or not; their designers had a fine eye for classy & eye-catching colors.

These were even considered to be educational toys at the time!

Now is the time to buy MOY models of this vintage. None of these models are over $10 without the box. Maybe $20 each in beautiful boxes. Sometimes these are found at toy shows for less than $5. Really unappreciated right now.

I've always considered these to be the high point of mass-produced diecast classics.

These were even considered to be educational toys at the time!

The view at the time was that they were sort of like, well, toys. They were priced as toys. However, they were toys for the Steve Urkels of the world, you know, the kids with Erector sets all over their basements. I think at the time, they were the pioneers of the 'Adult Collectible' market. To think that the only reason they were made in the first place was to channel the passion for these vehicles that Jack Odell had.

I love the Yesteryears ONLY in realistic colors. I have no love, really, for the funky metallic ones from the '60s.

Recently, I picked up the Mercer in yellow. A very nice day, that was... I live within five minutes of the factory where the Mercers were built.

Yeah, but...

When I was in elementary school, it was considered kind of important to be knowledgeable in the subject of American history, and the area of vintage automobiles was one that our school used to help keep us interested along the way.

We had many books in our library outlining the history of vintage cars (most had only B&W photos, though) and we were encouraged to bring in our MOYs for show & tell, and later to use our Pyro, Renwal, and Hubley models in dioramas.

All I know is that these toys certainly helped educate me!

Recently, I picked up the Mercer in yellow. A very nice day, that was... I live within five minutes of the factory where the Mercers were built.
Congratulations on the nice find!

What is the Mercer plant used as today?

(Near my area, the old Moon-Dorris factory has been turned into desirable loft apartments.)