Vindex "Number 2" Race Car, ca. 1930
GUEST:
I was working in a store next to my dad's and he buys and sells antique jewelry and, uh, somebody brought this in. They were cleaning out an attic and had found it. And he brought it over to me because he knew that I always looked at the toys at shows. And it was just all dusty, and he said, "What should I pay for it?" And I said, "Well, I'd give you $20 for it."
APPRAISER:
So you paid $20 for it?
GUEST:
My dad paid it. That was a lot of money to me back then. That was probably ten years ago.
APPRAISER:
Ten years ago? And then he gave it to you? So do you collect cast iron?
GUEST:
I don't. You know, I'd always seen the little ones at flea markets and antique malls, the little cast-iron ones, but I hadn't seen one this big.
APPRAISER:
Well, we see a lot of cast-iron vehicles and Vindex is mainly known for making cast-iron farm toys, and they did make some motorcycles and other cars, but they're well known for making farm toys. But they also did make this wonderful number 2 race car. And one of the reasons we know it's Vindex is we have the Vindex decal on the side, and then underneath, it does say Belvidere, Illinois. And then it's got wonderful rubber tires, molded-in driver; it's a nice two-piece casting. Let's show the other side. And all the pipes coming out the sides. It's got nickel-plated spoke wheels, and it's just a fairly unusual race car. And it looks like a Hubley-- you know, it has the same sort of wheels as a Hubley. Very rarely do I see Vindex. Condition is so important to cast iron or any toy. This car would be... I would rate it as excellent condition. Based on rarity and unusual design, it's easily $4,500 to $5,500.
GUEST (softly, laughing): Oh, my God.
APPRAISER:
And if it was a little bit better condition, it would bring a much higher premium. People love Vindex-- I do, too. It's a great representation of that 1930s racing spirit. He's sort of got that leaned-in, speed look.
Appraisal Details
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