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A
Bandai Mustang Fastback similar to the one at left
was recently listed for sale on a popular online auction
site. The seller described it as being in "near
mint" condition and all correct.
Most
buyers would have no reason to doubt that description.
Unfortunately,
the old adage, "don't believe everything you read,"
applies in this case.
This
Mustang is neither "near mint" nor "correct."
Fact
is, the toy car lost its original remote control sometime
in its past. Perhaps it broke or leaking batteries damaged
the inside of the remote beyond repair. So, the remote
and its connected wires were removed and the car was
kept for display purposes.
Later,
hoping to restore the value of this toy car and/or make
it functional again,
someone decided to replace the lost remote control.
Unfortunately,
he added a remote that is completely wrong for the car.
The car originally came with a remote control that featured
buttons for forward and reverse (so far, so good - this
remote has those) and a steering wheel. Oh boy,
no steering wheel here.
So,
why is all this important anyway? Well, a complete,
well-preserved example of this toy without its original
box can fetch upwards of $150 to $200. An example with
an incorrect or missing remote, however, is worth about
one-third that amount. Ouch! The car with the incorrect
remote wound up selling for $172.
The
lesson here: Do your research, ask questions and
look for reputable sellers who offer refunds for items
incorrectly described.
Special
thanks to site fan Mark
Wyatt for his assistance with this photo and feature!
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