MIB straps on...is it important

[terrine]

this has been a topic of discussion between collectors.....
there has been differring opinion regarding what constitutes MIB and whether leaving the straps on is all that important.

(my observation is from the financial aspect and in no way reflects the emotional bias)

1:18 ford falcon GTHO ph3 ultra white

i noticed an auction close last nite for a model described as perfect in box with coa but with no straps.........winning bid $365

i checked recent sold.com history and the last model with coa but no box....winning bid $331


alternatively models sold as MIB since May have settled for
$520, $460, $480, $485, $450, $455, $450


r/peter
any thoughts?

[berkut76]

I actually save the shipping strips by simply attching them with the stick tape to the bottom of plastic display stand. They are EXTREMELY important for shipping because they restrict the movement of opening parts. One can easily cut his/own strips from school supplies. For example, report covers are usually made from the same plastic as shipping strips. So maybe the recent "depressed" auction prices have been due to the flood of upcoming releases rather than absence of shipping strips.

Regards,
Sergey

[Glen Alexander]

I don't think they are important at all. If you need to ship the car you can easily restrain opening parts with something else. I take mine off because I like to display my cars. I'm not too fussed on their value. If I need to sell one, and someone doesn't want it because it doesn't have straps, then that's their problem. It is the same product minus plastic straps. Big deal!!!

Glen

[berkut76]

Glen,
You are somewhat missing a point. Hypothetically, I wouldn't have a problem buying from you since you are a fellow COLLECTOR. You understand the need for the opening parts to be restrained for shipping. However, the vast majority of models available on secondary market in the US come from "antiques and toy" dealers who don't see a difference between BBurago and Exoto. I ask for the shipping strips or literally write shipping instructions for such sellers because they don't have a clue how to treat such items. For them, the bigger the item is, the more robust it is. However, I've scored quite a few bargains from such uninformed sellers.

Regards,
Sergey

[terrine]

hello glen...

you said....
"If I need to sell one, and someone doesn't want it because it doesn't have straps, then that's their problem."

...perhaps you can get a job on the board of coles myer with that logic.

the point of my post has nothing to do with displaying or shipping the models it just seems to me that a model on the second hand market appears more desireable (read valuable) if it is in mint condition (read as issued...and that means straps on)

hello sergey....
i have seen little to support a fall in auction prices on like for like models perhaps even the opposite, sought after models seem to be firming including the white xy...the prices i quoted were latest to earliest in may

r/peter

[Glen Alexander]

I didn't mean to sound harsh, but it just rubs me the wrong way when someone doesn't want the model if it doesn't have straps. It's just that it seems so strange that someone doesn't want the model because it doesn't have pieces of plastic that are only there for shipping purposes. That's all. I'm not fussed, if the opening parts are secured in transit by other means then I'd be happy with that.

[Grubby]

If these straps are kept on the models for a length of time will they end up damaging the model. ( scuffing paint ) ?

Grubby

[Andrew]

Not in my experience - besides, I can't imagine Biante/AutoArt packaging cars in such a way as to damage them (even if it is scuffing of paint)

[Grubby]

That's good to know. My models are currently in storage and most still have the straps on. I would be devistated if they got damaged.

Grubby

[stonee]

A 1/18 Track red mint in box went for over $900 on e-bay, yet when I listed mine on the Biante sell/swap/buy page because I stated the packaging was missing, I was offered $70 "if it had the COA". So that might highlight how some people place so much value on the box. Needless to say I didnt give it away at that price.:rolleyes:

[Glen Alexander]

That's crazy isn't it!!!! Would you take $75?????!!!!! LOL hahahaha

[v8coupe]

Someone has mentioned once before in these forums about Antiques Roadshow. I also watched a few of the shows. The valuations with other collections seemed alot higher if was all complete. Again I think the price will be determined how bad someone wants the model.
I do prefer the purchase my models as they left biante, but I do see the others point of view.

[biante1047]

It's a weird one.

I would say that a model is worth less without straps and have never bought one that had no straps.
Then when I buy it I take it home and cut the straps off??

[terrine]

please cecareful that particular model never sold and is now on its 3rd run on the boards again at ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1766808337

r/peter

[stonee]

Thanks Terrine,

I don't think the Track reds are worth close to the $1000 mark. I was just using it as an example. I personally think they are worth approx $550 to $600 today. But this is just my opinion as the market is ultimately the judge.

Regards Stonee.

[Miss Torana]

Straps should be on for it to be MIB:p

[biante1608]

I agree Mint in box is just that brand new as when first purchased. It is the persons preference to remove or not but if someone is selling and the Quote "MINT IN BOX" It Should be as when first purchased. :D

[pdg666]

Here is my explanation of MIB

1. MIB Mint in Box, car is in mint conditon,Box is in mint condition.
Straps have NEVER been removed. Car has NEVER been removed.

