Matchbox-sized Volvo went under the hammer in Harborough - and sold for an amazing price

A high-performing toy Volvo roared across the line to take the chequered flag when it took top lot at a Market Harborough auction.

The pale grey matchbox-sized Volvo PV 444 went under the hammer for an amazing £2,200 at Gildings Auctioneers’ Toys, Models and Scale Model Railway sale in the town.

The toy car, made by Swedish toymaker Geno in the 1960s and sold in its original box, incredibly multiplied its estimate of £120-£180 by at least 10 times.

“To most people even the estimate price would be considered a large sum of money to pay for a vintage die-cast toy car.

“So the fact that this little Volvo sold for an amount to rival some real second-hand cars is remarkable.

“However, the reasons for the high sale price boil down to the fundamentals of collecting, whatever the item.

“The condition was mint including the box, which is unusual as it dates to the 1960s,” said Gildings director Will Gilding.

“Not only that, the car was also already rare, with the Swedish manufacturer Geno being far less prolific than more commonly seen makes like Dinky.

“Further novelty came from the model and colour of the car.

“And finally, and perhaps most importantly, Volvo has a dedicated band of admirers.

“This auction had two who were determined to get it, but only one could drive away with it!”

The second best-selling lot was a far flashier and bigger British Racing Green Bentley Speed 6 pedal car dating from the 1980s, whose bidding race generated £1,900.

But thanks to dedicated Volvo collectors competing on the day, the second best die-cast car result also belonged to one of the Swedish motors.

A distinctive 60-year-old two-tone red and grey Volvo Amazon, made by Danish brand Tekno Toys, fetched £700.

“The auction included over 200 collectable cars from a wide range of manufacturers including Corgi, Matchbox, Tri-ang and Dinky,” added Will.

“A large proportion of these sold for three figures, showing that these toys of yesteryear are currently in high demand with collectors.”

People interested in selling similar items of toys or memorabilia can arrange a Covid-secure valuation at www.gildings.co.uk

Although boxed items in pristine condition will attract the best prices, keen collectors are interested in coveted items in all conditions.

The Toys, Models and Scale Model Railway sale took place as an online-only auction.

Like many auction houses, Gildings Auctioneers remains open throughout the current lockdown in line with Government guidelines.