I have said many times that any item is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. I have also said that I consider my collection to be ‘worthless’. I collect model cars because I like them. I modify many of them to make them more accurate even though I know most collectors are only interested in “mint in box” models and my modifications make them less valuable.
That said I am interested in what the market is if just for curiosity’s sake. I own no fewer than 50 Cobra Daytona Coupes – most of them Exoto – and like to check the price from time to time. Exoto is currently selling some on their site for $438 with some on sale for as little as $318. Prices on E-Bay are all over the lot but mostly all over $200 with some going to $700.
Few cars these days on E-Bay are actually up for auction. Most are up for a set price with a ‘best offer’ option. I did see the iconic #5 1964 Le Mans class winner up for auction with an opening price of $80. There were seven days left on the auction and I put in an offer of $80 just because I wanted to get notifications so I could see how strong the bidding would be and how high it would go. Long story short – I was the only bidder and now own the model for $80.00
It did come without a box. I checked back on E-bay and the cheapest one with a box is currently up for sale at $225. So best I can figure the box is worth $145 or $65 more than the model.
I’ve got to start selling my boxes!