Last month (see: Monthly Acquisitions: June 2018 ) was rather excessive on the collecting front with 56 models added to the collection. This month has been more restrained but still 20 23 models saw their way into my ever growing collection.

Only two models were bought new (’71 Porsche 911 and Ford GT (Mystery Model)), the rest were found secondhand at various outlets near Tbilisi Central Station. Again the selection is dominated by Matchbox and Hot Wheels.

Matchbox

Highlight of the Matchbox models for me is the Rolamatics Beach Hopper, (produced 1974-1978) which has been painted by a previous owner. When the car rolls, the driver bumps up and down.

I found two Police Cars: a Chevrolet Suburban (from 2010 Police Squad 5 pack) and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (from 2012 Police 5 pack).

The Toyota Prius (produced 2011) is a common sight on the roads of Tbilisi, particularly popular with taxi drivers. I’m not a fan of its looks.

The MBX Moving Truck (produced 2010) has an opening rear door. As a child I remember the Matchbox Pickford’s Removal Truck, that had a rear door that opened, too. My parents would occasionally load the truck with Smarties for me as a treat.

The plane in the background is a Matchbox Skybuster, an F-35B Lightning (SB90 Made in Thailand).

Planes

I don’t usually buy planes, but I bought two this month, the other was a Maisto model of a Supermarine Spitfire, the iconic British fighter in the Battle of Britain.

Hot Wheels

I added 8 Hot Wheels to the collection: 5 sports cars, 2 trucks and a VW Golf.

Lamborghini Murciélago from the 2011 Exotics 5 Pack, I find Lamborghini models very difficult to resist. Lamborghini Countach from the 2009 World Racers 5 Pack ’71 Porsche 911 this is one of my favourite models in the 2018 range Ford GT this is the Mystery Models chase car Jaguar D Type (produced 1998) classic British Sports Car Peterbuilt Cement Truck (produced in the 1980s), for some strange reason I have a soft spot for cement mixers and have a few in my collection. Ambulance from the 1997 Rescue Squad 5 Pack, this model has opening rear doors. VW Golf from the 2009 Volkswagen 5 Pack

Corgi

My biggest surprise this month was finding two Corgi models from the sixties in a secondhand toy store near Tbilisi Central Station.

The Chrysler Imperial is missing its tyres and a door panel but the paintwork is good considering the age. The model was produced from 1964 to 1968 and is similar to the car driven by Don Draper in Mad Men. Corgi misnamed the model Chrysler Imperial as Imperial was a distinct make from 1955 to 1983, the Chrysler Corporation advised state licensing bureaus that beginning in 1955, the Imperial was to be registered as a separate make. It was an attempt to compete directly with GM’s Cadillac and Ford’s Lincoln distinct luxury-focused marques. Frequently and erroneously referred to as the “Chrysler Imperial”, these cars had no “Chrysler” badging anywhere on them until 1971, and were a separate distinct marque, just as Lincoln and Cadillac were for Ford and GM.

The Ferrari produced from 1962 to 1966 has one missing tyre.

Everyday Cars

I love exotic cars like Lamborghinis, Maseratis and Porsches but I also like to have some everyday cars in my collection. This month I found a Toyota Prius (Matchbox), VW Golf (Hot Wheels), Mazda MPV (Tomica) and a Volvo 760GLE (MC Toys-Maisto).

Late Arrivals

Posting about monthly acquisitions before the end of the month, risks new finds being found after the publication. Today, July 29, visiting the secondhand toy shop again I found three more models.

At the rear of the photo is a Matchbox SuperKings Heavy Breakdown Vehicle (K-14) from the late seventies. It is missing its hook, but I could twist a paper clip into a substitute. The green model BattleKings Recovery Vehicle (K-110) had two hooks. The base actually reads BattleKings Recovery Vehicle (K-110). When I asked the price I was told 10 lari…as I moved away this was reduced to just 5 lari.

The second model is a Majorette Limousine, this was made in France and 1/58 scale. I have seen it listed on some sites as a Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine, although the base just reads “LIMOUSINE” with no indication of make.

The third model is an ERTL John Deere Semi Hauler, the 1/64 model is made in China and interested me as a potential tyre donor having 10 rubber tyres. The tyres are too big for the Chrysler Imperial unfortunately.

…and finally

I also found a cheap plastic Datsun 240Z for just a lari (41c).

Bilan

Totals: 23 Models: 8 Hot Wheels, 7 Matchbox, 2 Corgi, 2 Maisto, 1 Tomica, 1 Majorette, 1 ERTL and 1 from China (brand unknown)

2 bought new, 21 bought secondhand

Outlets: 17 Secondhand Toy Store, 1 Cheap Secondhand Toy Store, 2 Clothing Market, 2 Super Toys and 1 steps to Technical University Metro

Total cost: 70.90 lari ($28.47)

1 lari = 41 US cents