I could be wrong, but I think TLV released this set right around the time I was just starting to get into TLVs. TLV cars are expensive. Under $10, if you are lucky. Living up to it's "limited" name, many TLV releases can be rare to downright scarce, and this adds to the premium pricing in the secondary market. Most cars I like I think are in the $15~$25 range for just one standard casting. Medium trucks, probably in $30~$70 range. They are not cheap.
When preorder for this came out at $100, I was like WTF, cul8r, goodbye. To be honest, even today, I think these things if new are worth maybe $60, $80 tops. For $100 MSRP 1/64 diecast(not eBay secondary prices, just normal price), I would expect an amazing miniature model. TLV Hino tractors & these Antico trailers are well done, but I'm sorry, I don't see one thing that really impresses me in here. Sorry.
Having said that, I paid about $235(lol) shipped for this Hino Transporter(LV-N89a), because you can't even find these things for sale anymore, not even online. This green tractor/silver trailer was the first TLV transporter, blue/tan was the second, followed the the new baby blue Honda Express. At the time of the purchase, I guessed that even the Blue/tan transporter(second issue) would be pushing $200 in value, so I gladly jumped on $225(PayPal later charged me $235!). It was all good until I took it out of the box:
Most expensive mincar purchase ever & when I saw the damage, I was not pleased. :( This bumper is one of the reasons why this post is the "Part One". While it looks like I can keep the set, settlement for the damage hasn't finalized, so I can't quite repair the damage yet. Green Hino will not officially make the post until the settlement is finalized, and I can glue the busted pin for the bumper back on. Luckily, I recently purchased this Hino Tractor Head, so it was ready to step right in & substitute. I hope you enjoy the pics:
Four Toyoa Carinas(left), one gray Celica(right).
Red Carina is from the rare Japanese Car Era I(Turbo Age) 4-car set.
This concludes Part I. Thank you for reading! :)
Great, great pics mate. Looking forward to part II.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work. :)
Thank you, Jdawg. I hope to do better with the lighting in Part 2. I hope. :)
DeleteJarrod, you're taking the words out of my mouth!
DeleteA6, $235 you said?! OMG!!! Oo'
First of all, thank you! :D
DeleteOn the pricing, the "settlement" I mentioned in the post actually changes everything. The seller offered 50% refund my way, so when that is finalized, I would have the very rare green transporter for price comparable to the Honda Express you & Jarrod have, but with the repaired bumper.
Of course, originally, I was thinking that $235 would be worthy investment for rare model, but if I could get one that I could easily repair & save over $100 doing that, I would be glad to do that as well. :)
You got it dirt cheap!
DeleteIt's a good deal for only two points of glue! :D
Exactly. I was disappointed about the damage, but at least the seller promises to make it right. :)
Delete