2. MINT. Car is in Mint Condition, Box is in Mint condition.Straps have been "stuck" back on or no Straps. Car has been out of box.

"stuck" = sticky tape trick under car.

My Opinon

Regards
Paul

[Graeme]

Straps are important to many collectors otherwise why would they feature in almost all transaction descriptions.

I've noted with the VT Commodore models that the bonnet strap can be left in place in the box liner when the model is removed, and in most cases the other straps can be removed without breaking the tape. These models can be reboxed easily - just be careful not to damage the inside faces of the plastic window of the model box.

The plastic wires on other models are a different issue, but their ex-factory appearance varies. Also, it appears that the wires can damage paintwork, at least in relation to some of the mat black bonnets/guards of the A9X Torana models.

[Miss Torana]

Yeah the old straps used damaged my A9X 2 Door 1977 Model Torana, a little paint scratch, but I've never removed the straps, most disappointing.

I guess if your planing on keeping the models forever straps can be removed to avaoid the damaged cause by the old kind of straps. I then understand that it is still classified MIB. But the new straps should be left on.

Another thing for any other Torana enthusiasts out there, the L34 4 Door 1974, did it originally come out with a console? because the model has it, and the car I'm planning to purchase does not have one.

[Graeme]

Re. 1974 LH Torana SLR/5000 L34 Option

Where on Earth did you find an original 1:1 scale L34 ??

I have the original parts manuals for the LH series including the L34 supplement, but I'm loathe to sell them. Still, if there's any specific info you might be after, I'll try to help out.

As to the console, that was a Biante error as original L34 spec cars do not come standard with the console or a GM radio.

[Miss Torana]

Yeah I grew up with a guy from Wollongong, his uncle use to own the car and he purchased it years ago (5yrs ago), now this guy is going to be the best man at my wedding, and my fiance is going to buy the car for next to nothing. We found the original motor at his uncles house, and he is giving it away to us. Guess you dont what could be right under your nose these days.

As for the model, its most disappointing they didnt get it right on the 1:18 scale, but the original is in MINT cond. The only thing not orginal was the motor, but we have the old one, and also the colour was changed from yellow to white, but his uncle COULD U BELIEVE has the original paint too, STRANGE but true!!!:D

[Grubby]

Miss Torana

Looks like you are on a winner here. How lucky can you get.

I hope that once you have restored it you are going to keep it.

Grubby

[Graeme]

Sorry I didn't leave you with a contact address for future reference.....

Email Graeme at : wallgram@bigpond.com

One thing you might find difficult to locate for your L34 is an original twin point distributor; if you've got the original I understand it's priceless.

Okay, no more talk of L34s here. What was that thread....oh, yeah, straps on your model cars !!!

[Miss Torana]

Thanks guys!!!

Once it is restored we will be drag racing it. We are in the process of getting our LX on the tracks. ;) It's an expensive hobby, but fun, I maybe should have taken up knitting heheheheheh.

As for the straps, keep em on.

Does anyone know if there will be more Toranas made in the 1:18 scale? Rumour has it that there will be, and a line of Chargers too? True anyone?????????????????????????????

[oldxr]

All true, can't wait for the Chargers!:D

[john]

Funny how you guys were mentioning the TRACK RED XY in Cairns. That seller and I agreed on a price , and then he asked me to Direct Deposit the $600 into his account. I became suspicious and when i told him COD is the safest bet ..he went cold turkey on me. i think he goes by the name of Brownie.

[zeitgeist]

All -

I dug up this old thread via a search.

I found a car I desired at a well-known shop. The price was attractive, so I rang the shop and was told the car was 'mint' and that it had the straps. I don't remember if the term "mint in box" was used.

Anyway, I just received a dusty, fingreprinted model with reattached straps on the front and rear (no middle one).

Previously, I had a very nice experience with this shop, but this set me off. Do I have reason to complain? Should a model like this this fall under the category of "mint"?

BTW, I'm not a strap-bigot. I would buy a previously-displayed car, but I think it should be represented as such. I'm much less concerned about straps than I am about getting all the dust off this thing.

BC

[BATHURSTFAN]

YES, I would be annoyed. I suppose it goes to show you need to interrogate the seller.

I suppose it did have straps, but not the way it was meant to. I bet a lot of serious collectors wouldn't buy the "display" model sitting in the window of a shop out of the box, unless they were desperate.

I would ask for a photo, if they say its too much trouble then that would tell you something.