quote:Within months though, once word got out that the SP unit had a reportedly smaller production run than the Virginian, sellers started preying on enthusiasts' desires to purchase something "collectable". And so the seedier "instant collectable element" of MPC days was born.Still alive and well today, I suppose.
IMHO, the instant collectable scam started well before the SP FM. They started the limited editions in 1973/74 with the Coke set and the Gold Chessie. The street price of the Gold Chessie certainly shot up quickly. Run of the mill Geeps could be had in the $25 price range. I think the Chessie quickly reached $100.
Some people believe that MPC intentionally ran some items short to stimulate the market.
There certainly was a period when many people preordered to get the stuff they wanted without paying the instant collectable premiums. (Plus there was a small preorder discount)
Are they doing it today? We'll see with the build to order stuff.
